ONRC Wild Oregon Spring 2002
Volume 29, No. 1
INSIDE: The Bush Administration’s Environmental Record Exposed A New Restoration Paradigm to Save Old-Growth Forests Will Coho Salmon Lose Their Protected Status?
By Regna Merritt rm@onrc.org
To aggressively protect and restore Oregon’s wild lands, wildlife and waters as an enduring legacy. MAIN OFFICE 5825 N. Greeley Avenue Portland, OR 97217 phone: 503.283.6343 fax: 503.283.0756 24-hour Action Line, ext. 403 info@onrc.org www.onrc.org Executive Director........................ Regna Merritt x Director of Finance & Admin............. Jacki Richey x Development Director..................... David Wilkins x Wilderness Campaign Director............. Susan Ash x Wilderness/Info. Systems Mgr.. Sumner Robinson x Grassroots Coordinator..................... Alex Brown x Adopt-a-Wilderness/GIS ............. Erik Fernandez x Volunteer Coordinator.................... Joy Prideaux x Membership Assistant....................... Brad Aaron x Executive Assistant.................... Nanci Champlin x Office Administrator......................... Erin Fagley x Database Assistant........................ Rhonda Robb x The email address for each ONRC staff member: initials@onrc.org (for example: rm@onrc.org)
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WESTERN FIELD OFFICE Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11648, Eugene, OR 97440 Street Address: 454 Willamette, Suite 203 phone: 541.344.0675 fax: 541.343.0996 Acting Conservation Director....... Doug Heiken NW OR Field Rep......................... Jeremy Hall Conservation Administrator........ Leeanne Siart EASTERN FIELD OFFICE 16 NW Kansas, Bend, OR 97701 phone: 541.382.2616 fax: 541.385.3370 Eastern OR Field Rep..................... Tim Lillebo SOUTHERN FIELD OFFICE P.O. Box 8040 Brookings, OR 97415 phone: 541.783.2206 Southern OR Field Rep.............. Wendell Wood BOARD OFFICERS OF ONRC ACTION & ONRC FUND President- Pat Clancy Secretary/Treasurer- Jan Wilson BOARD MEMBERS Jim Baker Mary Holmstrom Julie Papavero Lauren Esserman Dan Kent Rand Schenck Gary Guttormsen Scott Lewis Jay Ward Mike Helm* Brian Maguire Sigrid Weidenweber
Dear Friends, I write to you from Washington, D.C. We face multiple radical threats to public lands and values across the nation. While industries that use federal lands have long exploited them without regard for future generations, they now have tremendous political clout with the Bush Administration. They want to cut the public out of the debate over protection of wilderness and other national treasures. They are focused and they are moving quickly. Agricultural Undersecretary Mark Rey, once a timber lobbyist, now oversees the U.S. Forest Service. In a recent scandal, he illegally bypassed the public appeals process and approved logging plans which would cut thousands of acres in Montana's roadless forests. While the courts reined him in, the onslaught continues in hundreds of other arenas. Despite these challenges, we maintain hope. Why? Because most Americans strongly support protections for wild lands and waters. Once informed, they will take action-- communicating with policy-makers and casting their votes. Many in Oregon's congressional delegation want to provide safeguards for wilderness, old-growth forests and water this year. We will work with you to accomplish these goals. Remembering Joy Belsky We mourn the loss of Joy Belsky, staff ecologist for ONRC from 1993 to 1996. Joy was a rare scientist who left the ivory tower to save the West. She honed her sharp mind and analytical skills at Smith College, Yale University and the University of Washington. After nearly fifteen years of research, teaching and publishing, she worked to protect public forests, grasslands and deserts at ONRC. She made amazing contributions to public lands grazing and timber imports debates. She made innumerable formal comments on proposed agency actions that would degrade the lands she so loved. She also took the lead in changing discriminatory practices in the conservation community. Joy worked with the Oregon Natural Desert Association until her death in December, 2001. We are grateful for her magnificent contributions and miss her dearly. In tribute to Joy,
Sandy Lonsdale
ONRC’S MISSION:
E. Feryl/Environmental Images
From the Director
* Board member of ONRC Action only. ONRC Fund is a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization. ONRC Action is a tax-exempt, non-profit social welfare organization. Contributions to ONRC Fund are tax-deductible for those who itemize; contributions to ONRC Action are not. Staff are employees of ONRC Fund, which contracts with ONRC Action to carry out its activities. Portions of this newsletter are paid for by ONRC Action.
