Oregon Coast News - July 27, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
O&C Railroad lands
Forestry students and researchers at Oregon State University have developed a management proposal that they believe could possibly break a political and legal grid lock that has tied up timber harvests on federal lands in Oregon for decades. The proposal, already being circulated among Oregon political leaders’ staffs, “would provide a useful ecological function, produce a sustainable and predictable level of income for counties, and avoid what studies have shown are the two most socially unacceptable aspects of forest management – clear-cutting and harvest of old-growth trees.” At best, the plan would produce about 20-percent of the timber revenue that the lands did historically. However, the proposal believes some of that lost revenue could be made up in other areas. “Student research indicates the acres in question have sequestered tens of millions of dollars of carbon, even at current low prices, and also provide millions of dollars a year in recreational value – fishing, hunting, camping, wildlife viewing – that people would be willing to pay for, but don’t have to.” A trial experiment on 70,000 acres of Oregon and California Railroad land is being proposed in Benton and northern Lane County. Twenty-five percent of all trees would be left in the forest at all times, they would never be clear-cut. No trees considered “old-growth,” at more than 150 years of age, would be harvested. Multiple tree shrub species would be allowed, in part by using natural regeneration instead of planting with monoculture of Douglas-fir. “This, in turn, would provide the early successional forest structure needed by some wildlife. And timber harvests would go beyond just thinning to include some mature and more valuable trees that would be managed to provide a steady, perpetual, and predictable income from the property.” Variations of this approach might be applied to other federal lands, Johnson said, in the interests of breaking political gridlock and finding management approaches that address a broad range of public, environmental, and economic concerns.
Wildfire threat
Following a week-long heat wave in the central and eastern portions of Oregon, the number of wildfires since the first of the year is about half of the average, while the acreage burned is far below average. According to figures through Monday from the Oregon Department of Forestry, there have been 223 in the state that have burned approximately 394 acres. The ten-year average through Monday is 500 fires burning 15,696 acres. Fire officials are keeping an eye on a band of thunderstorms, with multiple lightning strikes, that moved through the John Day area Sunday evening, igniting numerous fires on the Malheur National Forest and Oregon Department of Forestry-protected lands. John Day Interagency Coordination Center received reports of 20 fires, with 14 confirmed at this time. Local firefighting resources are responding to all reports and are currently staffing active fires. Extra resources have been ordered.
Public Fire Restrictions Imposed
Due to heightened fire danger, the Coos Forest Protective Association is setting limitations on public activities in the forests. Effective Friday, July 30th, CFPA will impose a Regulated Use Closure for the general public on all private, county, state and BLM lands in Coos, Curry, and western Douglas counties. The following is a complete list of restrictions within the Regulated Use Closure: 1. Smoking is prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles or buildings. 2. Open fires are prohibited, including campfires, charcoal fires, cooking fires and warming fires, except at designated locations. Portable cooking stoves using liquefied or bottled fuels are allowed. 3. Power saw use is prohibited between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. When permitted, each saw must have one axe, one shovel and one operational fire extinguisher that is of at least 8 ounce capacity. In addition, a fire watch is required for at least one hour following the use of each saw. 4. Motorized vehicles, including motorcycles and all terrain vehicles, are only permitted on improved roads free of grass and other flammable debris. All motor vehicles must be equipped with one gallon of water or one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, one axe, and one shovel, except when traveling on state and county roads. 5. All-terrain vehicles and motorcycles must be equipped with one operational 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher, except when traveling on state and county roads. 6. Use of fireworks and exploding targets is prohibited. 7. Cutting, grinding and welding of metal is prohibited. 8. Mowing of dry, cured grass with power driven equipment is prohibited between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., except for the commercial culture and harvest of agricultural crops. In addition to the restrictions above, on Sunday, August 1, 2010, outdoor debris burning in incinerators and debris piles will be suspended. Residents with current burn permits for debris piles and incinerators must wait until fire danger drops before conducting any and all types of burning. To stay current on wildland restrictions for the public and industry, call CFPA’s closure information line at (541) 267-1789 or visit its web site at www.coosfpa.net.
Coos Co. Fair
The Coos Co. Fair opens today in Myrtle Point. The theme for the 98th annual fair is “Carnival Lights, Country Nights.” Rodeo events are planned for Friday night and Motorsport events on Saturday night. More information can be found at: www.co.coos.or.us/coosfair/index2010.html.
