The Oregon Chapter is seeking a committed and qualified individual to serve in a key volunteer leadership role within our organization.  We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis and will begin reviewing applications on May 20th until the position is fulled.

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

Oregon Chapter Sierra Club
1821 SE Ankeny St.
Portland, OR 97214
oregon.chapter@sierraclub.org
Please include Treasurer Position in subject line.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose: To manage and report on the Chapter’s finances.

General Responsibilities:

• Maintain all bank accounts
• Provide oversight of all financial transactions.
• Record and code all transactions in QuickBooks Online.
• Monitor the budget and ensure that a reserve cash balance is maintained.
• Periodically provide financial updates to the ExCom.
• Prepare any required financial reporting forms and safeguard financial records.
• Ensure Chapter and Group compliance with all policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Ability to keep neat and accurate records.
• Ability to work with Executive Committee & volunteers
• Attention to detail.
• Availability to handle transactions on a timely basis.
• General knowledge of cash accounting principles.
• QuickBooks Online and Excel experience is a plus.

ABOUT THE OREGON CHAPTER

The Sierra Club’s Oregon Chapter represents the organization’s 15,000 members in Oregon and has worked to protect Oregon’s environment and natural resources since 1978. Today, the Sierra Club employs a staff of seven in Oregon who works with volunteer leaders to advance the chapter’s conservation priorities. Current priority conservation efforts of the Oregon Chapter include:

• Protecting Oregon’s wild forests.
• Protecting Oregon’s high deserts.
• Stopping reckless liquefied natural gas pipelines and terminals.
• Fighting for clean energy solutions.
• Additionally, the Sierra Club maintains a professional presence at the state capitol and is active in efforts to influence legislative and administrative decisions that impact Oregon’s environment.

The Oregon Chapter also conducts a wide array of activities that engage members and the general public in efforts to explore, enjoy, and protect our shared environment; including outdoor hikes, service activities, community forums, and research efforts.

Media Contacts:
Lori Ann Burd, Bark, loriannburd@gmail.com, 847-567-4052
Rhett Lawrence, Sierra Club, rhett.lawrence@sierraclub.org, (503) 238-0442, x304

Coalition Files Suit to Protect Fragile Alpine Meadows on Mt. Hood
Destructive Mountain Biking Expansion at Timberline Lodge Threatens
Summer Recreation Opportunities, Fish and Wildlife in Sandy River’s Headwaters 

May 16, 2013 — Today Crag Law Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of Friends of Mt. Hood, the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, and Bark challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) decision to allow high-impact lift-assisted mountain biking that would harm fragile alpine habitat near Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.  Over one million people visit Mt. Hood annually to climb, hike, ski, fish, bike, and play.  Providing recreational opportunities and safeguarding our public land are at the core of the Forest Service’s mission, and the agency has an obligation to reject environmentally destructive development proposals.

“Mountain biking is growing in popularity and we support Forest Service efforts to provide environmentally-responsible, quality recreational opportunities for mountain bikers and other recreationists.  However, the fragile alpine soils at Timberline are the wrong place for a downhill lift-assisted mountain bike park,” said Lori Ann Burd with Bark.  “The Forest Service has failed to meet its responsibility to the public. Bark has worked with mountain bikers to encourage the Forest Service to convert unused logging roads into trails, but the Forest Service has failed to take action to seize these opportunities.  Instead it has approved the construction of 17 miles of new trails in the sensitive headwaters of Still Creek and the West Fork of the Salmon River, leaving us no choice but to go to court to stop this development.”

The area around Timberline Lodge is cherished for summertime recreation such as wildflower viewing in the shadow of Mt. Hood.  “Timberline Lodge in the summertime has always been a place to seek peace and quiet, and generations of families have treasured memories of hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing around Timberline,” said Dennis Chaney of Friends of Mt. Hood.  “This project would jeopardize this beloved place by allowing high-speed downhill biking, races, and more development that will further degrade this fragile alpine environment.  A National Historic Landmark and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail are not compatible with an adventure park.”

Marla Nelson of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC) noted: “NEDC opposes this project because it would harm trout, salmon, and the aquatic environment that supports them.”  She stated that the project will also:

• Increase sediment in Still Creek and the West Fork of the Salmon River, undercutting the significant investment of time and money in restoring downstream trout and salmon habitat
• Convert vegetation into bare mineral soils and encourage the further spread of noxious weeds
• Disturb wildlife, including elk, which rely on these high alpine meadows during calving season

“Timberline’s master plan to build a new day lodge, a new parking lot, and this mountain bike park was accepted by the Forest Service without adequate consideration of the cumulative effects on this fragile alpine environment,” said Rhett Lawrence, Conservation Director with the Sierra Club.  “Timberline has not been able to successfully restore the areas it has already damaged and any new construction would simply add to the area’s degradation.  The Forest Service needs to engage the public in a meaningful discussion of how to provide for ecologically responsible recreation on our public land, instead of taking more risks with Mt. Hood.”

###

Hike Kings Mountain and Elk Mountain in the Tillamook State Forest, Sunday, May 19^th – Kings Mountain offers some of the best views of any hike in the Oregon Coast Range. Climbing 2,500 ft in under 3 miles. The hike is difficult and, when wet, can be slick and muddy. Hikers must be experienced and in decent shape. On a clear day, hikers can see Mt. Hood to the East and the Pacific Ocean to the West. The return will be made via the Elk Mountain Loop. We’ll arrange a carpool and provide snacks for this adventure.

For more information, or to register, please email NCSFC Organizer Chris Smith.

View from Kings Mountain

Spruce Run Hike, Sunday, May 19^th – A great hike that runs along Spruce Creek to Spruce Lake. 5 miles round trip, moderately difficult. This creek is part of a proposed conservation area! Meet at the intersection of HWY 26 and Lower Nehalem Road near Milepost 20. 1 hour drive from Portland, 1 hour drive from Astoria.

