The State Land Board has recognized the Neitzel Farm Habitat Restoration in an awards ceremony honoring exemplary efforts to promote responsible stewardship of Oregon's natural resources.
In presenting one of two 2009 Wetland Project Awards, Secretary of State Kate Brown, a member of the Land Board, praised the project as a "model of rural community networking."
The Neitzel farm is the last historic truck farm in the area that has not been subdivided. The owners Ernestine Neitzel and her son Les wanted to ensure the property would be preserved in a natural state in perpetuity. The project turned .61 acres on the farm into active wetlands.
The Neitzels worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Department of State Lands and Carex Consulting to construct the wetlands, which involved restoring and reconnecting off-channel wetlands to improve habitat for Coho salmon and other species.
The project involved a wide variety of partners, including the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, the North Coast Land Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Campbell Group LLC, Longview Timber Company, State Rep. Debbie Boone, the Necanicum Watershed Council, Trout Unlimited, Brims Farm & Garden, and many more public and private entities.
"More than 20 community groups contributed support ranging from hard dollar funding to donations of Christmas trees for use in the wetland complex," said project consultant Doug Ray of Carex Consulting. Ray noted that one of the more innovative concepts used in the design was placing upside-down conifers with root wads for raptor perching and potential nesting sites.
Ray also said that since connecting to the Necanicum River in November 2009, the created wetland complex has provided critical over-wintering habitat for more than 1,000 juvenile Coho and for spawning amphibians, including Oregon red-legged frogs, a state-listed species.
In her remarks, Secretary of State Brown noted the Neitzel Farm wetland restoration is "a wonderful example of how landowners with a vision can truly make a difference."
The State Land Board consists of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon's Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Barge capsizes near Astoria, Ore.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., is seen approaching a capsized barge eight miles west of the Columbia River bar near Astoria, Ore., Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The barge capsized while being towed by the tug Gen. Jackson and was carrying a load of scrap metal and approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel. No injuries were reported. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Group/Air Station Astoria.
The crew of the 100-foot Canadian tug General Jackson contacted the Coast Guard to report their 295-foot barge had capsized at about 7:30 a.m. A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew from Group/Air Station Astoria and a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash., were sent to the scene.
The barge was loaded with 4500 tons of scrap metal and contains approximately 500 gallons of diesel fuel. The scrap metal came free from the barge and fell to the bottom of the ocean. The capsizing occurred in approximately 300 feet of water and weather on scene was calm. The Coast Guard has contacted the vessel owner, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Washington Department of Ecology. No injuries have been reported and a light sheen has been observed coming from the vessel.
Friday, April 9, 2010
HEARING ON BRADWOOD SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATIONS WRAPS UP APRIL 16
The public hearing on eight supplemental applications related to the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG project will conclude Friday, April 16. Another session of the hearing tentatively scheduled for April 13 has been cancelled.
The hearing began April 6 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building in Astoria and was continued Thursday, April 8. After all audience members at Thursday’s session had been offered the opportunity to testify, Hearings Officer Peter Livingston announced that a third session tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 would be cancelled and that the final session of the hearing will take place April 16.
That session will begin at 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
Project applicant Bradwood Landing LLC/NorthernStar Energy LLC has submitted supplemental applications for eight components required under the county’s March 2008 conditional approval of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal and associated facilities at Bradwood Landing 25 miles east of Astoria. Those supplemental applications cover the Shoreline Monitoring Plan, Dredge Material Disposal Plan, Park-and-Ride Plan, Mitigation Plan, Clifton and Bradwood Road Improvements Conditional Use Permit, Decommissioning Plan, Riparian Vegetation Restoration Plan, and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
A copy of the applications, staff reports and public agency comments may be reviewed at the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Bradwood Landing Supplemental Applications.” The documents are also available for review at the Clatsop County Transportation and Development Services ? Land Use Planning Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100, Astoria at no cost, and copies may be obtained at reasonable cost.
The hearing began April 6 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building in Astoria and was continued Thursday, April 8. After all audience members at Thursday’s session had been offered the opportunity to testify, Hearings Officer Peter Livingston announced that a third session tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 would be cancelled and that the final session of the hearing will take place April 16.
