CASCADIA WILDLANDS we like it wild. PO BOX 10455 • EUGENE, OR 97440
US Postage PAID Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 82 Eugene, OR
Trees are Cut: the Elliott Rainforest
CASCADIAQUARTERLY news + fun from cascadia wildlands
Spring 2010 News and Fun
➡ Where the Biggest
Spring 2010
what’s inside?
➡ BLM Gives Up On OldGrowth Logging
➡ Logging in Crater Lake Backcountry?
➡ Summer Hiking Tips and Guided Hikes
Cascadia Wildlands interns Kelsey and Sheena love the Elliott’s huge trees! (f.eatherington)
Fighting for the Elliott Rainforest
Community Takes Action to Halt Clearcutting, Create Oregon’s Premier Carbon Reserve. by Josh Laughlin, Campaign Director
HELP US MEET THE CHALLENGE! Your gift will help Cascadia Wildlands qualify for a significant Earth Friends Challenge Grant to support our conservation work! *conservation only receives 2% of all charitable gifts (giving USA)
The Elliott State Forest, a 93,000-acre forest southwest of Eugene, is where the largest trees in Oregon are clearcut every year. This publicly-owned
after year. The recently released 2011 annual plan calls for 1,352 acres of older forest logging, which will be routinely followed by planting homogenous Douglas fir
rainforest is unique in that it provides contiguous older forest habitat in the central Oregon Coast Range, a region dominated by clearcuts and timber plantations. The Elliott is where older forest dependent critters, like the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet and
and harmful herbicide spraying to kill off undesired competing vegetation. The State of Oregon is managing this public asset like it is the 1950s through its antiquated intensive forest management program. Changing the status quo on the Elliott is no easy
coho salmon, still exist, as it contains older, complex forest habitat and clear, free-flowing streams. And the Elliott is part of a larger Coast Range “corridor” we’ve identified that includes the proposed 30,000-acre Devil’s Staircase Wilderness directly to the north. These two
feat. The Elliott was established to generate funding for K-12 schools in Oregon. But nowhere in the Oregon Constitution does it say timber sale receipts from clearcutting older rainforest must be the sole revenue generator.
areas, coupled with the Northwest Forest Plan’s reserve strategy in the Coast Range, provide a critical wildlife habitat link from northwest Oregon south to the Klamath-Siskiyou eco-region and the southern Oregon Cascades.
That is why we propose to turn the Elliott into a Carbon Reserve. The concept is simple. The state leverages the older forest’s ability to sequester and store carbon by leaving older trees standing and, in turn, mitigate global climate change as a revenue
But the Elliott remains in jeopardy as the State of Oregon continues to sell off this priceless forest year
source for schools. The State of Oregon has long recognized the looming implications of inaction on continued on p. 4
1
CASCADIA WILDLANDS
educates, agitates, and inspires a movement to protect and restore Cascadia’s wild ecosystems.
www.CascWild.org staff
Nick Cady Legal Intern
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Francis Eatherington Conservation Director
Dan Kruse
Legal Director
Josh Laughlin
from Kate Ritley, Executive Director Two and a half weeks in Alaska–that’s all it took to change my life. Somewhere between Homer and Cordova, a long-time-coming force stirred within me. I joined Captain Dean Rand and his world-class cruise company, Discovery Voyages, for an adventure on Prince William Sound. We glided past icebergs and saucer-eyed seals, tromped through peat bogs and rainforests, dined while watching glaciers calve, and kayaked in bluegreen coves. I was awestruck by the mountains, fjords, wilderness, and wildlife. But the thing that impacted me most? Cruising through the ghost of the Exxon Valdez as oil fills the Gulf of Mexico. I listened to fishermen lament lost livelihoods. I heard horror stories of Big Oil and their politicians. Fury filled my veins.
Gabe Scott
I left Alaska inspired, empowered and resolute in my mission to protect Cascadia. We have some major battles ahead, but also major opportunities to prevent future environmental catastrophes. Now, more than ever, we need you by our side! Thanks for your support!
board of directors
Welcome, Francis!
