CASCADIA WILDLANDS we like it wild. PO BOX 10455 • EUGENE, OR 97440
US Postage PAID Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 82 Eugene, OR
Oregon Dunes
CASCADIAQUARTERLY news + fun from cascadia wildlands
Winter 2010 News and Fun
➡ Fighting for the
Winter 2010
what’s inside?
➡ Taking on Tongass
Old Growth Destruction
➡ Elliott Rainforests:
Save the Date!
Clearcut or Carbon?
➡ Tips to Green Your Party
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
➡ Community Calendar A mosaic of rainforests, dunes and water, the Oregon Dunes are unlike any other place on the planet.
Wednesday February 24
Protecting the Oregon Dunes ATVs Threaten One of Cascadia’s Most Unique and Fragile Environments. by Dan Kruse, Legal Director.
“GANG-LIKE” ATV GROUPS: “OUT OF CONTROL” IN ONE OF EARTH’S MOST UNIQUE AND FRAGILE ENVIRONMENTS
cacophony
There are more than a few breathtaking and aweinspiring places to see in the Pacific Northwest, but the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is unique
endangered shorebird called the snowy plover, which lays its eggs in the sand and is highly vulnerable to human disturbances.
among them. Stretching for forty miles between Florence and Coos Bay and averaging more than a mile wide, the Oregon Dunes are the largest expanse of sand dunes along the Pacific Coast in all of North America.
The greatest threat to the Oregon Dunes today is not from logging or mining (as is the case on other public lands) but from the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The Oregon Dunes have become one of the most popular ATV joyriding destinations in the
Like something out of the Arabian Desert, the Oregon Dunes are dominated by rolling hills of windblown sand hundreds of feet tall and miles long. The landscape is rugged and harsh, but the dunes are full of life. In fact, the unique and fragile environment
entire Northwest. In the fragile dunes environment, illegal ATV riding is having a significant and longlasting impact. Over the past several years, the Forest Service has seen groups of ATV riders getting “out of control”
in the Oregon Dunes is home to plant and wildlife species that are found in very few other places in the world. There are rare plants in the dunes that are considered to be “globally significant” because, in some cases, there are less than 20 occurrences
and developing a “gang-like mentality” in the Oregon Dunes. Local law enforcement officers have documented “group efforts at intentional violation of laws and regulations” and they have determined that it can be “unsafe for unarmed employees to make
worldwide. The dunes are also home to an
continued on p. 4 1
CASCADIA WILDLANDS
educates, agitates, and inspires a movement to protect and restore Cascadia’s wild ecosystems.
staff
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Dan Kruse
Legal Director
Josh Laughlin
Conservation Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director
Gabe Scott Alaska Field Director
board of directors Kate Alexander, Secretary Laura Beaton Jeremy Hall, President Paul Kuck Jeff Long Justin Ramsey Tim Ream Steve Witten, Treasurer
advisory council Amy Atwood Jason Blazar Ralph Bloemers Susan Jane Brown Alan Dickman, PhD Timothy Ingalsbee, PhD Megan Kemple Pollyanna Lind, MS Beverly McDonald Lauren Regan, AAL, Chair
contact PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 4
THANK YOU!
Ashes to Ashes from Kate Ritley, Executive Director.
Thank you to all of our individual and family supporters and the many volunteers who help us protect wild places! Huge thanks
As mangled buildings and bodies flashed across the screen, I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Haiti’s loss. I wondered how any country could rebuild after such devastation, nonetheless one already facing a full-blown environmental crisis. Decades of cutting forests for fuel have left Haiti with less than 2% of its trees. Every year over 15,000 acres of topsoil wash down denuded mountainsides. Without vegetation to absorb heavy rains, the denselypopulated lowlands flood and homes are repeatedly destroyed. Haiti may rebuild its cities, towns and roads, but as long as wood is the country’s primary energy source, Haitians will be doomed to a cycle of devastation. Haiti is a reminder that healthy communities need a healthy environment, especially during times of crisis. When we abuse the landscapes around us, we hurt ourselves and limit our resilience in the face of catastrophe. Haiti’s stories of struggle, survival, desperation, and heroism have touched me. But more than anything, Haiti has given me a deeper appreciation for our own region, the Pacific Northwest, and a renewed determination to protect the landscapes I love.
