Outdoors briefs for May 19, 2011
Event promotes Safe Boating Week
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary invites the public to an event on Saturday, May 21 to help promote National Safe Boating Week and the importance of wearing life jackets.
"Ready, Set, Inflate!" will take place at the Third Street boat ramp in Coeur d'Alene at 11 a.m. and at Cabela's in Post Falls at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Boaters are invited to bring their inflatable and standard life jackets and join in the group demonstration to help spread the national theme for recreational boaters to "Wear It."
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand at both locations to inspect both inflatable and standard non-inflatable life jackets for safety and fit between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Parents can bring their children with their life jackets to check for proper sizing and fit.
'Green Fire' free screening May 26
The Idaho Panhandle and Colville National Forests will host a free screening of a new film called "Green Fire," the first full-length, high definition documentary film focused on the legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold.
The film explores Aldo Leopold's life in the early part of the 20th century and the many ways his land ethic idea continues to be applied around the world today.
"Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time" is a production of the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service and the Center for Humans and Nature.
The film is scheduled at 7 p.m. May 26 at the Spokane Riverfront IMAX in Spokane. Advance tickets are required and can be obtained for free at http://greenfirespokane.eventbrite.com.
Glacier announces opening delays
WEST GLACIER, Mont. - Due to an unusually large, lingering snowpack and cool temperatures, Glacier National Park officials announced delays in opening some of the east side campgrounds and the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn.
The opening date of the Many Glacier, Cutbank and Two Medicine Campgrounds will be June 10, instead of the usual Memorial Day Weekend opening date.
The Swiftcurrent Motor Inn opening will also be delayed until June 10 rather than the previously anticipated June 3. Visitors with reservations at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn will be accommodated at other Glacier Park Inc. properties.
Although May has shown some signs of spring, weather stations at West Glacier, East Glacier and Saint Mary reported near record or record precipitation amounts for April.
U.S. Geological Survey snow surveys measured 88 inches of snow on the ground at the 5,900-foot level near Siyeh Bend on the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) at the end of March.
The survey was repeated a month later and 106 inches of snow was measured at the same location. Snow depth data has been collected since 1993, and the highest recorded depth was 166 inches at the 7,000-foot level at the end of April 2011.
Outlet Campground closed for season
PRIEST LAKE - Due to renovations, Outlet Campground on Priest Lake will be closed this season.
"Renovations will give the entire campground a facelift and will include new restrooms, water and sewer lines, pavement, extended camping spurs, picnic tables and fire rings," said Priest Lake District Ranger Glenn Klingler. "I think when people pitch their tents at Outlet Campground in 2012 they will agree that the renovations were worth the wait."
Alternative camping opportunities at Priest Lake are available at Lower Luby and Reeder Bay campgrounds, which open May 13, and at Upper Luby, Osprey and Beaver Creek campgrounds, which open May 27.
Information: (208) 443-6845
Unlicensed fishing guide sentenced
SANDPOINT - A Washington state man charged with guiding fishing trips on Priest Lake last fall pleaded guilty on May 4.
Judge Barbara Buchanan sentenced Charles Lonnie Osterholm to 90 days in jail with 86 days suspended. The four-day remainder of the sentence was converted to 32 hours on the Bonner County sheriff's labor program, court records indicate.
Buchanan also ordered $1,046 in restitution to the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board and fined Osterholm $1,000. Osterholm was also placed on probation for two years and his fishing privilege was revoked for one year.
Under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, the Idaho license revocation applies to 30 other states, including Washington, Montana, Oregon and Alaska.
Osterholm, 49, of Deer Park, was charged following an undercover operation conducted by the licensing board and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game in November.