Campaign Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director Alaska Field Director
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 Jim Flynn Timothy Ingalsbee, PhD Megan Kemple Pollyanna Lind, MS Beverly McDonald Lauren Regan, AAL, Chair 2
Oil In My Bloodstream
I am thrilled to introduce you to Conservation Director Francis Eatherington, the newest member of our Oregon staff! Francis, a veteran environmental advocate, worked most recently with Umpqua Watersheds in Roseburg and Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center in Ashland. In the face of unprecedented threats to western Oregon’s wildlands, we are rising to the challenge by increasing our staff capacity and expertise. No one is more knowledgeable, qualified, talented, or passionate than Francis! She is an invaluable addition to our lean, mean team. Welcome to Cascadia Wildlands, Francis!
THANK YOU! Thank you to all of our individual and family supporters and the many volunteers who help us protect wild places! Huge thanks 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
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
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 We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Laura Beaton and Justin Ramsey to our all-volunteer Board of Directors. Laura, a long-time environmental activist, currently attends the University of Oregon School of Law. You may recognize her from last summer when she worked full-time with us as a legal intern. Justin earns his living as a carpenter and founded Carpenters Opposed to Old-growth Logging–COOL! Welcome, Laura and Justin!
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!)
sign the petition to keep oil out of the Copper River take action to keep Off-Highway Vehicles out of the Umpqua’s Roadless Country send a letter to stop clearcutting and herbicide spraying on the Elliot State Forest
CONNECT WITH CASCADIA:
PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p, 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 7
COMMUNITYCALENDAR 6
SALLY’S SUMMERTIME TIPS FOR HEALTHY HIKING With spring blooms bursting and summer sun fast approaching, now is the perfect time to enjoy a hike in the beautiful outdoors. Whether you join us on a day hike or go on your own, make sure you are prepared! • Remember sunscreen—you can get sunburned through clouds • Bring plenty of water—staying hydrated will keep your muscles and mind fresh • Be prepared for bugs—put dryer sheets in your pockets or tie to a belt to ward off mosquitos • Shin guards and rubber-palmed garden gloves are the perfect defense against prickly stems and errant branches while traipsing off trail • Always bring a buddy and/or let others know of your route and schedule Remember to stretch before and after your hike (your muscles will thank you!). These quick stretches will keep you loose and limber: • Extend one leg in front of you with the foot flexed. Hinge at your waist and lean over the extended leg with a flat back for a hamstring stretch. Hold for ten seconds then shift your weight into the forward leg, slightly bending the front knee and lengthening through the back leg to stretch your calf. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat on the other side. • Standing with your feet together, bend your right knee behind you and pick up your right foot or the back of your pant leg in your right hand. Use a tree or your car for balance. Hold for ten seconds for a quadriceps stretch and repeat on the other side. • Stand comfortably, with knees soft. Reach both arms behind you clasping your fingers, if they reach. Lift your hands away from your body to stretch across the shoulders and chest. Hold for 10 seconds. Release and wrap both arms around the front of your body in a hug, stretching the shoulders and upper back. Hold for 10 seconds.
June 10: "Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest." Join Cascadia Wildlands and others in hosting acclaimed nature photographer Amy Gulick for a multimedia presentation about southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest on June 10 in Portland. Amy's two-year trek through the Tongass is documented in her new book, "Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest." The event is at 7 pm at the Ecotrust Buiding in northwest Portland. June 12: Hike into the threatened Elliott State Forest located east of Reedsport and explore public rainforest proposed for cleacutting by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The hike will be off trail and moderately difficult. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, call Cascadia volunteer hike leaders Dee and David Tvedt at 541.689.7189. June 20: Hike into the proposed Devil's Staircase Wilderness in the central Oregon Coast Range. The all-day, strenuous hike will explore an unspecified, remote part of the proposed wilderness. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, contact Cascadia Wildlands volunteer hike leader Cameron Derbyshire at 541.517.4906. June 26: Hike into the proposed Devil's Staircase Wilderness in the central Oregon Coast Range. The all-day, strenuous hike will explore an unspecified remote part of the proposed wilderness. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, contact Cascadia Wildlands volunteer hike leader Cameron Derbyshire at 541.517.4906. For additional events and information, please visit www.CascWild.org
D-Bug Project Threatens Backcountry Near Crater Lake by Dan Kruse, Legal Director In the high Cascade Mountains of central Oregon, between Crater and Diamond Lakes, is a remote
enormous “fuel breaks” (translation: heavily logged areas) that stretch deep into the backcountry and
expanse of lodge-pole pine forest that stretches in some places for miles without roads or any other obvious sign of human intrusion. The forest, which grows out of the
would be miles away from any existing developments. If D-Bug is not dramatically changed, then significant logging and road construction would occur right up to
volcanic ash and pumice from the Mount Mazama eruptions nearly 8,000 years ago, provides some of the region’s best habitat for pine martens (see inset) and may soon
the borders of Crater Lake National Park and the Oregon Cascades National Recreation Area, and less than a half-mile from the Mount Thielsen Wilderness.
