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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (April 6, 2017)
14 community april6 2017 A New Tool in the Fight Against Invasive Species Invasive plants and animals are stressing Oregon’s native species and have the potential to cost millions of dol- lars in economic damage to the state’s water infrastructure systems, agricul- ture, and forestry. Oregonians and regional part- ners now have a new coordinated ap- proach to protecting Oregon from these devastating effects: The Oregon State- Dish with your Commish! Join Alex Tardif Columbia County Commissioner, Position 3 Blue House Café April 18 wide Strategic Plan for Invasive Species 2017-2027 and the accompanying work- ing document, The Oregon Statewide Action Plan for Invasive Species 2017- 2019. The Oregon Invasive Species Council (OISC) released the plan after a year of stakeholder engagement and a 2016 Oregon Invasive Species Summit devoted to its development. Co-chairing the effort and pen- ning a letter to Oregonians at the begin- ning of the plan, Jeffrey (Jas) Adams and Rian vanden Hooff noted “increasingly, invasive species—whether introduced by deliberate or unintended actions— present one of the most serious current threats to our economy, ecosystems, in- frastructure, and natural heritage.” State wildlife officials are so concerned about invasive species they list them as a Key Conservation Issue in the Oregon Conservation Strategy. “The second largest factor caus- ing native species to become at-risk of extinction in the United States is inva- sive species,” said Rick Boatner, Inva- sive Species Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and current OISC chair. “Invasives are a real threat to Oregon’s fish and wildlife and their habitats.” Boatner pointed out a few ex- amples of invasive species already af- fecting some of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife. American bullfrogs and red-eared slider turtles harm Oregon’s two native turtles by competing for nest- ing sites and food. Bullfrogs also prey on native turtles, frogs, fish and snakes. Ringed crayfish compete with native Signal crayfish for food and habitat, and New Zealand Mud Snails can impact na- tive invertebrates and the food chain of native trout. “All Oregonians have a role in keeping these invasives out of state, and the new plan encourages that,” Boatner said. The new strategic plan sets a long-term vision for a collaborative pathways management approach for in- vasive species, while the two-year action plan describes detailed actions agencies and organizations can take to achieve the continued on page 17 Notice of Budget Committee Meeting 6:00 Meet ’n’ Greet 6:30 sit down & brainstorm bring your ideas and questions A public meeting of the 2017-2018 Mist-Birkenfeld RFPD Budget Committee will be held Tuesday evening, May 2, 2017, at 7:00 pm at the Mist-Birkenfeld Main Station located at 12525 Highway 202. This is a meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may attend this meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT THIS MEETING WILL BE: - Election of Officers - Presentation of Budget Message - Presentation of Budget Document - Discussion of the Budget Document - Public Testimony - Scheduling of possible future meetings The proposed budget document will be available for inspection on April 24, 2017 at the Mist- Birkenfeld Main Station at 12525 Hwy 202, Mist, Oregon, during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Dave Crawford, Budget Officer optional no-host buffet dinner $10 includes non-alcoholic beverage Blue House Café • 919 Bridge Street • Vernonia • 503-429-4350 Public Certification Test and Drop Sites for the Special District Election to be held Tuesday, May 16, 2017 The last day to register to vote in this election is April 25, 2017. Ballots will be mailed beginning April 26, 2017. The Public Certification Test of the counting equipment for the Oregon Special District Election to be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The testing will begin at 10:00 am in the County Elections Department. The public is welcome to attend. Ballots must be received by the county clerk no later than 8:00 pm on May 16, 2017 - postmarks do not count. The U.S. Postal Service has stated that ballots could take up to 5-7 days to reach county elections offices once they are put in the mail. It is advised that if you can not put your ballot in the mail before May 11, 2017 you should plan on returning your ballot to a dropsite. Drop sites for the election will be as follows: VERNONIA LIBRARY 701 Weed Avenue May 1-15, During Library Hours May 1, 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm RAINIER CITY HALL 106 B Street West May 1-15, During Office Hours May 16, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CLATSKANIE LIBRARY 11 Lillich Street May 1-15, During Library Hours May 16, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm SCAPPOOSE CITY HALL 33568 E. Columbia Avenue A 24-hour Drop Box is located at this address MIST BIRKENFELD RFPD 12525 Highway 292 May 1-15, During Office Hours May 15, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm COUNTY COURTHOUSE ELECTIONS DEPT. 230 Strand Street St. Helens, OR 97051 Mon. – Thu. 8:30 am - 5:00 pm May 16, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm A drive-by drop box is located in the lower parking lot. 2017 Volunteer Fair Wednesday April 12 5:30 - 7:30 pm in the Vernonia Schools Lobby While a large segment of the Vernonia area popula- tion would like to volun- teer, they don't because they are unaware of opportunities and are not being asked. The Volunteer Fair will bring together organizations from around the community with poten- tial volunteers. Potential vol- unteers will have a chance to meet with current volunteers and hear about groups, histo- ries, missions, and descrip- tions of jobs that need volunteers. For more infor- mation contact Bill Langmaid at bill@rangelights. com.