Small quake
A small earthquake rumbled through the hills east of Brookings on Monday at 12:49 p.m. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was located 5-miles west of Cave Junction in Josephine County, just above the California border.
Bear sightings
Bear sightings are reportedly up in Southwestern Oregon. Biologists for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife blame the increase on a late berry crop. Normally resident black bears eat tender grass and other plant shoots in the early spring when they come out of hibernation. They’ll move to pulling bark off of trees to eat the sweet inner lining, and about the time the bark toughens, the bears move into the berry season. However, the berry season is late this year and the bears are hungry. Residents located deeper in the outdoors are reminded to secure their trash cans and put them inside a garage or outbuilding and remove bird feeders, including those for hummingbirds. The less food sources available to black bears, the less they will come around.
Anglers reminded of Chetco and Winchuck river closures
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds south coast anglers of fall chinook closures for the Chetco and Winchuck rivers beginning August 1: Mainstem Chetco upstream of BPA powerline crossing at RM 2.2 is closed to all angling including trout through Nov. 5. Tributaries remain open for trout through Oct. 31. Mainstem Winchuck River including tidewater is closed to all angling through Nov. 5. Tributaries remain open for trout through Oct. 31. Floras Creek is closed to fall chinook angling above County Road 124 Bridge (RM 5) through Dec. 31. Sixes River is closed to fall chinook angling above Edson Creek (RM 10) through Dec. 31. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted these temporary restrictions at their June meeting. Detailed information on the coastal fall chinook fishery is on the ODFW web site at www.dfw.state.or.us, click on Fishing Resources.
Cultural Trust funds
The Oregon Cultural Trust announces $1.47 million in FY2011 (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011) grants to humanities, heritage and arts nonprofits across Oregon. Each year, the Trust distributes 42% of the prior fiscal year's revenues; 58% remains in the endowment. In FY2010, Trust revenues totaled $3,781,396, an increase of 1.8% from FY2009's $3,714,887. Although contributions increased six percent, from $3,493,004 to $3,702,885, current low interest income resulted in a 1% increase in grant making this year. The Cultural Trust experienced a marked increase in the number of submissions for its competitive Cultural Developments: 212 compared to last year's 163. The number of awards this year increased, from 48 to 57; of those, 13 (23%) are first time grants recipients. FY2011 grants range from $4,000 to $25,000, and represent direct cultural investments in nonprofits in 19 communities and 15 counties. Coastal grants: Astoria - Columbia River Maritime Museum Inc, $10,000. In collaboration with Clatsop Community College's Historic Preservation Program, the US National Park Service's Historic American Building Survey Program and the Library of Congress, to launch a program for locating, identifying, assessing and documenting the most important traditional boats of the region. Samuel Johnson, 503-791-3693, johnson@crmm.org. KMUN-FM, $5,000. To enhance public broadcasting for residents of southern Clatsop and Tillamook counties by building a production facility that will provide volunteer-created programming specific to those communities. Doug Sweet, 503-325-0010, stationmanager@kmun.org. Coos Bay - Coos Art Museum, $4,000. To create a "Community Gallery" along under-utilized corridors by installing a hanging system that allows multiple uses including display of unframed children's art, school exhibitions and work by local artists. Steven J. Broocks, 541-267-3901, sbroocks@coosart.org. Otis - Sitka Center for Art & Ecology, $6,541. For a 35% expansion in residencies so that more emerging artists and a natural science/artist can participate. Eric Vines, 541-994-5485, ericvines@sitkacenter.org. Tillamook - Tillamook County Pioneer Museum, $10,000
For a cultural resource assessment of Kilchis Point, a 200-acre site of cultural, historical and environmental significance, with the goal of developing interpretive trails that will highlight Tillamook Indian and white settlement heritage. Gary Albright, 503-842-4553, director@tcpm.org. Cultural Participation Grants to 40 County and Tribal Coalitions ($498,445: $489,691 plus carry over of $8,753). Base grants of $6,000 plus a multiplier based on population. Clatsop $8,565; Coos $10,301; Curry $7,464; Lincoln $9,043; Tillamook $7,773. Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, & Siuslaw $6,064; Coquille Indian Tribe $6,062.
NB Council
The North Bend City Council will meet on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 835 California Street, North Bend.
