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From the Riverkeeper
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 | | A snapshot from our annual Paddle Oregon Pod Leader Training Trip weekend on the upper Willamette in April- a wonderful crew! (KR) |
River Friends:
This time of year reminds me of the many beautiful stretches of the Willamette River from Eugene to Portland. The pacific willows are leafing out on the gravel bars, the cottonwoods and Oregon Ash are greening up, and the riverside habitat begins to fill with bird life. If you can make the time to visit a Greenway Park, or enjoy the river by canoe or some other means, this is great time to do it.
Our work, as ever, is multifaceted. As I write this about experiencing the beauty of the Willamette, we are engaged in cleaning up Portland Harbor's Superfund site, working to rid riverside areas of invasive weeds, upholding the Clean Water Act with multiple 60-day notices, and conducting targeted water quality monitoring. Of course our River Discovery Program also provides a variety of ways to learn about the river.
As ever we appreciate your support, whether you are a member, have connected your company to our work, or take part in our events. Speaking of events, join us for Paddle Oregon 2013! We have a great trip set up this year, so take advantage of the opportunity.
For the River,
Travis
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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TONIGHT! Your Voice is Needed to Help Save West Hayden Island
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Tonight, the Planning and Sustainability Commission will begin public hearings on West Hayden Island in order to forward a recommendation to City Council.
This project is bad for our economy, bad for our community and bad for the environment! It is time to say "no" to development on West Hayden Island!
What: Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission Hearing on WHI
When: 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, May 7th
Where: 1900 SW 4th Ave, Suite 2500A, Portland
Background:
West Hayden Island (WHI) is one of Portland's most important natural areas. Its 826 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, wetlands, meadows, floodplains and shallow water habitat near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers provide irreplaceable habitat for federally listed salmon and imperiled bird, bat and amphibian species. It is an amazing place where you can see nesting bald eagles and rapidly disappearing species like pileated woodpeckers and western meadowlarks. It is located next to one of the largest manufactured-home, affordable-housing communities in Oregon.
The Port of Portland wants to take 300 acres and convert them to a marine industrial port facility that isn't needed and which will irrevocably harm the environment and the local community. The development will clear-cut the heart out of the wildlife area and leave behind fragmented, disturbed, edge habitat, significantly increased air pollution, increased traffic congestion, and permanently damaged local communities.
 | | WHI locals- Great Horned Owls, by Jim Cruce |
Key Messages:
~West Hayden Island should be permanently protected as a wildlife sanctuary. Its 800+ acres of wildlife habitat at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers - home to bald eagles and federally listed salmon - are irreplaceable
~The proposed mitigation to address direct impacts to the environment and the community is insufficient and highly uncertain
~The Port continues to try to reduce the proposed mitigation package even further, arguing that the City of Portland needs to reduce the cost by tens of millions of dollars
~The development will have unacceptable impacts on our air quality. A report by Multnomah County and Upstream Public Health found that industrial development on West Hayden Island could triple local air toxic levels to 55 times above state benchmarks
~The Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and the Port shifts the costs of site preparation and community and environmental mitigation to unidentified third party sources of funding, such as the taxpayers. If third party funding can't be found, then the Port can renegotiate the mitigation or terminate the agreement
 | | No Parking! If the City and Port have their way, everything you see in the picture below including the wetlands, meadows and forest, will be converted to parking lots, by Save WHI |
~The Port has rejected provisions that would tie public investment to job targets - they want our money, but they refuse to guarantee even minimal job targets ~The Port has steadfastly refused to make real efforts to work with other businesses along the Columbia River to maximize the efficiency of the existing land base - why are we building new Port facilities on irreplaceable wildlife areas when other nearby Ports are turning to coal to fill their vacant land? View the Audubon Society of Portland's comments on the West Hayden Island Annexation Package. How you can help: 1. Come to the hearing tonight, May 7 and bring your friends and family: We will need strong testimony and lots of people to stop the Port's steamroller.