Carpools will be available from Astoria, and possibly beyond depending on interest. To sign up or ask questions, contact Pearl Rasmussen at 503 338 8933 or rasmussenpearl@gmail.com

Family Friendly Hike along the Wilson River, Sunday, May 26^th – The Wilson River provides some of the most accessible recreation opportunities in the Tillamook and Clatsop forests. Join us for a leisurely 3.5 mile stroll along the Wilson River Trail between Jones Creek and the Footbridge Trailhead. We will be making a stop at the Tillamook Forest Center on the way. Along with experiencing the natural beauty of the Wilson River, attendees will learn about the North Coast State Forest Coalition’s conservation efforts in these forests as we enjoy a picnic after our walk.

For more information, or to register, please email NCSFC Organizer Chris Smith.

The Wilson River

Photo Outing, Buster Creek, Sunday, May 26^th – Learn about nature photography with Michael Granger in a scenic forest setting. The Buster Creek Terrestrial Anchor is a proposed Conservation Area in the Clatsop State Forest. Come see why this place is so special and learn skills for capturing that essence on camera. The excursion will be a drive on forest roads with several stops at sites with different visual appeal including young and old trees, streams, bridges, clearcuts, and viewpoints. Michael is the owner of Lightbox Photographic in Astoria. He specializes in forest photography an helps people to explore their passion and vision through photography and printing. All photography skill levels are welcome! The journey will involve some easy walking.

Meet at the Elderberry Inn a little under an hour drive from Astoria on Highway 26 for coffee and a brief talk about the excursion at 10:30 am.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Pearl Rasmussen at 503-338-8933 or rasmussenpearl@gmail.com.

Edible Wild Plant Hike, Saturday, June 15^th – Venture into the woods with a edible plant expert and learn about how to harvest food and herbs from the forest! Location will be in a proposed Conservation Area in the Clatsop State Forest Carpools will be available from Astoria and possibly beyond depending on interest.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Pearl Rasmussen at 503-338-8933 or rasmussenpearl@gmail.com.

Photo Outing, Plympton Creek, Sunday, June 23^rd – 

Learn about nature photography with Michael Granger in a scenic forest setting. The Buster Creek Terrestrial Anchor is a proposed Conservation Area in the Clatsop State Forest. Come see why this place is so special and learn skills for capturing that essence on camera. The excursion will be a drive on forest roads with several stops at sites with different visual appeal including young and old trees, streams, bridges, clearcuts, and viewpoints. Michael is the owner of Lightbox Photographic in Astoria. He specializes in forest photography an helps people to explore their passion and vision through photography and printing. All photography skill levels are welcome! The journey will involve some easy walking.

Meet at the Berry Patch Restaurant in Westport for a cup of coffee and brief talk about the excursion at 10:30 am.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Pearl Rasmussen at 503-338-8933 or rasmussenpearl@gmail.com.

Cross-Country Trek Across Bastard Creek Terrestrial Anchor, Tuesday, July 2^nd – This trip is for those unable to join our weekend outings and willing to do some serious cross-country hiking. The Bastard Creek Terrestrial Anchor is over 5,000 acres of important forest wildlife habitat just north of the old Salmonberry Railroad. We will explore this area, its flora and fauna, discuss what makes it a crucial habitat area, and enjoy a day convening with nature.

For more information, or to register, please email NCSFC Organizer Chris Smith.

Sunset at Cedar Butte, Wednesday, July 24^th – The Cedar Butte Trail is a short but difficult hike to a beautiful panoramic in the Tillamook State Forest. The view includes significant acreage of High Value Conservation Area to the West. We will make the trip after work in the evening to catch sunset over the Pacific before descending at dusk.

For more information, or to register, please email NCSFC Organizer Chris Smith.

Looking East from Cedar Butte

Please visit forestlegacy.org to learn more and be sure to “like” us on Facebook!

The proliferation of Monsanto’s GMO’s and dramatic upsurge in the use of their toxic herbicide Roundup/glyphosate is an issue that requires action by citizens now.  With Congress and government agencies failing to respond to the public’s concerns and the precautionary principle, it’s up to us to move this forward into the spotlight NOW.   Invest in your community’s future.

When:       Saturday, March 25 – 11:00 AM
Where:     Holladay Park Fountain, Portland
What to Bring:   Water, banners/signs, fliers, cameras
March Route:     Link to the March route
Donations:      Accepted to pay for March fees/cost
Remember:    This is a peaceful demonstration

Like Portland’s March Against Monsanto’s Facebook page.

Why GMO’s are a recipe for global famine:

1.  Patented seed – Farmers growing GMO crops are denied their traditional right to save seeds for the next year.

2.  Soil infertility – GMO is agriculture is chemical intensive.  Agrochemical buildup is causing sterility in the soil.  Glyphosate herbicide is especially problematic.  Nutrition content of food is much less in GMO crops.

3.  GHG pollution (greenhouse gases) – Our GMO industrial-model, agrochemical farming system destroys the soil’s natural ability to sequester carbon, using billions of pounds of climate-disrupting, soil-killing chemical fertilizers and pesticides.  Sustainable farming practices pull carbon out of the atmosphere back into living soil.

4.  Monocropping/Loss of biodiversity – GMO agriculture is monocropping.  75% of seed diversity has already been lost to industrial farming.  Biodiversity is food security.

5.  Terminator seed technology – This is designed to genetically switch off a plant’s ability to germinate a second time.  Plants with terminator genes can cross pollinate with natural varieties causing otherwise fertile seed to be sterile.

6.  Dependency on a centralized food system – A network of home gardens and small to mid-sized farms offers far greater food security than a centralized, globalized system.

7.  Superweeds, Superpests – With weeds developing resistance to glyphosate on nearly half of U.S. farms,  with pests requiring 20% more insecticide on GMO crops than non-GMO, harsher “stacked” herbicides and pesticides are next to be employed in industrial farming.