ONRC Wild Oregon
COVER: Lookout Mountain Proposed Wilderness Area,Ochoco National Forest. By Larry Olsen
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Spring 2002
Acting Conservation Director’s Report
By Doug Heiken dh@onrc.org
Threats and Opportunities: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects critical habitat for spotted owls and counts the owls before allowing more old-growth logging. The agency counts habitat acres (but not the birds) and proclaims that more old-growth can be cut. Who will stand aside? Who will take a stand?
- After more than two million overwhelmingly favorable public comments, former President Clinton protected 58.5 million acres of national forest roadless areas. Within hours of being sworn in, President Bush sets to unraveling the new rule. Can President Bush slap two million Americans in the face?
There has never been a better time to become actively involved in Oregon’s conservation movement.
- We see again that the government can't log old-growth forests and still uphold environmental laws. ONRC lawsuits stop over 100 illegal timber sales but the U.S. Forest Service and BLM approve new rules that protect fewer species, making it easier to destroy old-growth habitat. Now they're preparing to make even more regressive changes to the Northwest Forest Plan. Can activists force them instead to retreat and protect all remaining old-growth? - Conservationists sue to ensure that
- And finally: Timber companies give millions in campaign contributions to George W. Bush. Once their man is in office, they sue the U.S. Forest Service over their most reviled environmental safeguards (those which require protection of rare species before oldgrowth can be logged). Then they enter into settlement talks with the new (Bush-controlled) Department of Justice. Will the protections go away?
Russ Taylor
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t's the best of times, and it's the worst of times. In the face of an environmentally destructive administration and a pre-occupied nation, I conclude there has never been a better time to become actively involved in Oregon’s conservation movement. Consider these scenarios:
RECEIVE ONRC’S WEEKLY E-MAIL ACTION ALERTS! Contact Alex Brown at ab@onrc.org or 503-283-6343 x 224
Too bad these aren't hypothetical scenarios. We'd like to wake up from this scary dream. Instead, we need to stand up and speak out because now is a time of intense challenge.
Russ Taylor
Gary Braasch
Taking a stand for our environment in 2002.
In 2002: · The fate of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule will continue to unfold in several forums: the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in the Bush Administration's attempted deconstruction of the policy, and possibly in Congress. · Congress may take up legislation to protect our remaining mature and old-growth forests and forest wilderness. · Congress will take up challenges to the Endangered Species Act based on the Klamath Basin water controversy. · Many of our elected representatives are up for re-election. This is a prime opportunity for active involvement in our democracy. Please be there to help us as we work to protect our children's legacy.
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring 2002
Special Report
By Susan Ash sa@onrc.org
BUSH-WHACKED!
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“
f you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Much to my mom's chagrin, I rarely hold my tongue. But certainly not when it comes to the exploitation of our natural resources.
to approve a timber salvage sale on 44,000 acres in Montana's Bitterroot National Forest without the required public input process. (Update: environmentalists sued and a settlement was reached).
As the focus on September 11th fades, contentious environmental policies are returning to the national agenda. While we mourned, The Bush Administration and the timber industry decisions by federal agencies another whack at our public forests. sent a devastating wave across our public lands. Here's a brief look We refuse to allow this at what the Bush Administration “Bush- whacking” to and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are doing to America's treasured dampen our enthusiasm natural resources.... Policies and Bush Administration Actions - Now that's whacked!
for protecting our natural environment, especially here in Oregon.
National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Rule - Continues to weaken the policy that increased protections for 58.5 million acres of national forest lands.
Mining Regulations - Reversed regulations on public lands mining that gave the government veto power over projects deemed harmful to the environment.
Energy Policy - Created an energy policy stressing oil and gas exploration on public lands (including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) over conservation and renewable sources.
Clean Water - Blocked rules to clean up the 40% of rivers and lakes nationwide that don't meet pollution standards.
Wetlands Protection - Eased restrictions on the destruction of wetlands, making it easy for developers and others to dredge and fill wetlands. Global Warming - Rejected an international treaty to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.