2. Submit comments via email to the Planning and Sustainability Commission and Cc the City Council: psc@portlandoregon.gov, mayorcharliehales@portlandoregon.gov, novick@portlandoregon.gov, nick@portlandoregon.gov, amanda@portlandoregon.gov, dan@portlandoregon.gov 3. Follow efforts to "Save West Hayden Island" on Facebook. We need your voice in support of equity and the environment! Thank you!
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Spring For YOUR River: Thursday, May 16th
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We have some AMAZING silent auction items folks! Be sure to join us!
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
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| Volunteer Water Quality Monitors Needed | |
 | | Adorable they may be, yet waterfowl often contributes to elevated E. coli levels in our waterways (KR). |
After a long winter of planning and plotting, WRK's Citizen Scientist Water Quality Sampling is back up and running with: 27 baseline data sampling stations, 5 remote data stations and 17 E. coli sampling stations along the Mainstem, Coast Fork and Middle Forks of the Willamette River! We are slated to begin on the 10th of May and have nearly filled our roster of volunteers for our chosen sites.
Currently, we are seeking two monthly samplers/ kit managers for the Salem area. The sites that need monitoring are located at Grand Island Access as well as two other sites almost directly across the river at Willamette Mission State Park. Whomever takes on these sites will experience the monthly adventure of a ride across the Wheatland Ferry, and the pleasure of enjoying all that Willamette Mission Park has to offer throughout the year!
 | | Wheatland Ferry- what a ride! |
We are also seeking one volunteer sampler to take on two sites in the Albany area. The two sampling sites will be the Santiam Boat ramp off of I-5, and the Calapooia River at Monteith Park in Albany. The folks who take on these two sites will enjoy a slightly easier access to the rivers via boat ramps and a lovely city park.
Sampling days occur between the 10th and the 20th of each month. If this is an offer you cannot refuse then contact Water Quality Coordinator Suzi Cloutier at suzi@willametteriverkeeper.org and she will get you on board!
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River Discovery: Tuesday, 5/21
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Join us for an evening paddle adventure to admire the wildflowers and views in the Willamette Narrows!
What: Willamette Narrows evening paddle When: Tuesday, 5/21 from 5:30pm-8:30pm  | | Corene Ross exploring the Narrows (KR) |
Join WR staff as we explore one of the most unique and beautiful reaches of the Willamette river! Located above Willamette Falls, Willamette Narrows is known for its scenic rocky shores and islands. This area, formed by ancient basalt flows, offers habitat for Oregon White Oak, Pacific Madrone, and Douglas Fir. At this time of year, a variety of native wildflowers (some quite rare) should be evident.
We will put in at Bernert Landing in West Linn's Willamette Park, at the confluence of the Willamette and Tualatin Rivers, paddle up stream through the Narrows, and around Rock and Little Rock Islands. We will look for eagles, ospreys, herons, and wildflowers before we turn around and return to Bernert Landing.
We will launch from the beach, not the boat ramp. Please arrive by 5:30pm and plan ahead for traffic! *Be advised that due to the constriction of the river by the islands, there can be significant current during higher water levels, as well as strong eddylines in the Narrows.
Visit this link for directions. Dress for the weather (bring extra dry clothes- just in case!). You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars, water, and a snack. Tall rubber boots or paddling shoes/booties are recommended.
To Register: Riverkeeper's tandem canoes are available upon request, though you must recruit your own paddling partner. Contact Kate at 503-223-6418 or kate@willametteriverkeeper.org. |
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Restore Our Natural Areas 26-152
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Twice in two decades, Metro voters approved measures to acquire thousands of acres of natural areas throughout the tri-county region. Past measures could not include money for maintenance and restoration.
The levey 26-152 creates a dedicated fund to improve water quality for salmon and native fish, remove invasive weeds that threaten the health of these natural areas, restore wetlands and provide opportunities for people from around the region to experience nature close to home. The estimated cost for the typical homeowner is $20 per year for five years.
