Saturday, Jul. 05, 2008

Briefs: Swimmers should avoid WDFW boat launches

Compiled by the Herald staff

With temperatures rising, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife is reminding swimmers to avoid its 500 public boat launches.

"Swimmers and boat traffic don't mix," said Steve Pozzanghera, assistant wildlife director. "These sites are designed to give anglers, hunters and recreational boaters a place to launch their boats, not accommodate swimmers. We really don't want to see someone get hurt."

Though a minority of the department's water-access sites are specifically posted "No Swimming," common sense argues against swimming in an area where dozens of motorboats are coming and going each day, Pozzanghera said.

Pozzanghera also cited several other possible hazards, including the lack of lifeguards and rocky, uneven lake and river bottoms around many of the department's access sites. Stream flows in some rivers around the state are currently more than twice last year's levels, due to snow melt, he said.

Winter sports lovers invited to state meetings

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission wants winter sports enthusiasts to attend advisory committee meetings this summer for the state's snowmobile and non-motorized Sno-Park programs.

The Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (non-motorized recreation) meeting is 7 p.m. July 18, 8 a.m. July 19 and 9 a.m. July 20, at the Chelan Public Utility District, 327 N. Wenatchee Ave., in Wenatchee.

The Snowmobile Advisory Committee meeting is 7 p.m. July 25, 8 a.m. July 26, and 9 a.m. July 27, at the same location.

The Snowmobile Advisory Committee and the Winter Recreation Advisory Committee (non-motorized recreation) will review last season's revenues and expenditures and consider grant funding for next season's programs.