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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (March 26, 2016)
2 B SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016 W ATCH FOR SNOWY PLOVER NESTING AREA ON BEACHES Springtime sun and warmer March temperatures can bring visitors in droves to Oregon’s inviting shoreline. For the western snowy plover, March means nesting. This tiny shorebird, protected under state law and under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), usually begins nesting along west coast beaches in mid-March. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is responsible for man- aging recreation on Oregon’s ocean shore, overseeing snowy plover management areas and the recreation restrictions that come with the legal agreement between OPRD and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The western snowy plover is a shorebird protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Plovers nest in dry open sand, in tiny, shallow scrapes that are very well camouflaged. Not only are nests easy to miss (or step on), but the bird will abandon its eggs if repeatedly disturbed by activities it con- siders a threat. OPRD manages two kinds of beach areas to help plovers survive: sites where they actively nest, and sites where they don’t, but where the habitat has been des- ignated as conducive. Based on this, recreation restrictions vary. Riding bicy- cles or driving any kind of vehicle is not allowed during nesting season on any stretch of beach managed for plovers. Where plovers actively nest, the dry sand around the nesting area is signed to keep people from accidentally crushing the well-camouflaged eggs. Recreation is limited to the wet sand portion of the beach. Kites and dogs (leashed or unleashed) are not allowed any- where in active nesting areas until the end of the nesting sea- son, Sept. 15. Most plover breeding areas in Oregon range from Florence south to Bandon. In recent years, though, a smattering of nests have popped up at some north coast beaches, a sign that holds promise for Oregon’s and Washington’s plover popula- tion overall. The two-mile Nehalem Spit, just south of the entrance to Nehalem Bay State Park, will restrict vehicles, dogs and kites from March 15 through Sept. 15. The northern 3 miles of beach in the park are open to kites, dogs, bikes, horses and all other recreation. Recently, OPRD spokesper- son Chris Havel thanked visi- tors for their understanding and support of the bird. “Recreation management is a balancing act,” said Havel. “The vast majority of visitors want to protect wildlife and understand that plovers need our help to survive.” COURTESY PHOTO Sheriffs offer safety tips as boating season approaches Summer will be here before we know it, and in the coming weeks more people will be pulling out their boats from winter storage in preparation for launch in the waters of this state. Below are suggestions which can contribute to your safety and add to your boating pleasure. Know the legal require- ments for your size vessel. Safety equipment must be accessible and in working condition. Wear your life jackets!! 85 percent of the boating fatalities could be avoided by wearing a personal floatation device. Remember it won’t save your life if you don’t wear it. Have children and non- swimmers wear a personal floatation device. Each device should be of suitable size for the intended wearer and fit securely. 90 percent of those who die in boating accidents drown. Be prepared and carry extra equipment such as a bailer (bucket), anchor, first aid kit, visual distress signal, tool kit, flashlight and extra batteries, and a cell phone. Don’t over load your boat. Follow the recommendations on the capacity plate of your boat. Capsizing, sinking and falling overboard account for 70 percent of boating fatalities. If your boat should capsize, your best chance for survival and rescue is to stay with the boat. Pull as much of your body out of the water as possible to preserve body warmth. Hypothermia can be a killer, keep your body dry and warm as possible It is illegal to operate any boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Use the designated driver concept, a sober skipper is a must. Stressors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold water, vibra- tion, noise and alcohol all affect your ability to react. Don’t run out of fuel. Practice the 1/3 rule: 1/3 for trip, 1/3 for return and 1/3 for spare. Clam dive permit registration due next week SALEM — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will award one South Coast bay clam dive permit April 15, at ODFW headquar- ters in Salem. “The commercial bay clam dive fishery in Oregon is limit- ed to 15 permits — 10 coast- wide permits and five south coast permits,” said DeAnna Erickson, license services man- ager for ODFW. “If the number of permits falls below 15, we hold a lottery to bring the num- ber back up to 15. “Currently there is one South Coast permit available.” South Coast permits are only valid in Oregon estuaries south of Heceta Head. Bay clams are harvested by licensed inter-tidal commercial harvesters and also by permit- ted sub-tidal divers. Harvest focuses on cockles, gapers and butter clams. “Historical landings patterns and species targeted vary depending on market demand, environmental conditions and population abundances,” said Mitch Vance, shellfish project leader for ODFW’s Marine Resources Program. “Some restrictions also exist for con- servation purposes. “For instance, the season for gapers is closed from January to June when they are spawn- ing.” Only one application per vessel or individual will be accepted. Applications must be received in the Salem office or postmarked no later than March 31. To renew a permit for the next year, the holder must meet minimum landing requirements of five landings of at least 100 pounds each or an annual total of 2,500 pounds with dive gear. If there are no landings, the permit reverts to the state. For more information on applying for a permit, contact ODFW’s licensing services, 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE. Salem, or call 503-947- 6101 or 1-800-720-6339 ext. 76142. Fuel vapors are heavier then air and collect in the bilge. Never fill gasoline cans in the boat. When anchoring, use a line that is several times longer than the depth of the water and never anchor by the stern. File a float plan. Let some- one know where you’re boating and when you’ll be back. You’re responsible for damage or injury caused by your wake. Exercise caution around other boaters and docks. As of January 2009, all per- sons operating a motor boat greater than 10 horsepower are required to carry a Boater Education Card. The card shows that the operator has passed an approved boater edu- cation course or equivalency exam. For more information on boating in Oregon, pick up the Oregon Boaters Handbook or visit www.boatoregon.com. — Submitted by Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Get Results...List With Amanda. Amanda DeTar Broker 541 999-4285 82864 S Canary Rd – Loca- tion, Location! 