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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (June 27, 2018)
8 Wednesday, June 27, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Groups sue Oregon over coho salmon By Gillian Flaccus Associated Press PORTLAND (AP) — A coalition of environmental and fishing groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday against the State of Oregon, alleging logging in the state’s two largest forests is threat- ening the survival of coho salmon that breed in streams flowing through the coastal region. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene challenges the state’s logging policies in the Clatsop State Forest and the Tillamook State Forest. It alleges the Oregon Department of Forestry is in violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act because of the logging, and is illegally engaging in activi- ties that result in the death of a threatened species. The agency has not fol- lowed through on implement- ing a species management plan required under federal law that would help preserve salmon habitats despite log- ging and mitigate damage, court papers allege. Ken Armstong, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Forestry, said his department could not comment on pending litigation. “Poor logging practices by the Oregon Department of Forestry is causing real harm to the Oregon coast coho and commercial fish- ing families who depend on these magnificent fish for their livelihoods,” Glen Spain said, the Northwest regional director for the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and the Institute of Fisheries Resources, both plaintiffs in the case. “Stronger protections for streams to protect the coho ... is decades overdue.” Together, the forests cover a half-million acres stretch- ing from the Washington state border to the central Oregon coast. About 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) of roads have been built in them to accom- modate logging, according to court papers. Logging activity increases the risk of landslides and of sediment falling into the streams where the salmon breed and grow to matu- rity before venturing to the Pacific Ocean. Seven streams critical to salmon habitat flow through the Tillamook State Forest and several others run through the Clatsop State Forest, according to the lawsuit. Between 1 and 2 million salmon returned to their natal streams in this region — an area stretching from Seaside to Port Orford — in 1900. The number of return- ing coho salmon has now dropped below 76,000, court papers say. O t h e r p l a i n t i ff s a r e the Center for Biological Diversity, the Native Fish Society and Cascadia Wildlands. JIM ANDERSON CAMP FOR SCIENCE AND NATURE Keep fireworks use safe and legal “Keep it legal and keep it safe” when using fireworks. That’s the message from the Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon Fire Service, Keep Oregon Green, the Pacific Northwest Wildfire Coordination Group, natural resource agencies, Oregon licensed fireworks wholesal- ers, and safety experts. The 2018 Oregon fire- works retail sales season opened Saturday, June 23 and runs through Friday, July 6. The OSFM and their part- ners want everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use in Oregon without a per- mit, where they are permitted to be used, and the important safety steps to take when using fireworks. “I want to remind all Oregonians that consumer- legal fireworks can only be purchased from Oregon per- mitted fireworks retailers and stands,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “And regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. Fire risk in Oregon is approaching extreme conditions and there is no room for error in fire- works safety.” July 4th holiday public land visitors are advised to leave all fireworks at home. The use of fireworks is pro- hibited on all national forest- land, Oregon state parks, and beaches. “It’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals,” said Keep Oregon Green President Kristin Babbs. “Support your local community by enjoying fireworks at sponsored events. If you choose to use fireworks at home, make sure they stay on the pavement and always keep a bucket of water nearby for safety and to extinguish spent fireworks.” Oregon law prohibits pos- session, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground, without a per- mit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. There were 318 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon during 2017, resulting in eight injuries and more than $861,000 in property dam- age. Over the past five years, from 2013 through 2017, there were 1,355 reported fireworks-related fires in Oregon resulting in one death, 34 injuries, and more than $3 million in property damage. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offend- ers with a Class B misde- meanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 per CUSTOM HOMES • RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS John P. Pierce 541-549-9764 CCB# 159020 CCB# 16891 Becke W. P ierce Arne J. P ierce General Contracting LLC 541-647-0384 General Contracting LLC 541-668-0883 CCB# 190689 CCB# 208020 Serving the Sisters Area Since 1976 Strictly Quality You Are Invited... y r a s r e v i n n A h t 100 e h t f o n o i t a r b e l e C Camp Sherman Store! Saturday, July 7th July 16-20 • $125 for the full week - Scholarships Available A day camp from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students entering 4th, 5th or 6th grade, featuring field trips, scientific research and a challenging educa- tional curriculum. 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And we encourage you to be aware and consid- erate of neighbors and their pets before deciding on when and where you choose to light fireworks.” The OSFM encourages everyone to use the four Bs of safe fireworks use: • Be Prepared before light- ing fireworks: keep water available. • Be Safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. • Be Responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Wait 20 min- utes then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal. • Be Aware: use only legal fireworks, in legal places. All-You-Can-Eat . p.m sides Barb u e sa c ge u d e og 5 s, -8 burgers and Chicken, sa ar • $12 pp kids b sh ca s; lt u ad p p $16 Close Entertainment 6 p.m. to htones c with Big Pine & the t, P sp it ecial guests and gree Prior owners meet g & draf t beer Oregon wine tastin 541-595-6711
