Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 20, 1981)
Bird range uses fought Timber covets Snake River bird reserve By RICHARD WAGONER Of the Emerald One of the world’s densest populations of birds of prey could be lost if Congress reverses an executive order that set aside some 400,000 acres of wild lands in Idaho’s Snake River Canyon. That’s the warning Mark Hil liard of the Bureau of Land Management brought to the University Thursday during a presentation about the Birds of Prey Natural Area. The area was set aside by former interior secretary Cecil Andrus to protect scarce and endangered predatory birds that nest on the steep canyon cliffs during the spring and summer. The canyon and desert plains stretching north and south are the home and feeding grounds of dense populations of pere grine falcons, owls, golden ea gles, osprey and a variety of hawks, Hilliard said. Hilliard, who brought to the presentation a prairie falcon ta ken from the area, said about 600 pairs of birds representing 15 species nest in the area. Some of the nests are only 200 to 300 yards apart, he said. The reserve is in danger of being reduced by Sen. James McClure, R-ldaho, who plans to hold hearings later this year to discuss cutting its acreage for timber harvest. But Hilliard, who has been researching predatory birds in the area since it was set aside, claims a reduction in acreage could spell disaster for the creatures that nest there. The natural area, located in southwestern Idaho, was first mmm Photo by Steve Dykes An Idaho prarie falcon named Tawny receives meat from Mark Hilliard of the BLM. Hilliard brought the bird as part of a presenta tion on the Birds of Prey Natural Area. established in 1971 as a small strip along the river. But re search indicated that many of the birds were flying as far as 16 miles north of the river to prey on the Townsend ground squir rels that thrive there. After three congressional bills to increase the size of the area died in the lame duck session last year, Andrus expanded the restricted area by executive withdrawal, Hilliard said. The withdrawal protects the raptors’ and squirrels’ habitat from agricultural encroachment on the plains, and will protect the area for 20 years unless Congress decides to overturn it. “This land is highly sought for agriculture — monoculture ir rigated agriculture,’’ Hilliard said. "But this amount of land is necessary to provide prey so that in lean years — drought years — (the birds) can recover.” BLM now proposes to make the canyon and feeding grounds a national conserva tion area, which would require an act of Congress. “The national conservation proposal won’t lock up the land," Hilliard said. “It allows for multiple-use activities.” Current area use includes hy dropower generation, livestock grazing, small-scale oil and gas drilling, geothermal develop ment, recreation and even mili tary maneuvers. All of these uses are compati ble with the birds of prey, Hil liard said, and in some cases — such as with military war games — even improve the birds’ habi tat. Hilliard said tanks and other heavy equipment operating on the plains churn up the soil, promoting the growth of grass. The grass is prime habitat for the ground squirrels, and more ground squirrels mean more food for the birds, he said. The national conservation proposal would not lock out the current uses of the river area, Hilliard said. It would only prevent agriculture and other uses that could damage the squirrels’ habitat. "These birds of prey are a resource that can’t be found anywhere else,” he said. "Once they are gone they can’t be re placed." FBI arrests former Oregon official PORTLAND (AP) - A former Oregon Democratic National Committee member was arrest ed in Washington on two felony warrants from Tillamook County and Portland, an FBI agent said here Saturday. Franklin P. Lamb, 37, was ar rested at his home Friday, said Robert H. Gast, head of the Portland FBI office. The agent said the Tillamook warrant charged Lamb with the burglary of a house near Pacific City several months ago. The warrant said Lamb took several personal items, including some letters. Tillamook County District At torney Robert Wasson said Lamb was part owner of the house, but a Lincoln City policeman was living in it at the time. The Portland warrant ac cused Lamb of leaving the state to avoid prosecution. Lamb currently works as as sistant counsel to the crime subcommittee of the U S. House Judiciary Committee. He appeared in a Washington federal court Friday and was ordered to appear in U S. Dis trict Court in Portland April 24. The former Portland commit tee member also was indicted in Multnomah County in February with three counts of making telephone calls and charging them to other numbers Last October, he was con victed of stealing a socket and sawblade from a Portland department store. CASH For Textbooks Mon.-Fri. Smith Family Bookstore 768 E. 13th 1 Bl. From Campus Ph 345-1651 DR. JEFFREY A. MOREY Doctor of Optometry VISION EXAMS CONTACT LENSES 343-3333 766 E. 13th St. • 1 Block From Campus I I I I I I I ■ I I 1 I IT PHOTO SPECIAL! t n i » i i i ■ » i » i r Sale ends Saturday, April 25 13th & Kincaid Mon-Fri 8:15-5:30 BOOKSTORE Sat 10:00-2:00 Textbooks 686-3520 • General Books 688-3510 • Supplies 886-4331 Take a look at a career that can pay a Five-Figure income Come to an evening seminar and find out about a career as an IDS sales representative. We'll train you at our expense. Phone for a free reservation: Thursday, April 23rd at 307 p.m. EMU Student Union U of O Campus PHONE FOR RESERVATIONS 484-2444 We help people manage money. Investors Diversified Services Office of Al Schor, Manager 1050 Willagillespie, Eugene, OR an equal opportunity employer M/F r Career Week Workshops April 20-24, 1981 12:30-1:30 Room 101 EMU Brought Back by Popular Demand Monday—“Wot Careers For The 80’s” What will be the leading careers for the 80’s? Come to this first session of Career Week and find out. Tueiday—'“Majors/Careers” What are the career implications of my major? How can I affect them? Wednesday—“Help Wanted: Experience Required’ How you can meet—and surpass—this requirement. Thursday—:'‘Finding The Hidden Job Market” An easy 8 step process to help you find the career you want. Friday—'“The Federal Connection” The way to connect the steps in finding a government job including where to go, what to ask for, and if and when to take the exam.