That session will begin at 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
Project applicant Bradwood Landing LLC/NorthernStar Energy LLC has submitted supplemental applications for eight components required under the county’s March 2008 conditional approval of the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal and associated facilities at Bradwood Landing 25 miles east of Astoria. Those supplemental applications cover the Shoreline Monitoring Plan, Dredge Material Disposal Plan, Park-and-Ride Plan, Mitigation Plan, Clifton and Bradwood Road Improvements Conditional Use Permit, Decommissioning Plan, Riparian Vegetation Restoration Plan, and Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
A copy of the applications, staff reports and public agency comments may be reviewed at the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Bradwood Landing Supplemental Applications.” The documents are also available for review at the Clatsop County Transportation and Development Services ? Land Use Planning Office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100, Astoria at no cost, and copies may be obtained at reasonable cost.
Car Wash Saturday to Raise Funds for Local Theatre Director's Breast Cancer Treatments
On Saturday April 10th, from 10am to 2pm there will be a car wash held at Vince Williams Suzuki dealer, 801 SE Marlin Ave, at the corner of Marlin and 101, in Warrenton. Proceeds will go towards the fundraising drive that's underway for Meg Patterson's breast cancer treatment. Meg, a local Astoria theatre director (Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at the River Theatre), former manager of the River Theatre, and former ESL teacher and Recreation Advisor at Tongue Point JobCorps, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008. Since then, she has had two surgeries, each followed by a more aggressive recurrence, and she is now at Stage IV with bone metastasis. She is planning to begin a three-week treatment at the Cancer Hope Center in Reno, Nevada on April 19th.
The car wash is being organized by Candice White, of White Glove Cleaning, who met Meg when a college friend of Meg's looked to Craigslist online to give Meg a gift of a housecleaning last Christmas. An online fundraiser for medical treatments that are not covered by insurance has been organized by Meg's friends from all around the country at
The car wash was Candice's idea, and she has recruited several high school students to wash the cars, as well as the donation of the car wash facility by Vince Williams of Warrenton Suzuki. In case of rain, the car wash will be held the following Saturday, April 17th. Donations can also be made directly to the fund online, or at Clatsop Community Bank on Commercial Street in Astoria.
The car wash is being organized by Candice White, of White Glove Cleaning, who met Meg when a college friend of Meg's looked to Craigslist online to give Meg a gift of a housecleaning last Christmas. An online fundraiser for medical treatments that are not covered by insurance has been organized by Meg's friends from all around the country at
The car wash was Candice's idea, and she has recruited several high school students to wash the cars, as well as the donation of the car wash facility by Vince Williams of Warrenton Suzuki. In case of rain, the car wash will be held the following Saturday, April 17th. Donations can also be made directly to the fund online, or at Clatsop Community Bank on Commercial Street in Astoria.
Community Preparedness Webinar Series
FEMA’s Individual & Community Preparedness Division is excited to announce the eighth webinar in the Community Preparedness Webinar Series: National 9-1-1 Education Month: Partnering with E9-1-1 Institute and Engaging Local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). The Community Preparedness Webinar Series provides up-to-date information on community preparedness topics and resources available to citizens, community organizations, and Citizen Corps Councils. This LIVE webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th at 2:00 EDT and will provide information about 9-1-1 education, innovation, and the importance of working closely with local PSAPs. Webinar login will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar and registration is not required. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.
Live Webinar: National 9-1-1 Education Month: Partnering with E9-1-1 Institute and Engaging Local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) April 14th @ 2:00 PM
April is National 9-1-1 Education Month. Citizen Corps’ affiliate, E9-1-1 Institute, encourages local communities to call upon educators, parents, public officials, and telecommunications industry leaders to join a national effort to educate the public on the importance of the 9-1-1 emergency call number system and its appropriate use during April. 9-1-1 is nationally recognized as the number to call in an emergency to receive immediate help from police, fire, EMS or other appropriate emergency response entities. It is important that all levels of government and community stakeholders understand the importance of 9-1-1, how the system works today, and necessary steps to modernize the 9-1-1 system.