Vote "yes" to restore natural areas like the newly created White Oak Savanna Park situated on the bluffs overlooking the Willamette River in West Linn, Oregon (pictured above, by Roberta Schwartz (left), and WR Restoration Coordinator Marci Krass (right))
See Riverkeeper Travis Williams' Letter to the Editor in the Oregonian regarding 26-152.
For more information visit http://www.restoreournaturalareas.com/.
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Inspiration From a Paddle Oregon All-Star
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WR member Dennis Johnson is a Paddle-Oregon-All-Star: he has participated in all 12 years of the trip, and below he explains why.
 | Unexpected friendships blossom on Paddle Oregon!
photo by Neil Schulman |
"I return to Paddle Oregon year after year because it is always a most enjoyable outdoor activity on a beautiful river. Paddle Oregon is not overly strenuous and it's done when the weather is optimal. Importantly, safety on the water is stressed. A big part of what attracts me and keeps me repeating the event are the excellent catered meals and other services provided making it a great experience. Willamette Riverkeeper arranges for camping at great parks and other fine locations along the way. Every year many very friendly and interesting people participate too. For me it is one of the 'funnest' weeks of the year and well worth repeating. Paddle Oregon participants learn about the Willamette River and support a great non-profit organization doing a grand job protecting and improving this precious resource."
- Dennis Johnson
Registration CLOSES on July 15th so hop to it!
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Ross Island Restoration Work Party: Saturday, June 1st
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 | | WR & BES staff explore Ross Island (KR) |
Have you ever wondered what the interior of Ross Island looks like? Ross Island, situated in the heart of the urban core of Portland provides a unique destination to explore in an evolving urban landscape. The Northern portion of Ross Island is owned and managed by the City of Portland, but public access remains limited.
Join Willamette Riverkeeper and Portland Parks and Recreation City Nature in spending an adventurous morning exploring this Urban Greenspace gem during our first restoration trip of the season!
What: Paddle to Protect Ross Island
When: Saturday, June 1st from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Once on the island, we'll work to enhance wildlife habitat and learn more about the animals and plants that currently call the island home. Use your own canoe/kayak or reserve a seat in one of ours!
Space is limited, so RSVP today! You must RSVP by contacting Marissa Dorais at (503) 823-7016 or Marissa.Dorais@portlandOregon.gov.
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Save the Date: New Belgium Clips Beer & Film Tour!
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 | | View from last years Clips Event at Waterfront Park (KR) |
We know you are BUSY people, that's why we want you to plan ahead for this unique summer fest!
What: New Belgium Clips Beer & Film Tour
When: Thursday, August 1, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Park, Portland
Why: Because you love your Willamette, dammit!
Details: New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a wide variety of award-winning beers, is once again taking its beer-toting, film-traveling, nonprofit-benefiting show on the road and is coming to Portland!
Clips is a national beer and film festival where guests get to try NB's most esoteric beer offerings - up to 16 varieties on tap! - and pair them with inspiring short films created by fans. The best part is that 100% of the proceeds from beer sales benefit Willamette Riverkeeper!
So bring your favorite picnic blanket and join us Thursday, August 1, at Waterfront Park to sit under the stars and admire the river, sip beers, enjoy food carts, games, films, friends and a chance to win a New Belgium Cruiser Bike! Seriously, helping your home river never tasted so good!
And while we don't mean to brag... the Portland Clips festival is the ONLY peddle and PADDLE-in friendly venue on the tour! Whoo-hoo!
Volunteer Opportunities: Willamette Riverkeeper will be seeking about 30-40 volunteers to help make this event a success, benefits include good river karma and rad gifts from New Belgium! So stay tuned for more info or contact kate@willametteriverkeeper.org.
Invite your friends and share the Portland Clips Beer & Film Festival event on Facebook.
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