40 acres of land, approx 13 miles down South Canary. How much more pri- vacy can you get? Build your dream home here and get all the views you can ask for; ocean, lake and mountain. $175,000. #2181-13278114 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Annual SOLVE Spring Beach Cleanup taking place today Today, March 26, SOLVE is welcoming volunteers of all ages to join together in clearing the entire Oregon coast of litter and marine debris. Presented by AAA Oregon, the 31st annual SOLVE Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at one of 45 beach cleanup locations from Astoria to Brookings at solveo- regon.org or by calling 503- 844-9571 x332. Last year, more than 5,100 Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup volunteers removed nearly 68,000 pounds of debris from the coast, contributing to the 3.3 million pounds that have been picked up since the first fall cleanup in 1984. Started by local citizens Judie Hansen and Eleanor Dye, this coastwide volunteer cleanup model was the first in the nation, inspiring similar cleanups across the world. Locally, the cleanup has grown into an iconic Oregon tradition, uniting multiple generations of volunteers and keeping our beaches healthy for humans and wildlife alike. “Oregon’s public beaches are unique to our state, provid- ing the basis for many of the beloved cultural and recre- ational activities that contribute to our identity as Oregonians,” said Tim Morgan, president and CEO of AAA Oregon. “The coast is shared by all of us, and the Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup gives citizens the opportunity to join together to keep it clean and healthy.” From the 1,000-pound fish- ing net to the tiniest piece of plastic in the sand, litter and marine debris on Oregon’s coast is an issue that affects everyone, threatening the health of the environment and impacting the economy. Every year, fish, shorebirds and other wildlife ingest and become entangled in discarded debris. It’s a problem that is preventable. Everyone has a role they can play in helping to reduce the impact of wayward trash. “The chance to walk in a quiet place and make it cleaner, safer and more pristine is price- less,” said John Andersen, SOLVE Beach Captain in Netarts. “We have a duty to be stewards for all creatures that exist now or will exist in the future, and these annual cleanups are a big part of the solution.” Volunteers at this year’s event are encouraged to bring old colanders or kitty litter scoops to sift the tide lines for tiny plastic pieces, harmful to local wildlife. Bags and gloves are provided, but bringing reusable gloves and buckets is encouraged to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Safety is the top priority, and volunteers are urged to keep an eye out for sneaker waves, stay off logs near the water, steer clear of sea lions, look out for signs and ropes limiting beach access around snowy plover nesting areas, and refrain from touching hazardous items like oil drums. The Spring Oregon Beach Cleanup is presented by AAA Coastal Gem Walkers set April jaunt, meeting The Coastal Gems Volkswalkers will host a group walk Tuesday, April 5. The group will be repeating the Three Loops walk in Depoe Bay. Those who want to car- pool to Depoe Bay can meet at the Commons in Yachats at 9 a.m., or be at the Sea Hag in Depoe Bay at 10:15 a.m. to register. The 10K walk is rated 2B because of uneven footing on the forest path and a couple of minor hills. Walkers can mix and match the three loops to create a shorter walk. The route would be difficult for strollers and wheelchairs. As always, leashed pets are welcome on walks, but be sure to bring water and clean up materials. A sturdy 6-foot leash, not the retractable type, is required. On Wednesday, April 6, the group will hold its monthly meeting in Yachats. There will be a leg-stretcher walk at 5 p.m.; the club meeting begins at 6 p.m. The meeting general- ly lasts about an hour. For more information or directions, call Maryann Brown in Waldport at 541-961- 4279 or Gene and Linda Williamson in Seal Rock at 541-563-6721. Visit the club website at www.yachatscoastalgems.org. Oregon. Additional sponsors include major sponsors Fred Meyer and The Standard; coor- dinating sponsors Local Coast Haulers and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department; media sponsors K103fm and KOIN 6. SOLVE is a statewide noprofit organization that brings people together to improve the environment and build a legacy of stewardship. Over four decades, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots group to a national model for volunteer environmental action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers across Oregon to cleanup beaches and rivers and restore watersheds. For more information, visit solvoregon.org. Fri-Sat 3/25-3/26 Fri, 8am-4pm Sat, 9am-2pm 12 Fawn View Lane W/D, furniture, clothing & misc. _________________ Saturday April 2, 2016 8am-2pm Florence Events Center 715 Quince St. Florence $1 admission. Come find your treasure! Coffee will be waiting for early-bird shoppers, along with booth after booth of treasures ranging from $1 bargain items to aniques, tools, collectibles, prints, table linens, glass, jewelry, minia- tures, art music, needlework, books, household items, sporting goods, clothing, shoes, furniture, appli- ances, vintage glass and more. Let Paul show you a new car or truck. Stop by today! 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 VOICE YOUR OPINION! Write a Letter to the Editor: E DITOR @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM