CASCADIA WILDLANDS we like it wild. PO BOX 10455 • EUGENE, OR 97440
winter 2012
winter 2012
US Postage PAID Nonprofit Org. Permit No. 82 Eugene, OR
news + fun from cascadia wildlands
CASCADIAQUARTERLY
Lawsuit Launched to Protect the Murrelet DeFazio and Walden Propose Reckless Plan for BLM Forests Oregon Trapping Rules Targeted for Overhaul
what’s inside?
Community Calendar
Marbled murrelet chick getting ready to fledge. (Peter Halasz)
SUPPORT THE CHALLENGE:
HELP CASCADIA WILDLANDS QUALIFY FOR A GENEROUS CHALLENGE GRANT FROM EARTH FRIENDS CONSERVATION FUND! More information inside on page 6.
Lawsuit Launched To Protect Marbled Murrelet
Action Aims to Halt Clearcutting on Elliott, Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests by Francis Eatherington, Conservation Director A seabird with webbed feet, the marbled murrelet is one of the most unique and elusive creatures in the Northwest’s coastal rainforests. Little was known about the species until 1975 when a tree surgeon working in northern California found a downy chick in a mossy depression high up an old-growth tree. Until then, we didn’t know the murrelet depended on big, old trees with fat mossy limbs to lay a single egg. Or that the male and female take turns traveling up to 50 miles from the nest to the ocean twice a day with a fish in its mouth to feed the chick. Today, the murrelet is threatened with extinction. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the species’ population is declining up to 7% per year. Habitat loss through logging is a primary factor. Also, murrelet nests fail due to egg predation by corvids, like jays and ravens. Clearcutting near nest sites makes them more accessible and vulnerable. Compounding the decline of the species, the State of
Oregon recently approved a new Elliott State Forest management plan that increases clearcutting by nearly 40%. In order for the new logging targets to be met, timber sales will be planned in older forests that had been reserved under the previous plan. The State also revised its management plan to allow more logging on the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, lowering the goals for older forests from 40-60%, down to 30-50%. To reverse this trend, Cascadia Wildlands, along with allies at Center for Biological Diversity and Audubon Society of Portland, filed a notice of intent to sue the State of Oregon on January 19 for violating the Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to “take” a federally listed species, which includes harassing, harming and killing. We believe the rampant clearcutting on the Elliott, Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests is leading to “take” of the marbled murrelet, which has been listed as threatened since 1992. Plaintiffs are being represented by Tanya Sanerib of the Crag Law Center, attorney Dan continued on p. 4
1
from Executive Director Kate Ritley
staff Nick Cady
Legal Director
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Francis Eatherington Conservation Director
Josh Laughlin
Campaign Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director
Gabe Scott
Alaska Field Director
board of directors Laura Beaton Jeremy Hall, President Paul Kuck Lauren Padawer Sarah Peters Justin Ramsey Tim Ream Tim Whitley, Secretary Steve Witten, Treasurer
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
contact PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 2
WWW.CASCWILD.ORG
advisory council
December 10, 2011 is a day I will remember for a very long time. A record crowd of more than 400 people gathered to celebrate and support Cascadia Wildlands at our 9th annual Wonderland Auction. Thanks to donations from more than 150 businesses and the extraordinary generosity of the guests in attendance, this benefit gala turned out to be the most successful fundraising event in the history of Cascadia Wildlands. On that historic evening, we raised $60,000 to benefit endangered forests, rivers, and wildlife. Support from local businesses and organizations was pivotal to the unprecedented success of this event. Mountain Rose Herbs, a visionary leader in the sustainable business community, demonstrated unparalleled generosity with its sponsorship of this event. Combined with the support of the UO Outdoor Program, Back to the Roots Landscaping, Ring of Fire Restaurant, Ninkasi Brewing, Coconut Bliss, Eugene Weekly, and Genesis Juice, sponsorships ensured that every dollar raised in our auction went directly to protecting endangered wildlands and wildlife. Funds from the event are now fueling our campaigns to recover gray wolves across the Pacific Northwest, end clearcutting on the Elliott Rainforest, stop construction of the Pacific Connector Pipeline in southern Oregon, and much more. Because of the smashing success of the Wonderland Auction and exceptional generosity of hundreds of individuals who made end-of-year donations to support our work, 2012 is off to a roaring start. Community support is the backbone of Cascadia Wildlands’ work. We are deeply grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who made this an incredibly successful event. Thank you for making our work to protect and restore wild ecosystems possible!