The E9-1-1 Institute promotes public education on 9-1-1 and emergency communications. The E9-1-1 Institute shares the mission of the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, which is a joint initiative to educate lawmakers, constituents, and committees about the importance of citizen-activated emergency response systems. The E9-1-1 Institute serves as an information clearinghouse for policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as for interested organizations and the general public. Gregory Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute, will discuss how the 9-1-1 system connects the eyes and ears of the public to the emergency response system. Mr. Rohde will highlight how to work with the E9-1-1 Institute to promote 9-1-1 education and citizen-activated emergency response systems to lawmakers, community stakeholders, and citizens.
Mr. Rohde will be joined by Wanda Royster Gattison from the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington DC. Ms. Gattison will provide a local perspective to the imperative role 9-1-1 public safety answering points (PSAPs) play in emergency response. PSAPs are often the first to know of emergencies of all magnitudes, making 9-1-1 a significant asset to emergency responders and the public. Ms. Gattison will discuss the essential relationship which must exist between PSAPs and their communities to educate the public about 9-1-1 and proper communications and messages during a disaster.
The Community Preparedness Webinar Series features new community preparedness topics several times each month and is free to the public. Each webinar will accommodate the first 500 visitors that enter the website at the time of the webinar. In addition to airing live, the webinar will be recorded and viewable at your convenience on the Citizen Corps website (www.citizencorps.gov) usually within 24 hours after the live webcast. To join the webinar live simply go to http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts/e911month.shtm and click on the button on the upper right side of the page that says "Join the Webinar". The button will be live 10 minutes prior to the start of the webinar. Sign in as a guest.
If you need special accommodations or require additional assistance to view or listen to this webinar, please email us at citizencorps@dhs.gov no later than 5pm EST on Monday, April 12th and we will provide you with additional resources so you may participate.
More details on this webinar and upcoming webinars in the Community Preparedness Webinar Series are available at http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm.
Live Webinar: National 9-1-1 Education Month: Partnering with E9-1-1 Institute and Engaging Local Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) April 14th @ 2:00 PM
April is National 9-1-1 Education Month. Citizen Corps’ affiliate, E9-1-1 Institute, encourages local communities to call upon educators, parents, public officials, and telecommunications industry leaders to join a national effort to educate the public on the importance of the 9-1-1 emergency call number system and its appropriate use during April. 9-1-1 is nationally recognized as the number to call in an emergency to receive immediate help from police, fire, EMS or other appropriate emergency response entities. It is important that all levels of government and community stakeholders understand the importance of 9-1-1, how the system works today, and necessary steps to modernize the 9-1-1 system.
The E9-1-1 Institute promotes public education on 9-1-1 and emergency communications. The E9-1-1 Institute shares the mission of the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, which is a joint initiative to educate lawmakers, constituents, and committees about the importance of citizen-activated emergency response systems. The E9-1-1 Institute serves as an information clearinghouse for policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as for interested organizations and the general public. Gregory Rohde, Executive Director of the E9-1-1 Institute, will discuss how the 9-1-1 system connects the eyes and ears of the public to the emergency response system. Mr. Rohde will highlight how to work with the E9-1-1 Institute to promote 9-1-1 education and citizen-activated emergency response systems to lawmakers, community stakeholders, and citizens.
Mr. Rohde will be joined by Wanda Royster Gattison from the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in Washington DC. Ms. Gattison will provide a local perspective to the imperative role 9-1-1 public safety answering points (PSAPs) play in emergency response. PSAPs are often the first to know of emergencies of all magnitudes, making 9-1-1 a significant asset to emergency responders and the public. Ms. Gattison will discuss the essential relationship which must exist between PSAPs and their communities to educate the public about 9-1-1 and proper communications and messages during a disaster.
