OUTPOST.

Byline: - Daily News and Wire Services

Long-distance runner: West Hills second-grade teacher and ultramarathoner Louise Cooper-Lovelace today begins a race from Death Valley to the base of Mount Whitney in hopes of raising money for breast-cancer research and other medical endeavors.

The Hi-Tec Badwater competition begins 282 feet below sea level and winds its way 135 miles to Whitney Portal at an elevation of 8,360 feet. Adventure racers have 60 hours to complete the course.

Cooper-Lovelace was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and completed chemotherapy and radiation treatments five months ago. She and former Hi-Tec Badwater champion Lisa Smith of New Jersey hope to raise $200,000 for UCLA's Revlon Breast Center and for spinal-injury research at the Christopher Reeve Foundation. The women are soliciting donations. Information: [phone].

Nighttime action: The Department of Fish and Game's third annual Moonlight Madness All Night Catfish Derby is set to run from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday at Legg Lake, 823 Lexington-Gallatin Road in South El Monte.

``This once-a-year event provides a great family opportunity, with special all-night urban lake fishing that's safe and exciting,'' said Jackie Kourassis, coordinator of the DFG's ``Fishing in the City'' program for Los Angeles and Orange counties.

More than 2,000 pounds of hatchery-raised catfish are being stocked in the 77-acre lake for the event, which last year drew some 1,500 anglers.

DFG volunteers will be on hand to assist those new to fishing and night-fishing; experts will offer tips on tying fishing flies. A limited number of loaner rods and reels are available. Fires are not permitted; participants are encouraged to bring lanterns, flashlights and tents.

The derby is free; parking is $5. Information: [phone] or [phone].

Largemouth 101: The ``Introduction to Bass Fishing in Southern California'' course offered by the Community Services Department of College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Valencia, returns for another semester.

Ron Cervenka, a WON BASS tournament director, teaches the class Tuesday evenings from 6:45 to 9:45 beginning July 20. The course includes such topics as behavioral patterns, bait and equipment selection and basic techniques and fish-finding electronics. Cost: $59. Information: [phone], ext. 3304.

Hunt news: Most general D-zone, B-zone and A-zone deer hunts still have tags available to hunters, according to the Department of Fish and Game. These tags will continue to be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis through the mail until the quota for each zone is reached.

Hunters can apply for any of these tags on a first-deer tag applications. All archery (except for X-zone hunts), A-zone and B-zone tags can be issued to hunters sending in second-deer tag applications. Beginning Sept. 1, all leftover D-zone tags can also be purchased with second-deer tag applications.

Most of the 18,000 bear tags are available, as well. Bear tags have sold out each of the past several years. Hunters should apply early. Information: [phone].

Let's go shootin' now . . . The Youth Outdoor Safari, sponsored by the Los Angeles and Orange County chapters of Safari Club International, will be held July 24 at Raahauge's Shotgun Sports in Norco.

Those participating will have a variety of hands-on and educational wildlife, shooting and hunting-related programs available. Events include seminars on game calling (quail, turkey, waterfowl and varmints), dog training and nature walks through Prado Basin. Instruction in the use of air guns, .22-caliber rifles, archery gear and shotguns is also offered.

The event is free for ages 5 to 17; adults are $10 or $15 per couple, which includes lunch. Directions and information: [phone].

Hello mother . . .: The California Wildlife Federation is hosting a summer camp for kids in grades 5 through 7 in the San Bernardino National Forest at Pacific Pines Camp from July 26 to Aug. 1.

Campers learn about plant and animal identification, wildlife management, fire starting and safety, camping and survival skills, wildlife calling, fishing and archery. The cost is $250 per child. Information: [phone].

NoCal news: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service likely will decide not to push for the reintroduction of wolves into the Klamath-Siskiyou region of Northern California, as has been done in parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, according to a source close to the issue.

To do so would apparently push the button to activate the Endangered Species Act, which could then become the single force driving environmental decisions in the region.

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Photo: COOPER-LOVELACE