A New Alaskan Arrives on Board Cascadia Wildlands welcomes the arrival of Lauren Padawer to the Board of Directors. Owner of Alaska Glacial Mud Co., Lauren hails from Cordova, the northern reaches of the bioregion, and has been intimately familiar with our work for years. Lauren replaces long-time board members and Copper River Watershed Project staffer, Kate Alexander. While we’ll miss Kate’s passion and energy for the Copper River on our board, she’ll still remain at our fingertips and continue to be a vital asset for our work up north.
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 and community groups that have made substantial contributions to support our work in the recent past:
444S Foundation
Fund for Wild Nature
Acorn Foundation
Furthur Foundation
Alaska Conservation Foundation Astrov Fund Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Brainerd Foundation Burning Foundation Deer Creek Foundation Earth Friends Conservation Fund
Mark Frohnmayer Donor Sperling Foundation Advised Fund of the Strong Foundation for Oregon Community Environmental Values Kenney Brothers Foundation Watershed Foundation Suwinski Family Roger Millis Donor Foundation Klorfine Family Advised Fund of the Foundation University of Oregon Oregon Community Outdoor Program Foundation Laird Norton Foundation Wilburforce Foundation McKenzie River Leotta Gordon Gathering Foundation Foundation Winky Foundation Meyer Memorial Trust Loeb-Meginnes Foundation Norcross Wildlife Foundation Mazamas
BUSINESSES GIVE BACK A sustainable planet is essential to sustainable business. That’s why more and more companies are actively investing in Cascadia Wildlands. Business support saves wild places from imminent destruction and wildlife from extinction. Please join us in thanking and patronizing the visionary businesses that support our work with generous cash contributions:
Business Champions ($5,000+) Patagonia, Inc
Business Partners ($2,500-4,999) Mountain Rose Herbs Tactics Board Shop
Business Sustainers ($1000-2499) Pivot Architecture Pizza Research Institute
Emerald Valley Kitchen River Jewelry Southern Explorations Sundance Natural Market
THANK YOU!
Thank You For Helping Make It Happen
Business Friends ($250-999) Backcountry Gear Ltd.
In addition, hundreds of businesses contribute goods and services to support Cascadia Wildlands, especially through our annual Wonderland Auction. Please help us thank the businesses that support our work with generous in-kind contributions: Discovery Voyages Ninkasi Brewing Company Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life Cascadia Wildlands is a proud Recipient organization of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to create a healthier planet.
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. (Cascadia Wildlands will never share or sell your information.) 7
COMMUNITYCALENDAR
New Plan for Western Oregon BLM Forests Mulled by Congress
February 29: Presentation on BLM Forest Proposal Join
Cascadia Wildlands, Oregon Wild and Forest Web for a dialog about Rep. DeFazio’s forest proposal for western Oregon BLM lands. Cottage Grove Community Center. 6:30-8:30 pm.
March 1-4: Public Interest Environmental Law Conference Cascadia
Wildlands will be tabling and presenting on a handful of panels at this one-of-a-kind environmental law conference. More info at www.pielc.org.
March 5: “Pints Gone Wild!” Pint sales at Ninkasi
Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Bluegrassy twang music by Alder St. All Stars (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
March 8: 5th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Cascadia Wildlands and UO Outdoor Program co-host awardwinning films about wild nature and renowned campaigns to protect it. 7-10 pm. 180 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall, University of Oregon. Tickets at the door. More info at www.cascwild.org.