8.  Genetic pollution – Cannot be halted once released into open fields, destroying our natural genetic heritage.

GMO agriculture is the opposite of Sustainable. 

“The seed, the source of life, the embodiment of our biological and cultural diversity, the link between the past and the future of evolution, the common property of past, present and future generations of farming communities who have been seed breeders, is today being stolen from the farmers being sold back to us propriety seed owned by corporations like the U.S.-headquartered Monsanto. “  ~  Vandana Shiva, “Great Seed Robbery,” Deccan Chronicle, April 27, 2011.

Here’s a link to an article of recommend reading, “Food, Farms, Forests and Fracking: Connecting the Dots,” by Zack Kaldveer and Ronnie Cummins.

Contact: Brian Pasko
(503) 704-2188
brian.pasko@sierraclub.org

Oregon Legislature Protects Waldo Lake
Passes Law Banning Motorboats and Sea Planes
on one of the purest lakes in the World

Early morning on Waldo Lake in central Oregon.

(SALEM, OR) —Voting  37  to 20 during a late morning session on Monday, the Oregon House of Representatives passed SB 602-A, banning the use of motorboats and seaplanes on Waldo Lake in central Oregon. This action follows last month’s 18-11 passage of the bill by the Oregon Senate. The legislation was introduced by Senator Floyd Prozanski and Representative Paul Holvey, and will now be sent to Governor Kitzhaber, who is expected to sign the bill into law.

Located near Oakridge, Waldo Lake is Oregon’s second deepest lake and rivals Crater Lake and Russia’s Lake Baikal as one of the three purest lakes in the world. The lake is so clear that boaters on its surface can look down nearly 150 feet and discern the lake’s bottom (giving one the impression of floating in outer space).

“Waldo Lake is a unique Oregon treasure,” said Brian Pasko, Director of the Sierra Club’s Oregon Chapter.  “Today’s action by the Oregon legislature will protect Waldo Lake’s unique ecology and ensure that it is a place for quiet recreation and solitude to be enjoyed by Oregonians for generations to come.”

Passage of SB 602-A reaffirms a 2012 decision of the Oregon Marine Board prohibiting the use of motorized watercraft on Waldo Lake except for boats using electric motors and traveling under 10mph. The decision was made following a lengthy public comment period that engaged over 4000 Oregon citizens in the decision making process, the vast majority of which supported the motorized ban.

Following the Marine Board’s decision, the Oregon Aviation Board issued a temporary rule last year allowing sea plane landings on Waldo Lake. The Aviation Board’s decision was made contrary to the Marine Board’s determination, even though there are many large lakes near Waldo Lake that allow for safe sea plane landings and sea plane recreational opportunities. Passage of SB 602-A resolves the conflicting decisions of these two state agencies.

“Sea planes and motorized boats present a number of environmental risks to Waldo Lake, including an increased potential for the spread of invasive species and pollution of the lake through potential fuel spills, ” said Pasko. “However, Waldo Lake is also highly valued by the public as a place for quiet recreation. SB 602-A will protect the public’s expectations and support for the current management approach at Waldo Lake.”

According to Forest Service surveys, over 75% of visitors agreed that motorized boating negatively impacts their recreational experience at Waldo Lake. Almost 70% of respondents favored only allowing non-motorized boats or electric motors on Waldo Lake, and 86% favored controlling the level of noise from motorized recreation.

“This is a victory for the thousands of Oregon’s who have attended countless meetings, endured dozens of public hearings, and stood up for keeping Waldo Lake clean and quiet every step of the way,” added Sean Stevens, executive director of Oregon Wild. “The Oregon Legislature deserves great praise today for finalizing a three-decade long process to protect this special place.”

The full text of SB 602-A can be found at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/13reg/measpdf/sb0600.dir/sb0602.a.pdf

# # #

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

On April 18, the Oregon legislature reached its first deadline to move bills out of committee. The Sierra Club continues to track, analyze, and advocate for bills that impact the environment. Below is a list of our top legislative priorities that are still alive following the April 18 deadline.

If you would like to take action on any of these bills, please contact your legislators and let them hear your opinions. You can locate your legislators here: http://www.leg.state.or.us/findlegsltr/

 Bills we support:

•  House Bill 2893 – Solar Resource Value – This bill creates a modest expansion of Oregon’s existing solar pilot project to aid commercial solar installations and also requires the Public Utilities Commission to conduct a detailed study of opportunities to advance solar installation in Oregon.
• Senate Bill 602 – Waldo Lake Motor Ban – This bill adds Waldo Lake to the list of non-motorized lakes in Oregon, protecting the lake from pollution and the spread of invasive species, and also ensuring peaceful recreation for those who paddle, camp, hike, and watch for wildlife at Waldo Lake.
• Senate Bill 488 – Clean Fuels Program – This bill extends Oregon’s standards for reducing the amount of carbon in transportation fuels, currently set to expire in 2014. The Clean Fuels Program plays an important role in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• House Bill 2105 – Energy Facility Siting – This bill authorizes a study on the siting of energy facilities.
• Senate Bill 401 – State Scenic Waterways – This bill expands the State Scenic Waterways program by designating additional rivers and creeks as scenic waterways. This designation would prohibit suction dredge mining on these rivers.
• Senate Bill 692 – Electronic Appliance Efficiency – This bill establishes minimum efficiency requirements for electronics such as televisions, batteries, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Senate Bill 840 – Water Use Efficiency – This bill requires efficient water use for fixtures such as toilets, showers, and faucets.
• Senate Bill 844 – Voluntary Carbon Reduction – This bill directs the Public Utility Commission to establish a voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction program to incentivize investment in emissions reductions.
• Senate Bill 306 – Carbon Tax Study – This bill will authorize a study on the implementation of a carbon tax.
• House Bill 2319 – GMO Crops Bill – This bill allows the Department of Agriculture to take measures to prevent the spreading of genetically engineered material to adjacent agricultural tracts.
• House Bill 2427 – GMO/Canola Bill – This bill prohibits the growing of canola within the Willamette Valley.
• House Bill 2820 – Energy Facility Siting – This bill modifies the definition of energy facilities and the maximum size of solar facilities for purposes of Energy Facility Siting Council-issued site certificates.

