Oregon Coast News - February 10, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Elliott State Forest
The Board of Forestry on Wednesday, Feb. 10, will decide whether to approve a new state forest near Gilchrist and weigh in on future management of the Elliott State Forest between Coos Bay and Reedsport. The meeting in Salem at the Oregon Department of Forestry's headquarters will begin at 8 a.m. Time for public comments is scheduled. Forestry's office is at 2600 State St. Also on the agenda, the board is expected to make a decision on a management pathway for the Elliott State Forest. This action follows a similar decision by the State Land Board Feb. 9. ODF and the Department of State Lands will recommend an alternative to the long-sought federal habitat conservation plan (HCP) to protect threatened and endangered species on the Elliott. Delays in a multi-year process with the federal agencies triggered the alternative planning, which may be necessary if current efforts to achieve an HCP are not met under expected timelines.
State Land Board on Elliott State Forest
A multi-faceted strategy for determining harvest levels and species protection on the Elliott State Forest was approved today by the State Land Board at their public meeting. The board approved the following four steps: • In collaboration with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Oregon Department of State Lands and the Oregon Department of Forestry will initiate an independent scientific review of aquatic/riparian management strategies to help resolve differing viewpoints on protecting streams and aquatic habitat. • Set a Dec. 31, 2011, deadline for completing approval of a revised Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that is acceptable to the Oregon Department of Forestry, Department of State Lands, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and NMFS. If a new plan is not approved by this date, the 1995 HCP will be terminated and a take avoidance strategy will be implemented to protect threatened and endangered (T&E) species on the forest. • Concurrent with the above, develop a revised Forest Management Plan that would use take avoidance for management of T&E species on the Elliott, and have the revised plan in place by Dec. 31, 2011, if a new HCP is not approved. • Concurrent with the above work, develop a sound understanding of carbon market opportunities for the Elliott State Forest. The overall goal is to achieve a 3-5 percent return on the forest's value, in conjunction with the preferred management strategy determined by Dec. 31, 2011. At today's meeting, five panelists presented the board with general information on the current status and future opportunities for carbon market credits. "This is an opportunity to reach agreement with the federal government on protecting federally-listed species within the Elliott State Forest and establishing certainty on harvest levels so that local communities, our wood products sector and our schools can better plan for the future," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski, chair of the Land Board. "Moreover, this strategy presents an exciting opportunity to explore carbon market credits to increase the economic and environmental benefits derived from our state forests. In partnership with the federal agencies we can achieve a plan that assures forest and ecosystem health and sustained benefits for future generations," he said. The State Land Board owns about 91 percent of the 93,000-acre Elliott State Forest, which is an asset of the Common School Fund. Twice a year, the board sends distributions from the earnings of the fund to Oregon's 197 public school districts. The Oregon Department of Forestry manages the forest for the board and Department of State Lands. The State Land Board consists of Governor Theodore Kulongoski, Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Treasurer Ben Westlund. The Department of State Lands administers diverse natural and fiscal resources. Many of the resources generate revenue for the Common School Fund, such as state-owned rangelands and timberlands, waterway leases, estates for which no will or heirs exist, and unclaimed property. Twice a year, the agency distributes fund investment earnings to support K-12 public schools. The agency also administers Oregon's Removal-Fill Law, which requires people removing or filling certain amounts of material in waters of the state to obtain a permit.
Board to consider revocation of commercial fishing license
The Oregon License Revocation Board will meet on Feb. 10, 2010 to consider the revocation of the commercial fishing license and crab permit currently held by Dennis Sturgell. Sturgell’s home port is Astoria, but he has landed fish at other ports along the Oregon Coast as well. The Board will make a recommendation to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, which will make the final decision on revocation. The revocation follows three permit violations within a two-year period. The Board meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the ODFW Headquarters Building, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, Ore. While members of the public are welcome to observe the Board’s meeting, the Board will not be taking any public testimony. The members of the License Revocation Board are Eugene Law, Doug Westerlund, and Tom Nowlin. The meeting location is accessible to person with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting to DeAnna Erickson, (503) 947-6112.
Crosswalk
A pedestrian crosswalk sting in the Empire District of Coos Bay Tuesday morning netted 20 citations to motorists, five for disobeying Oregon’s Crosswalk Law, and eight other moving citations. The sting, which was announced in advance, took place at the intersection of Newmark Ave. and Cammann St.
DEQ
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), along with representatives from Georgia Pacific, Surfrider and Oregon State University, will host a public meeting Feb. 10, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Henning’s Auditorium, in Newport to review the wastewater permit for Georgia Pacific’s pulp and paper mill located in Toledo. The permit sets pollution limits for the discharge of treated wastewater from the facility. A six-mile long discharge pipe, from Toledo to Newport, extends 4,000 feet off the shore of Nye Beach and into the Pacific Ocean.
