Outdoor news

Avalanche talk

Erich Peitzsch, a physical scientist with U.S. Geological Service, director of the Flathead Avalanche Center and an avalanche specialist for Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road snowplow crews, will give a talk on “Understanding Dragons: Avalanches in Glacier National Park” at Montanta House in Apgar Village on Saturday, April 25, at 4 p.m. There will be a reception after the presentation. Make reservations by calling 888-5393.

Birding in Kila

The Flathead-Kootenai Chapter of the Montana Wilderness Association will host a free outdoor class on Wings, Tails, Tracks & Trails on Saturday, April 25, in Kila. This engaging outdoor program will take participants across several field sites to focus on species habits, habitats, field recognition and identifying characteristics, with an emphasis on spotting nests, tracks and signs of birds of prey, as well as identifying passerines, waterfowl and exotic species. Meet at the Kila Pub on U.S. 2 west of Kalispell at 9 a.m. with cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, lunch and water. Register by contacting Brian Baxter at b_baxter53@yahoo.com or 406-291-2154 or by e-mailing asouth@wildmontha.org.

Wasted moose

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Ben Chappelow of Eureka is seeking information about moose hind quarters dumped in the Olney area on the cut-across road to Upper Whitefish Lake. It appears that the moose quarters were dumped in late February and the meat was left on the quarters. This is a waste of game and against the law. Anyone with information is asked to call Chappelow at 406-250-1042.

Fisheries update

The Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Mark Deleray and his staff to provide an update on the state of the fisheries in Northwest Montana at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks offices, 490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell, on Tuesday April 21, beginning at 7 p.m. Deleray and his associates will share information on fish population trends, restoration efforts, and policy and regulation changes for our local rivers and lakes. For more information, contact chapter president Larry Timchak at 250-7473.

River birding

Flathead Audubon and Pete Fisher will lead an evening river walk to explore McWennegar Slough along the Flathead River on Saturday, April 18. This major wildlife corridor is home to 20 species of mammals and 170 species of birds, including trumpeter swans, soras, Virginia rails, great horned owls, river otters and beavers. Participants will meet at the McWennegar Slough Fishing Access Site on Highway 35 east of Kalispell at 5 p.m. and return around 7:30 p.m. Knee-high rubber boots are recommended. Participation is limited, so contact Pete Fisher at 250-9624 or e-mail fisherpete88@yahoo.com to sign up.

Mission Valley birding

Flathead Audubon, Janene Lichtenberg of the Salish Kootenai College and Amy Cilimburg of Montana Audubon will lead a trip to the Mission Valley to learn more about birds and conservation initiatives there on Sunday, April 26. First stop will be the Montana Waterfowl Foundation, where participants will walk through the spruce fen forest and visit trumpeter swans and other waterfowl. This will be followed by a tour of surrounding habitats. Participants will meet at the Salish Kootenai College parking lot in Pablo at 9 a.m. To sign up or for more information, e-mail Janene Lichtenberg at janene_lichtenberg@skc.edu or call 406-212-5473.

Invasive species class

The Glacier Institute will offer a free weeklong class about invasive species at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center on June 21-26. Students will experience real-life job situations and research methods through workshops with area experts. The week will culminate with a public exposition where teachers, parents, partner organizations and the public are invited to listen to the students. For more information, visit online at www.glacierinstitute.org. Application deadline is April 26.

Forest roads

The Flathead National Forest cites warm weather, snow melt and spring rains creating soft road surfaces for implementing annual temporary road closures and load limits. Forest road managers will check conditions and sign roads as “closed” or assign a load limit as appropriate. For updated information, contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District at 387-3800, the Tally Lake Ranger District at 758-5204 and the Swan Lake Ranger District at 837-7500 or visit online at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead.

Bob volunteers

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation is looking for volunteers interested in working on trails in the wilderness this summer. Projects vary from one to eight days deep in the wilderness area. The Foundation provides food, group gear, pack support and a skilled crew leader. The 2015  season kicks off with a National Trails Day celebration on June 6 in Lincoln with work on trails near the Indian Meadows trailhead. Other opportunities include a six-day trail clearing project in newly designated wilderness along the Rocky Mountain Front and a nine-day project on trails near the historic Big Prairie ranger station. For more information or to pre-register, visit online at www.bmwf.org.

Obstacle course race

The Kalispell Athletic Club will host its annual Obstacle Course Race on Saturday, April 25, starting at 9 a.m. at Sportsman Ski Haus in Kalispell. Particpants will start the 3-mile race in pairs every two minutes. For more information, visit online at www.kalispellathleticclub.net.