Bills we oppose:

•  House Bill 3086 – Off-Site Sage Grouse Mitigation – This bill would make it easier to take actions affecting sage grouse habitat with offsite mitigation measures.
•  House Bill 3098 – Young Life Ranch Expansion – This bill authorizes the owners of the Young Life Washington Family Ranch to develop 4,000 acres of land, exempted from land use regulations.
•  Senate Joint Memorial Resolution 10 – O&C Lands Resolution – This resolution urges Congress to assign a board consisting of local governments, timber industry representatives, and environmental organizations the right to manage Oregon & California Railroad grant lands.
•  Senate Bill 633 – GMO Bill – This bill prohibits local measures seeking to regulate agriculture by enacting anti-GMO requirements.
•  House Bill 2624 – Cougar Bill – This bill allows the hunting of cougars and bears with dogs under certain conditions.
•  House Bill 3452 – Wolf Bill – This bill allows for wolves to be killed without a permit under certain conditions.

 Bills we are closely monitoring for any substantive changes:

 Senate Bill 357 – Oregon Department of Forestry Study Bill – Requires Oregon Department of Forestry to study and develop recommendations on the pace and scale of federal forest management projects and potential state and local funding for federal projects.

by Heidi Dahlin, Oregon Chapter Conservation Chair

The Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge Complex is a stopover for one of the largest migration of birds in North America. Birds stop by south-central Oregon to rest and feed on their way north or south, or stay and raise their young.

This weekend, representatives from two Sierra Club chapters met with two other organizations and toured the complex with refuge manager, Ron Cole, to learn about the state of the refuges after a series of dry years. What we found were low water levels, with the prediction that the Lower Klamath Refuge will be dry by August.

That’s right: no water for thousands of birds that depend on the wetlands for food.

Last year over 20,000 birds died from a cholera outbreak due to overcrowding in the low water in the spring. The Lower Refuge has been dry three of the last four summets due to the lack of delivery of water.

We need to speak for the birds. Please contact your representatives in Congress and ask them to remember the thousands of birds who need the water to survive and ask that the Bureau of Reclamation deliver the needed (and promised) water to the refuge complex.

Please speak for the birds.

Flowering Red Currant on State Forest Land

This April, the Washington County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution in support of state forest conservation areas and a sound forest management plan. The Tualatin City Council expressed similar support in the form of a City Proclamation. On the coast, the Cannon Beach City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of Conservation Areas. We are hopeful that cities including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Banks, Sherwood, and Tigard follow these examples. Governor Kitzhaber recently re-emphasized his support for our state forests with a letter to the Board of Forestry. These political entities join nearly 100 businesses and organizations that have endorsed the effort to restore balance to Oregon’s state forests.

Having earned our seat at the table, we intend to use it to fight for the environmental values that have recently been ignored in favor of an increasing timber harvest. Conservation Areas are the tool with which we hope to achieve balance on these treasured lands. In Salem on June 5th, the Board of Forestry will vote on whether or not to ratify the new High Value Conservation Area classification. We sincerely hope that they consider the massive outpouring of support as they take a key step in shaping Oregon’s forest legacy. A conservation presence at this meeting will further signal our message to the Board, so email Chris Smith if you’d like to join us at this meeting.

Wilson River, Tillamook State Forest

For our part, as the weather warms up, there will be ample opportunity to be involved in our campaign and to enjoy our state forests. Along with tabling at farmers markets, building our collection of state forest photos, and tracking the forest management plan, there are also opportunities to get into the forest for fun, education, and service. Our outings calendar is updated frequently and already has some great opportunities on it.

Please visit forestlegacy.org to learn more and be sure to “like” us on Facebook!

Early morning on Waldo Lake in central Oregon.

In February of this year Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced a serious of wilderness and land protection bills targeting the Oregon Caves Nationa Monument, Devil’s Staircase, Cathredral Rock and Horse Heaven in the John Day Basin, and lands along the Chetco, Molalla, and Rogue rivers.

Senator Wyden recently brought forth and marked up the first of these bills targeting the Rogue River area through a subcommittee of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee that he chairs. The bill would add 60,000 new acres of wilderness to the existing Rogue Wilderness and protect 143 milesof tributaries, one of the most productive salmon watersheds on the west coast.

Now is a good time to thank Senator Wyden for introducing and advocating for these areas as it will be no small task to get wilderness legislation through Congress. The previous Congress was the first since the Wilderness Act was passed in 1964 that failed to add any new wilderness to the system. Senator Wyden is in a position to be a strong advocate but he needs to hear that Oregonians not only support these initial efforts but that we also need him to become a more vocal leader to initiate efforts to protect large areas such as the Owyhee Canyonlands and the area around Waldo Lake, both current campaigns of the Sierra Club.

Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon.

The Club is currently advocating to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands as a National Monument and the Waldo Lake area  in addition to the other lands identified in Senator Wyden’s legislation.

We strongly encourage you to write or call Senator Wyden and Merkley to thank them for their efforts and ask them to advocate for permanent protection for the Owyhee Canyonlands and Waldo Lake area. Tell them how important these areas are to you and why you value protecting wild lands.

Senator Wyden
221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C., 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5244
or use his on line comment page

http://www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/

Senator Merkley
313 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C., 20510
Phone:(202) 224-3753
or use his on line comment page

http://www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/

Owyhee Rendezvous 
Jun 26 – 30, 2013

The period to weigh in on the Department of Forestry’s new “High Value Conservation Area” designation on state forest lands has been extended until 5 pm on April 19th. This new Conservation Area classification will protect crucial fish and wildlife habitat, clean water sources, and important recreation spots. Let ODF know how important these areas and values are to you, submit your comments here!

