Outdoor news

Big thanks

Glacier National Park and Glacier National Park Conservancy will host a reception at the new Apgar Visitor Center on Thursday, July 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. to recognize the various organizations and individuals that helped with visitor center’s relocation. Refreshments will be served.

Weed blitz

Glacier National Park’s Citizen Science Program will hold its fifth annual Noxious Weed Blitz on Tuesday, July 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at the Park’s community building in West Glacier. Participants will be trained to identify, map and pull invasive plants. A free lunch will be provided by the Glacier National Park Conservancy. An online training opportunity also is available at www.crownscience.org/getinvolved/citizen-science/noxious-weeds that teaches people how to identify five targeted invasive plants, conduct surveys and map locations of invasive plants using GPS units. To sign up or learn more, call 406-888-7986 or e-mail glac_citizen_science@nps.gov.

Deer poaching

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens are seeking tips for a recent poaching case. A white-tailed deer was shot on Smith Lake Road near Kila on Sunday night, June 29. The suspect vehicle is a white, 1980s model, small pickup truck similar to a Chevy S10. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-TIPMONT (800-847-6668).

Bears trapped

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that a six-year old, 252-pound female grizzly and her two male cubs-of-the-year were captured on the Flathead Indian Reservation on June 26 by Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes biologist Stacy Courville as a preventative measure before the bears came into conflict with local residents. The bears were relocated on June 27 to the Deep Creek drainage on the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir. FWP grizzly bear management specialist Tim Manley assisted in the release along with the CSKT biologists. The adult grizzly was fitted with GPS radio collar so her movements can be monitored. Locations will be transmitted automatically once a week.

Northern pike

Two northern pike were caught in Lake Mary Ronan on June 26 by an angler from Missoula who was trolling. One of the fish was taken to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks warden Ron Howell, who noted that these were the first pike to be reported from Lake Mary Ronan. It’s assumed they originated from an illegal fish introduction known as “bucket biology.” A state regulation makes it illegal to introduce or transplant fish in Montana unless authorized by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Penalties can range from fines of $2,000 to $10,000, loss of fishing, hunting and trapping privileges, and liability for the costs to eliminate or mitigate the effects of the violation. Howell asks that anyone with information about who introduced pike into Lake Mary Ronan to call 1-800-TIP MONT. Callers do not need to identify themselves and may be eligible for a cash reward. Anglers are encouraged to keep any pike caught and report additional sightings of pike to FWP at 752-5501.

Canyon bike path

The Gateway to Glacier Trail bike path group will hold its fourth annual Pints-for-Paths Brewfest on the lawn at Heaven’s Peak Lodge & Restaurant in West Glacier on Saturday, July 12, from 5 to 10 p.m. Twelve breweries will be featured, with live music, food, a silent auction and raffles. Tickets are $15 per person pre-sale and $20 at the gate, which includes five tasting tickets. The group is making headway in building a separated bike path along U.S. 2 from Columbia Falls to West Glacier. More than $1 million in public and private funds have been raised to connect Coram with West Glacier, about 7 miles. The fundraising focus is now to connect Columbia Falls to the House of Mystery, about 3 to 4 miles. For more information, visit online at www.gatewaytoglacier.com or on Facebook at Gateway to Glacier Trail.

Forest trails

Flathead National Forest officials warn hikers that travel may be difficult on many Forest trails this time of year because of downfall, water, mud and snow. Crossing swollen creeks and steep snow fields can be dangerous on foot or with stock. For the latest information on trail conditions, call the Hungry Horse Ranger District at 387-3800, the Spotted Ranger District at 758-5376, the Tally Lake Ranger District at 758-5204 or the Swan Lake Ranger District at 837-7500.

Flathead Lakers

The Flathead Lakers will hold their annual meeting at the Flathead Lake Biological Station at Yellow Bay on Tuesday, July 15, beginning at 7 p.m. Jack Stanford, the biological station’s director, will give his annual State of the Lake Report. Keynote speaker will be Kate Wilson, the aquatic invasive species coordinator for the Province of Alberta. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks AIS specialist Linnaea Schroeer will give an update on AIS prevention in Montana. The annual Stewardship Award will be given to Bonnie Ellis, a researcher at the biological station for more than 30 years. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

Grizzly fundraiser

The popular annual fundraiser for Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and wildlife biologists who oversee Montana’s grizzly bear population will take place at Jack and Suzi Hanna’s farm near Bigfork on Friday, July 11. Jack Hanna is the director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and a celebrity wildlife expert on TV. The Hannas have hosted the Grizzly Bear Rendezvous for the past six years and raised about $400,000. The event will include music by Shane Clouse and his band Stomping Ground. More than 250 people attended last year and space is limited. Tickets are $100 available online at www.mtoutdoorlegacy.org or by calling 406-444-6759.

Outdoor learning

The Glacier Institute will offer three outdoors courses in July. Alan Leftridge will lead “The Art of Interpretive Writing” on July 6-7, Janet Paul Bones will lead “Wildflower Wanderings” on July 13, and Dave Streeter will lead “Of Bears and Berries” on July 14. To register or learn more, call 406-55-1211 or visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org.