The Community Preparedness Webinar Series features new community preparedness topics several times each month and is free to the public. Each webinar will accommodate the first 500 visitors that enter the website at the time of the webinar. In addition to airing live, the webinar will be recorded and viewable at your convenience on the Citizen Corps website (www.citizencorps.gov) usually within 24 hours after the live webcast. To join the webinar live simply go to http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts/e911month.shtm and click on the button on the upper right side of the page that says "Join the Webinar". The button will be live 10 minutes prior to the start of the webinar. Sign in as a guest.
If you need special accommodations or require additional assistance to view or listen to this webinar, please email us at citizencorps@dhs.gov no later than 5pm EST on Monday, April 12th and we will provide you with additional resources so you may participate.
More details on this webinar and upcoming webinars in the Community Preparedness Webinar Series are available at http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Coast Guard warns to prepare for storms
SEATTLE — With heavy weather in the Pacific Northwest the Coast Guard is strongly encouraging mariners to take the necessary steps to ensure their boats are properly secured.
Strong winds and heavy surf are in the forecast for Thursday.
Boaters should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:
Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor supplied with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls. If your vessel becomes adrift due to the storm, report it immediately.
Check all of your anchor and mooring lines to verify they are in good condition and double the amount of mooring lines for added strength.
Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas and shielded from powerful winds to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
Cover your boat, heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation, trigger unnecessary and costly search and rescue missions and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information visible within the vessel. With this information, agencies responding to vessels adrift can promptly return the vessel to its owner.
Wear personal floatation devices and have one for each person aboard. History has shown the chances of survival greatly increase if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_jacket_wear_wearing_your_life_jacket.aspx
For a detailed coastal weather forecast, click the National Weather Service link for your area:
Western Wash. -
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/wa.php?x=1
Ore. Coasts -
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/or.php?x=1
Strong winds and heavy surf are in the forecast for Thursday.
Boaters should follow these guidelines to ensure their safety:
Ensure you have a storm anchor. The anchor supplied with a boat is often inadequate for the storms in the Pacific Northwest. An improper or inadequate anchor can cause your boat to drift and may lead to unnecessary search and rescue calls. If your vessel becomes adrift due to the storm, report it immediately.
Check all of your anchor and mooring lines to verify they are in good condition and double the amount of mooring lines for added strength.
Small boats should be removed from the water and moved to a secure location well above tidal and flood areas and shielded from powerful winds to ensure they are not washed out to sea.
Cover your boat, heavy rains can flood boats and even cause sinking in extreme cases. Protect your boat and be sure your vessel is adequately covered when it is moored to prevent flooding. If you can't bring your boat onto shore, make sure it is securely fastened to its dock. Vessels that break free from their moorings can become a hazard to navigation, trigger unnecessary and costly search and rescue missions and endanger the lives of those who must retrieve them.
Ensure boat registration numbers are updated with correct owner information. Consider keeping owner contact information visible within the vessel. With this information, agencies responding to vessels adrift can promptly return the vessel to its owner.
Wear personal floatation devices and have one for each person aboard. History has shown the chances of survival greatly increase if an individual is wearing a personal floatation device. For more information on life jacket requirements visit:
http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_jacket_wear_wearing_your_life_jacket.aspx
For a detailed coastal weather forecast, click the National Weather Service link for your area:
Western Wash. -
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/wa.php?x=1
Ore. Coasts -
http://www.weather.gov/alerts-beta/or.php?x=1
Clatsop, Marion, and Tillamook Counties state highway construction update: April 13-19
U.S. 101: Columbia River (Astoria – Megler) Bridge
(Oregon Coast Highway, mile post 0.00 to 0.72)
This project consists of recoating the steel on the northern side of the Columbia River Bridge along U.S. 101 north of Astoria.
The scheduled work includes coating structural steel underneath the bridge deck. A 35 mph speed limit through the construction zone will be maintained for the duration of the project. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. In March, April, and May, lane delays will be allowed anytime on weekdays starting Sunday at midnight through 6:PM on Friday. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes during the daytime and drive through the area with caution. The project is scheduled to be completed in November 2011.
I-5: Tongue & Groove Barrier Replacement Project
(Pacific Highway, mile post 244.43 to 249.43)
This project consists of replacing concrete barrier just south of Salem between M.P. 244.43 and 249.43 on I-5 (Pacific Highway).
