Sports Briefs

Campfires banned; other restrictions imposed

SPOKANE – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife restricted campfires and other activities on publicly owned lands it manages in Eastern Washington.

New restrictions went into effect Friday, July 15, until further notice.

The new restrictions include prohibiting all campfires – even in fire rings, target shooting, smoking, welding, chainsaw operations and operating any motor vehicle (including dirt bikes, ATVs and UTvs) off developed roads.

“Due to the wet and cool start to the summer, we delayed restrictions this year beyond July 1, allowing people longer opportunity to enjoy campfires,” agency Lands Division Manager Cynthia Wilkerson said. “But wildfire risk is increasing this week, and it’s time to take proper precautions to preserve public recreation lands, wildlife habitat, public health and safety for local communities.”

More salmon making way up Snake River

LOWER GRANITE – The sockeye salmon run on the Snake River is expected to be “especially high this year.”

According to Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, a recent report shows that more than 56,000 sockey salmon crossed Bonneville Dame on the lower Columbia River on June 27. As of Monday, July, 11, that count topped 500,000.

Schoesler said fisheries experts expect 1,800 fish to move up the Snake River, more than an average year.

The larger sockeye run follows a larger Chinook salmon run.

As of July 13, 110 Chinook were crossing Lower Granite Dam daily on the Snake River.

As of that date, 75,881 Chinook had cross Lower Granit this year; nearly double the five-year average of 38,719.

Basketball camp coming to Ritzville

RITZVILLE – The Competition Clinic for aspiring basketball players will take place at Lind-Ritzvilel High school on Saturday, July 23.

The camp offered by Adams Fundamentals Academy of Moscow, Idaho, is open to sixth- thour eighth-graders from around Adams County and nearby towns.

It will take place in Gilson Gymnasium, 209 E. Wellsandt Road. The camp will feature instruction on devfense communication, offensive drills, 1-on-1 and 3-on-2 play, and 5-on-5 games.

Boys and girls can participate; there is a fee to attend.