Central Oregon Landwatch

• Action Alerts

Oregon League of Conservation Voters

Take Three Minutes to Protect Oregon's Rivers

Please take a moment to send a quick comment in support of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's (ODFW) proposed budget for the agency's water program for the 2009-11 Biennium. While the 2009 Legislative Session is still months off, critical budget decisions are being made NOW.

ODFW is requesting $850,000 to support its water program. The draft proposal includes funding for five positions, including an instream flow specialist, a hydrologist, and a team leader and two associated regional positions to work on water right application issues.

These positions are critical to protecting Oregon's rivers and streams and the fish and other aquatic species that depend upon them. Funding of these positions will help ensure that instream water rights are protected, that the state moves forward in its determination and protection of "peak flow" needs of rivers and fish, and, importantly, that fish and river needs are considered in water allocation decisions. Without adequate ODFW staffing our precious river resources are at risk in water permitting decisions.

Comment by May 5th by filling out the "town hall comment form" (click on "Town Hall Meeting Comment Form" about two-thirds down the page).

Please:
• Voice your strong support for funding of ODFW's "water program capacity" proposal
• Tell ODFW full funding of the "water program" should be a priority
• Urge ODFW to ensure that the determination and protection of "peak flows" be key component of final "water program" budget

OTC Considers Low-Herbicide Pilot Project -- Speak Up!

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) routinely sprays roadsides with toxic herbicides throughout the spring and summer. Many of these chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors. When you drive, bike or walk on these roads, you can be exposed to pesticides from soil contamination, eating sprayed wild berries, and drifting or re-volatilizing vapors. Aquatic plants, fish and other organisms are harmed sometimes by application near ditches or streams. 
  
The Oregon Transportation Commission, which governs ODOT, is considering a proposal to implement a pilot project along a stretch of Highway 101 in Lincoln County and in all of Lane County. The pilot “Last Resort” policy prohibits the routine and seasonal use of herbicides to kill unwanted vegetation along roadsides, and focuses on getting rid of weeds by regular assessment of road conditions, mechanical removal (e.g., mowing, scraping), planting competing native species such as wildflowers, and scientifically determining if a need exists for chemicals before using herbicides.
   
Please write to the Oregon Transportation Commission to ask them to support the pilot project and fund more “no-spray” highways. Direct letters to:
Oregon Transportation Commission, c/o Kim Jordan, OTC Secretary
Kimberly.A.Jordan@odot.state.or.us
Phone: (503) 986-3450


DEQ Announces New Rulemaking Web Page

Now you can see all current Oregon DEQ proposed rule updates in one place and easily e-mail your comments. Look for the envelope icon for quick e-mail links to send in your comments.

Oregon Natural Desert Association

• Support Badlands Wilderness
• Spring Basin Wilderness
  

Oregon Wild

• Protect the McKenzie from Salvage Logging
• Keep Waldo Lake Clean & Quiet
• Mount Hood Wilderness Campaign
• Wild Rogue Wilderness Campaign
• Copper Salmon Wilderness Campaign
• Soda Mountain Wilderness Campaign
• Spring Basin and Bend Badlands Wilderness Campaigns
• Oregon's Roadless Wildlands
• Wilderness Recreational Activities and Adventure