Port of Astoria
North Oregon Coast residents kicked off a year-long celebration of the Port of Astoria’s 100th anniversary on Friday, Feb. 5th, with a gathering at the “The Loft” at the “Red Building” in Astoria. A film documentary of the Port’s history was shown to the estimated crowd of 100.
Wire thieves
Despite Oregon’s new metal salvage law, thieves have been stealing wire from an electrical utility company’s poles on the Central Oregon Coast. Pacific Power is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the individuals responsible for the thefts that have been occurring east of Lincoln City since mid-November of last year. The replacement wire has been specially marked for identification.
Sewage spill
The “World’s Smallest Harbor” was posted with warning signs after a raw sewage spill tainted the Pacific Ocean’s water at Depoe Bay on the Central Oregon Coast Feb. 3rd. A circuit board malfunction at the Depoe Bay wastewater treatment plant is being blamed for the spilling of an estimated 17,000 gallons of raw sewage into the tiny harbor. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) was notified and a repair technician was dispatched from Coos Bay to assist with the malfunction.
New Commissioner for Fish and Wildlife Commission
The Oregon Senate confirmed yesterday the appointment of Robert “Bob” Webber to represent Oregon’s 4th congressional district on the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Webber, of Port Orford, will replace Zane Smith who has served on the Commission since 2002. Webber will begin his duties at the Commission's March 12 meeting in Salem. “Bob Webber will be a great fit for the Fish and Wildlife Commission,” said Marla Rae , chair, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. “As an avid hunter and angler, I know he will work hard to protect Oregon’s fishing and hunting heritage and natural resources.” Webber is an attorney and partner with a law firm in Medford. However, since 2009, he has been working as a special deputy with the Curry County District Attorney office prosecuting wildlife cases. He is a member of several hunting and fishing organizations and has previously participated on various Department of Fish and Wildlife task forces and committees. Webber believes he will bring a passionate hunter’s and fisherman’s perspective to the Commission, and having lived in southwestern Oregon for more than 30 years, understands landowner concerns. “I look forward to working with stakeholders, fellow commissioners and the hard working staff of ODFW on the complex and important issues facing the Commission,” said Webber. The seven-member Commission sets fish and wildlife policies for Oregon and oversees the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Quakes
A couple of small earthquake after shocks rumbled on the Pacific Ocean floor off of Cape Mendocino, CA early Wednesday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 2.8-magnitude struck at 12:00:59, 34-miles southwest of Eureka, CA. A 2.4-magnitude was recorded at 3:51 a.m., 17-miles southwest of Eureka, CA. A 5.9-magnitude struck last Thursday followed by eleven after shocks.
Southwestern to offer new American Civil War class
A ten-week lecture series on the American Civil War will be offered this spring term through the Southwestern Oregon Community College Community Education program. The class, taught by John Hartman, will cover all aspects of the Civil War, including the twenty most significant battles, political and military figures, and the role of women in the war. Participants will also learn about and discuss politics leading up to the war, food, music, and Reconstruction. Lectures will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the Coos Campus. The non-credit class is open to all interested community members. There will be no required textbook or examinations. For more information or to register, those interested can contact the Community Education office at 541-888-7328.
Theft
An individual was cited and released for Theft III at the Mill Casino in North Bend Monday night. According to an entry on the police log, “Mill Security request officer for Theft.” Value was $85.
Hit building
A vehicle hit the McDonald’s Restaurant building in North Bend, 3303 Broadway Ave., Monday, 4 p.m. According to an entry on the police log, “minor damage, owner requested log for information only.”
Spray painted
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Monday, 11:25 a.m., Virginia Ave. & Roosevelt, Century 21 sign spray painted. A report for Criminal Mischief was taken.
Phone booth
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Monday, 9:56 a.m., 2131 Newmark, Bi-Mart, “male transient urinated in phone booth.” Sixty-two year old male contacted. Warned for Disorderly Conduct.
Assault
A reported assault to the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office by a 13-year old male Monday night, 8:16 p.m., from Hill Road, led to the arrest of a male on an Assault IV charge “per on call Juvenile.” The individual was lodged in detention.
Child abuse
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 4:17 p.m., Newmark Ave. & Hull St., “just witnessed an adult female slap a small child 2-3 years of age across the face, shove the child to the ground and is screaming and yelling at the child.”
