Outdoors briefs for September 1, 2011

Birds of Prey to hold benefit

Birds of Prey Northwest will be holding a benefit, "On a Wing and a Prayer," on Friday, Sept. 9, from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center in Post Falls.

It will feature an auction, art work, refreshments, games and a live bird demonstration. IceBear studios donated an artist proof No. 1 of "Out of the Mist." It will be auctioned off the night of the event.

Tickets are $20 and proceeds go to Birds of Prey Northwest to complete a large eagle exercise enclosure.

For ticket information call Heather, (208) 640-1439. Tickets are also available at the Jacklin Arts and Culture Center.

Birds of Prey Northwest is a nonprofit organization that promotes the stewardship and conservation of raptors through educational programs with live birds of prey.

Portions of St. Joe River Road to close

Portions of the St. Joe River Road will be reduced to one lane through Friday due to road construction.

The area affects Gold Creek Road from Red Ives Creek to the Montana state line.

Drivers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

The road will be open for two-lane traffic Labor Day weekend beginning at 6 p.m. Friday and through Monday.

From Monday to Sept. 19, from Bear Creek to Float Creek, the road will be closed for culvert replacement.

Project contractor is S & S Contracting Inc., (208) 743-1802.

Road closures to remain in effect

ST. MARIES - The St. Joe Ranger District reminds forest visitors that temporary road closures on Big Creek Road (Forest Road 537) and Cemetery Ridge Road (Forest Road 1907) will remain in effect until repairs are made.

Both roads are considered a public safety risk with washed out culverts and slumping fill sections that could further collapse causing injury or death. Big Creek Road is closed at milepost 5 and Cemetery Ridge Road is closed at mile 2.3.

Throughout the Idaho Panhandle National Forests this spring, dozens of roads and bridges were severely damaged by heavy runoff from snow melt. The Forest Service is steadily working to repair each of these sections as quickly as possible, but some road sections may not be repaired until 2012 or later.