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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 20, 2022)
Community October 20 2022 15 Watch Out for Wildlife Vehicle-Wildlife collisions peak this time of year; roadkill salvagers reminded to get their animal tested for CWD Vehicle collisions with deer and elk tend to peak in October and November, when mi- gration and breeding (the “rut”) puts them on the move, making them more likely to cross roads. Fewer daylight hours and rainy weather also reduce drivers’ visibility. On average, ODOT documents more than 6,000 vehicle collisions with deer and elk each year. The actual number of colli- sions is likely higher, as many are not re- ported if there is minimal damage or no hu- man injuries. ODFW and ODOT are asking Orego- nians to Watch Out for Wildlife this time of year and follow these tips: • Be careful when driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible pres- ence of wildlife. These signs are posted for a reason. • Be alert in areas with dense vegetation along the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road may not be visible. • If you see one animal, stay alert. There may be others nearby. • If you see wildlife on or near the road, slow down and stay in your lane. Many seri- ous crashes are the result of drivers losing control as they swerve to avoid wildlife. • The same advice applies for smaller wild- life like raccoons; try to stay in your lane and do not swerve for these animals. They are less dangerous to vehicles than big game animals and maintaining control of your ve- hicle is most important. • Always wear your seat belt. Even a minor collision could result in serious injuries. ODFW, ODOT, and partner organiza- tions are working to reduce the risk of ve- hicle-wildlife collisions by building wildlife crossings. The crossings allow wildlife to safely follow their migration patterns over or under a road. Data shows wildlife cross- ings on Highway 97 near Sunriver have re- duced vehicle-wildlife collisions by nearly 90 percent. The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 is providing $350 mil- lion in competitive grants to the states for wildlife crossings and other mitigation. ODFW, ODOT, and other partners will be working to secure grants for projects. Oregon drivers can also show their support by purchasing a Watch for Wildlife license plate. The revenue generated from license plate sales will benefit projects that help wildlife move within their range and between habitat patches. Originally devel- oped by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, the license plate is now available at the DMV. Roadkill salvagers: CWD testing is man- datory As wildlife-vehicle collisions peak, so does participation in ODFW’s roadkill sal- vage program. Since 2019, salvaging deer or elk struck by a vehicle has been legal in Oregon. Salvagers are required to fill out a free online permit available at https://myod- fw.com/articles/roadkill-salvage-permits . Since the program kicked off in January 2019, 5,027 permits have been issued. The most permits have been issued for black- tailed deer in Western Oregon, where there are more drivers. Salvagers are also required to bring the head and antlers of all salvaged deer and elk to an ODFW office for testing within five days. This is so ODFW can test the animal for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease that ODFW has been on the lookout for since it first appeared in the late 1960s in Colorado. The disease has never been detected in Oregon’s wildlife. But CWD testing regu- lations have taken on new urgency after it was detected in several wild deer and elk in northwest Idaho, about 30 miles from Or- egon’s border, late last year. Infected animals can spread the disease for several years before showing symptoms (which include loss of balance, drooling, emaciation or wasting, and eventual death). Testing apparently healthy deer and elk early in the course of the disease when they are not showing symptoms is the most ef- fective method to catch the disease before an animal has spread the disease across the landscape and to other animals. “With the disease now much closer to the state’s borders, we just want to remind roadkill salvagers about the mandatory test- ing requirements,” explained ODFW Wild- life Veterinarian Dr. Colin Gillin. “The more animals the state tests, the more certain ODFW can be that the disease is not in the state. If it is detected, ODFW can implement its response plan to contain the spread of the disease.” Test results are expected to take up to a month. If an animal ever tests positive for CWD, a biologist or veterinarian will phone the person who salvaged that animal directly. Negative test results will be posted for roadkill salvagers to individually check on- line at https://www.dfw.state.or.us/wildlife/ health_program/CWD-testing/ . To find your result, enter RSP before your permit number (e.g. RSP5001). Candidates Respond to Questionnaire for November 8, 2022 Election continued from page 14 takers, etc. are making things happen for the betterment of all of us within our cities. It’s to those individuals (like those responsible for putting in the Vernonia Skate Park) that we have the opportunities to celebrate and smile. Really we can complain about a number of things but when it comes down to it we have wonderful communities, and great opportunities right here in our back- yard. Kelly Niles – I like the county bringing in NEXT Renewables. We need family wage jobs and additional revenue. I like the trail project they are pursuing through our for- ests. People need a place to recreate while protecting our natural resources. I also like the project they are working on for the citi- zens in the Prescott area. The water/sewer systems are inadequate and they are looking to rectify that situation. 