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.