Proposal for County Funding Could Potentially Designate 1.2 Million Acres for Clearcutting by Josh Laughlin, Campaign Director
CONSERVATION DESERVES MORE THAN 2% Conservation and the environment receive just 2% of charitable giving in America. Put simply, conservation is not as well supported as it must be to ensure our future quality of life. Preventative action to maintain the health of our air, waters, lands and forests costs a fraction of what we will sacrifice if we neglect our responsibilities. Conservation has one of the highest returns on investment of all charitable work. It builds strong, sustainable local economies. Type to enter text The Earth Friends Challenge supports exceptional groups that are known for their efficiency and effectiveness. Cascadia Wildland’s work is essential to our lives and to future generations.
THERE IS NO TIME TO LOSE. PLEASE INVEST IN CASCADIA WILDLANDS TODAY!
April 2: Pints Gone Wild!
Pint sales at Ninkasi Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Jazz music by the Sean Peterson Experiment (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
May 7: Pints Gone Wild!
Pint sales at Ninkasi Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Ol’ time American music by the Whiskey Chasers (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
6
www.cascwild.org
After the demise of the Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR) in 2009, a new plan is emerging in Congress for management of our 2.4 million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in western Oregon. While no legislative language has been shared with us, we do know the central tenants of the proposal. Representative Peter DeFazio (DOR) and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) are proposing to turn the BLM acres into two trusts, half which would go into conservation and the other half into timber production to fund counties. For the past 10 years, western Oregon counties have been receiving county payments from Congress to fund county services, like libraries and sheriffs, instead of using timber receipts. In 2000, Senator Wyden delinked timber receipts from essential county services to stave off the looming extinction crisis for some species in western Oregon. Today, there is much uncertainty about reauthorization of the payments, which has lead to the current effort to relink. From a fish and wildlife recovery perspective, we are staunchly opposed to a proposal that will potentially turn up to 1.2 million acres of public forest into an aggressively managed timber trust. Much of this acreage proposed for the timber trust is currently in reserve under the existing Northwest Forest Plan, and recovering from decades of clearcutting and road building.
The environmental standards under a timber trust model would be far weaker than what they are today. The proposal as it has been explained has some notable sweeteners, like the creation of the Devil’s Staircase and Wild Rogue Wilderness Areas, as well as permanent protection for the remaining old-growth forests found on BLM lands in western Oregon. Most intriguing is that it would morph the western Oregon BLM into the Forest Service and absolve the 1937 O&C Act. Timber friendly politicians have held the BLM forests hostage since the statute’s passage by suggesting they should be logged to their maximum to fund county services. We believe there are more sensible permanent funding solutions for our counties than relinking timber receipts through a trust model if county payments aren’t renewed. We’ve called for a shared responsibility approach, where the feds, the state and the counties all have a stake in the solution. We encourage the various governments to take a fresh look at the remarkably low property tax rates in some of our counties, a fair timber harvest tax on industrial forestland, cost savings associated with morphing the western Oregon BLM into the Forest Service, and a sales tax for Oregon. Absent a fresh and innovative approach, politicians will set Oregonians up for failure.