Hugely Successful Hearings in Cannon Beach and Hillsboro

The North Coast State Forest Coalition extends a gigantic “THANK YOU!” to all those who were able to attend last month’s public hearings in Cannon Beach and Hillsboro. These events showcased the significant support for state forest Conservation Areas coming from northwest Oregon. All told, nearly 200 people attended the hearings, making them some of the best-attended hearings that ODF has hosted. Testimony came from all backgrounds and angles and demonstrated the breadth and variety of those who support a balanced approach to state forest management in Oregon.

Here is a Daily Astorian article on the Cannon Beach hearing.

Join us for an Outing!

The North Coast State Forest Coalition is hosting a series of field trips and events in the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests. Anyone interested in these lands and the role they play in the local economy and ecosystem is invited to attend.

Spring Chinook Seminar, Thursday April 18th - Pro guide Bob Rees will detail techniques used to pursue Tillamook Bay’s spring chinook… (details)

Steelhead Viewing at Salmonberry Falls, Saturday April 27th - Join veteran citizen-field biologists Ian Fergusson and Bob Rees on a unique tour of the Salmonberry Watershed, a tributary to the mighty Nehalem River… (details)

Tour Hyla Woods’ Mt. Richmond Forest, Saturday May 4th - As a small timber business, Hyla Woods aims to grow ecologically complex, economically viable, responsibly operated forests… (details)

Learn about Juvenile Salmonids on the Wilson River, Sunday May 5th - Interested folks will take a short hike up the Little North Fork of the Wilson River to view ODFW personnel working a fish trap, inventorying juvenile salmon, steelhead, and trout as they exit this pristine watershed… (details)

On-Water Spring Chinook Clinic, Saturday May 11th - Join us in beautiful Tillamook County for an on-the-water clinic for bank anglers to pursue spring chinook… (details)

Family Friendly Hike along the Wilson River, Sunday May 26th - The Wilson River provides some of the most accessible recreation opportunities in the Tillamook and Clatsop forests. Join us for a leisurely 3.5 mile stroll… (details)

Space is limited for these events. Please register early to ensure a spot. Visit our “Outings and Events” page for details.

Washington County Commission Resolution Supports Conservation Areas

On April 2nd, the Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution that “endorses efforts by the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Board of Forestry to implement conservation areas on state forest lands, including the Tillamook State Forest, and encourages the state’s policy makers to pursue a sound forest policy that acknowledges the values and benefits of all forest resources including clean water, adequate fish and wildlife habitat, sustainable timber harvest, and recreation.”

You can send a note to thank the Commission here. The Washington County Commission joins Wheeler and Rockaway Beach as the first communities to pass resolutions for conservation areas. Clatsop County supported conservation areas in a letter last year. We hope to see more cities and counties pass supportive resolutions in the near future.

Kevin Weeks

We would like to express our deepest condolences over the passing of Kevin Weeks. Kevin was the Oregon Forestry staff person at the table as people entered the recent hearings on conservation areas. He was a model public servant. He was helpful, good humored, efficient, and thoughtful. He never hesitated to help our staff or volunteers when we attended forestry events, and he was always quick with a smile. He will be missed.

As always, we appreciate your helping us to ensure the future balance of Oregon’s state forests. If you haven’t done so already, we encourage you to sign our petition, visit our website, like us on Facebook, or join us for an event.

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

The 2013 Oregon Legislative Session is in full swing, and Sierra Club staff are closely tracking proposed bills and meeting with legislators in Salem to advocate for preservation of Oregon’s pristine wilderness, wildlife protection, and clean, renewable energy.

The following is a list of some of the environment and energy related bills that have been introduced in the 2013 Oregon Legislative Session, along with the Sierra Club’s position on those bills.

Click here for more information about these bills and their current status.

Forest ecologist Howard Bruner.

by Barbara Loeb, outings leader of the Marys Peak Group

Did you know?

• that a certain type of lichen (lobaria or lung moss) is a nitrogen fixer? It thrives on trees and then falls to the ground to fertilize the trees it has lived on
• that fallen trees, branches, and forest undergrowth help slow the flow of streams and make them healthier?
• that you can often tell if a tree has fallen due to root rot? The tree’s fine roots will be missing, and the larger ones will be snapped, as well as show signs of rot.
• that root rot can cause small open spaces in the woods? A single infection center can spread from tree to tree, gradually felling one after another until the rot encounters unsusceptible tree species or existing gaps that stop it.

On March 23^rd the Marys Peak Group of the Sierra Club sponsored a hike with botanist and forest ecologist Howard Bruner. A number of hikers walked the Old Growth and New Growth trails in MacDonald Forest and listened to his information on the ways our forests work. Howard’s goal had been to help us see the forest in new ways, and he succeeded. The above is just a hint of what we learned.

The Marys Peak Group of the Sierra Club has a diverse outings program, check out their calendar for upcoming outings: http://oregon.sierraclub.org/groups/marys_peak/events/

 SIERRA CLUB OPPOSES PORTLAND WATER FLUORIDATION MEASURE 26-151

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Sierra Club today announced its opposition to Ballot Measure 26-151, the water fluoridation measure that voters will decide on this May.  The Club made its decision based on long-term evidence of adverse health risks from fluoridation chemicals and the concern that fluoridation would introduce dangerous quantities of toxic and carcinogenic chemicals into local rivers through sewage effluent.

“Human health is intertwined with the health of our rivers, aquatic life, and entire ecosystem,” said Antonia Giedwoyn, spokesperson for Oregon Sierra Club’s Columbia Group, which made the decision to oppose the measure. “We strongly support comprehensive dental care for our children, but this is the wrong path to that goal.”

“Sierra Club opposes fluoridation, because it would degrade some of the purest drinking water in the world. Kids are already bombarded with multiple toxins from plastics, pesticides, and air pollution.  Adding fluorosilicic acid, a byproduct of the phosphate fertilizer industry, to Portland’s water would be a profound disservice to our children,” Giedwoyn said.

Fluorosilicic acid added to all Portland water would drain into rivers and streams. Fisheries scientist and Columbia Group Chair Jeff Fryer explained the club’s concerns about adding over 1 million pounds of fluoridation chemicals a year into Portland’s water system.

“We are disappointed that City Council rushed the fluoridation vote before evaluating impacts to salmon and other aquatic life, because there is no question that fluoridation chemicals would add a large quantity of a known toxin into rivers that are already overloaded with toxins,” Fryer said.

Claims that fluoridating the water would add a “natural mineral” are false. Fluorosilicic acid — which is neither natural, nor a mineral — is the chemical mixture the City would use to fluoridate. This man-made chemical is highly corrosive and is classified as “hazardous” by the National Institutes of Health’s Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Unlike fluoride in toothpaste, fluorosilicic acid is not pharmaceutical grade.

Numerous scientific studies have linked fluorosilicic acid exposure in drinking water to serious health risks such as increased risk of bone cancer, neurological impairment, thyroid dysfunction, and more.

If the measure passes, the City will charge water ratepayers for a fluoridation facility estimated to cost between $3.5 and $7.6 million, along with $575,000 per year indefinitely on fluoridation chemicals and plant operations.

“Spending millions of dollars to pollute our water with fluorosilicic acid, an industrial waste, would be dangerous and misguided. We can better serve Portland kids by increasing their access to dental care and prevention,” said Sierra Club member Sheila Golden, chair of Columbia Group’s Bull Run Task Force.

“For the sake of our children and our rivers, Sierra Club urges you to vote NO on acid fluoridation chemicals this May,” said Giedwoyn. “Sierra Club has been committed to healthy children for more than a century, and we want fewer chemicals in our water, not more.”

Sierra Club, founded by John Muir in 1892, is the nation’s oldest and largest environmental organization.

###

Relevant references:

“The most commonly used additives are silicofluorides, not the fluoride salts used in dental products (such as sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride). Silicofluorides are one of the by-products from the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.” National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences: “Fluoride in Drinking Water, A Scientific Review of EPA’s Standards” (2006). http://www.nao.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11571

PWB spending:  City of Portland Water Bureau, “Cost to Implement Fluoridation,” June 8, 2012,  on file; referenced in   oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2012/08/fluoride_group_secures_second.html

We can now add Salem to the list of the more than 30 other cities, counties, and other entities that have expressed concern or opposition about coal exports!

A HUGE congratulations to everyone who made this happen.   It took a lot of work to get to this point.

Congratulations, especially to Evan White, Hans West, Eric Spivak and Jim Scheppke for their outstanding leadership of the Salem Beyond Coal Task Force and careful, strategic work to get Neighborhood Associations and Councilmembers on board.  Evan White and Hans West have worked tirelessly over recent weeks to make this happen.

Hats off, of course, to Lucy Sedgewick, Green Corps organizer who worked on the Sierra Club Beyond Coal campaign in Salem in the fall.  Lucy kick started all of this work and built up a team of leaders and volunteer activists in Salem who brought this campaign over the finish line.

Rhett Lawrence, Conservation Director

Rhett Lawrence is the Conservation Director for the Oregon Chapter, having started in that role in February 2013. A Sierra Club member since 1990, Rhett was deeply involved in volunteer activities and Club outings when he lived in south Georgia in the 1990s. He was the Georgia Chapter’s issue leader for the Okefenokee Swamp and fought vigorously in an ultimately successful effort to stop the DuPont Corporation from building a titanium mine on the edge of the Okefenokee. Rhett was also heavily involved in the chapter’s efforts around the Cumberland Island National Seashore and the conflicts with the wilderness area there.

A native of South Carolina, Rhett received a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Emory University in Atlanta and a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens. After law school, he worked for Georgia Legal Services in Waycross, Georgia, for 5 years and had the honor of arguing one of his cases in front of the Georgia Supreme Court (he won!). Then, after several years of practicing environmental law in Savannah, Georgia, Rhett moved to Oregon in 2000 to head up the Clean Water and Toxics programs for OSPIRG. Just prior to coming to the Oregon Chapter, Rhett was a Policy Analyst for the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition for 6 years. In that capacity, he worked on a campaign to restore endangered Columbia and Snake River salmon by removing the costly and outdated lower Snake River dams in eastern Washington.

Before the birth of his daughter, Camille, in 2005, Rhett was involved in many outdoor activities, some of which he still finds time to do now, between swim classes, soccer games, and Girl Scout meetings. Rhett and his wife, LeeAnn Friedman, enjoy taking Camille out on hikes, bike rides, and the occasional paddle on the Columbia Slough in their 16-foot green Coleman canoe. And though Rhett’s primary mountain climbing days seem to be behind him now, he still maintains that he will return to the summit of Mt. Hood with Camille for his 50^th birthday in 2018.

Contact Chris at:
(503) 238-0442 x304
rhett.lawrence@sierraclub.org

Chris Smith, State Forest Organizer

Chris works as the Conservation Program Coordinator for the Oregon Chapter’s state forest conservation effort. Focusing on the Tillamook and Clatsop forests on Oregon’s north coast, the campaign’s focus is on protecting clean drinking water, salmon and steelhead populations, wildlife habitat, and favorite recreation spots.

These forests, which have historically faced significant pressure from the timber industry and have been victim to human-induced fires, are in the process of recovery and their balanced management is crucial to the north coast’s legacy of natural resources and natural beauty.

