North Idaho Briefs December 30, 2011

Bald eagle count continues to rise

COEUR d'ALENE - The bald eagle count is rising.

Carrie Hugo, Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist, spotted 273 eagles on Thursday - 213 adults, 55 juveniles and 5 undetermined.

Last week's count was 237, when snow covered the trees. By Thursday, the snow had been washed away by rain, making the adult eagles easier to see.

Hugo counted more than 35 eagles in the Blue Creek Bay area, which is high for that location. She said it may be due to the windy conditions and that the bay offers some protection.

Strong winds changed plans for the "Eagle Watch" that runs through Monday. Spotting scopes, information pamphlets and the canopy tents could not be set up at the Mineral Ridge boat launch. The Eagle Watch put on by BLM and Fish and Game was continued at the Mineral Ridge Trailhead location.

The forecast calls for continued strong winds today, so while staff will be out to offer information to eagle watchers, scopes or informational materials may not be.

Labor union plans Jan. 7 rally for jobs

COEUR d'ALENE - A rally calling for jobs and infrastructure repair to be made a priority in Idaho is coming up soon.

Labor International Union of North America is holding the gathering at 10 a.m. Jan. 7 at the corner of U.S. 95 and Appleway.

According to a press release, one out of every 11 bridges that motorists in Idaho cross each day are deteriorating to some degree; and 9 percent of bridges statewide are rated "structurally deficient" according to government standards.

The union wants the state to hire people to do the work.

"By acting now, Idaho will maximize precious tax dollars by extending the useful service life of roads and bridges before major rehabilitation or replacement is required," the release said. "Infrastructure replacement and repair will provide Idahoans needed, good-paying jobs. And doing it now saves money."