become a refuge for Oregon’s returning wolf population. The area is now threatened by thousands of acres of logging and more than ten miles of new logging
Cascadia Wildlands is working to defend Oregon’s backcountry from logging and road construction, and we could use your help. Please take just a minute and leave a message
roads. The Forest Service is in the final stages of planning the massive “D-Bug” timber sale, which is supposed to be designed to protect the communities around Diamond
for Cliff Dils (Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest) at (541) 672-6601. Tell him that the Forest Service should stay focused on creating defensible spaces around
and Lemolo Lakes from forest fires. But instead of keeping the focus on creating defensible spaces around developed areas, the Forest Service is also proposing to create
the areas that are already developed, and that protection of homes and cabins does not need to come at the expense of our treasured wild places.
PINE MARTEN Martes americana Once common in North America’s conifer and mixed hardwood forests, the pine marten has been widely impacted by trapping and deforestation. Loss of forest habitat continues to be the pine marten’s greatest threat. Its feet are so large compared to the rest of its body that they act as natural snowshoes – giving this small hunter a distinct advantage over its prey. Pine martens also have retractable claws, like cats, making them excellent climbers. Though elusive, the species can still be seen in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Sun filters through an old growth forest in an area threatened by the D-Bug project. 3 (f.eatherington)
Elliott State Forest, Oregon The Elliott’s fragile rainforests soak up carbon from the air. Clearcuts on the Elliott, like this area destroyed last year, release huge amounts of carbon into the air, contributing to global warming. Oregon could lead the world in fighting climate change by protecting these ancient rainforests. (k. ritley)
continued from p. 1
climate change. In the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s January 2009 report to the legislature, it said of climate change: “The impacts of such changes on Oregon citizens, businesses and environmental values are likely to be extensive and destructive. Coastal and river flooding, snowpack declines, lower summer river flows, impacts to farm and forest productivity,
are currently conducting a carbon inventory and analysis of the Elliott, a good first step in the right direction. While we recognize the shortcomings of carbon “offsets” in greenhouse gas cap and trade schemes like that in the European Union, we encourage a paymentsfor-carbon scheme if: 1) the amount of carbon stored in the Elliott was significantly greater than the amount
energy cost increases, public health effects, and increased pressures on many fish and wildlife species are some of the effects anticipated by scientists at Oregon and Washington universities.” The 2004 Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas
offset elsewhere, and 2) where there was a transparent system in place that assures the public that the carbon stored in the forests will stay there. But in the meantime, the older forest will continue to fall absent decisive action. At its February board
Reductions directs entities to “consider greenhouse gas effects in farm and forest land use decisions.” Oregon failed to mention greenhouse gas emissions associated with the 1,352 acres of older forest it proposes to log on the Elliot in 2011.
meeting, the State Land Board, made up of the governor, secretary and treasurer, made it clear that older forest clearcutting on the Elliott will be the primary revenue generator in the immediate future. And Cascadia Wildlands has made it clear that it will continue
We’ve encouraged Oregon to best position itself with emerging carbon markets with respect to the Elliott. Promisingly, the state and a private contractor
to focus its conservation advocacy on this treasured rainforest until the archaic “clearcuts for kids” funding arrangement is radically altered.
