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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 19, 2018)
A7 THE DAILY ASTORIAN • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2018 Trail: State expects improvements to take several years Continued from Page A1 Coast Trail winds through Fort Stevens, Ecola and Oswald West state parks. The state has identifi ed fi ve trail gaps in Clatsop County — two in 2011 and three more recently. They include Hug Point, where a rocky outcropping is impass- able at high tide; Camp Rilea, where the trail, which runs along the beach, is closed periodically due to artillery training; and areas where the trail turns onto local roads and U.S. Highway 101. One of the newer gaps emerged in 2016 after a land- slide snipped a portion of the trail that runs between Indian Beach and Ecola P oint in half. Park staff had allowed hikers to walk the trail up to the landslide, but the entire section is now closed at the trailheads. Katie Frankowicz/The Daily Astorian Signs at Ecola State Park warn visitors of hazards on the trail. People were not honoring the closure at the landslide, said Ben Cox, park manager for the Nehalem Bay Man- agement Unit. One person even tied a rope to a tree to help people navigate around the slide. “It was to the point where people were going out and beyond the area closed and then we were getting com- plaints about the poor shape of the trail,” Cox said. The state’s plans to address gaps in the Ore- gon Coast Trail will dovetail with work to reroute this sec- tion in Ecola State Park out- side of the slide zone. Cox and his rangers examined a possible reroute in 2017. They had hoped to have a new trail available soon, but staff changes and other work delayed the project. Since 2017, he and park staff have fi elded questions from people looking to hike the entire Oregon Coast Trail. They encounter people who are using old information or tips gained from other hikers about where to camp — often in places where camping is not allowed. But there are few options for hikers, Cox said. There are stretches between camp- ing and lodging options that hikers just can’t make in a one-day trek. As Wilcox and her team continue to look at how to improve the trail system, Cox anticipates conversa- tions about where camping could be allowed might come up. For the section of the trail he oversees, he believes there could be an opportunity to work with cities and counties. trail connecting nearby Neah- kahnie Mountain with the city, closing a gap identifi ed in the 2011 plan. No access exists and hikers are forced to walk along the shoulder of Highway 101 to stay on the route. In September, city leaders requested an extension of the state grant funding the work after unexpected changes — including a land transfer — delayed construction of the trail. Yearslong work The state expects the work of identifying gaps along the Oregon Coast Trail, improv- ing safety and connectivity, adding signs and looking at the trail as a whole will take several years. Elsewhere, some cit- ies are already in the mid- dle of addressing some of the problems. Manzanita landed a grant several years ago to build a Consult a PROFESSIONAL Q: Are chiropractors real doctors? like all other doctors, A: Yes, we undergo four years of Deal: ‘We’re going to try to do it all’ Continued from Page A1 Spilling water has been ordered by the courts in the past, as recently as last spring. But those orders have created friction between salmon recovery advocates and groups that say curbing the fl ow of water means less electricity — and that means higher rates for customers. ‘Flexible spill’ This latest approach calls for “fl exible spill,” accord- ing to a joint statement released by the agreement’s parties. In other words, dam operators would control the volume of water that gets released to help move fi sh downriver; more water when electricity demand is lower, less water when there’s high demand for electricity. During those high-demand periods, more water would be sent through power-gen- erating turbines. These new strategies for spilling water past the dams would be in place for three years on eight dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers. The agreement “avoids litigation” during that three-year period. “I don’t think this piece would be the solution, but it might be the start of a move toward a solution, and that’s what I think we’re all hope- ful for,” said Jim Litchfi eld, executive director of North- west RiverPartners, a group that has opposed increased spill in the past. “At the same time, we are concerned about the unprec- edented and scientifi cally unproven levels of new spill being contemplated by the agreement,” said Litchfi eld, whose group represents util- ities, ports, farms and other operations that support dams. Fishing and environmen- tal advocacy groups char- acterized the agreement an important incremental step in the right direction. “The urgency for strong action remains, while Columbia Basin salmon remain on life support,” said Glen Spain, North- west regional director of the Pacifi c Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. Tom France, regional executive director of the National Wildlife Federa- tion, called the plan