ONRC Wild Oregon
Ground-Disturbing Activities - The Bush Administration approved a scientifically sound, wide-ranging plan to manage over 11 million acres of the Sierra Nevada. But then the Forest Service immediately called for a broad review of the plan. - USFS Chief Dale Bosworth encouraged Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey (a former timber lobbyist)
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- The USFS and the state of Montana issued permits that will allow for exploratory mining are taking beneath the peaks of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area, one of the first areas protected under the Wilderness Act of 1964. - The USFS approved the cutting of 39 million board feet of wood in unprotected roadless areas included in the Oregon Wild Proposal. The Mill Creek Timber Sale would be one of Oregon's largest sales, located just west of Crater Lake National Park. We refuse to allow this "Bush-whacking" to dampen our enthusiasm for protecting our natural environment, especially here in Oregon. Fortunately, for the most part, Oregon's congressional delegation understands how committed Oregonians are to protecting the lands that sustain us. We should all continue to contact our representatives and ask that they fight to keep popular environmental policies intact. Rep. Blumenauer: 503-231-2300 Rep. DeFazio: 800-944-9603 Rep. Hooley: 503-588-9100 Rep. Walden: 800-533-3303 Rep. Wu: 503-326-2901
Spring 2002
Illustration by Matt Wuerker
Mike Piehl
An expose on the Bush Administration’s environmental record.
Wilderness Area Profile
By Jan Wilson, Member of ONRC’s Board of Directors
Two timber sales threaten this popular, unprotected wilderness.
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“[I]t is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness." -1964 Wilderness Act.
arth Day, 2001. I'm hiking on one of my favorite trails, the waterfall loop in the Brice Creek Roadless Area of the Umpqua National Forest. Starting up the steep, winding path, I notice that the usually drippy moss on the rocky overhangs is dry it's looking like a drought year. As my companions and I climb through towering cedars and Douglas firs interwoven with yews, vine maples, rhododendrons, and various ferns, the sound of the creek below accompanies the chattering of hidden birds. "Wilderness does not exist because Nature created it as such; it exists solely because man has not yet intruded upon it." McMichael v. U.S. (9th Circuit Court, 1965).
Jeremy Hall
Sandy Lonsdale
Brice Creek: A Slice of Beauty and Wonder Near Eugene
The Oregon Wild Campaign did not end with the two million comments submitted during development of the roadless policy. Already, the Bush Administration is delaying and attempting to dismantle the policy. Since only Congressional legislation can permanently protect these wild places, ONRC and other organizations across the state are preparing such legislation, and key members of Congress are interested.
As another Earth Day approaches, let us reWe hike for hours, and see When two basalt formations collided, this and many other water- commit our energies only one other party - a falls were created along the Brice Creek Trail. to defending unprotected father with two young chilwilderness from ongoing dren. We pass them at the top, where circling in the cloudless sky. assaults and intrusions. After all, the trail weaves behind a waterfall places like Brice Creek are depending pouring over a precipice. The children "It is not enough to understand the on us. beam as the spray splashes their faces; natural world. The point is to defend and their father's smile is pure serenity. preserve it." -Edward Abbey We whisper our greetings, reluctant VISIT A PROPOSED WILDERNESS to break the silence within the I break the trance with bad AREA NEAR YOU! news. "You know, this is an uninvenwaterfall's roar. toried roadless area, meaning it's not Check out the events Starting down the other side of the protected, even under the Clinton on the back page for hikes drainage, we notice immediate roadless area policy." I pause. to areas included in the changes. Ferns give way to salal, Oregon Wild Campaign! rhododendrons turn to madrones. At "Two timber sales are planned in this a wooden bridge, we drop our area - both in classic old-growth, both backpacks, lie flat across the planks, in forests as diverse and beautiful as Learn more at www.onrc.org and stare up at bugs and butterflies this one."
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring 2002
Old-Growth Campaign Updates
By Doug Heiken dh@onrc.org
Saving What’s Left of Our Old-Growth Forests
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BLM away from old-growth logging and toward forest restoration west of the Cascades. This will improve our forest ecosystem and create sustainable jobs.
ast January, the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the timber industry all stated publicly that they want to increase old-growth logging on our National Forests.
Recent polling shows that a whopping 75% of Oregon and Washington residents support old-growth forest protection.
In explaining how the U.S. Forest Service intended to step up old-growth logging, the Regional Forester quipped, "I wouldn't worry about getting run over by log trucks on the way to the mill." In other words, my old-growth will get liquidated, but I will live to witness it. Whew, I feel so much better, don't you?
Francis Eatherington
Wendell Wood
The Northwest Old-Growth Campaign leads the way.