Check out Sally’s tips for making your next evening out guilt-free and environmentally sound! It could ease any throbbing heads the next day… Cheers! • Carpool, bike or walk… responsibly! • Pick restaurants that use local, organic ingredients. • Plan Ladies Nights, Guys Nights, and dates around environmental benefit events. • Carry your own cloth napkin– like they do in Japan! • Bring your own to-go container and shopping bags. Take your own cup to outdoor events that tend to use plastic beer and wine cups. • Order carefully! Order local food and beverages, share dishes, don’t over order and restrict meat and fish. Thoughtful menu planning is a great way to get your entire group involved, even the kids!
to the foundations, businesses, and community groups that recently supported our work: 444S Foundation Acorn Foundation Alaska Conservation Foundation Astrov Fund Backcountry Gear Ltd. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Brainerd Foundation Burning Foundation Deer Creek Foundation
Mazamas Mark Frohnmayer Donor Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Millis Donor Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation McKenzie River Gathering Foundation Meyer Memorial Trust Mountain Rose Herbs
Ninkasi Brewing Company Norcross Wildlife Foundation Patagonia Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life Pivot Architecture Pizza Research Institute Ring of Fire Restaurant River Jewelry
Southern Explorations Sperling Foundation Suwinski Family Foundation Tactics Board Shop Titcomb Foundation Tsunami Sushi University of Oregon Outdoor Program Winky Foundation
Comings and Goings Cascadia Wildlands recently bid farewell to Board members Jim Flynn and Amy Atwood. Jim Flynn served on the board for nearly a decade, including several years as the President. A long-time warrior for Cascadia, we have no doubt that Jim will continue working to protect wild places. Amy Atwood, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, served on the board for three years. As Amy retires from the Board she joins our Advisory Council to continue offering insight and guidance to the Cascadia Wildlands staff. Thank you for all you do for Cascadia, Jim and Amy!
WHAT’S NEW AT WWW.CASCWILD.ORG Check out our website to stay in-the-know and connect with your community! Sign up for e-alerts, join the cause on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and instantly take action on timely issues! (and don’t worry, we absolutely never share or sell your information!)
take action to stop rainforest destruction on the Elliott
If you want to host an eco-friendly event, you can rent party equipment directly from Cascadia Wildlands, and all proceeds go to supporting our conservation work! We offer plates, cups, silverware, table linens, linen napkins, organza overlays, serving platters, beverage dispensers, and more at steeply discounted prices. Call 541.434.1463 or email scurran@cascwild.org today to reserve materials for your next eco-conscious, low-waste event!
Emerald Valley Kitchen Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation Fund for Wild Nature Kenney Brothers Watershed Foundation Klorfine Family Foundation Laird Norton Foundation Loeb-Meginnes Foundation
explore the lineup of films in the upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival take a virtual tour of proposed Tongass clearcuts
5
COMMUNITYCALENDAR
Stop Cutting Old Growth
Carbon May Be Answer for the Elliott. by Josh Laughlin, Conservation Director. Management of the Elliott maintained while also generating State Forest is at a crossroads. The revenue for education. We are State Land Board, comprised of the encouraging the State Land Board
Baby Marbled Murrelet
Rather than build nests, murrelets simply nestle into the soft moss of broad oldgrowth tree branches. With most of their coastal old-growth rainforest habitat destroyed by clearcutting, murrelets are nearing the brink of extinction (unkown).
February 17: "Climate in Crisis: A Report back from Copenhagen." Cascadia Wildlands board member and UO law student Tim Ream recently returned from the international climate summit in Copenhagen working on the negotiation with Greenpeace International. Tim will report back on the summit's accomplishments, failures and focus discussion on what must be done to slow what could well be the greatest environmental threat Cascadia's natural environment and the world have ever faced. The event is at 7:00 pm in the Eugene Water and Electric Board's Training Room located at 500 E. 4th Ave. in Eugene. It is free, open to the public and is wheelchair accessible. February 20: Hike to Kentucky Falls in the central Oregon Coast Range. Explore this primeval rainforest in the headwaters of the North Fork Smith River, experience the awe-inspiring falls and learn about nearby federal forest management. Hike is on trail, moderate in difficulty and is limited to 15 people. Hike departs at 8 am and returns by 6 pm. RSVP and more info at www.CascWild.org February 24: Cascadia Wildlands and UO Outdoor Program host Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, 7-10 pm, 180 PLC (University of Oregon). $5 Cascadia and OP members and students; $7 general public. Visit www.cascwild.org for the evening’s film lineup. For more information and details, please visit www.CascWild.org
6
governor, secretary and treasurer who oversee the 93,000-acre forest, is expected to make a decision in mid-February about its future. Unfortunately, the options
to immediately appoint a task force to explore establishing the Elliott State Forest as a carbon reserve, so as to leverage the forest’s incomparable ability to store
on the table don’t look good for the older rainforests and species that reside in this coastal haven just southeast of Reedsport, Oregon. Ongoing or increased logging is
carbon for school dollars. Other possibilities for the Elliott, like a conservation acquisition or restoration thinning in the forests tree farms, must materialize.
anticipated. Selling off the entire Elliott to private interests is also being considered. Management challenges for the Elliott are rooted in its origin.
