Trail Mix for Sept. 30: Mendota Wildlife Area makes changes

The Mendota Wildlife Area announced a number of changes last week regarding its entry process for waterfowl hunters.

The wildlife area will issue reservations to the first 100 who apply and they will line up for entry according to that reservation number. In the past, hunters lined up their vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of their number.

The change will begin on what for most of the state is the opening day for duck and geese season – Saturday, Oct. 24.

The numbers printed on Mendota Wildlife Area reservations will have a corresponding numbered parking space on the north side of the check station lane. Hunters must park in their numbered spot 90 minutes before shoot time. Late comers will go to the back of the line.

Because of the drought, the normal overall quota of 600 hunters may be reduced to 300 for the first six weeks. The opening-day quota will be based on available water and the number of flooded acres in areas open to hunting. The number will be finalized in mid-October.

For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/waterfowl or call 559-655-4645.

Mountain bike ride – Join the Central California Off-Road Cyclists on Saturday morning for a beginner and kid friendly ride into the Sierra Nevada. It’s part of the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.”

The ride will start at Highway 41 and Jackson Road (a quarter-mile south of the Tenaya Lodge entrance). The trail will be mainly fire road with some singletrack to the waterfalls. The ride is about seven miles total, out and back, with mild elevation of about 100 feet. The group will meet at 9:45 a.m. at the trailhead. Bring a helmet, water, snacks and a bike.

Title runaway – Maria Rodriguez-Lafleur of Cutler clinched the overall championship while locking up her fifth victory in the Valley Runner of the Year Series, winning the Smokey Bear Run 10K in 42 minutes, 16.1 seconds. The 20-point race bumps her total to 165 in the open division, clinching the title with three races remaining.

On the men’s side, Fresno’s J.K. Lundberg won in 36:25.7 to cut his deficit to four points behind leader Jesus Campos (137). Campos was running instead in the Rock & Roll Marathon in San Jose.

The series continues Saturday at the Harvest Run in Visalia. The 5K is worth 10 points. There also is a 3K walk, with both starting at 8 a.m. A half-mile child run will take place at 7:45 a.m. Day-of registration opens at 6:30. The start and finish lines are at the Lifestyle Center, 5105 W. Cypress Ave. Register online at visaliarunners.org or kaweahdelta.org. Cost is $25 through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lifestyle Center. Prices increase $10 the day before and day of the race.

▪ The Run Around the Rock 10K run and 5K run/walk is Sunday at River Center. The course goes through the Vulcan Materials Co. quarry, along the San Joaquin River and back. All proceeds benefit the San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust. Registration costs $40 for the 10K and $35 for the 5K. Details: runsignup.com.

Salmon in class – State Fish and Wildlife officials are hosting a teacher workshop titled “Salmonids in the Classroom” on Oct. 7 in Fresno. The workshop will provide teachers with tools and education materials to hatch salmon or trout in their classroom. Dinner will be provided by the Fresno Fly Fishers for Conservation. The event is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the CDFW Annex Office, 1130 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno. RSVP to r4salclass@wildlife.ca.gov or 559-243-4014, ext. 245.

Garage sale– REI’s members-only garage sale is Saturday, where adventurers can find cheap and discounted gear. The store will hand out numbered wristbands at 4 p.m., with the lottery draw entry starting at 5 p.m. Memberships can be purchased on site for $20. All sales are final.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Trail Mix for Sept. 30: Mendota Wildlife Area makes changes."