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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 30, 2016)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2016 3 B For everyone’s safety, enjoy seal pups from afar NEWPORT — It’s that time of year when seal pups begin appearing on beaches along the Oregon coast. Beachgoers are asked to stifle their desire to assist these animals and, instead, give them space. For those familiar with the exquisite cuteness of a newborn pup, the advice can be hard to swallow. But it’s for the best, for people and wildlife alike. Every spring, harbor seals give birth to pups on secluded beaches or reefs up and down the Pacific coast. The pups are born ready to swim but cannot tread water for long; they need ample time on shore to rest and stay warm, and can remain there for days while their moth- ers forage at sea. Concerned observers often report “abandoned” seal pups on the beach, not realizing that the mother might be foraging nearby, or swimming just off- shore to maintain distance from curious humans and their dogs. “This is a perennial spring- time issue for us all,” said Jim Rice, Stranding Coordinator at the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network. “It’s help- ful to remind people that it’s normal for pups to come ashore to rest, that their mothers often leave them unattended while they forage for food, and that interfering with this natural process is not only illegal but will likely be very detrimental to the pup.” In other words, humans approaching or otherwise try- ing to “help” these unattended pups may inadvertently cause them harm, as the presence of people may deter mother seals from coming ashore to nurse. Seal pups are vulnerable and they may yank at our heart- strings, but we often jeopardize matters further by intervening in their affairs. Rice also pointed out that, being wild animals, harbor seals face myriad challenges to reaching maturity, and pup mortality is a natural check on robust seal populations in our region. Studies estimate that as much as 50 percent of harbor seal pups born in a given year do not reach their first birthday. Another reason to give seals a wide berth is the possible threat of disease, said Laura Todd, Field Supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Newport. “Seals and sea lions can har- bor the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis, a disease that affects humans and dogs and causes damage to the liver, kid- neys and other organs.” The bacteria are present in the infected animal’s fluids, including urine, and can easily pass into surrounding water or wet sand. In general, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of indigenous wildlife when they are deemed injured by human interference. But in the case of harbor seal pups, humans should not be approaching these animals in the first place, and the aquarium advises the public to obey marine mammal protection laws and let nature take its course. “Concerned observers itch- ing to help can call the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline at 541-270- 6830 if a pup is spotted,” said Jim Burke, Director of Animal Husbandry at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. “Their staff can post courtesy signs near the seal to inform other beachgoers of the situation.” Finding a harbor seal pup on the beach can be an enchanting and poignant experience. To keep these creatures safe, watch with binoculars or take pictures from afar — and let the seals take care of themselves. Spring cycling season is here; motorists asked to be aware There are many bicycles on today’s roads. More people are using bicycles as a means to commute for entertainment and for exercise. Some of the more common reasons include low cost to operate, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, and exercise. Motorists should remember these tips when sharing the road with a cyclist: A bicycle is considered by law to be a vehicle. When a cyclist has stopped and remains astride their bicycle at an inter- section and/or for a traffic sig- nal, they are to be treated as a vehicle waiting for their turn to proceed. Many children riding bicy- cles on the street may lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling. They may not be aware of all dangers. Be alert for small children on oversized bicycles. This may increase the likelihood for loss of control. When passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle. Leave lots of room. When you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up along- side your vehicle. Remember to shoulder- check your blind spots. When you are about to make a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist and then turn directly in front of them and cut them off. When pulling away from the curb, always check for cyclists who may be trying to pass you. When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists before you open your vehicle door. It’s the driver’s responsi- bility not to open the vehicle door into traffic. Do not follow too close behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping. Cyclists are entitled to make left turns in the same manner as motorists. Since they are more exposed to traffic on left turns, they will need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads. Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the curb, however they may need to ride further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist. Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may startle them and cause them to lose control. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist. Cyclists should also remem- ber that, when they are riding their bicycles on streets and highways, they are considered by law to be a vehicle. Therefore they are required to obey all the rules of the road, which apply to other (motor- ized) vehicles, plus those that apply only to bicycle operators. Cyclists using the streets and highways should: Never ride against traffic. It is one of the leading causes of crashes, accounting for 15 per- cent to 20 percent of all crashes with cars. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when mak- ing a hand signal. Keep both feet on the ped- als. Not carry more people at one time than the bicycle was designed for. Not hold onto, attach them- selves, or attach the bicycle to any other moving vehicle. Only ride side by side on the road with another cyclist when it does not impede other traffic. If traffic doesn't have enough room to pass you safely, ride single file. Ensure the bicycle is equipped with at least one white light to the front and a red light and or red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle when riding between sunset and sunrise. Ensure the bicycle has effective brakes. —Lincoln County Sheriff ’s Office SIUSLAW AUTOMOTIVE & TOWING Siuslaw Watershed offering summer camps Repair • Towing • Trucks • Motor Homes Cars • Lock Outs Other services include alarm systems, stereos, accessories, oil changes and custom work. Damage-Free Towing Monty Deardorff, Owner 84829 Hwy 101 S, Florence, OR 97439 (541) 997-6669 The Siuslaw Watershed Council has announced it will again offer summer camps for students entering fourth grade through high school. These camps are the perfect way to get the most out of sum- mer. Come be a part of exploring the Siuslaw watershed’s many rivers, streams and lakes. Camp dates are: Introductory Camp: June 27-30, for students entering grades 4-6 Intermediate Camp: July 11-14, for students entering grades 6-8 Advanced Camp: July 18- 22, for students entering grades 8-12 with previous watershed experience During the camps, attendees travel throughout the Siuslaw watershed learning about plants, animals, water and land. The camps focus on the restoration work that is being done to keep the watershed healthy. Campers will get a chance to make a difference by doing hands-on restoration work, as well as canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling, hiking and more. Introductory and intermedi- ate camps are day camps. Advanced camp includes one overnight camping trip. Each camp is $75 for the whole session and scholarships are available. Registration packets are available at www.siuslaw.org/ camps, call the SWC office at 541-268-3044 to request a packet or email camp@siuslaw .org. Siuslaw Watershed Camps are made possible with funding from OWEB, WCLF, in part- nership with Siuslaw School District, and through private donations. Dry weather means wildfire season can heat up May is Oregon Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wild- fire activity during the summer, but fires occur all seasons of the year including spring. During May, federal, state, tribal and local fire agencies will be spreading the word about wildfire prevention and the steps Oregonians can take to stop most fires before they start. When it comes to preventing wildfires, there’s a lot at stake: lives, personal property and the many values provided by Fri 4/29-Sat 4/30 8am-2pm 4976 Lake Dr Multi-Family Sale. Furniture, Antiques, Garden Equipment. Early Birds welcome! Sat 4/30 8am – 3pm 5050 Heceta Parkway Lots of cool items, little bit of everything! Sat Only! 4/30 8am – 4pm 128 Park Village Loop Clothing, bedding, household items, books, collectibles, and more. Sat 4/30-Sun 5/1 9am 5236 Hilltop Dr Multi Houses on Hill sale! 4/30/2016 PLANT SALE Florence Garden Club ! ! (across Hwy. 101 from McDonalds) ! Proceeds for local Scholarships Also Giant Raffle, Lots of Prizes to give away! Fri 4/27-Sat 4/30 8am – 5pm 5156 Versant Drive Spruce Village off Munsel Lake Rd. Living Estate Sale 1722 Coosah April 29 8am-4pm April 30 8am-2pm Electric Wheelchair and lift, Oak Dinet Tabl and 8 chairs. Lighted buffet, lazy boy hideabed, full size bed, extra long twin, kenmore washer and dryer. Hot- point side by side fridge, Electric lawn- mower, yard tools, ornaments and plants. Lots of crafts and picture frames. Vintage records and 8-tracks and lots more Oregon’s forests and range- lands. During the 2015 wildfire season, about 1.6 million acres were consumed by wildfire across the Pacific Northwest, including 630,000 acres in Oregon. Some 675 structures were lost — many of them perma- nent residences. And tragically, three firefighters were killed. Key wildlife habitats, including those of the belea- guered greater sage grouse, went up in smoke. In Oregon alone, some 850 human-caused fires ravaged the landscape. And on just the forest and rangelands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, these “people” fires burned nearly 87,000 acres. But wildfire prevention edu- cators are not pointing fingers. In the extreme weather condi- tions of last summer nearly any fire start, whether human or lightning caused, had potential to spread into a raging wildfire. Wildfires that occur in the wildland-urban interface often are started by human activity and then spread to the forest. Once underway a fire fol- lows the fuel, whether it is trees or houses. Fortunately, this grave threat to lives and property can be dramatically reduced. “Simple prevention strate- gies will make the strongest impact on your home, family and community safety,” said Kristin Babbs, president of the Keep Oregon Green Association. Spring is the perfect time, she said, to remove dead, flam- Sat 4/30 10am-3pm First driveway North of Bi-Mart. Simply Marvelous! Huge Sale - Furniture, Antiques, Collecta- bles, and Crafts. Sat only! 4/30 8am – 1pm 2273 Willow St Rain or shine. Let Paul show you a new car or truck. Stop by today! mable vegetation and limb up trees around the yard. “When clearing brush and vegetation from around the home, property owners should also keep in mind the access needed by larger fire trucks,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the centerline to the edge of the driveway, and about 14 feet of overhead clearance. “Having an adequate turn- around area is critical for fire- fighters.” To get an early start on Wildfire Awareness Month, join neighbors in reducing your community’s wildfire risk by taking part in National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 7. The National Fire Protection Association has teamed up with State Farm Insurance to encourage residents to commit a couple of hours, or the entire day, to help raise wildfire awareness and work together on projects that can help pro- tect homes and entire commu- nities from the threat of fire. Visit us on the web T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM D EADLINE FOR P RESS R ELEASES I S E VERY M ONDAY AND T HURSDAY BY N OON . E MAIL P RESS R ELEASES @T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM . 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 S IUSLAW N EWS
