Convening for conservation. Wild Idaho North!, a conference sponsored by the Idaho Conservation League and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, returns to Sandpoint on Saturday, Oct. 15. The ninth annual, it addresses pressing conservation issues in the region, including wilderness potential, ecology and topics that cross boundaries. Three panel discussions include speakers from the Campaign for America's Wilderness, University of Idaho, Montana Wilderness Association, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Conservation Geography, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Conservation Northwest, ForestEthics and Wildsight. Rick Johnson, executive director of the Idaho Conservation League will present the keynote address entitled, "A Vision for North Idaho." He will explore opportunities to further conservation in the region, address the potential for congressionally designated wilderness in northern Idaho and discuss plans to open a new office in Sandpoint. On Sunday, an optional field trip is planned to visit the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Area with leaders of the wilderness movement. The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is a grassroots group working to turn 88,000 roadless acres around Scotchman Peaks into a wilderness area. To register for the conference to be held at the City Forum, call 208-345-6942 ext. 26. View a pdf of the brochure, with more details and a registration form, or check the Idaho Conservation League's website at wildidaho.org. And now, on to the news.

What's going on in Sandpoint. A POAC performance, a McManus one-man play, a Warren Miller film and a Tennessee Williams play are all booked at the Panida. Plus many other events in our town this month:

* Harlem Gospel Choir - World-famous choir from heart of New York City in POAC series at Panida, October 14
* A Fine and Pleasant Misery - The first McManus one-man play performed live at Panida, October 15
* Bizarre Bazaar - Community Assistance League's annual sale event at Community Hall, October 15
* Bradetich & Grove - Flutist and guitarist perform in dinner concert at Di Luna's, October 15
* Wild Idaho North! - 9th annual conservation conference sponsored by two groups at City Forum, October 15
* Mamaloose Music - Acoustic music series in Hope at Hope Market Cafe with Jackie Henrion, October 16
* Fall Foliage Cruise - See colors on Clark Fork Delta with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises, October 16
* The Mystery of Water and Humans - Author Dr. Masaru Emoto gives presentation at the Panida, October 18
* The Greatest Good - Documentary film presented by the Forest Service at the Panida, October 21
* The Holiday Festival of Fair Trade - Northwest Fair Trade Network, Lost Horse Press sponsor festival, October 21-22
* Family Secrets - Mime and Masque performs original play in the SHS auditorium, October 21-22 and 29
* Higher Ground - Annual Warren Miller ski film with raffle for Schweitzer season pass at the Panida, October 22
* The Glass Menagerie - Tennessee Williams play performed at the Panida, October 28-29
* Put the Garden to Bed - The Healing Garden hosts anniversary party and fund-raiser, October 29

Get details in Sandpoint Online's full calendar.

Real Estate Market Watch Northern Idaho real estate market analysis. 2005 overall has been a very good year for real estate in the local market; nevertheless, figures for September show that the market has slowed somewhat. While 77 homes sold in September 2004, 63 sold in September 2005, an 18 percent decline. Similarly, there wzere 71 land sales, compared to 52 in those same periods, a 27 percent decline. The year-to-date real estate market statistics confirm that  the number of units sold is down slightly from last year, but values have increased considerably and properties are selling more quickly. The average price for land and homes combined is up 38 percent; bare land prices are up 77 percent, according to Selkirk Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service records. The average price for land was $97,700 in the first nine months of last year; that figure jumped to more than $173,000 for the same period in 2005. The average days on market has improved by a remarkable 70 percent in the same time period. "It's apparent that the market has slowed," said Coldwell Banker Resort Realty Broker Don McCanlies, "and I think October will pretty much be the same." He says the trend is similar elsewhere across the country. "Inventory is up, and there is a more limited supply of buyers," McCanlies said. He emphasized that property that is priced correctly will sell in shorter periods of time. "If you want to sell your property, consult with an accredited Realtor about how to price property appropriately," he said. Coldwell Banker Resort Realty agents are ready to help buyers take advantage of the current sellers' market. Likewise, they can help buyers find properties that are good values and that fit their needs. New & Hot on The Market SECONDARY WATERFRONT SITE At Buck Ridge in Sagle with lake and mountain views Price: $275,000 MLS# 2053944 ONE-OWNER HOME 3-bed, 2-bath 1,634-square-foot home with shop in Sagle Price: $325,000 MLS# 2053585 See ALL area listings at our website: Coldwell Banker Resort Realty of Sandpoint

The month's top news in Sandpoint
Sunday fire guts Snug Harbor Dover home
  Blaze had head start on firefighters
Lawmakers mull state budget demands
  Finance committee here on 3-day tour
PAFE announces new executive director
  Marcia Wilson to head school foundation
Conservation groups stake land claims
  Use old mining law to protect areas
Former CEDU schools to reopen in Boundary
  UHS hires 42 former staff members
County OKs plan for 'The Settlement'
  But golf community development not final
City may apply for two EPA grants
  Would help clean up contaminated lands
Commission OKs land restrictions
  Slows Boundary County subdivisions
Spring Creek PUD up for debate
  City board ponders 41-lot plan
Lake bass limits may increase
  Proposal considered by Idaho F&G
F&G seeks higher winter lake level
  High levels would aid kokanee spawn
City council races have full slates
  Candidates declare in three cities
Boundary schools on four-day week
  Kids, teachers are 'adjusting well'
Contractor law draws fire, praise
  Registration to be required in January