The new restoration paradigm is the best overall solution to federal forest management.
(1) Environmentally benign restoration thinning is not controThen, the spokesperson for the versial. It makes better use of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Joan Jewett, explained how Protecting the Lomolo Roadless Area from a planned agency resources by simplifying they intend to allow more timber sale is crucial to preventing wolverine extinction in environmental analysis and typically avoiding the detailed timber sales in spotted owl the Umpqua National Forest. wildlife surveys required to log habitat, saying, "It doesn't mean we're going to open the flood- sional delegation are actively old-growth forests. gates." What a relief, we'll be in dead working to protect ancient forests. giants up to our necks, but we won't Corporations are pledging to abstain (2) The proposed restoration thinning from buying or selling products made program will not produce as much drown in it. from old-growth. Old-growth logging timber volume as the Northwest Finally, the timber industry filed suit is constantly stymied by litigation Forest Plan unrealistically predicted, but it will yield more than is currentto get rid of the "survey and manage" and protests. ly being produced under the highly program that protects rare and uncommon species that rely on The time is ripe for a paradigm shift. controversial old-growth liquidation Two years ago, over 100 groups (led policy that are tied up in lawsuits and old-growth forests. by ONRC) put forth the Citizen's public protests. Could our public servants and their Alternative to the Northwest Forest Contact the U.S. Forest Service’s friends in the timber industry be any Plan. We urged protection of all Regional Forester and urge him more out of touch with today's mature and old-growth forests and to stop logging the public’s reality? Recent polling shows that a encouraged active restoration of damwhopping 75% of Oregon and aged landscapes, including thinning in old-growth and start investing in Washington residents support old- the young plantations left after forest restoration: Harv Forsgren growth protection. Scientists are decades of unfortunate clearcutting. calling for all mature and old-growth Now ONRC and the NW OldPhone: (503) 808-2200 trees to be protected. Prominent Growth Campaign are working to E-mail: hforsgren@fs.fed.us members of the Northwest congres- move the U.S. Forest Service and Fax: 503-808-2210
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring 2002
By Jeremy Hall jh@onrc.org
The Fight to Save Old-Growth Continues Updates from the field.
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red tree vole, the site of the sale has been significantly reduced twice. While nearly 70% of the project is now dropped, we cannot claim victory until this sale is completely off the chopping block.
A "Window" of Old-Growth Logging Not so this winter. With the shocking de-listing of the coastal coho salmon by federal judge Michael Hogan, timber sales that had been halted because of their potential to harm coho habitat could be cut. In the threemonth window that was opened before the Ninth Circuit Court wisely stayed Hogan's decision, several timber sales went forward.
Industry Lawsuit Threatens Old-Growth The red tree vole is a nocturnal mammal that is important prey for the northern spotted owl. ONRC was the lead plaintiff on a successful lawsuit that forced the USFS to protect sites known to be home to rare, old-growth dependent species.
ONRC file photos
ost winters, all is quiet on the western oldgrowth forest front. Timber sales usually slow like the winter sap of an old growth Douglas-fir. Tree sitters hunker down for the winter, and loggers wait for better weather to log and yard trees out of our public forests.
The most troubling turn of events took place on Coquille Indian tribal lands. The Oregon Resources Conservation Act transferred 5,400 acres of public land to the Coquille, requiring the tribe to manage the land with the same environmental protections as the federal government. The tribe jumped through the open window created by Hogan's decision and began cutting old-growth trees. Even after the Ninth Circuit ordered a halt to the cut it continued. Critical fish habitat was damaged before the good work of Umpqua Watersheds and EarthJustice finally stopped the logging.
ONRC Wild Oregon
ONRC forced the U.S. Forest Service to protect sites known to be home to rare old-growth-dependent species. Good News on the Willamette National Forest Better news has emerged on the Willamette National Forest. The Clark timber sale in Fall Creek threatens a beautiful old-growth grove. Activists have lived in a tree village in the threatened groves for nearly four years. Thanks to the efforts of Cascadia Forest Defenders and Canopy Action Network, who identified nests of the
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As you can imagine, the timber industry is not pleased that species protection is slowing down liquidation of our old-growth and mature forests on public lands. Demonstrating how out of touch they are with public values, the American Forest Resources Council filed a lawsuit alleging that the Survey and Manage program for old-growth dependent species is illegal. ONRC and other conservation groups will be working hard to get this frivolous suit thrown out and will use this as an opportunity to save our old-growth forests. Stay tuned for more to come! Learn more about the NW Old-Growth Campaign at www.onrc.org
Spring 2002
Klamath Basin Campaign Update
ESA Opponents File Lawsuit to Delist Coho Salmon
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n early February, the right-wing Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit on behalf of irrigators in the Klamath Basin seeking to completely delist Klamath River coho salmon as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Coho salmon along the Oregon and northern California coasts may lose Act (ESA). their protected status if lawsuits brought by development interests succeed.
