2 Oregon Species Could Suffer
A new report highlights the ways politics are jeopardizing endangered animals and plants. In “Suppressed: How Politics Drowned Out Science for Ten Endangered Species,” the Endangered Species Coalition and its partners say scientific guidance is going by the wayside under the Trump administration. Two Oregon species are among ten featured in the report: the Pacific leatherback sea turtle and the greater sage-grouse. Aaron Tam, Pacific Northwest organizer for the coalition, says science is critical for many species’ survival, as more go extinct or face the effects of climate change.
“The Endangered Species Coalition and our member groups are concerned that the prevalence of special interests – industry representatives – under the Trump administration is intensifying the suppression of science, and threatening the survival of our endangered species, as well as the quality of life for our future generations.”
Tam says slashing science budgets to agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration make it harder to manage wildlife. Tam cites the Pacific leatherback sea turtle as a prime example of how rolling back rules can be harmful. In 2015, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife approved a rule to protect these turtles and other species from gillnet fishing.
“But the Trump administration unexpectedly withdrew this proposed rule in June of this year. And the withdrawal reflects the fishing industry’s powerful lobbyists, and the Trump administration’s disregard for the recommendations of its own fishery advisors.”
Eastern Pacific leatherback populations have dropped by more than 97-percent over the last three generations, according to NOAA. Tam says the greater sage-grouse in Oregon and across the West also is under threat from the administration’s decision to weaken federal conservation plans for the bird.
Museum Board Recuits New Blood
The board of the Oregon Coast Military Museum elected new officers as they move into the new year. Three officers return, Tim Sapp, Don Drozdenko, and Joe Henry, with Tom Benedict deciding not to retain his board seat. The museum will also be moving forward with a new president, Gene Wobbe, Vice president Jolene Medeiros, secretary Jackie Beveridge and treasurer Joe Henry. Wayne Sharpe remains on the board as past President and museum Executive Director, Cal Applebee, says Sharpe’s dedication has been a driving force in the museum’s success.
City Seeks Seat Replacement
The city of Florence has officially announced its search for a new council member. The seat was recently vacated by George Lyddon who is relocating out of the Florence area. The city has provided applications available for download on its website. Ci.florence.or.us. They can also be picked up at City Hall at 250 highway 101. Interested parties must return their applications by 5 pm on January 12th to be considered for the position. The seat has one year of service remaining.
OSP Increasing Patrols
Oregon State police will be beefing up its holiday enforcement. OSP says that it will be focusing on the Fatal 5 Driving Behaviors that lead to serious injury and fatalities on the road. Speed, occupancy safety, lane usage, impaired driving and distracted driving. They are asking all holiday drivers to plan extra time so as not to add to the chaos on the roads and to please report reckless drivers that are on the road.
