8 July 2015
Wildlife officials say watch out when you’re on the beach
A threatened shorebird has been facing more challenges in recent weeks. That’s because more people have been headed to the beach to escape the heat. Wildlife biologist Cindy Burns with the U.S. Forest Service says they’ve been encountering more intrusions into nesting areas of the Western Snowy Plover than usual.
In one case last month, an off-road vehicle ventured well into a closed area, driving over a nest and crushing several young birds and their mother.
Burns said there are three areas of concern on the Central Coast… Spinreel in northern Coos County, Tahkenitch Beach in Douglas County and in Lane, Siltcoos Outlet.
Nesting areas are well marked with signs, posts and ropes. Those will remain in place until early fall.
Since the western population of the Snowy Plover was listed as being “threatened” in 1993, populations have made a comeback, but Burns said they still have not made full recovery.
Appointments required for concealed handgun permit applications
If you intend on applying for, or renewing, a concealed handgun permit in Lane County after August 1st, you’ll need to make an appointment.
Walk in applications for the permits are being discontinued in order to alleviate extensive waiting times. That’s according to Communications Records Supervisor Laura Hartman who also suggested that if you have a permit expiration coming soon, you’ll want to make your appointment as soon as possible.
There is a 45-day grace period if you miss the expiration, but Hartman says you’ll have to pay a new application fee.
To make an appointment, just go to the sheriff’s website.
Gas prices track below last summer
Drivers in Oregon paid the lowest average price at the pump over the Fourth of July holiday since 2010. According to Triple-A, prices were about 90-cents a gallon less than they were in 2014.
The national average price for a gallon of regular gas slipped by a penny in the past week to $2.76 while the Oregon statewide average also dropped a penny. It’s at $3.14.
Locally, the average cash price increased by a penny and it’s right in the middle at $2.97.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A says she expected the national average to remain below the three dollar a gallon mark for the rest of the year.
Habitat getting back to the beach
Florence Habitat for Humanity is placing a renewed emphasis on their annual Beach Walk fundraiser this year. It will be held in conjunction with the annual Rods and Rhodies classic car show. The Beach Walk will be Saturday, September 12th. Walkers will stroll from the North Jetty to Heceta Beach and back again.
Kate McBroom-Redwine says the event is a very important part of fundraising to help the group eliminate substandard housing in Florence.
More information about events and on how to register are available at the Habitat office next to City Lights Cinemas.