Warrant
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 8:31 a.m., 275 No. Broadway, Tioga, 33-year old Merli Bell arrest on warrant for “Obstructing Police.”
WX
Cloudy along the Oregon Coast today with a slight chance of rain this morning, and rain likely by afternoon. Highs in the mid 40s to lower 50s and winds from the south at 10-20 mph. Rain tonight with lows in the lower to mid 40s and south winds breezy at 15-25 mph. Rain and wind on Thursday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
MHS bxb
Marshfield beat Thurston 44-41 Tuesday night in East Springfield in boy’s 5A Midwestern League basketball to set up a showdown with North Eugene for a league championship Friday in Coos Bay. The Pirates led throughout the game by an average of five-points, but built up a ten-point lead several times on the Colts. With the game hanging in the balance late in the fourth period, Marshfield (7-2, 11-8) went up by six-points only to have the home team hit a three from Evan McCurdy with about :10 seconds remaining. On the subsequent inbounds play in the back court, sophomore point guard Ty Cutting was fouled. He missed both free throws and Thurston (2-7, 9-10) got the rebound. However, Jesse Diamond lost the ball as he came across the half-court line and Pirate sophomore Colton Thurman grabbed it as time ran out preserving Marshfield’s win. The Pirates swept Thurston during the regular season. North Eugene (7-2, 13-6) won its game over visiting Churchill (5-4, 13-7), 52-48, to keep pace with Marshfield, while Springfield (6-3, 11-9) remained a game back of the leaders with a 62-41 win over Willamette (0-9, 7-14) at home. Senior Kyle Tedder led the Pirates with 20-points, ten at the foul line. Sophomore Dalton Milburn had 10, while Thurman scored 4. Evan Griffin, Joey Morgan and Cody Dew each had 3-points coming from 3-pointers. The JV team fell to Thurston 35-27. Thurston’s girls won 54-40 at Marshfield (2-7, 4-15), while Willamette beat visiting Springfield 43-41, and North Eugene downed Churchill 63-30.
NBHS bxb
North Bend swept visiting Sutherlin in coed 4A Far West League basketball Tuesday night. The boys (8-2, 15-3) won 64-52 to move a full game in front of Brookings-Harbor (7-3, 11-6) for the league lead and put Sutherlin (6-4, 7-12) two games back. The
Bulldog girls (8-2, 11-7) moved into a tie with Sutherlin (8-2, 15-4) for first place with a 45-33 victory. In other boy’s games, Douglas (3-7, 5-12) beat South Umpqua (5-5, 11-7), 56-53, while Brookings-Harbor downed Siuslaw (1-9, 2-14), 49-37. On the girl’s side, Douglas (5-5, 10-6) over South Umpqua (2-8, 4-14), 64-30, and Brookings-Harbor (7-3, 13-4) downed Siuslaw (0-10, 2-15) 50-37.
Blazers
Portland lost at home to visiting Oklahoma City 89-77 in NBA basketball Tuesday night at the Rose Garden. The Blazers (29-22) were led by Andre Miller’s 22-points.
Duck tr
The Oregon track teams both slipped a little in this week’s national collegiate indoor track polls. Both Duck teams are ranked fourth after being idle last weekend. Oregon returns to competition this week with two indoor meets, one in Fayetteville, Arkansas and the other in Seattle, WA. Texas A&M tops both polls this week, while Florida State is ranked second in the men’s poll, followed by Florida. BYU is No. 2 in the women’s poll, followed by LSU. Oregon senior Andrew Wheating is the top-ranked 800 meter runner in the nation.
Bowerman Award
The inaugural Bowerman Award, depicting the nation’s top collegiate track & field athlete, was won by former Oregon distance runner Galen Rupp. Three current Ducks are on this year’s “watch list.” Hepathlete Brianne Theisen joins decathlete Ashton Eaton and middle distance runner Andrew Wheating on the list.
OSU wr
The Oregon State wrestling team jumped six spots this week to 14th in the NWCA/USA Today Division I Team Coaches Poll for week 13. The Beavers were previously ranked 20th last week, 21st the week before and 22nd for the two weeks prior to that after breaking into the list in the December 8 poll. Oregon State is currently 18-1, 6 -1 Pac-10, and currently has the second most dual meet wins behind No. 1 Iowa (19-0) in the top 25.
UO sb
This weekend, the University of Oregon softball team kicks off its 37th season and first under head coach Mike White at the Kajikawa Classic, hosted by Arizona State University, Friday-Sunday, February 12-14 at the Tempe Sports Complex. Set to chase its 12 postseason trip in school history, and sixth the past eight years, Oregon received preseason national poll votes for the seventh straight season.
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