4
Oregon BLM Forests Safe, For Now
Oregon BLM Backs Away from Old-Growth Destruction. by Francis Eatherington, Conservation Director. Have you noticed we haven’t asked you to save likely saved for good. an old-growth forest on Bureau of Land Management Currently, the oldest forests in danger on federal lands lately? It’s not that the BLM hasn’t been hard at lands in western Oregon are between 80 and 160 work trying to convert your ancient forests to young years old. This “baby old growth” is still critically tree farms. Indeed, they have been busy spending important because owls and other older forest your tax dollars doing just that. dependent species currently use this age class. It is For instance, you all recall the Western Oregon also our future old-growth habitat and source of large Plan Revisions (WOPR). After years of BLM trying re- standing dead trees and down wood which is critical write their forest plan to allow more old growth logging, the Obama administration withdrew those plans last year. In 2008 the Fish and Wildlife Service issued a new Spotted Owl Recovery Plan in an attempt to legalize the WOPR’s “taking” of endangered species. Despite political interference from the previous administration, it does contain a protection measure for owl habitat — a requirement that substantially all “structurally complex” forests
for the survival of a number of species. The BLM and Forest Service continue to push the envelope with RA32 by trying to log older stands that aren’t the “cream of the crop” old-growth but still act as suitable habitat for the endangered northern spotted owl. We continue to closely monitor timber sale developments, and we’ll keep you informed of the progress.
should be protected to help reverse the plummeting owl population. This is known as Recovery Action 32 or “RA32.” Among other bad sales, the RA 32 provision helped our team stop 1,800 of clearcuts on Roseburg BLM and over 10,000 acres of destructive logging on Medford BLM. Some of the sales go back 10 years and were previously stopped by the courts. But after every one of our successful lawsuits, the agencies tried and tried again. These old forests are now
Myrtle Morgan BLM forest, near Riddle, OR. (f. eatherington)
5
Elliott State Forest, Oregon The Elliott’s fragile rainforests soak up carbon from the air. Clearcuts on the Elliott, like this area destroyed last year, release huge amounts of carbon into the air, contributing to global warming. Oregon could lead the world in fighting climate change by protecting these ancient rainforests. (k. ritley)
continued from p. 1
climate change. In the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s January 2009 report to the legislature, it said of climate change: “The impacts of such changes on Oregon citizens, businesses and environmental values are likely to be extensive and destructive. Coastal and river flooding, snowpack declines, lower summer river flows, impacts to farm and forest productivity,
are currently conducting a carbon inventory and analysis of the Elliott, a good first step in the right direction. While we recognize the shortcomings of carbon “offsets” in greenhouse gas cap and trade schemes like that in the European Union, we encourage a paymentsfor-carbon scheme if: 1) the amount of carbon stored in the Elliott was significantly greater than the amount
energy cost increases, public health effects, and increased pressures on many fish and wildlife species are some of the effects anticipated by scientists at Oregon and Washington universities.” The 2004 Oregon Strategy for Greenhouse Gas
offset elsewhere, and 2) where there was a transparent system in place that assures the public that the carbon stored in the forests will stay there. But in the meantime, the older forest will continue to fall absent decisive action. At its February board
Reductions directs entities to “consider greenhouse gas effects in farm and forest land use decisions.” Oregon failed to mention greenhouse gas emissions associated with the 1,352 acres of older forest it proposes to log on the Elliot in 2011.
meeting, the State Land Board, made up of the governor, secretary and treasurer, made it clear that older forest clearcutting on the Elliott will be the primary revenue generator in the immediate future. And Cascadia Wildlands has made it clear that it will continue
We’ve encouraged Oregon to best position itself with emerging carbon markets with respect to the Elliott. Promisingly, the state and a private contractor
to focus its conservation advocacy on this treasured rainforest until the archaic “clearcuts for kids” funding arrangement is radically altered.
4
Oregon BLM Forests Safe, For Now
Oregon BLM Backs Away from Old-Growth Destruction. by Francis Eatherington, Conservation Director. Have you noticed we haven’t asked you to save likely saved for good. an old-growth forest on Bureau of Land Management Currently, the oldest forests in danger on federal lands lately? It’s not that the BLM hasn’t been hard at lands in western Oregon are between 80 and 160 work trying to convert your ancient forests to young years old. This “baby old growth” is still critically tree farms. Indeed, they have been busy spending important because owls and other older forest your tax dollars doing just that. dependent species currently use this age class. It is For instance, you all recall the Western Oregon also our future old-growth habitat and source of large Plan Revisions (WOPR). After years of BLM trying re- standing dead trees and down wood which is critical write their forest plan to allow more old growth logging, the Obama administration withdrew those plans last year. In 2008 the Fish and Wildlife Service issued a new Spotted Owl Recovery Plan in an attempt to legalize the WOPR’s “taking” of endangered species. Despite political interference from the previous administration, it does contain a protection measure for owl habitat — a requirement that substantially all “structurally complex” forests
for the survival of a number of species. The BLM and Forest Service continue to push the envelope with RA32 by trying to log older stands that aren’t the “cream of the crop” old-growth but still act as suitable habitat for the endangered northern spotted owl. We continue to closely monitor timber sale developments, and we’ll keep you informed of the progress.