Innovative ways to move forward on the Elliott are within reach, and the State Land Board must take a leadership role in the effort. For more information and to
Ninety percent of the forest’s lands are mandated by the Oregon Constitution to generate funds for the state’s K-12 school system. For decades, the Elliott’s stately forests
take action on behalf of the Elliott, visit our website, www.cascwild.org.
MARBLED MURRELET brachyramphus marmoratus
Sometimes described as flying potatoes, marbled murrelets have been clocked flying faster than 100 mph. This speedy shore bird feeds in the ocean but nests on wide, mossy branches in coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Decades of habitat destruction, coupled with new stressors like changing ocean conditions and climate change, jeopardize the existence of this elusive critter. (usfws)
have been leveled, and the clearcutting, chemical spraying and road-building have taken a toll on the environment. A number of federally listed endangered species, including coho salmon, marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl, continue to hang on in the Elliott. Cascadia Wildlands envisions a new way forward on the Elliott where its unique older forests are The Elliott’s coastal rainforests are the place to be if you’re a nesting murrelet (j ritley).
3
Oregon Dunes, Oregon Illegal ATV use is destroying fragile habitat in the Oregon Dunes. Cascadia Wildlands is fighting a proposed road that would expand ATV access and bisect the 10mile-long Oregon Dunes Roadless Area (usfs).
Keeping it Wild in Southeast Alaska
New Clearcutting Threatens Subsistence Communities in the Tongass. by Dan Kruse, Legal Director. Cascadia Wildlands is on a mission to keep the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska one of the wildest places on Earth. At 17-million acres, the
lawsuit — along with eleven other environmental groups, native villages, and outdoor recreation businesses — to reinstate protections for all roadless
Tongass is the largest National Forest in the US and one of the most remote. About half of the area is temperate coastal rainforest home to grizzly bears, wild salmon, wolves, and countless other wildlife species (the other half is primarily wetland, ice, rock,
areas in the country over 5,000 acres. The Tongass is the only national forest in the West where logging in these roadless areas is still allowed. Then in January, Cascadia Wildlands teamed up with Greenpeace, the Tongass Conservation Society,
and non-forest vegetation). The world-class salmon runs and hunting opportunities in the Tongass provide a subsistence lifestyle for many of the local people. The backcountry recreation in the region are difficult to match
and the Crag Law Center to challenge the Forest Service’s “Logjam Timber Sale,” which proposes more than 3,000 acres of old-growth forest clearcutting on Prince of Wales Island, just off the coast of Alaska’s southern panhandle.
anywhere in the Lower 48. The Tongass also stands out for a less alluring reason: every year, its old-growth rainforests are clearcut and sold
For more information on our work in Southeast Alaska, visit http://www.cascwild.org/alaska.html
by the Forest Service to logging companies at a net loss to taxpayers. Up to half of the logs are
continued from p. 1
courtesy or enforcement contacts, even during daylight hours,” according to agency documents. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has neither the
that are supposed to be protected for sensitive plants and wildlife. Cascadia Wildlands is working to preserve the
will nor the resources to protect the dunes from illegal ATV riding, and the damage caused by ATVs has continued to go almost entirely unchecked. Even though more than 10,000 acres of the Oregon Dunes are already designated for ATV riding, and even though
unique and fragile environment in the Oregon Dunes. Along with several of our allies, we have challenged the expansion of the ATV trail system into sensitive areas north of Coos Bay and are working to compel the Forest Service to stop the illegal activity. The Oregon
the Forest Service has lost control over those Dunes need the full attention they deserve. For more designated areas, the agency is now proposing several information, please visit www.cascwild.org. expansions of the ATV trail system, including into areas 4
exported, so much of the financial value from these clearcuts is never seen by local communities. Cascadia Wildlands has become part of a national effort to protect the wild places in the Tongass National Forest. In December, we filed a
Grizzly mother and cub catch salmon in the Tongass (usfs).