STEELHEAD
Oncorhynchus mykiss The steelhead is a sea-run rainbow trout and typically returns to its freshwater birthplace to spawn after two to three years at sea. In the US, the species is found in the river systems from southern California to northern Washington. Winter, summer or runs of both may be found in the species’ waterways. The southern California and upper Columbia River populations are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss from dams and siltation from logging and road building are believed to be significant causes of the species’ decline. Rivers and streams in the Elliott, Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests (see front page story) as well as federal Coast Range forests that would be affected by Congress‘ logging proposal (see story to left) support spawning and rearing habitat for the winter run of steelhead which typically peaks in February. 3
Selected Passages from Our Notice of Intent to Sue the State of Oregon for “Taking” Marbled Murrelets … The State is actively causing “take” of marbled murrelets on the Elliott, Tillamook, and Clatsop State Forests by deciding to increase logging and authorizing that logging to occur in occupied sites and by fragmenting marbled murrelet habitat. More specifically, the State is: (1) authorizing logging within occupied areas specifically reserved for marbled murrelets called marbled murrelet management areas or MMMAs; (2) authorizing logging of occupied marbled murrelet habitat by arbitrarily creating MMMAs that fail to include all the contiguous occupied habitat; (3) failing to designate MMMAs where occupied behavior has been documented; (4) fragmenting marbled murrelet habitat by creating MMMAs that are too small or irregularly shaped to provide the interior habitat necessary for marbled murrelets; and (5) fragmenting occupied and suitable habitat on state forest lands to such a degree as to cause death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, reduced Typical slash and burn logging practices on the fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, Elliott (Josh Laughlin) increased predation and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival… … ODF, BOF, DSL, and SLB have recently approved a new forest management plan for the Elliott that significantly increases the amount of logging that will be allowed on the forest. Under the new forest management plan, logging on the Elliott will increase from approximately 25 million board feet to 40 million board feet cut per year. In order for the new volume targets to be met, timber sales will have to be planned in the areas previously avoided under the HCP in the northwestern Elliott… … The State is causing take of marbled murrelets by authorizing logging in occupied sites. Logging in occupied sites actually kills murrelets, and injures and annoys murrelets to such a degree as to disrupt and significantly impair essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, and sheltering. Logging in occupied murrelet sites causes death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, nest failure, reduced fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, increased predation and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival. The State is causing occupied sites to be logged by: (1) authorizing logging operations in known MMMAs; (2) arbitrarily and inadequately designating MMMAs to exclude significant portions of known occupied stands that are then included in timber sales; and (3) failing to acknowledge stands as occupied even when occupied behavior is documented. By deciding to increase logging on these forests, the State is increasing the instances in which occupied sites are logged… [The Notice of Intent was filed on January 19. We have not heard back from the State of Oregon as we go to print.] continued from p. 1
Kruse, and Cascadia Wildlands staff attorney, Nick Cady. Our notice alleges the State is “fragmenting occupied and suitable habitat to such a degree as to cause death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, reduced fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, increased predation 4
and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival.” The lawsuit aims to find a more balanced plan for these state forests that offers genuine habitat safeguards for the marbled murrelet and will ultimately help this magnificent species recover from the brink of extinction.
Oregon Trapping Rules Targeted for Overhaul Archaic Practices Have Potential to Harm Recovering Species by Nick Cady, Legal Director will simplify the existing regulations, establishing clear The current trapping rules in Oregon are very guidelines for trappers to follow. These tighter convoluted and cause animals to suffer greatly for regulations will also serve to reduce the amount of unreasonable and extended periods of time. Oregon traps set by those who cannot commit to checking currently requires individuals to check their traps and their traps regularly. Trapping in Oregon is not as snares anywhere from once every 48 hours to once prevalent as it once was, but irresponsible trapping every 30 days based on the type of animal being targeted and the type of trap being used. Due to these practices have the potential to greatly harm newly established predator species in the state and cause archaic regulations, Cascadia Wildlands is working undue suffering. The petition to change the rules will with The Humane Society of the United States to