ONRC file photo
ONRC file photo
ONRC and other salmon advocates have filed to intervene on behalf of the fish.
This lawsuit is widely perceived as a way for radical property rights and anti-ESA groups to capitalize on Klamath Basin’s water problems to support an anti-ESA agenda. The effort was as much about avoiding future Klamath clean water reforms as it was an attack on the ESA. The Klamath case is modeled after a case PLF filed earlier that initially resulted in the delisting of Oregon coastal coho salmon north of the Rogue River. In the ruling, the district court found that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) violated its procedures by treating wild coho differently than hatcheryborn coho when it drafted rules to protect these threatened salmon. Fortunately, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals then reversed this ruling and reinstated protections for the coho while an appeal by commercial fishermen, ONRC and others is still pending. The basis of the Klamath irrigators' suit is that wild salmon no longer exist because they are supposedly identical to hatchery fish and
ONRC Wild Oregon
therefore, since any number of hatchery fish can be artificially produced at will, no salmon will ever be in danger of extinction and should never be ESA listed.
"This delisting lawsuit is just a thinly veiled attempt by industrial agribusiness to throw out protections for salmon so they can continue to pollute streams and dry up rivers with impunity." - Glen Spain, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. However, conservation and fishing groups take the position that the ESA was intended to protect wild fish in the wild, not hatchery fish in hatcheries. NMFS should not be including hatchery fish in the same genetically-based conservation area as wild fish in the first place. The irrigators' lawsuit comes on the heels of a study by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) citing severe water pollution as the most serious threat endangered fish face in
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the Klamath Basin. The NAS stated that increased water flows in the Klamath River could also harm salmon because water coming from the irrigation project is laced with pesticides, fertilizers, animal wastes, and is too hot for fish.
In many ways the plight of salmon in the Klamath River is a microcosm of what is happening to these magnificent fish all over the Northwest. Dams, logging, excessive water diversions, and pollution have all combined to take a terrible toll on coho and other native fish. Northwest tribes have seen their rights to healthy salmon runs violated and commercial fishing families on the California and Oregon coasts have seen their livelihoods disappear. "This delisting lawsuit is just a thinly veiled attempt by industrial agribusiness to throw out protections for salmon so they can continue to pollute streams and dry up rivers with impunity." said Glen Spain of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen's Associations. "Fishing communities have a right to exist. We also have a right to rivers with both water and fish."
LEARN MORE: Follow this issue in the news and view our Klamath Basin photo gallery at www.onrc.org
Spring 2002
By Wendell Wood ww@onrc.org
Klamath Basin Provision in Farm Bill Passes U.S. Senate Provision offers hope for restoring the Klamath’s marshes and river flows.
An amendment by Senator Ron Wyden, given a luke warm endorsement by Senator Gordon Smith, proposes a new multi-agency, federal task force to develop a plan to (among other things) purchase water conservation easements, restore wetlands and purchase agricultural land from willing sellers. The carefully crafted funding compromise would direct $175 million over the next five years in what conservationists, tribes and fishermen hope will be restoration funds for the Klamath Basin, rather than just continued farm subsidies. Irrigators have instead wanted legislation that would provide more immediate, direct economic aid. They also wanted to be assured of future water deliveries despite endangered species needs and other environmental laws. Thus U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) convinced Senator Wyden to include language that is more agreeable to irrigators by explicitly stating that one of the task force goals must be "promoting agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible" in the basin. Despite these concessions, the Klamath Water Users Association loudly announced their total opposition to the amendment when it was proposed at the end of last year.
to seek changes to it on behalf of the irrigators.