a step to help both salmon and the endangered resident orcas of south Puget Sound. Their waning chance of survival has been directly linked to the historically declin- ing population of Colum- bia and Snake river Chinook salmon. “Much more will be needed, however, to protect endangered salmon — and orca — from extinction,” he said in a statement. The parties that agreed to the new spill strategy include the Washington, Oregon and the Nez Perce Tribe in Idaho. Other parties include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation, which oper- ate the dams, and the Bonne- ville Power Administration, which markets hydro- power to utilities and other customers. Bonneville Power Administration spokesman Dave Wilson said the plan could keep everyone out of court for the next three years. “The new approach is collaboration rather than liti- gation, working together the states, tribes, federal agen- cies,” he said. “We’re going to try to do it all.” Neahkahnie is an import- ant focal point for the com- munity , Manzanita City Man- ager Cynthia Alamillo said. So besides improving the overall t rail experience, she believes the connecting trail to Manzanita “will be a great amenity to our community.” A new website — ore- goncoasttrailplanning.com — provides regular updates and also gives people several ways to submit feedback or information. Dam removal Some, including the fed- eral judge who previously presided over the case, and more recently, Washing- ton Gov. Jay Inslee, have called for research or con- sideration for the removal of dams on the lower Snake River. It’s an idea that’s been discussed as way to save salmon and ensure they are plentiful enough for orca survival in the Northwest — especially if more incremental steps don’t work. Todd True is an Earth- Justice lawyer who has represented environmen- tal groups in legal action over the dams and salmon. He said it would be great if, after the new agreement’s three-year period, the gov- ernment can come up with a long-term solution to pro- tect salmon and orcas. “Scientists have been saying for decades that’s the single biggest step we can take to put salmon on the path to sustainable popula- tions,” True said. “So that is front and center and it’s an issue we think we need to come to grips with and address.” ASTORIA CHIROPRACTIC Barry Sears, D.C. 503-325-3311 2935 Marine Drive Astoria, Oregon graduate school including two years of life science and 2 years of clinical sciences with an internship. The degree conferred after successful completion of schooling is a D.C. or DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC. We are also called chiropractic physicians. Yearly continuing education is required to keep skills up. Our approach is to find the simplest solution with the fewest tests. We are happy to accept new patients. Q: Are there any scams I need to be aware of? Steve Putman A: Yes, yes and yes. Just a reminder, no reputable Medicare Products firm or organization 503-440-1076 would ever call and ask for your Social Security Licensed in Oregon or Medicare Number. and Washington Just received a call putmanagency@gmail.com myself. Stay alert! Q: Can you help set up my new printer? LEO FINZI Port: ‘It should be for the greatest good’ Continued from Page A1 Gary Kobes, who manages the a irport. T he c ommission approved funding the design and bidding portions of two new airport improvement projects that will be largely paid for by Federal Avia- tion Administration grants. The c ommission recently approved spending up to $230,000 on a local match to avoid losing several mil- lion dollars worth of federal grants. 10TH STREET for the sake of maintaining an institution. It should be for the greatest good.” Commissioner Robert Ste- vens said he would be more open to selling buildings but holding onto land. Commis- sioner James Campbell said there are some buildings he would like to see in private hands to avoid maintenance costs. The Port Commission also renewed a contract for We stock 1000’s of parts, cables, accessories, etc. for phones, TVs, Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat 11-4 computers, and Astoria, OR tablets. 503-325-2300 ASTORIA TRANSIT CENTER who likened the possibility to giving the agency’s future away. “I’m going to be totally against giving away or selling any property,” he said. Rohne broached the idea of having tenants like Englund Marine & Indus- trial Supply or Bornstein Sea- foods buy the land under their buildings, or of selling tenants at the Astoria Regional Air- port the buildings they lease. He pointed to the develop- ment at North Tongue Point, where the Port Commission ended an unprofi table lease early so boatbuilder Hyak Maritime could begin devel- oping a shipwright cluster. “Tongue Point is being used productively, and I think that’s a greater win for our community,” Rohne said. “It doesn’t need to have our stamp on it, to maintain an institution Astoria’s Best.com After the state’s recom- mendation, Jim Knight, the Port’s executive direc- tor, ordered the causeway closed just before Thanks- giving, keeping utilities on and allowing tenants to use skiffs to reach their boats . The abrupt closure has left boat owners upset with the Port over the handling of the marina