NB School Board
Special Meeting – Tuesday, July 27, 2010, Board of Directors, North Bend School District #13. A Special meeting of the North Bend School District #13 Board of Directors will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 12:00 p.m., in the North Bend School District Office, 1913 Meade Street, North Bend, OR. Agenda: 1. CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL; 2. AWARD OF BID FOR NORTH BAY ROOF REPAIR; 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION. An Executive Session will be held for the purpose of consulting with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties of a public body with regard to current litigation or litigation likely to be filed pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h).
Help for starting a new business
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Business Development Center (Southwestern BDC) is offering people a chance to explore their dreams of starting a business. The Southwestern BDC is offering a workshop titled “Ready Set Start Your Business” each week in August. The 2-hour workshop provides information on important steps that can contribute to a new venture’s success. Participants learn about licensing, business structure, financing, business planning, a personal readiness checklist, business resources and more. Handouts are informational and provide all the contact information needed to register a business and get started. The workshop is designed to answer general questions. If, after completing the workshop, you are interested in pursuing your new business idea, the Southwestern BDC can set you up with a business advisor to discuss specific questions you may have that pertain directly to your venture. The "Ready Set Start Your Business" workshop is scheduled on a variety of dates and times throughout the month. Participants can choose from any one of the following dates: Tuesday, August 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Thursday, August 12, 6 – 8 p.m.; Tuesday, August 17, 9 – 11 a.m.; Wednesday, August 25, 3 – 5 a.m.; Tuesday, August 31, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. A fee of $10 per person covers materials. Preregistration is required. The workshop will be held in North Bend at The Business Center (2455 Maple Leaf). Contact the Southwestern BDC at 541-756-6866 for more information and to register.
Chased with a knife
A 38-year old male allegedly assaulted another male Sunday night, 8:05 p.m., “broke his windows out and chased him with a knife.” According to an entry on the North Bend Police log, 700 block Virginia Ave., Abelardo Alvarez, North Bend, was taken into custody on charges of Criminal Mischief I, Menacing, Unlawful use of a Weapon and Attempted Assault I. He was also wanted on an NBPD warrant for Strangulation, Assault IV and Harassment. Transported and lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Illegal backing
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for 5:04 p.m., 1120 Virginia Ave., Yeong’s Place, 51-year old Elizabeth Steenbock, Coos Bay, warned for Illegal Backing, after her 2003 Toyota backed into a parked 1997 Dodge van. No one was injured.
Warrant
Coos Bay Police served a North Bend Police warrant on the 200 block of No. Broadway, Sunday afternoon, 12:43 p.m. According to an entry on the NBPD log, 40-year old Michell McCord, of Coos Bay, was served with a Failure to Appear warrant on an original charge of DUII.
Hitchhiking
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Sunday, 2 p.m., Marion & 14th, reported male juvenile hitchhiking on Marion near 14th, then walked out of sight towards Safeway. Officer responded and located the 8 year old male at Marion/13th. Officer returned the boy to his father on Everett, both were counseled, RE: his future safety / assistance rendered.”
ATVs
Four were injured in ATV accidents in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area over the weekend. According to reports from the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office, a 17-year old female reportedly incurred a broken led during an ATV accident Sunday, 6:26 p.m. “Sheriffs Deputies and Hauser Fire Department responded to the South Side of V6 hill located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. When personnel arrived we located a female victim who was identified as Kayla Bender DOB05-05-93 (17) unknown residence. Ms. Bender suffered a broken left ankle when her Yamaha YFZ 450 went over the dune a rolled. Ms. Bender was subsequently transported to Bay Area Hospital by Bay Cities Ambulance.” At 2:45 p.m., a 36-year old male was injured in an ATV accident on V-8 Hill. “When personnel arrived they located a male subject who was identified as Jason Hemmig DOB 4-8-74 (35) of Lacy Washington. Mr. Hemmig suffered a broken wrist and abrasions when his Yamaha YFZ 450 went over the top of the dune and did not see the approximately 10 foot drop on the other side. Mr. Hemmig was subsequently transported to Bay Area Hospital by Bay Cities Ambulance.” On Saturday, about 6:30 p.m., “Sheriffs Deputies along with Hauser Fire Department to dune #1 in the spinreel Dunes area of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. When personnel arrive they located a male subject who was identified as John Eric Baumann DOB 7-27-89 (20) from Bothel, Washington. Mr. Baumann crashed his ATV trying to climb a sand drift which caused the ATV to crash. Mr. Baumann suffered a puncture and laceration to his right thigh. Mr. Baumann was subsequently transported to Bay Area Hospital by Bay Cities Ambulance.” At 1:35 p.m., Sunday, a 46-year old was reportedly injured in an ATV accident in the Hauser area. “Sheriffs Deputies and Hauser Fire Department responded to V8 hill located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. When personnel arrive they located a male subject which appeared to have a lower back injury. The subject was identified as Tracy Steele 46 YOA of Portland. Mr. Steele lost control of his ATV when he went over the top of a razorback dune and rolled his ATV down the hill. Mr. Steele was subsequently transported to Bay Area Hospital by Bay Cities Ambulance.”