should be protected to help reverse the plummeting owl population. This is known as Recovery Action 32 or “RA32.” Among other bad sales, the RA 32 provision helped our team stop 1,800 of clearcuts on Roseburg BLM and over 10,000 acres of destructive logging on Medford BLM. Some of the sales go back 10 years and were previously stopped by the courts. But after every one of our successful lawsuits, the agencies tried and tried again. These old forests are now
Myrtle Morgan BLM forest, near Riddle, OR. (f. eatherington)
5
COMMUNITYCALENDAR 6
SALLY’S SUMMERTIME TIPS FOR HEALTHY HIKING With spring blooms bursting and summer sun fast approaching, now is the perfect time to enjoy a hike in the beautiful outdoors. Whether you join us on a day hike or go on your own, make sure you are prepared! • Remember sunscreen—you can get sunburned through clouds • Bring plenty of water—staying hydrated will keep your muscles and mind fresh • Be prepared for bugs—put dryer sheets in your pockets or tie to a belt to ward off mosquitos • Shin guards and rubber-palmed garden gloves are the perfect defense against prickly stems and errant branches while traipsing off trail • Always bring a buddy and/or let others know of your route and schedule Remember to stretch before and after your hike (your muscles will thank you!). These quick stretches will keep you loose and limber: • Extend one leg in front of you with the foot flexed. Hinge at your waist and lean over the extended leg with a flat back for a hamstring stretch. Hold for ten seconds then shift your weight into the forward leg, slightly bending the front knee and lengthening through the back leg to stretch your calf. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat on the other side. • Standing with your feet together, bend your right knee behind you and pick up your right foot or the back of your pant leg in your right hand. Use a tree or your car for balance. Hold for ten seconds for a quadriceps stretch and repeat on the other side. • Stand comfortably, with knees soft. Reach both arms behind you clasping your fingers, if they reach. Lift your hands away from your body to stretch across the shoulders and chest. Hold for 10 seconds. Release and wrap both arms around the front of your body in a hug, stretching the shoulders and upper back. Hold for 10 seconds.
June 10: "Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest." Join Cascadia Wildlands and others in hosting acclaimed nature photographer Amy Gulick for a multimedia presentation about southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest on June 10 in Portland. Amy's two-year trek through the Tongass is documented in her new book, "Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest." The event is at 7 pm at the Ecotrust Buiding in northwest Portland. June 12: Hike into the threatened Elliott State Forest located east of Reedsport and explore public rainforest proposed for cleacutting by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The hike will be off trail and moderately difficult. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, call Cascadia volunteer hike leaders Dee and David Tvedt at 541.689.7189. June 20: Hike into the proposed Devil's Staircase Wilderness in the central Oregon Coast Range. The all-day, strenuous hike will explore an unspecified, remote part of the proposed wilderness. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, contact Cascadia Wildlands volunteer hike leader Cameron Derbyshire at 541.517.4906. June 26: Hike into the proposed Devil's Staircase Wilderness in the central Oregon Coast Range. The all-day, strenuous hike will explore an unspecified remote part of the proposed wilderness. For more information about the hike, meeting location and to RSVP, contact Cascadia Wildlands volunteer hike leader Cameron Derbyshire at 541.517.4906. For additional events and information, please visit www.CascWild.org
D-Bug Project Threatens Backcountry Near Crater Lake by Dan Kruse, Legal Director In the high Cascade Mountains of central Oregon, between Crater and Diamond Lakes, is a remote
enormous “fuel breaks” (translation: heavily logged areas) that stretch deep into the backcountry and
expanse of lodge-pole pine forest that stretches in some places for miles without roads or any other obvious sign of human intrusion. The forest, which grows out of the
would be miles away from any existing developments. If D-Bug is not dramatically changed, then significant logging and road construction would occur right up to
volcanic ash and pumice from the Mount Mazama eruptions nearly 8,000 years ago, provides some of the region’s best habitat for pine martens (see inset) and may soon
the borders of Crater Lake National Park and the Oregon Cascades National Recreation Area, and less than a half-mile from the Mount Thielsen Wilderness.
