Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

Outdoors briefs: Birding event planned for Columbia refuge

Compiled by Herald staff

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge will have a "Big Sit" birding event at the Royal Lake Overlook from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday to launch National Wildlife Refuge Week.

The Big Sit is an annual international birding event to tally as many bird species as can be heard or seen. Bird observations take place in a pre-determined 17-foot diameter circle.

Royal Lake Overlook is at the south end of Byers Road on the Adams/Grant County line. Visitors are welcome, and are advised to bring a chair, binoculars or a spotting scope, and all-weather gear.

For more information, contact refuge staff at (509) 488-2668.

Lower Columbia Audubon sets bird walk

BURBANK -- The Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society will have a bird walk at 8:30 a.m. today at the public grand opening of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center.

Mike and Merry Lynn Denny are to lead the walk, which is expected to last until 2 p.m.

The facility is at 311 Lake Road, Burbank.

Oregon State Parks raises 2010 fees

PORTLAND -- Oregon State Parks fees for camping and day use will rise in 2010 after the state Parks and Recreation Commission approved the first such fee increase in 13 years.

Day-use fees will increase on Jan. 1, going from $3 to $5 per carload for a daily permit.

On May 1, RV campsite rates will increase by $4 per night, and tent-site rates will climb $3 per night.

Parks spokesman Chris Havel said Thursday that campers who visit a park between now and April 30 will pay the current lower rate.

That lower rate will also be honored for reservation customers who booked sites for May 1 and later in the year.