WX
Mostly cloudy along the Oregon Coast today with patchy morning fog. Highs in the lower 60s to lower 70s and northwest winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight with lows in the mid 40s to lower 50s and north winds 10-15 mph. Morning fog then clearing on Wednesday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
American Legion bb
North Coos Waterfront, the No. 2 team out of the Area 4 Class “A” North Division American Legion baseball league will open the 2010 double elimination state tournament at Swede Johnson Stadium in Eugene Thursday morning, 9 a.m., against the Salem Senators. If the Waterfront wins, they will advance to the second round to play either the Central Point Comets, the No. 2 team out of the Area 4 South Division, or Roseburg Pepsi, the No. 1 seed out of the North Division, at 3 p.m. on Friday. Roseburg Pepsi beat North Coos in three out of four meetings this year. If the Waterfront loses the opener, they will play Friday morning, 9 a.m., against the loser of the Central Point-Roseburg game.
Triathlon
Coos Bay Police Sgt. Robert Lounsbury is competing in the Western States Police & Fire Games in Lake Tahoe, CA this week. He did the Olympic distance Triathlon Monday morning which is a 1 mile swim (in Lake Donner 70 degrees), 25 mile bike ride where they climbed 3000 feet in the first four miles (Donner Pass) and then a 7 mile run around Donner Lake. All those competing in the events are either Police Officers or Firefighters. Lounsbury finished the event in 2 hours and 36 minutes. He placed 1st in his age group and 2nd overall. The event coordinator said he has been to over 300 triathlons in the past 20 years and this one is by far the toughest of all. Lounsbury’s next event is a bike race on Wednesday in Reno, NV.
Blazers
Former Portland Trailblazer player Maurice Lucas has retired from Nate McMillan’s coaching staff at Portland due to illness; however, the Blazers announced the hiring of another former player from Portland’s past roster to the staff Monday. Buck Williams will join former Seattle head coach Bernie Bickerstaff and Bob Ociepka, who was an assistant with Bickerstaff last season in Chicago, as new assistants to McMillan this upcoming season. Williams still ranks as one of the Blazers’ all-time bests.
Boise St. tops WAC poll
In its final season in the Western Athletic Conference, the Boise State Broncos are favored to win their eight football title in the past nine years this upcoming season. The Broncos will play in the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2011. Boise State was the top pick of in all but one of the 43 media ballots released Monday. The Broncos will open the 2010 season on the road against Virginia Tech and then Wyoming before coming home to host Oregon State on Sept. 25.
OSU fb
The Oregon State University football team returns to action Mon., Aug. 9 for the first official day of practice for the 2010 season. The Beavers, projected to be a top 25 ranked team when the season opens Sept. 4 vs. TCU, enter the year aiming for their fifth consecutive bowl game and 10th in the last 12 years. The season is one of the most anticipated in years and “Beaver Nation” has responded by purchasing a school record 26,700 season tickets as of July 21. The 2010 team features Heisman Trophy candidate running back Jacquizz Rodgers, Lombardi, Nagurski, Outland and Lott Trophy candidate defensive tackle Stephen Paea, Biletnikoff Award candidate wide receiver James Rodgers and Rimington Award candidate center Alex Linnenkohl. Tenth-year head coach Mike Riley also has the opportunity to become the school’s all-time winningest football coach this season. The first five days of practice are an NCAA mandated "acclimation period." The acclimation period was put into effect by the NCAA in 2004 with the intent to lessen injuries and heat-related illnesses. The period is free of multi-practice days that were common in college football prior to the recent legislation. Student-athletes will practice without pads until days three and four, and will first be in full gear Fri., Aug. 13.
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