Volunteers needed for springtime work

Nesting boxes need servicing and the shore of Moses Lake too. Volunteers provide the labor to accomplish much work in the Columbia Basin. There is always room for one more volunteer, so if you are inclined to help, read on.

Nesting tubes and wood duck boxes

Save Saturday March 30 for a work party to service the nest tubes and wood duck boxes in the Frenchman Wildlife Area. Meet in parking lot number 3 at 9:30 a.m.

If you have a light boat we can use to reach the tubes it would be useful. Wire cutters and pliers will help with the effort. If we finish up there early enough and after lunch furnished by Moses Lake chapter we'll go over the Winchester Reserve and service the tubes located there. Contact Robin Hickok at 509-765-3541 or 425-238-6292.

Lakeshore cleanup

Volunteers will participate in the annual Moses Lake lakeshore cleanup tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. Volunteers are to meet at the Moses Lake Fire Department Station Number 1, located at 701E. Third Ave.

The event is sponsored by the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District. Pre-registration is possible by calling the 765-8716.

Cougar takes small dog

When a dog was allowed to go outside in Cle Elum a week ago, a cougar grabbed the small pet and took off.

A cougar with cubs had been spotted east of the town and Fish and Wildlife says it may be the same animal.

We need to keep this event in mind when we are camping in cougar country, which is now throughout the state.

Tack Swap scheduled

A tack swap meet is scheduled for tomorrow at the Elks Lodge, 814 N. Stratford Road from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tack, clothes and anything else equine related will be on hand.

Consignments taken on Friday only, today, from noon until 8 p.m. The consignment fee is $2 plus 15 percent of sales. Contact T.J. Harting at 509-398-0417.

Walleye rule change

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted numerous changes to sportfishing rules during a recent public meeting.

The rule change catching our eye was the following:

Increasing the daily catch limit for walleye from eight to 16 fish in Lake Roosevelt, including the San Poil arm, and a portion of the Spokane River, waters where there is an overabundance of walleye.

The rule is designed to bring the walleye population back into balance with other fish populations, improving the quality of the fisheries. The rule also opens that portion of the Spokane River to the harvest of walleye year round.

In the last fishing regulation pamphlet the stated limit for walleye was, "No minimum size. Daily limit eight. Only one over 22 inches may be retained."

The rule change will double the limit, from eight to 16, with no restriction of only one walleye over 22 inches allowed. This means an angler will be allowed to catch and keep 16 walleye per day, with each measuring 25 inches. The question is, "Can you?"

This change may take place before May 1, so stay tuned for more information.

Black bears on the prowl

Fish and Wildlife biologists have already received reports of black bear activity in North Bend, Issaquah and Chelan County, as warm weather are causing them to emerge from their dens early. Usually the time is mid to late April

These bears a hungry, as they lose up to half their body weight during hibernation. Natural foods are scarce this early in the year, so bears often start looking for the easiest source of high-protein food.

People are reminded to take steps to avoid attracting black bears to their home. Particularly in areas known to attract bears, that means securing garbage cans, removing backyard bird seed and not leaving pet food outdoors.

Last year, Fish and Wildlife officials responded to 444 situations involving bears, ranging from raids on garbage cans and birdfeeders to confrontations with pets. In 2011, the number was 523.

Although naturally wary of humans, bears may overcome the fear thwn rewarded with food provided intentionally or unintentionally by people

Two new state laws went into effect last summer that prohibit leaving food or food waste in places where it can attract bears and other wild carnivores. Intentional feeding can bring a fine of up to $1,000.

Human conflicts with bears tend to subside by mid-summer, when berries and other natural foods become available. Conflicts may pick up again in fall before the animals enter their dens.

Fish and Wildlife advises taking the following steps to prevent conflicts with bears: Never intentionally feed bears or other wild animals. Keep garbage cans in a garage or another secure area until collection day. Remove pet food from areas accessible to wildlife.

Also: Take down birdfeeders until winter. Thoroughly clean barbecue grills after each use. When camping, keep a clean campsite by thoroughly cleaning all cooking utensils after use and sealing uneaten food in airtight containers stored in bear-proof canisters away from sleeping areas.