and a lack of maintenance. The state recommended a similar closure in 2010 over the same concerns. The Port hired Bergerson for tempo- rary fi xes to keep the cause- way open, but did not have the permits to use treated timber. Bergerson’s repairs at the time were meant as a fi ve- year Band-Aid, but are now nine years in and badly rot- ting, said the company’s co-owner, Greg Morrill. He agreed with the state’s con- cern about portions of the causeway holding up, much less supporting vehicles or pedestrians. “I’m not saying that’s the end of the structure, but in its current state, that’s why it has to be shut down,” Mor- rill said. Cost to repair Morrill estimated between $200,000 and $250,000 for immediate repairs, along with between $250,000 to $375,000 over the next fi ve years to maintain the repairs and pedestrian access. The Port has been con- templating whether to con- tinue repairing the failing causeway, which staff has estimated would require $4 million to replace. Morrill estimated between $6 mil- lion and $8 million. Port commissioners sug- gested temporary fi xes to the causeway, from fl oating pontoons to a lighter alumi- num deck with a lesser need for support. Commissioner Dirk Rohne asked Mor- rill for his recommendation. Morrill asked the Port what it s long-term goals are for the marina . “There are Band-Aids that will work to keep it open, extend the life a lit- tle bit longer,” Morrill said. “But it’s still just a Band- Aid. As happy as I would be to take the Port’s money to put Band-Aids on indef- initely, you need to look at a solution beyond a Band-Aid.” The East Mooring B asin has attracted interest from a development group led by Floyd Holcom, owner of the adjacent Pier 39 waterfront complex. The group hopes to put the marina under private management and develop more slips, fl oating homes, retail and a potential cruise ship dock . The Port has looked at the partnership as a way to inject private capital into fi x- ing the marina. The area has been added to state enter- prise and federal opportu- nity zones offering property tax incentives and an ability for investors to avoid capital gains taxes. Shuttle service Even a temporary repair to the causeway could take a long time. Work on the pil- ings would have to be during an in-water work period that lasts from November to Feb- ruary. It would take six to eight weeks to get a permit for such work, Morrill said, and much longer for per- mits to replace the entire structure. “As long as the fi sher- men and customers are there and they still want to get out to their boats, I think we’re obligated to provide a shut- tle service,” said Commis- sioner Robert Stevens, call- ing on Port staff to price the service out. Other Port commission- ers agreed to have staff look at how to set the service up. Knight raised the possibil- ity of using Kiwi’s Water Taxi, a Columbia River shut- tle service whose owner, Alan Brann, is one of the aggrieved tenants who left the East Mooring Basin after the closure. Sitting in the audience Tuesday, Brann signaled his disinterest in helping the Port. business. We can come to your location to set it up. We also offer remote assistance from our office. If you purchase your printer from us, we install ink or toner, align print heads, etc. at no charge (compare to $29.99 charge from local Big Box store.) We offer color printers from $49.99. See a printer you like online? We will match their price. Wishing you all the best. Q: What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth? Marina: Repair to causeway could take a long time Continued from Page A1 can help set up your A: We new printer at your home or baby’s teeth are A: Remember not only important but part JEFFREY M. LEINASSAR DMD, FAGD 503/325-0310 1414 MARINE DRIVE, ASTORIA www.smileastoria.com of their health and development. Cleaning baby’s teeth can be done by gauze, a finger swipe, or a small brush. Make it quick and fun!! Remember that a night-time bottle with milk has lactose ( milk sugar) and juice has fructose or sucrose (sugar) and if it sits on teeth day after day problems are going to develop. Baby teeth are small with thin enamel so they are important to keep clean. the year draws to Q: As a close, can we expect anything new from Hughes-Ransom? A: John R. Alcantara - Funeral Director Hughes- Ransom Mortuary Astoria: 576 12th St. 503.325.2535 Seaside: 220 N. Holladay 503.738.6622 www.hughes-ransom.com After the number of unsolicited negative experiences we have heard over the years from families who had negative experiences as a result of choosing a mortuary for immediate need we want to offer an alternative. Consequently, Hughes-Ransom Mortuaries will match the pricing of both our competitors services so that families won’t have to put up with mediocre service or disappointment to remorse when their needs aren’t; met. You and your family deserve the best quality service whether your needs are for immediate disposition or more traditional services. Our decision benefits you and is not for a limited time. Why put yourself in the hands of someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Come to Hughes-Ransom, where your traditions are our traditions. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