5
Oregon Dunes, Oregon Illegal ATV use is destroying fragile habitat in the Oregon Dunes. Cascadia Wildlands is fighting a proposed road that would expand ATV access and bisect the 10mile-long Oregon Dunes Roadless Area (usfs).
Keeping it Wild in Southeast Alaska
New Clearcutting Threatens Subsistence Communities in the Tongass. by Dan Kruse, Legal Director. Cascadia Wildlands is on a mission to keep the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska one of the wildest places on Earth. At 17-million acres, the
lawsuit — along with eleven other environmental groups, native villages, and outdoor recreation businesses — to reinstate protections for all roadless
Tongass is the largest National Forest in the US and one of the most remote. About half of the area is temperate coastal rainforest home to grizzly bears, wild salmon, wolves, and countless other wildlife species (the other half is primarily wetland, ice, rock,
areas in the country over 5,000 acres. The Tongass is the only national forest in the West where logging in these roadless areas is still allowed. Then in January, Cascadia Wildlands teamed up with Greenpeace, the Tongass Conservation Society,
and non-forest vegetation). The world-class salmon runs and hunting opportunities in the Tongass provide a subsistence lifestyle for many of the local people. The backcountry recreation in the region are difficult to match
and the Crag Law Center to challenge the Forest Service’s “Logjam Timber Sale,” which proposes more than 3,000 acres of old-growth forest clearcutting on Prince of Wales Island, just off the coast of Alaska’s southern panhandle.
anywhere in the Lower 48. The Tongass also stands out for a less alluring reason: every year, its old-growth rainforests are clearcut and sold
For more information on our work in Southeast Alaska, visit http://www.cascwild.org/alaska.html
by the Forest Service to logging companies at a net loss to taxpayers. Up to half of the logs are
continued from p. 1
courtesy or enforcement contacts, even during daylight hours,” according to agency documents. Unfortunately, the Forest Service has neither the
that are supposed to be protected for sensitive plants and wildlife. Cascadia Wildlands is working to preserve the
will nor the resources to protect the dunes from illegal ATV riding, and the damage caused by ATVs has continued to go almost entirely unchecked. Even though more than 10,000 acres of the Oregon Dunes are already designated for ATV riding, and even though
unique and fragile environment in the Oregon Dunes. Along with several of our allies, we have challenged the expansion of the ATV trail system into sensitive areas north of Coos Bay and are working to compel the Forest Service to stop the illegal activity. The Oregon
the Forest Service has lost control over those Dunes need the full attention they deserve. For more designated areas, the agency is now proposing several information, please visit www.cascwild.org. expansions of the ATV trail system, including into areas 4
exported, so much of the financial value from these clearcuts is never seen by local communities. Cascadia Wildlands has become part of a national effort to protect the wild places in the Tongass National Forest. In December, we filed a
Grizzly mother and cub catch salmon in the Tongass (usfs).
5
COMMUNITYCALENDAR
Stop Cutting Old Growth
Carbon May Be Answer for the Elliott. by Josh Laughlin, Conservation Director. Management of the Elliott maintained while also generating State Forest is at a crossroads. The revenue for education. We are State Land Board, comprised of the encouraging the State Land Board
Baby Marbled Murrelet
Rather than build nests, murrelets simply nestle into the soft moss of broad oldgrowth tree branches. With most of their coastal old-growth rainforest habitat destroyed by clearcutting, murrelets are nearing the brink of extinction (unkown).
February 17: "Climate in Crisis: A Report back from Copenhagen." Cascadia Wildlands board member and UO law student Tim Ream recently returned from the international climate summit in Copenhagen working on the negotiation with Greenpeace International. Tim will report back on the summit's accomplishments, failures and focus discussion on what must be done to slow what could well be the greatest environmental threat Cascadia's natural environment and the world have ever faced. The event is at 7:00 pm in the Eugene Water and Electric Board's Training Room located at 500 E. 4th Ave. in Eugene. It is free, open to the public and is wheelchair accessible. February 20: Hike to Kentucky Falls in the central Oregon Coast Range. Explore this primeval rainforest in the headwaters of the North Fork Smith River, experience the awe-inspiring falls and learn about nearby federal forest management. Hike is on trail, moderate in difficulty and is limited to 15 people. Hike departs at 8 am and returns by 6 pm. RSVP and more info at www.CascWild.org February 24: Cascadia Wildlands and UO Outdoor Program host Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, 7-10 pm, 180 PLC (University of Oregon). $5 Cascadia and OP members and students; $7 general public. Visit www.cascwild.org for the evening’s film lineup. For more information and details, please visit www.CascWild.org
6
governor, secretary and treasurer who oversee the 93,000-acre forest, is expected to make a decision in mid-February about its future. Unfortunately, the options
to immediately appoint a task force to explore establishing the Elliott State Forest as a carbon reserve, so as to leverage the forest’s incomparable ability to store
on the table don’t look good for the older rainforests and species that reside in this coastal haven just southeast of Reedsport, Oregon. Ongoing or increased logging is
carbon for school dollars. Other possibilities for the Elliott, like a conservation acquisition or restoration thinning in the forests tree farms, must materialize.