become a refuge for Oregon’s returning wolf population. The area is now threatened by thousands of acres of logging and more than ten miles of new logging
Cascadia Wildlands is working to defend Oregon’s backcountry from logging and road construction, and we could use your help. Please take just a minute and leave a message
roads. The Forest Service is in the final stages of planning the massive “D-Bug” timber sale, which is supposed to be designed to protect the communities around Diamond
for Cliff Dils (Supervisor of the Umpqua National Forest) at (541) 672-6601. Tell him that the Forest Service should stay focused on creating defensible spaces around
and Lemolo Lakes from forest fires. But instead of keeping the focus on creating defensible spaces around developed areas, the Forest Service is also proposing to create
the areas that are already developed, and that protection of homes and cabins does not need to come at the expense of our treasured wild places.
PINE MARTEN Martes americana Once common in North America’s conifer and mixed hardwood forests, the pine marten has been widely impacted by trapping and deforestation. Loss of forest habitat continues to be the pine marten’s greatest threat. Its feet are so large compared to the rest of its body that they act as natural snowshoes – giving this small hunter a distinct advantage over its prey. Pine martens also have retractable claws, like cats, making them excellent climbers. Though elusive, the species can still be seen in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the Rocky Mountains.
Sun filters through an old growth forest in an area threatened by the D-Bug project. 3 (f.eatherington)
CASCADIA WILDLANDS
educates, agitates, and inspires a movement to protect and restore Cascadia’s wild ecosystems.
www.CascWild.org staff
Nick Cady Legal Intern
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Francis Eatherington Conservation Director
Dan Kruse
Legal Director
Josh Laughlin
from Kate Ritley, Executive Director Two and a half weeks in Alaska–that’s all it took to change my life. Somewhere between Homer and Cordova, a long-time-coming force stirred within me. I joined Captain Dean Rand and his world-class cruise company, Discovery Voyages, for an adventure on Prince William Sound. We glided past icebergs and saucer-eyed seals, tromped through peat bogs and rainforests, dined while watching glaciers calve, and kayaked in bluegreen coves. I was awestruck by the mountains, fjords, wilderness, and wildlife. But the thing that impacted me most? Cruising through the ghost of the Exxon Valdez as oil fills the Gulf of Mexico. I listened to fishermen lament lost livelihoods. I heard horror stories of Big Oil and their politicians. Fury filled my veins.
Gabe Scott
I left Alaska inspired, empowered and resolute in my mission to protect Cascadia. We have some major battles ahead, but also major opportunities to prevent future environmental catastrophes. Now, more than ever, we need you by our side! Thanks for your support!
board of directors
Welcome, Francis!
Campaign Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director Alaska Field Director
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 Jim Flynn Timothy Ingalsbee, PhD Megan Kemple Pollyanna Lind, MS Beverly McDonald Lauren Regan, AAL, Chair 2
Oil In My Bloodstream
I am thrilled to introduce you to Conservation Director Francis Eatherington, the newest member of our Oregon staff! Francis, a veteran environmental advocate, worked most recently with Umpqua Watersheds in Roseburg and Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center in Ashland. In the face of unprecedented threats to western Oregon’s wildlands, we are rising to the challenge by increasing our staff capacity and expertise. No one is more knowledgeable, qualified, talented, or passionate than Francis! She is an invaluable addition to our lean, mean team. Welcome to Cascadia Wildlands, Francis!
THANK YOU! Thank you to all of our individual and family supporters and the many volunteers who help us protect wild places! Huge thanks 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
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
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 We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Laura Beaton and Justin Ramsey to our all-volunteer Board of Directors. Laura, a long-time environmental activist, currently attends the University of Oregon School of Law. You may recognize her from last summer when she worked full-time with us as a legal intern. Justin earns his living as a carpenter and founded Carpenters Opposed to Old-growth Logging–COOL! Welcome, Laura and Justin!
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!)
sign the petition to keep oil out of the Copper River take action to keep Off-Highway Vehicles out of the Umpqua’s Roadless Country send a letter to stop clearcutting and herbicide spraying on the Elliot State Forest
CONNECT WITH CASCADIA:
PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p, 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 7