Buying land from willing sellers, restoring marshes, and earmarking a greater percentage of water for fish and wildlife is the only way this issue can be resolved. The House has already passed its own version of the Farm Bill, but it contained no similar Klamath Basin provision. The differences between the two bills must now be hashed out in a closed-door Conference Committee. Then the final compromise must be adopted by both chambers. As we go to print, conservationists are urging a Senate/House conference committee to retain Klamath
and other conservation provisions that were contained in the Senatepassed bill. While conservationists fear that some of the bill's language could leave the federal task force with a mixed message as to how best spend the money, ONRC still believes the Senate passed version is a great improvement over the status quo. The bill at least promises an honest evaluation of the problem: that there is not any resolution other than to reduce total water demand. ONRC continues to help organize farmers who are willing to sell their land in the Klamath Basin. We believe that buying land from willing sellers, restoring the basin’s marshes, and earmarking a greater percentage of water for fish and wildlife (which have far greater economic value) is the only way this issue can be resolved for the greatest public benefit.
Senator Smith, who initially supported the Wyden provision as a necessary compromise, ultimately voted The Klamath provision of the Farm Bill will help to restore habitat for threatened coho against the Farm Bill and has pledged salmon in the Klamath River. Shown: Mouth of the Klamath River.
ONRC Wild Oregon
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Wendell Wood
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mmediate Congressional efforts to provide some resolution to ecological and water problems in the Klamath Basin are currently tied to a massive $73.5 billion federal Farm Bill (S. 1731).
Spring 2002
By Jacki Richey jr@onrc.org
People & Places
Dave Calahan Works to Defend Long Gulch
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ince 1991 David Calahan has literally been working to protect his backyard.
been hit hard by the hand of man.”
The 5,800 acre Long Gulch Roadless Area is tucked away in Southern Oregon's Applegate Valley, surrounded by a landscape that bears the checkerboard scars of ownership and logging. Untouched by roads or clear-cuts, Long Gulch is unique. In fact, David says, "Government agencies frequently request access through my property to monitor Long Gulch as a baseline for other drainages that have
Dave Calahan is working to stop a planned timber sale in the Long Gulch Roadless Area.
Volunteer of the Month: Ron Constable Ron works in ONRC's Eugene office, monitoring timber sales and stopping projects that harm wildlife habitat.
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igging through timber sale files is frustrating, but Ron Constable keeps doing it. "It seems as though the Forest Service is using the same ploy with species after species," he says. "They map out habitat and then realize that endangered species are canceling timber sales, so they simply change the definition of the habitat instead of protecting the species." Ron has been a volunteer in ONRC's Eugene office for three years, spending most of his time monitoring timber sales in lynx habitat.
ONRC Wild Oregon
While reviewing voluminous files, Ron has found more than 50 timber sales on Oregon's national forests that potentially threaten lynx habitat. Ron has a Biology degree from Ursinus College and has been involved with forest activism since 1987. He moved to Eugene in 1995 and currently works full-time for Mount Pisgah Arboretum. With Ron's help, ONRC continues to press the U.S. Forest Service to accurately identify and protect lynx habitat in Oregon. Thanks Ron, for your tireless determination!
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Much of David's retirement has been spent working full time to protect this backyard treasure. His research has revealed that this area is home to juvenile steelhead and two pairs of spotted owls. Yet the entire area is scheduled to be "treated" by the Bureau of Land Management with roads and logging in the near future. "Time is against us in saving this wilderness," says Calahan. That is why David has rallied the local environmental community to support the designation of Long Gulch as a Wilderness Study Area by the BLM. Thanks, David!
Inside ONRC Fond Farewell to Sheryl Sackman We bid a fond farewell to Sheryl, who has given her time, energy and expertise to the ONRC Board of Directors for the past four years. She has been a great asset to ONRC and we will miss her. Thanks, Sheryl!
Want to volunteer? Call Joy Prideaux at 503-283-6343 ext. 211 or jp@onrc.org
ONRC file photo
Jeremy Hall
“Time is against us in saving this wilderness.” -Dave Calahan, Wilderness Adopter
Spring 2002
Membership
By David Wilkins dw@onrc.org
Giving to ONRC Helps Save Wilderness and Old-Growth Forests Consider Tree Free giving, matching gifts and donating your tax refund. Tree Free Giving Saves Trees and a Whole Lot More!
Help us save resources and reduce costs by contributing to ONRC monthly or quarterly through electronic bank transfers or credit card. Tree Free givers eliminate the need for paper membership renewal notices and save valuable staff time. Tree Free giving also saves you time, and you'll have no checks to write, stamps to lick, or envelopes to mail. Best of all, Tree Free giving saves trees. Currently ONRC is working toward sending all information electronically to Tree Free supporters. Security: Your regular gifts to ONRC will appear on your bank or credit card statement. All information regarding bank accounts and credit cards is held in the strictest confidence. Tree Free giving is as secure as a bank transaction.
