BRIEFLY

County updates burn ban

NEWPORT — All debris burning remains prohibited in Pend Oreille County, including rule burning and permit burning.

The fire danger is high in southern Pend Oreille County, and moderate in northern Pend Oreille County.

All campfires and recreational fires remain prohibited south of Highway 20 at Alaska Lane North and Leclerc Road North at Riverbend Loop Road until the county line. Meanwhile, campfires and recreational fires are permitted north of Highway 20 at Alaska Lane North and Leclerc Road North at Riverbend Loop Road, subject to the following conditions: * The fire is attended at all times.

* The fire is no larger than 3 by 3 feet and no taller than 2 feet.

* A charged hose or 5 gallons of water is present, along with a shovel.

* There is a fire break or non-combustible surface of at least three feet around the fire.

If a fire escapes, the property owner is responsible for any and all fire suppression costs.

Daily updates on burn restrictions are available from the Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-323-BURN.

Discover Pass price increasing

OLYMPIA — The annual Discover Pass is increasing from $30 to $45 beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1.

This increase will provide critical revenue to keep state parks open and operational, according to a Washington State Parks news release.

The Discover Pass is a parking pass that provides one year of unlimited entry to all Washington state lands managed by the State Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be transferred between two vehicles. All in the passholder’s vehicle have access to over 100 state parks, 350 recreation sites, 700 water access spots, 90 natural areas and natural resource conservation areas and 33 wildlife areas.

The $15 increase was passed by the state Legislature in April and signed by the Governor in May. It is the first increase since the Discover Pass was implemented in 2011.