be submitted this new year, and we urge you to contact change trapping regulations here in Oregon. Determining the length of trap check intervals based the Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission to upon the species of animal being trapped is impractical support this rule change: odfw.commission@state.or.us; 3406 Cherry Avenue N.E., Salem, OR 97303. because often traps will snare an animal that was not targeted. A recent example in eastern Oregon demonstrates the potentially devastating implications. In December, one of the state’s three wolverines was snared in a trap in Wallowa County, which was set for bobcats. Under the current regulations, this trap could have gone a week without any monitoring activity. Likely, the wolverine would have died in the trap. Fortunately, this trap was checked soon after, and the wolverine was released unharmed. Most traps will attract all sorts of animals, including state and federally threatened and endangered species. Basing trap requirements on the type of animal being targeted is illogical and has the potential to devastate up-and-coming populations of predator species, like the gray wolf and wolverine. Our proposed changes to the rules would require that traps be checked every 24 hours and all animals removed. This change will be relatively non-controversial. There are only a few hundred trapping license holders in the state, and most trapping is done for recreational purposes. Additionally, responsible trappers monitor trap lines frequently in order to prevent pelt degradation, damage, or take by other predators. Furthermore, major commercial trapping businesses in the Northwest are already self-imposing 24-hour trap check Lynx caught in a leg-hold trap. Cascadia Wildlands is working to requirements. improve the trapping rules in Oregon to reduce harm to recovering Creating a 24-hour trap check requirement wildlife. (courtesy Fur-Bearer Defenders) 5
Selected Passages from Our Notice of Intent to Sue the State of Oregon for “Taking” Marbled Murrelets … The State is actively causing “take” of marbled murrelets on the Elliott, Tillamook, and Clatsop State Forests by deciding to increase logging and authorizing that logging to occur in occupied sites and by fragmenting marbled murrelet habitat. More specifically, the State is: (1) authorizing logging within occupied areas specifically reserved for marbled murrelets called marbled murrelet management areas or MMMAs; (2) authorizing logging of occupied marbled murrelet habitat by arbitrarily creating MMMAs that fail to include all the contiguous occupied habitat; (3) failing to designate MMMAs where occupied behavior has been documented; (4) fragmenting marbled murrelet habitat by creating MMMAs that are too small or irregularly shaped to provide the interior habitat necessary for marbled murrelets; and (5) fragmenting occupied and suitable habitat on state forest lands to such a degree as to cause death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, reduced Typical slash and burn logging practices on the fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, Elliott (Josh Laughlin) increased predation and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival… … ODF, BOF, DSL, and SLB have recently approved a new forest management plan for the Elliott that significantly increases the amount of logging that will be allowed on the forest. Under the new forest management plan, logging on the Elliott will increase from approximately 25 million board feet to 40 million board feet cut per year. In order for the new volume targets to be met, timber sales will have to be planned in the areas previously avoided under the HCP in the northwestern Elliott… … The State is causing take of marbled murrelets by authorizing logging in occupied sites. Logging in occupied sites actually kills murrelets, and injures and annoys murrelets to such a degree as to disrupt and significantly impair essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, and sheltering. Logging in occupied murrelet sites causes death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, nest failure, reduced fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, increased predation and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival. The State is causing occupied sites to be logged by: (1) authorizing logging operations in known MMMAs; (2) arbitrarily and inadequately designating MMMAs to exclude significant portions of known occupied stands that are then included in timber sales; and (3) failing to acknowledge stands as occupied even when occupied behavior is documented. By deciding to increase logging on these forests, the State is increasing the instances in which occupied sites are logged… [The Notice of Intent was filed on January 19. We have not heard back from the State of Oregon as we go to print.] continued from p. 1
Kruse, and Cascadia Wildlands staff attorney, Nick Cady. Our notice alleges the State is “fragmenting occupied and suitable habitat to such a degree as to cause death, displacement, fewer nesting attempts, failure to breed, reduced fecundity, reduced nest abundance, lower nest success, increased predation 4
and parasitism rates, crowding in remaining patches, and reductions in adult survival.” The lawsuit aims to find a more balanced plan for these state forests that offers genuine habitat safeguards for the marbled murrelet and will ultimately help this magnificent species recover from the brink of extinction.
