Rock climbing will be banned at Corps’ Hells Gate unit
The Army Corps of Engineers will ban all forms of rock climbing beyond the buck-and-rail fence on “River Run” trail in Hells Gate Habitat Management Unit near Lewiston beginning June 1.
According to a news release from the agency, the ban is intended to protect cultural resources and ensure public safety. It will be enforced by park rangers. Anyone with questions about the ban can contact Corps officials at the agency’s Lower Granite Natural Resources office in Clarkston at (509) 751-0240.
Passes to Idaho state parks, other gear available to library patrons
The Lewiston City Library is partnering with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Commission for Libraries to help patrons visit state parks.
All three entities are partners in the “Check out a State Park” program that allows people to borrow park passes and associated gear.
At the Lewiston and Winchester libraries, people can check out Park Pass Packs that include a pass, lightweight backpack, field glasses, relevant pocket-sized wildlife guides, an Idaho road map and a small first aid kit. Two packs are available and can be borrowed for up to one week. The passes are good at any Idaho state park. Free copies of “Ida Hikes Idaho” are also available while supplies last.
Forest Service effort geared toward funding recreation programs
KAMIAH — The U.S. Forest Service and the Next 100 Coalition are inviting eligible organizations to apply for funding to start or support outdoor recreation programs and outdoor gear libraries.
The National Forest Community Recreation Fund is designed to increase enjoyment and stewardship of national forests by disadvantaged or marginalized communities. Lack of outdoor gear and knowledge has been identified as a barrier to communities who historically lack access or rarely visit national forests. Outdoor gear libraries lend equipment like tents, backpacks and sleeping bags.
“As someone whose own deep appreciation and enjoyment of the outdoors was made possible by similar programs, and growing up in an impoverished community, I truly value the importance of programs like this,” said Micah Miller, acting recreation program manager for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, in a news release. “This program can bolster access to the outdoors, gearing-up Idahoans of all backgrounds to experience special places on our Forests.”
Any 501(c)(3) organization, tribe or tribal organization, or business working to advance outdoor recreation and/or increasing access to Forest Service lands can apply for up to $50,000 in funding. The deadline is June 30. More information is available by contacting national forests partnership coordinator Angela Edwards at Angela.edwards2@usda.gov or visiting bit.ly/3WEKCNz.
Silhouette match planned near Lapwai next weekend
LAPWAI — The Lewis-Clark Wildlife Club will host a silhouette match from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The competition will be held on the 18-bench side of the club’s gun range. The six-bench side of the rifle range and the trap range will be open to the public during the match.
