Notes: Officials release 18 more Elk in Buchanan County

VANSANT - A second group of elk has been released in southwest Virginia under a pilot program aimed at returning the animals to the state.

The elk are the Rocky Mountain version of a native species that was last seen in Virginia around the time of the Civil War.

Ten pregnant cows and eight yearlings were brought to Buchanan County last week from Kentucky.

A year ago, 16 elk were moved across the state line from Kentucky to Buchanan County. That number has grown to 24 with the arrival of eight calves.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wildlife resources director David Whitehurst tells the Bristol Herald Courier that state officials hope to bring another 50 elk from Kentucky next year.

- Associated Press

Weekend of work, celebration on tap for mountain bikers

The Roanoke chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association will hold a riding festival Saturday and Sunday in Craig County.

The recently formed chapter will get the weekend started with a half-day of work on the Patterson Creek trail system, an area club members have been focusing on in recent months.

Then its on to event host Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing for dinner and festivities. Parkway Brewing Company is an event sponsor, so chilled beverages will be included.

Complimentary bunkhouse-style lodging at the camp is also provided, so mountain bikers can relieve their youth at summer camp.

The next day is reserved for riding.

The registration deadline for the event is today.

Visit www.roanokeimba.org for more information, or to register.

Sherwood Archers to host annual STAR shoot Friday, Saturday

Archers who favor traditional gear such as recurves and longbows will gather at Sherwood Archers in Roanoke County on Friday and Saturday for the club's annual STAR - Sherwood Traditional Archery Rendezvous - shoot.

The event will include field target and 3-D courses, as well as many side shoots and novelty shoots.

The range will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The cost will be $20 for a single day, or $30 for both days of shooting.

For more information on the STAR shoot, contact R.D. Brookshier at 384-7376 or stykbow59@comcast.net.

- Mark Taylor

Weather Journal

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