anticipated. Selling off the entire Elliott to private interests is also being considered. Management challenges for the Elliott are rooted in its origin.
Innovative ways to move forward on the Elliott are within reach, and the State Land Board must take a leadership role in the effort. For more information and to
Ninety percent of the forest’s lands are mandated by the Oregon Constitution to generate funds for the state’s K-12 school system. For decades, the Elliott’s stately forests
take action on behalf of the Elliott, visit our website, www.cascwild.org.
MARBLED MURRELET brachyramphus marmoratus
Sometimes described as flying potatoes, marbled murrelets have been clocked flying faster than 100 mph. This speedy shore bird feeds in the ocean but nests on wide, mossy branches in coastal rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Decades of habitat destruction, coupled with new stressors like changing ocean conditions and climate change, jeopardize the existence of this elusive critter. (usfws)
have been leveled, and the clearcutting, chemical spraying and road-building have taken a toll on the environment. A number of federally listed endangered species, including coho salmon, marbled murrelet and northern spotted owl, continue to hang on in the Elliott. Cascadia Wildlands envisions a new way forward on the Elliott where its unique older forests are The Elliott’s coastal rainforests are the place to be if you’re a nesting murrelet (j ritley).
3
CASCADIA WILDLANDS
educates, agitates, and inspires a movement to protect and restore Cascadia’s wild ecosystems.
staff
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Dan Kruse
Legal Director
Josh Laughlin
Conservation Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director
Gabe Scott Alaska Field Director
board of directors Kate Alexander, Secretary Laura Beaton Jeremy Hall, President Paul Kuck Jeff Long Justin Ramsey Tim Ream Steve Witten, Treasurer
advisory council Amy Atwood Jason Blazar Ralph Bloemers Susan Jane Brown Alan Dickman, PhD Timothy Ingalsbee, PhD Megan Kemple Pollyanna Lind, MS Beverly McDonald Lauren Regan, AAL, Chair
contact PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 4
THANK YOU!
Ashes to Ashes from Kate Ritley, Executive Director.
Thank you to all of our individual and family supporters and the many volunteers who help us protect wild places! Huge thanks
As mangled buildings and bodies flashed across the screen, I struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Haiti’s loss. I wondered how any country could rebuild after such devastation, nonetheless one already facing a full-blown environmental crisis. Decades of cutting forests for fuel have left Haiti with less than 2% of its trees. Every year over 15,000 acres of topsoil wash down denuded mountainsides. Without vegetation to absorb heavy rains, the denselypopulated lowlands flood and homes are repeatedly destroyed. Haiti may rebuild its cities, towns and roads, but as long as wood is the country’s primary energy source, Haitians will be doomed to a cycle of devastation. Haiti is a reminder that healthy communities need a healthy environment, especially during times of crisis. When we abuse the landscapes around us, we hurt ourselves and limit our resilience in the face of catastrophe. Haiti’s stories of struggle, survival, desperation, and heroism have touched me. But more than anything, Haiti has given me a deeper appreciation for our own region, the Pacific Northwest, and a renewed determination to protect the landscapes I love.
Check out Sally’s tips for making your next evening out guilt-free and environmentally sound! It could ease any throbbing heads the next day… Cheers! • Carpool, bike or walk… responsibly! • Pick restaurants that use local, organic ingredients. • Plan Ladies Nights, Guys Nights, and dates around environmental benefit events. • Carry your own cloth napkin– like they do in Japan! • Bring your own to-go container and shopping bags. Take your own cup to outdoor events that tend to use plastic beer and wine cups. • Order carefully! Order local food and beverages, share dishes, don’t over order and restrict meat and fish. Thoughtful menu planning is a great way to get your entire group involved, even the kids!