Three simple ways to give Tree Free: - fill out the attached remit envelope - join online: www.onrc.org/info/joinmail.html - or call (503) 283-6343 ext. 213
Matching Gifts
Many employers match their employees' charitable gifts. You may be able to double your donation this way! Please ask your personnel office if they have a matching gift program. We extend our sincere appreciation to individuals who increased their contributions to ONRC through recent matching gifts from the following businesses: Becker Capital Management BP Amoco Hewlett Packard Charitable Campaign IBM Janus Nike Employee Matching Gift Program Oracle Corporation Pioneer Hi Bred International, Inc. Stilwell Financial, Inc. For more information on these and other giving options, please contact David Wilkins, Development Director, at (503) 283-6343 ext. 223, or via e-mail: dw@onrc.org. Please note: Contributions made to ONRC or ONRC Fund qualify for tax deductions.
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ONRC Wild Oregon
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Spring 2002
VISIT A PROPOSED WILDERNESS AREA NEAR YOU! SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH: Hike to the proposed Moose Creek Wilderness Area in Willamette National Forest 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5 miles roundtrip (short but rugged). Visit waterfalls, big trees and underground streams that emerge from a dry creek bed. Threatened by logging, this area provides critical habitat for winter steelhead and spring Chinook salmon. Meet at the PC Market of Choice parking lot, 1960 Franklin Blvd. in Eugene. Contact Jeremy at (541)344-0675 or jh@onrc.org
SUNDAY, APRIL 14TH: Hike to the proposed Hardesty Mountain Wilderness Area in Umpqua National Forest 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 5 miles roundtrip (moderate). Experience towering Douglas-firs, western red cedars, wildflower-filled meadows, and inspiring views from the summit of Hardesty Mountain (4273 feet). Meet at the Growers Market, 454 Willamette, Eugene. Contact Leeanne at (541)344-0675 or ls@onrc.org
SATURDAY, MAY 11TH: Hike the Proposed Eagle Creek Wilderness Area in Mount Hood National Forest 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 6 miles roundtrip (moderate, hills). This hike on the historic Old Baldy Trail will lead to a vantage point overlooking the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness Area and the unprotected Eagle Creek watershed, famous for its tree-sits, timber sales and providing drinking water for 185,000 Oregonians. Meet at the Daily Grind on SE Hawthorne and 41st. Contact Alex at (503)283-6343 x 224.
SUNDAY, MAY 26TH: Two hikes through the proposed Zane Grey Wilderness Area in the Medford BLM District Join Wendell Wood and Susan Ash from ONRC and Joseph Vaile of Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center for an all-day hike along this scenic canyon. Joseph will lead a 6-mile roundtrip hike to Whiskey Creek along the Rogue River. Wendell will provide a plant list and identify wildflowers along the way on this shorter trip along the same trail. Lodging and food is available Saturday night in Wolf Creek, where there will be a presentation on current efforts to protect these places. RSVP by May 17th to Joseph at (541)488-5789.
SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST: Hike the Bulldog Rock Proposed Wilderness Area in Umpqua National Forest 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 9-mile roundtrip hike (moderate/difficult). Hike through meadows, wetlands, forests and rocky outcroppings to beautiful Bullpup Lake, adjacent to the Boulder Creek Wilderness Area. Meet at the PC Market of Choice parking lot, 1960 Franklin Blvd. in Eugene. For more information contact Jeremy at ONRC (541)344-0675 or jh@onrc.org. Roseburg residents contact Patrick at Umpqua Watersheds (541)672-7065.
HERE ARE TWO EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS:
* JULY 20-28TH: (2ND ANNUAL) WILDERNESS WEEK- Featuring dozens of hikes and events around Oregon highlighting the need for permanent protection of our pristine forests. And‌ * SUNDAY, AUGUST 18TH: ONRC's ANNUAL SUMMER PICNIC, at Oxbow Park, near Portland. More details to follow in the next Wild Oregon!
Sandy Lonsdale
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Check out Wild Oregon on the web: www.onrc.org ONRC FUND 5825 N. Greeley Ave. Portland, OR 97217
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