Growing up in the high desert of New Mexico, Chris moved to Oregon in 2005 for a radically different landscape. He received his B.A. in Religious Studies from Lewis & Clark College in 2009 and ironically moved to Greece to find work. After returning from Greece, Chris organized for the Club’s voter turnout campaign in 2010 before working as a cook at Outdoor School and as an artist’s assistant building a giant tree chandelier. In 2011, He moved to Chicago to enroll in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago. The draw of working on a collaborative campaign, along with the outdoors opportunities that Oregon offers, brought Chris back to Portland in 2012.

Along with environmentalism, Chris is interested in the academic study of religion, literature from a variety of sociocultural contexts, grating music, embarrassing fishing tactics, low-level rec league sports, friends, and the outdoors.

Contact Chris at:
(503) 238-0442 x307
chris.smith@sierraclub.org

With 450 people in attendance, we rallied the capital to say NO to coal exports. Credit Gregory Sotir

On Wednesday, March 13^th, over 450 Oregon residents and a diverse group of local leaders flooded the steps of Oregon’s Capitol to call on Governor Kitzhaber to deny Ambre Energy a dredging permit at the Port of Morrow.   Ambre’s proposed  8.8 million ton per year Morrow Pacific coal export project poses significant risks, including increased coal train traffic, damage to the shoreline and wetlands with the construction of a dock, threatened fishing grounds, and a near doubling of barge traffic in the Columbia River Gorge.

The same day, Ambre Energy requested a deadline extension from the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL).  The request followed Ambre’s March 1^st letter to DSL, balking at the state agency’s request for more information about the potential impacts of the coal terminal and greater consultation with impacted parties.  The new decision date is now September 1^st.  ( Coal exporter Ambre Energy faces 5-month delay on Oregon permit)

A diverse set of speakers— including doctors, fishermen, elected officials, business owners, and faith leaders— spoke out against coal export at the rally. Milwaukie Mayor Jeremy Ferguson emceed the event.   The event was organized by the Portland, Salem, and SW Washington Sierra Club Beyond Coal Task Force teams, and members of  the Power Past Coal Coalition –including Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Columbia Riverkeeper, Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility, and the National Wildlife Foundation.

Milwaukie Mayor Jeremy Ferguson emceeing the event. Photo credit Greg Sotir

The Morrow Pacific project is essentially unstudied, yet Ambre Energy and its partners are pushing public officials to ignore their due diligence and move forward with permit issuance without so much as a public review. At the rally, many voiced that they can’t trust the Australian-based coal company.  In 2011 Ambre Energy lied to the community of Longview about its plans to expand from annual coal shipments of 5 million tons to as much as 80 million tons—15 times the amount claimed on its application.  Ambre’s refusal to disclose the full impacts of the Morrow Pacific project – as revealed in their letters to Oregon DSL – demonstrated a continuation of the company trying to hide the problems and full risks of the project.

Dr. Patrick O’Herron, M.D., a local surgeon practicing trauma and acute care surgery in Salem warned that Oregonians are being set up to be guinea pigs for a dangerous experiment if hundreds of coal trains are allowed to pass through local communities every month, blocking crucial intersections and delaying emergency response times.

“In trauma we speak of the golden hour. If a patient can be in the operating room within an hour of being injured they can survive pretty horrific injuries,” said Dr. O’Herron. “An hour from injury to the operating room doesn’t leave much time for dilly dallying. Would you want to be bleeding to death from an injury in the back of ambulance waiting for a mile and a half long coal train to lumber by?”

Salem trauma surgeon Dr. Patrick O’Herron, M.D., addresses the crowd at the Sound the Alarm Rally on March 13th . Photo by Greg Sotir.

Bob Rees, the President of Northwest Guides and Anglers Association in Tillamook, is a sixth-generation Oregonian, life-long sportsman, and a professional fishing guide for over 20 years. He pointed to the environmental degradation that occurs with immense carbon emissions associated with the transporting and burning of coal as a serious threat to the longevity of the Pacific Northwest fishing industry.

“Coal is a leading culprit in the further degradation of our sensitive environment,” said Rees. “Our Pacific Northwest salmon stocks need clean water and healthy ecosystems. Coal exports push these already sensitive fish populations in the wrong direction, further jeopardizing the tens of thousands of jobs that salmon currently support.”

Echoing concerns about jobs, Marshall Runkel, a managing partner of GreenHome by EcoTech said that if we want to grow the economy, we’re going the wrong direction with exporting coal. “We don’t need to strip mine our country and ship our resources overseas to create jobs, says Runkel. “If our goal is jobs, then we should invest in energy efficiency which would create thousands of great jobs for insulators, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. These industries are integral to the fabric of our local communities.”

Additional speakers and delegates included:

• Business leader Tim Hitchins, co-owner of Portland restaurant Blossoming Lotus
• Neighborhood Association leaders: Anjala Ehelbe, Co-Chair of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Greg Sotir, Cully NA, Shawn Looney and Rob Lee of Linnton NA, Steve Couche of the SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition
• Health professionals Dr. Theodora Tsongas, M.D., Dr. Adriana Voss-Andreae, M.D., Ph.D; Diane Winn, RN, MPH; Alona Steinke, RN, and Marilee Dea MSRN
• Recreationists With Jim Chase, hiker; and Steve Goldstein, kayaker, and Mac McKinley, hiker.
• Larissa DeHaas, Willamette University student.  With many fellow students from Willamette University, including Charleen Gust, Alex Lanz, Anna Freitas, and Peter Tkach; and 5th grader Yona Voss-Andreae.
• Reverend Rick Davis, Unitarian Universalist Church of Salem. With Rev Vernon Groves, First United Methodist Church, Rev. Janet Parker, Salem United Church of Christ, and Rev. John Schweibert, Metanoia Peace Community, United Methodist Church.

Reverend Rick Davis speaks to the moral importance of stopping coal exports. Photo by Greg Sotir

Ambre Energy has proposed to ship 8.8 million tons of coal down the Columbia River every year. Coal would be mined in Powder River Basin in Montana and Wyoming and shipped by rail to the Port of Morrow in Boardman, OR. It would then be transferred to barges and shipped down the Columbia River to Port Westward, where it would be transferred to ships and exported to Asia. This is one of five proposed coal export projects in the Pacific Northwest.