Oregon Trapping Rules Targeted for Overhaul Archaic Practices Have Potential to Harm Recovering Species by Nick Cady, Legal Director will simplify the existing regulations, establishing clear The current trapping rules in Oregon are very guidelines for trappers to follow. These tighter convoluted and cause animals to suffer greatly for regulations will also serve to reduce the amount of unreasonable and extended periods of time. Oregon traps set by those who cannot commit to checking currently requires individuals to check their traps and their traps regularly. Trapping in Oregon is not as snares anywhere from once every 48 hours to once prevalent as it once was, but irresponsible trapping every 30 days based on the type of animal being targeted and the type of trap being used. Due to these practices have the potential to greatly harm newly established predator species in the state and cause archaic regulations, Cascadia Wildlands is working undue suffering. The petition to change the rules will with The Humane Society of the United States to be submitted this new year, and we urge you to contact change trapping regulations here in Oregon. Determining the length of trap check intervals based the Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission to upon the species of animal being trapped is impractical support this rule change: odfw.commission@state.or.us; 3406 Cherry Avenue N.E., Salem, OR 97303. because often traps will snare an animal that was not targeted. A recent example in eastern Oregon demonstrates the potentially devastating implications. In December, one of the state’s three wolverines was snared in a trap in Wallowa County, which was set for bobcats. Under the current regulations, this trap could have gone a week without any monitoring activity. Likely, the wolverine would have died in the trap. Fortunately, this trap was checked soon after, and the wolverine was released unharmed. Most traps will attract all sorts of animals, including state and federally threatened and endangered species. Basing trap requirements on the type of animal being targeted is illogical and has the potential to devastate up-and-coming populations of predator species, like the gray wolf and wolverine. Our proposed changes to the rules would require that traps be checked every 24 hours and all animals removed. This change will be relatively non-controversial. There are only a few hundred trapping license holders in the state, and most trapping is done for recreational purposes. Additionally, responsible trappers monitor trap lines frequently in order to prevent pelt degradation, damage, or take by other predators. Furthermore, major commercial trapping businesses in the Northwest are already self-imposing 24-hour trap check Lynx caught in a leg-hold trap. Cascadia Wildlands is working to requirements. improve the trapping rules in Oregon to reduce harm to recovering Creating a 24-hour trap check requirement wildlife. (courtesy Fur-Bearer Defenders) 5
COMMUNITYCALENDAR
New Plan for Western Oregon BLM Forests Mulled by Congress
February 29: Presentation on BLM Forest Proposal Join
Cascadia Wildlands, Oregon Wild and Forest Web for a dialog about Rep. DeFazio’s forest proposal for western Oregon BLM lands. Cottage Grove Community Center. 6:30-8:30 pm.
March 1-4: Public Interest Environmental Law Conference Cascadia
Wildlands will be tabling and presenting on a handful of panels at this one-of-a-kind environmental law conference. More info at www.pielc.org.
March 5: “Pints Gone Wild!” Pint sales at Ninkasi
Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Bluegrassy twang music by Alder St. All Stars (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
March 8: 5th annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Cascadia Wildlands and UO Outdoor Program co-host awardwinning films about wild nature and renowned campaigns to protect it. 7-10 pm. 180 Prince Lucien Campbell Hall, University of Oregon. Tickets at the door. More info at www.cascwild.org.
Proposal for County Funding Could Potentially Designate 1.2 Million Acres for Clearcutting by Josh Laughlin, Campaign Director
CONSERVATION DESERVES MORE THAN 2% Conservation and the environment receive just 2% of charitable giving in America. Put simply, conservation is not as well supported as it must be to ensure our future quality of life. Preventative action to maintain the health of our air, waters, lands and forests costs a fraction of what we will sacrifice if we neglect our responsibilities. Conservation has one of the highest returns on investment of all charitable work. It builds strong, sustainable local economies. Type to enter text The Earth Friends Challenge supports exceptional groups that are known for their efficiency and effectiveness. Cascadia Wildland’s work is essential to our lives and to future generations.
THERE IS NO TIME TO LOSE. PLEASE INVEST IN CASCADIA WILDLANDS TODAY!
