NOTEBOOK: ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN ON REVIEW.

Byline: Keith Lair Staff Writer

The public has until July 12 to review and comment on the Department of Fish and Game's Environmental Document draft for developing a network of Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary marine protection areas.

The draft details six major alternatives for creating networks that would protect between 12 and 34 percent of the sanctuary.

``This document is the result of three years of unprecedented collaboration among state and federal agencies and stakeholders and it offers a network of areas that would be set aside to protect an extraordinary array of marine life and their habitats,'' said DFG Marine Region manager Patricia Wolf.

The draft details are available on the Internet at www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/ci-ceqa/index.html. Copies may also be reviewed at DFG offices, harbors, marinas and at county libraries along the coast.

Written comments should be mailed to the DFG, Channel Islands ED, 1933 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. They can also be e-mailed to Jugoretz(at)dfg.ca.gov with Channel Islands ED in the subject line. Comments must include a name and address.

--Walking is tops: Two studies released this month indicate that walking is America's favorite outdoor sport.

The National Sporting Goods Association 2001 Sports Participation survey and the Outdoor Industry Association found exercise walking to be ranked No. 1 among 64 sports. The NSGA found 71.2 million walking participants and the OIA found 78.3 percent of Americans 16 and older participate.

Both organizations attribute walking to baby boomers looking for low-impact activities.

--Four-wheel drivers: A chance for sport utility vehicle and four-wheel car owners to learn how to negotiate off-road driving will be offered Saturday at the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area, located in the Gorman area.

The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs sponsors the clinic, which includes four hours of classroom instruction and four hours of hands-on driving, encountering simulated obstacles.

Chief instructor Harry Baker says the class will teach how to handle big rocks, getting stuck in mud or snow and staying on designated roads and trails.

The cost is $85 per student. For more information, call [phone] or e-mail info(at)4x4quest.com.

--Horse and burro adoption: The Bureau of Land and Management will hold a wild horse and burro adoption June 21-23 at Pierce College in Woodland Hills.

Approximately 80 mustangs and 20 burros from California and Nevada will be available. The mustangs include yearlings, geldings and mares. The animals have been wormed and vaccinated.

Viewing is June 21 beginning at noon and June 22 from 7 a.m. Silent bids for each animal will be taken from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with adoptions taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 23.

For information, call [phone].