to the foundations, businesses, and community groups that recently supported our work: 444S Foundation Acorn Foundation Alaska Conservation Foundation Astrov Fund Backcountry Gear Ltd. Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Brainerd Foundation Burning Foundation Deer Creek Foundation
Mazamas Mark Frohnmayer Donor Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation Millis Donor Advised Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation McKenzie River Gathering Foundation Meyer Memorial Trust Mountain Rose Herbs
Ninkasi Brewing Company Norcross Wildlife Foundation Patagonia Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life Pivot Architecture Pizza Research Institute Ring of Fire Restaurant River Jewelry
Southern Explorations Sperling Foundation Suwinski Family Foundation Tactics Board Shop Titcomb Foundation Tsunami Sushi University of Oregon Outdoor Program Winky Foundation
Comings and Goings Cascadia Wildlands recently bid farewell to Board members Jim Flynn and Amy Atwood. Jim Flynn served on the board for nearly a decade, including several years as the President. A long-time warrior for Cascadia, we have no doubt that Jim will continue working to protect wild places. Amy Atwood, a senior attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, served on the board for three years. As Amy retires from the Board she joins our Advisory Council to continue offering insight and guidance to the Cascadia Wildlands staff. Thank you for all you do for Cascadia, Jim and Amy!
WHAT’S NEW AT WWW.CASCWILD.ORG Check out our website to stay in-the-know and connect with your community! Sign up for e-alerts, join the cause on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and instantly take action on timely issues! (and don’t worry, we absolutely never share or sell your information!)
take action to stop rainforest destruction on the Elliott
If you want to host an eco-friendly event, you can rent party equipment directly from Cascadia Wildlands, and all proceeds go to supporting our conservation work! We offer plates, cups, silverware, table linens, linen napkins, organza overlays, serving platters, beverage dispensers, and more at steeply discounted prices. Call 541.434.1463 or email scurran@cascwild.org today to reserve materials for your next eco-conscious, low-waste event!
Emerald Valley Kitchen Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation Fund for Wild Nature Kenney Brothers Watershed Foundation Klorfine Family Foundation Laird Norton Foundation Loeb-Meginnes Foundation
explore the lineup of films in the upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival take a virtual tour of proposed Tongass clearcuts
5
CASCADIA WILDLANDS we like it wild. PO BOX 10455 • EUGENE, OR 97440
US Postage PAID Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 82 Eugene, OR
Oregon Dunes
CASCADIAQUARTERLY news + fun from cascadia wildlands
Winter 2010 News and Fun
➡ Fighting for the
Winter 2010
what’s inside?
➡ Taking on Tongass
Old Growth Destruction
➡ Elliott Rainforests:
Save the Date!
Clearcut or Carbon?
➡ Tips to Green Your Party
Wild and Scenic Film Festival
➡ Community Calendar A mosaic of rainforests, dunes and water, the Oregon Dunes are unlike any other place on the planet.
Wednesday February 24
Protecting the Oregon Dunes ATVs Threaten One of Cascadia’s Most Unique and Fragile Environments. by Dan Kruse, Legal Director.
“GANG-LIKE” ATV GROUPS: “OUT OF CONTROL” IN ONE OF EARTH’S MOST UNIQUE AND FRAGILE ENVIRONMENTS
cacophony
There are more than a few breathtaking and aweinspiring places to see in the Pacific Northwest, but the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is unique
endangered shorebird called the snowy plover, which lays its eggs in the sand and is highly vulnerable to human disturbances.
among them. Stretching for forty miles between Florence and Coos Bay and averaging more than a mile wide, the Oregon Dunes are the largest expanse of sand dunes along the Pacific Coast in all of North America.
The greatest threat to the Oregon Dunes today is not from logging or mining (as is the case on other public lands) but from the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The Oregon Dunes have become one of the most popular ATV joyriding destinations in the
Like something out of the Arabian Desert, the Oregon Dunes are dominated by rolling hills of windblown sand hundreds of feet tall and miles long. The landscape is rugged and harsh, but the dunes are full of life. In fact, the unique and fragile environment
entire Northwest. In the fragile dunes environment, illegal ATV riding is having a significant and longlasting impact. Over the past several years, the Forest Service has seen groups of ATV riders getting “out of control”
in the Oregon Dunes is home to plant and wildlife species that are found in very few other places in the world. There are rare plants in the dunes that are considered to be “globally significant” because, in some cases, there are less than 20 occurrences
and developing a “gang-like mentality” in the Oregon Dunes. Local law enforcement officers have documented “group efforts at intentional violation of laws and regulations” and they have determined that it can be “unsafe for unarmed employees to make
worldwide. The dunes are also home to an
continued on p. 4 1