April 2: Pints Gone Wild!
Pint sales at Ninkasi Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Jazz music by the Sean Peterson Experiment (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
May 7: Pints Gone Wild!
Pint sales at Ninkasi Brewing Co. benefit Cascadia Wildlands. Ol’ time American music by the Whiskey Chasers (6-7 pm) followed by Cascadia Trivia Night.
6
www.cascwild.org
After the demise of the Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR) in 2009, a new plan is emerging in Congress for management of our 2.4 million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands in western Oregon. While no legislative language has been shared with us, we do know the central tenants of the proposal. Representative Peter DeFazio (DOR) and Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR) are proposing to turn the BLM acres into two trusts, half which would go into conservation and the other half into timber production to fund counties. For the past 10 years, western Oregon counties have been receiving county payments from Congress to fund county services, like libraries and sheriffs, instead of using timber receipts. In 2000, Senator Wyden delinked timber receipts from essential county services to stave off the looming extinction crisis for some species in western Oregon. Today, there is much uncertainty about reauthorization of the payments, which has lead to the current effort to relink. From a fish and wildlife recovery perspective, we are staunchly opposed to a proposal that will potentially turn up to 1.2 million acres of public forest into an aggressively managed timber trust. Much of this acreage proposed for the timber trust is currently in reserve under the existing Northwest Forest Plan, and recovering from decades of clearcutting and road building.
The environmental standards under a timber trust model would be far weaker than what they are today. The proposal as it has been explained has some notable sweeteners, like the creation of the Devil’s Staircase and Wild Rogue Wilderness Areas, as well as permanent protection for the remaining old-growth forests found on BLM lands in western Oregon. Most intriguing is that it would morph the western Oregon BLM into the Forest Service and absolve the 1937 O&C Act. Timber friendly politicians have held the BLM forests hostage since the statute’s passage by suggesting they should be logged to their maximum to fund county services. We believe there are more sensible permanent funding solutions for our counties than relinking timber receipts through a trust model if county payments aren’t renewed. We’ve called for a shared responsibility approach, where the feds, the state and the counties all have a stake in the solution. We encourage the various governments to take a fresh look at the remarkably low property tax rates in some of our counties, a fair timber harvest tax on industrial forestland, cost savings associated with morphing the western Oregon BLM into the Forest Service, and a sales tax for Oregon. Absent a fresh and innovative approach, politicians will set Oregonians up for failure.
STEELHEAD
Oncorhynchus mykiss The steelhead is a sea-run rainbow trout and typically returns to its freshwater birthplace to spawn after two to three years at sea. In the US, the species is found in the river systems from southern California to northern Washington. Winter, summer or runs of both may be found in the species’ waterways. The southern California and upper Columbia River populations are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Habitat loss from dams and siltation from logging and road building are believed to be significant causes of the species’ decline. Rivers and streams in the Elliott, Clatsop and Tillamook State Forests (see front page story) as well as federal Coast Range forests that would be affected by Congress‘ logging proposal (see story to left) support spawning and rearing habitat for the winter run of steelhead which typically peaks in February. 3
from Executive Director Kate Ritley
staff Nick Cady
Legal Director
Sally Cummings
Operations Manager
Francis Eatherington Conservation Director
Josh Laughlin
Campaign Director
Kate Ritley
Executive Director
Gabe Scott
Alaska Field Director
board of directors Laura Beaton Jeremy Hall, President Paul Kuck Lauren Padawer Sarah Peters Justin Ramsey Tim Ream Tim Whitley, Secretary Steve Witten, Treasurer
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
contact PO Box 10455 Eugene, OR 97440 541.434.1463 p 541.434.6494 f info@CascWild.org 2
WWW.CASCWILD.ORG
advisory council