3. What are some specific issues or con- cerns you would like to try to address if you are elected and what would you try to do? (250 word limit) Kellie Jo Smith – My first priority will be to learn and listen. With Commissioner Heimuller leaving there will be gaps in es- tablished projects, and I will want to assess where I am needed before I start leading with my own ideas. As an individual citizen I’d say Health & Safety are a top priority. We’ve just been through a pandemic that was really hard on many families and residents around the county. I’d hope that we would focus re- sources and energy on spiritual, mental and physical services. Our children need to see us coming together as a community, mov- ing towards thriving, showing them that WE will ALL be okay. With areas of Columbia County being so remote, we need to continue to focus on roads and connectivity, while also making sure that there are emergency ser- vices available when needed. Kelly Niles – That there is no future plan. It seems everything is reactive instead of pro- active. We need to bring industry, agency stakeholders, and citizens to the table to plan for our future. We need family wage jobs here. Some people don’t want growth and others do. I have been told 70% of people commute outside the county for work. We need to stop saying no to industry. Do we open it up for anyone? No. We can bring in jobs but be selective by doing our research and making sure the industry we are looking at is going to be a good community partner and have minimal impacts on our natural re- sources and the people who live here. 4. What is your vision for the future of Columbia County? (250 word limit) Kellie Jo Smith – Growth that considers our unique small towns, and our rural en- vironments. We cherish our communities and are proud of our natural resources. We also see the benefits of family wage jobs that allow us to stay within our county, so that more people can live and work here, spend- ing less time driving and more time with our families, giving us the ability to be involved in the community doing things like coach- ing, volunteering and shopping at local businesses. With responsible development we can achieve this. Support first responders and public safety officers for safe communities. Pro- viding our law enforcement with the tools and resources necessary to assure our citi- zens and their families can feel safe and that their property will be protected is essential. Create opportunities for our youth through parks, trails and access to public property. Positive networking among our communities and organizations like our cit- ies, chambers of commerce, businesses and civic organizations. Kelly Niles – Selective industry with fam- ily wage jobs; affordable housing; more recreational opportunities; internet across the county; and having a rainy day fund in our budget. These are a few ideas. I would like to start by hiring 2 people whose only purpose is to search out and apply for grants to help us achieve our goals set out in a stra- tegic plan. This gives us the opportunity to achieve these without raising taxes on the citizens. 5. Our country, our state, and even our county are currently politically divided. What do you think we need to do to bring our citizens back together? (250 word limit) eryone wants to be welcomed and to belong. Making an effort every day to offer that kind of support to someone, would be my chal- lenge. Kellie Jo Smith – I’d like to believe that bringing people together is what I do best. I’m a natural connector and I love to hear people’s stories, especially our older gen- eration’s. When we sit down next to someone and share our story, there’s a good chance that we have something in common. Taking the time to hear someone out will help us come back to the middle. We all just lived through some difficult times, no matter what “side” you are on we’ll all have to agree that we are happiest when we are accepted, ev- Kelly Niles – There is a saying I like use – It doesn’t matter who’s wrong or who’s right, it’s what’s best. I believe that. If the first thing we are doing is judging some one by their beliefs rather than listening to their ideas then those are the wrong people to have at the table when planning our future. I understand people are frustrated but tak- ing it out on our fellow citizens who haven’t done anything is not helpful. If that were to happen when trying to create a plan for our future then those individuals would not be invited back to the table.