The last eight months has seen Oregonians express significant support for the effort to create “High Value Conservation Areas” on state forest land. The formal process began at a Board of Forestry meeting last July (with roots extending beforehand) where members of the Sierra Club,  Oregon Trout Unlimited, the Association of Northwest Steelheaders, the Wild Salmon Center, and the Association of Northwest Guides & Anglers, along with other conservationists and elected officials expressed support for unprecedented Conservation Areas–areas classified to highlight and clarify lands that offer conservation values. The Board responded favorably to testimony and voted 4-2 to direct the Department of Forestry to begin drafting language for the new classification.

Since the Department drafted the new rule language, public comments supportive of HVCAs have been pouring in. As these areas will help improve fish and wildlife habitat, protect clean drinking water sources, maintain recreation areas, and mitigate landslide risk, favorable comments have come from a variety or perspectives.

The conservation community shows its support in Cannon Beach

The recent highlight of this process were extremely well-attended public hearings in Cannon Beach and Hillsboro. Testimony was overwhelmingly in favor of conservation areas and attendees included Washington County Commissioners Schouten and Malinowski, Clatsop County Commissioners Scott Lee, Debra Birkby, and Peter Huhtala, Wheeler City Mayor Stevie Burden, Cannon Beach Mayor Mike Morgan, and Cannon Beach City Councilor Melissa Cadwallader.

The hearings were a great success for the conservation community and we hope that the rule will be ratified at the June 5th Board of Forestry meeting in Salem. Comments can be submitted to the Department of Forestry until 5 pm on April 19th. Click here to voice your support!

Until June, we hope to continue to gather support and educate Oregonians about the management and values of our state forests. Visit the North Coast State Forest Coalition’s website for more information.

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem.

The 2013 Oregon Legislative Session is in full swing, and Sierra Club staff are closely tracking proposed bills and meeting with legislators in Salem to advocate for preservation of Oregon’s pristine wilderness, wildlife protection, and clean, renewable energy. Here is a list of just a few of the bills we are working on:

• Waldo Lake:  Senate Bill 602 would ban the use of motorized floatplanes on Waldo Lake. Waldo Lake is one of Oregon’s largest natural lakes and is a destination for paddlers, hikers, and cyclists. Motorized floatplanes disrupt the peaceful serenity recreational users seek, and also pose safety concerns. Senate Bill 602 has earned a substantial amount of public support. At a public hearing on March 13, paddlers, conservationists, and native Oregonians spoke to the Senate Committee on Energy and the Environment about their appreciation for Waldo Lake and the need to keep the lake free of motorized floatplanes and boats. The bill passed out of committee on March 18 and now heads to the Senate Floor. We will continue to monitor and advocate for Senate Bill 602, and we urge you to contact your legislators and express your hope for a non-motorized Waldo Lake.
• Solar Resource Value:  House Bill 2893 would require that utilities pay for unused distributed solar energy from homes and businesses. This would replace the current pilot program in Oregon, and would encourage the expansion of solar energy, which will help Oregonians move away from reliance on fossil fuels and switch to clean energy replacements.
• Energy Performance Standards:  Senate Bill 242 would amend the Energy Performance Standards adopted in 2009, which prevent Oregon utilities from entering into contracts to provide coal-generated electricity to Oregonians. The proposed bill would require that utilities complete a formal cost-benefit analysis before upgrading any coal-fired power plants. The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign has worked hard to move Oregon past its dependence on fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy. Amending the Energy Performance Standards would help to ensure that Oregon utilities look to renewable sources of energy, rather than coal.
• Clean Fuels Program:  Senate Bill 488 would extend Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, which set forth standards for reducing the amount of carbon in transportation fuels. Washington and California have similar standards. Oregon’s Clean Fuels standards are set to sunset in 2014. Senate Bill 488 would extend the program, ensuring a significantly lower amount of greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. We are working with a coalition of Oregon environmental organizations to extend the Clean Fuels Program.
• Defending Renewable Portfolio Standards:  This legislative session has seen many attacks on Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standards, which require that large utilities source 25 percent of their energy from clean, renewable sources by 2025. House Bill 2108, House Bill 2713, and House Bill 2274 would weaken the Renewable Portfolio Standards by allowing non-renewable energy sources to qualify under the program’s standards. We are working hard to ensure that these attacks are not successful.

We are also tracking many other bills. One that we are closely watching House Bill 2106, which would set up new standards for siting any new development in sage grouse habitat in central and eastern Oregon. And as with every legislative session, we are seeing renewed attacks on wolves, cougars, and other wildlife, so we are tracking those bills closely, and working with legislators and state agencies to protect wildlife. There’s no shortage of legislative activity to keep us busy in Salem, so stay tuned for more developments!

The Oregon Sierra Club has worked for years to protect the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests in Northwest Oregon and now, with a responsive Governor and Board of Forestry, we are on the cusp of the creation of “High Value Conservation Areas.”

This new classification will include fish and wildlife habitat, clean drinking water sources, landslide risk areas, and recreation spots. As we move forward, we hope to ensure that the classification is durable, robust, and long-lasting. This new classification language is a start, but there is work to be done and now is the time to do it!

Devil’s Lake Fork in the Tillamook Forest

Those interested in impacting Oregon’s forest legacy are encouraged to attend either of the following public hearings:

Tuesday March 12: Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce (207 North Spruce)
5 pm Open house with maps and pizza!
6 pm Formal public comment period begins

Wednesday March 13: Hillsboro Main Library
(2850 Brookwood Parkway)
5 pm Open house with maps and pizza!
6 pm Formal public comment period begins

If you have comments but cannot attend either of these hearings, click here!

For more information, email Chris Smith or visit www.forestegacy.org