The scheduled work includes removal and replacement of concrete barrier along the roadway shoulder on I-5 in the southbound direction north of the Jefferson Hwy 99E SE Interchange. In addition, fencing will be installed on top of the barrier along the northbound shoulder on I-5. Expect nightly lane closures on the Pacific Highway and drive with caution. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required along the Enchanted Way frontage road. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2010.
Region 2 Fish Passage (Bergsvik Creek)
(Necanicum Highway, mile post 2.17 to 2.28)
This project consists of replacing an arch pipe under the roadway with a concrete box culvert on OR53 (Necanicum Highway) two miles south of the junction between OR53 and US26 (Sunset Highway).
No work is currently scheduled for this week. The project is scheduled to be completed in November 2010.
OR53: Necanicum River Bridge
(Necanicum Highway, mile post 0.06 to 0.18)
This project consists of replacing a bridge on OR53 (Necanicum Highway) just south of the junction between OR53 and US26 (Sunset Highway).
The scheduled work includes mobilization of the Contractor’s equipment to the project site and clearing of brush and timber from the work area. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2010.
US101: 12th St. (Tillamook) – Farmer Creek Road Section
(Oregon Coast Highway, mile posts 66.23 to 76.00 and 80.61 to 82.82)
This project consists of rebuilding and repaving the roadway on U.S. 101 in the area between the south end of Tillamook and Farmer Creek Rd.
The scheduled work includes installation of a new concrete deck overlay on the Trask River Bridge at mile post 67.98. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes and drive through the area with caution. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2010.
(Oregon Coast Highway, mile post 0.00 to 0.72)
This project consists of recoating the steel on the northern side of the Columbia River Bridge along U.S. 101 north of Astoria.
The scheduled work includes coating structural steel underneath the bridge deck. A 35 mph speed limit through the construction zone will be maintained for the duration of the project. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. In March, April, and May, lane delays will be allowed anytime on weekdays starting Sunday at midnight through 6:PM on Friday. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes during the daytime and drive through the area with caution. The project is scheduled to be completed in November 2011.
I-5: Tongue & Groove Barrier Replacement Project
(Pacific Highway, mile post 244.43 to 249.43)
This project consists of replacing concrete barrier just south of Salem between M.P. 244.43 and 249.43 on I-5 (Pacific Highway).
The scheduled work includes removal and replacement of concrete barrier along the roadway shoulder on I-5 in the southbound direction north of the Jefferson Hwy 99E SE Interchange. In addition, fencing will be installed on top of the barrier along the northbound shoulder on I-5. Expect nightly lane closures on the Pacific Highway and drive with caution. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required along the Enchanted Way frontage road. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2010.
Region 2 Fish Passage (Bergsvik Creek)
(Necanicum Highway, mile post 2.17 to 2.28)
This project consists of replacing an arch pipe under the roadway with a concrete box culvert on OR53 (Necanicum Highway) two miles south of the junction between OR53 and US26 (Sunset Highway).
No work is currently scheduled for this week. The project is scheduled to be completed in November 2010.
OR53: Necanicum River Bridge
(Necanicum Highway, mile post 0.06 to 0.18)
This project consists of replacing a bridge on OR53 (Necanicum Highway) just south of the junction between OR53 and US26 (Sunset Highway).
The scheduled work includes mobilization of the Contractor’s equipment to the project site and clearing of brush and timber from the work area. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. The project is scheduled to be completed in December 2010.
US101: 12th St. (Tillamook) – Farmer Creek Road Section
(Oregon Coast Highway, mile posts 66.23 to 76.00 and 80.61 to 82.82)
This project consists of rebuilding and repaving the roadway on U.S. 101 in the area between the south end of Tillamook and Farmer Creek Rd.
The scheduled work includes installation of a new concrete deck overlay on the Trask River Bridge at mile post 67.98. Flaggers will control single lane traffic during construction activities as required. Expect delays of up to 20 minutes and drive through the area with caution. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2010.
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