December 10, 2011 is a day I will remember for a very long time. A record crowd of more than 400 people gathered to celebrate and support Cascadia Wildlands at our 9th annual Wonderland Auction. Thanks to donations from more than 150 businesses and the extraordinary generosity of the guests in attendance, this benefit gala turned out to be the most successful fundraising event in the history of Cascadia Wildlands. On that historic evening, we raised $60,000 to benefit endangered forests, rivers, and wildlife. Support from local businesses and organizations was pivotal to the unprecedented success of this event. Mountain Rose Herbs, a visionary leader in the sustainable business community, demonstrated unparalleled generosity with its sponsorship of this event. Combined with the support of the UO Outdoor Program, Back to the Roots Landscaping, Ring of Fire Restaurant, Ninkasi Brewing, Coconut Bliss, Eugene Weekly, and Genesis Juice, sponsorships ensured that every dollar raised in our auction went directly to protecting endangered wildlands and wildlife. Funds from the event are now fueling our campaigns to recover gray wolves across the Pacific Northwest, end clearcutting on the Elliott Rainforest, stop construction of the Pacific Connector Pipeline in southern Oregon, and much more. Because of the smashing success of the Wonderland Auction and exceptional generosity of hundreds of individuals who made end-of-year donations to support our work, 2012 is off to a roaring start. Community support is the backbone of Cascadia Wildlands’ work. We are deeply grateful to the businesses, organizations, and individuals who made this an incredibly successful event. Thank you for making our work to protect and restore wild ecosystems possible!
A New Alaskan Arrives on Board Cascadia Wildlands welcomes the arrival of Lauren Padawer to the Board of Directors. Owner of Alaska Glacial Mud Co., Lauren hails from Cordova, the northern reaches of the bioregion, and has been intimately familiar with our work for years. Lauren replaces long-time board members and Copper River Watershed Project staffer, Kate Alexander. While we’ll miss Kate’s passion and energy for the Copper River on our board, she’ll still remain at our fingertips and continue to be a vital asset for our work up north.
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 and community groups that have made substantial contributions to support our work in the recent past:
444S Foundation
Fund for Wild Nature
Acorn Foundation
Furthur Foundation
Alaska Conservation Foundation Astrov Fund Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Brainerd Foundation Burning Foundation Deer Creek Foundation Earth Friends Conservation Fund
Mark Frohnmayer Donor Sperling Foundation Advised Fund of the Strong Foundation for Oregon Community Environmental Values Kenney Brothers Foundation Watershed Foundation Suwinski Family Roger Millis Donor Foundation Klorfine Family Advised Fund of the Foundation University of Oregon Oregon Community Outdoor Program Foundation Laird Norton Foundation Wilburforce Foundation McKenzie River Leotta Gordon Gathering Foundation Foundation Winky Foundation Meyer Memorial Trust Loeb-Meginnes Foundation Norcross Wildlife Foundation Mazamas
BUSINESSES GIVE BACK A sustainable planet is essential to sustainable business. That’s why more and more companies are actively investing in Cascadia Wildlands. Business support saves wild places from imminent destruction and wildlife from extinction. Please join us in thanking and patronizing the visionary businesses that support our work with generous cash contributions:
Business Champions ($5,000+) Patagonia, Inc
Business Partners ($2,500-4,999) Mountain Rose Herbs Tactics Board Shop
Business Sustainers ($1000-2499) Pivot Architecture Pizza Research Institute
Emerald Valley Kitchen River Jewelry Southern Explorations Sundance Natural Market
THANK YOU!
Thank You For Helping Make It Happen
Business Friends ($250-999) Backcountry Gear Ltd.
In addition, hundreds of businesses contribute goods and services to support Cascadia Wildlands, especially through our annual Wonderland Auction. Please help us thank the businesses that support our work with generous in-kind contributions: Discovery Voyages Ninkasi Brewing Company Paul’s Bicycle Way of Life Cascadia Wildlands is a proud Recipient organization of 1% for the Planet, an alliance of businesses committed to leveraging their resources to create a healthier planet.
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. (Cascadia Wildlands will never share or sell your information.) 7