Spotted Owl back in the news
INCOMING — Cardinal third baseman Brandon Munoz looks at an incoming offering from the Vauxhall, Spurs pitcher Brandon Fehr in the home opening game on July 4. The Spurs came on to take the first of two games by the score of 6-13. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will soon release a final Northern Spotted Owl Recovery Plan that needs to call for additional habitat protection for the threatened species, said American Bird Conservancy.
“Additional habitat protection is needed to recover the Spotted Owl. We urge the Obama Administration to take quick action to preserve the remaining at-risk owl habitat,” said Steve Holmer, Senior Policy Advisor at American Bird Conservancy.
He went on to add, “Protecting that old-growth forest habitat will also help the community and the nation by preserving both a world-class tourism destination and a sustainable recreation economy. A healthy forest also serves as a critical storehouse for heat-trapping greenhouse gases and a good source of drinking water for millions of people.”
Swim team takes 3rd at Columbia Falls
MOVIN’ THE WATER – Krista Judisch swims in the Intermediate division and here she took first in the 100-breast stroke event at the swim meet in Columbia Falls over the weekend. Conrad placed third. Photo for the I-O by Amy Salois
The Conrad swim team traveled to Columbia Falls over the holiday weekend and placed third.
There were 316 swimmers that participated in the meet.
Highlighting the meet for the Conrad team was junior swimmer Hunter Mycke who came away with high point honors.
Following are the individual results from the different classes:
I-O closed for 4th of July holiday
SUNDOGS — There was a strange ring around the sun on Monday afternoon. The ring is caused by cirrus clouds and moisture as high as 30,000 feet where temperatures are well below freezing. The moisture turns into crystals. The sun reflects off these ice crystals making a halo or ring. Not always, but folklore has it that a ring around the sun means rain is coming within 24 hours, but not always. Cirrus clouds are generally the first layer of clouds that are seen as a storm system. Sundogs, as it sometimes is referred to are mentioned as far back as early Greece. The origin of the name sundogs may be in the tail-like ray of white light sometimes sticking out at one end. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
The Independent-Observer will be closed on Friday, July 1 through July 4 for the Holiday.
We will be back to work on Tuesday. Due to the holiday the I-O will be mailed on Thursday instead of its normal Wednesday time.
We hope that everyone has a terrific and safe holiday with family and friends. Be careful and watchful if you are driving out of town and we’ll see you next week!