Steigerwald closure, Congressional hearing in Astoria, Annual Celebration and more!
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Dr. Elaine Placido to testify in a Congressional committee hearing on climate
On Wednesday, August 3, at 10 a.m., our Executive Director, Dr. Elaine Placido in front of U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. This committee is charged with coordinating and advancing policies, strategies, and innovations to achieve substantial and permanent reductions in pollution and other activities that contribute to the climate crisis.
The committee convenes in Astoria for a hearing titled "Building Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities: Perspectives from Oregon’s State, Local and Tribal Partners.” The hearing will examine challenges facing Oregon’s coastal communities and ecosystems due to the climate crisis and opportunities for the federal government to help state, local, and Tribal partners build resilient, climate-ready coasts.
Steigerwald Wildlife Refuge temporary closure to complete restoration activities
The final phase of the $32 million Steigerwald Reconnection Project begins on August 8, 2022, at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge will close until September 30, 2022,to complete the trail system, install salmon monitoring equipment, finalize floodplain habitat improvements, and remove construction roads and the old parking lot. Visitor amenities, including interpretive message boards and benches, will also be completed during the temporary closure.
Heavy equipment will be on-site completing the final phase of the restoration work, making it unsafe for members of the public to utilize the trail system. Once the work is completed, no further closures or major construction are scheduled for the refuge.
Can one species of beetle wipe out Oregon’s entire population of ash trees? Yes. Has that species of beetle been detected in Oregon? Yes.
One of our Principal Restoration Ecologist, Curtis Helm, was especially quick to share his concern regarding the beetle’s discovery in Oregon. Prior to joining the Estuary Partnership as a Principal Restoration Ecologist, Curtis ran the emerald ash borer program for the City of Philadelphia’s Urban Forestry and Ecosystem Management program. “I prepared the emerald ash borer management plan for Philadelphia. Our efforts saved important individual ash trees as well as discreet stands suitable as a future source of seed. However, most of the city’s ash trees were ultimately lost in the face of the beetle’s onslaught. Unfortunately for the Pacific Northwest, the risk is even greater as there are few alternative tree species suitable for the region’s unique riparian habitat.”
Oregon has a plan to combat the emerald ash borer and every Oregonian is a part of it. Here is how you can help combat the spread of this devastating beetle:
We are excited to celebrate with supporters and partners on Thursday, September 29 from 6-9pm at Rossi Farms in East Portland. Our mostly-outdoor venue will provide a beautiful place to gather, celebrate our recent successes, and raise critical funds to support our programs.
The event includes a live auction, raffles, our Steward of the Year Award, dinner catered by Calabash Authentic West African cuisine, drinks including beer sponsored by Deschutes Brewing, and great company.
Over the course of eight days in May and June, 13 classrooms of fourth- and fifth-grade students worked in a quarter-area area to remove 100 cubic yards of blackberries and English ivy covering the ground and climbing up cottonwood trees at Meldrum Bar Park in Gladstone, Oregon.
The stewardship activities at Meldrum Bar Park wasn’t the only part of the students’ learning experience. They also paddled in the Estuary Partnership’s Big Canoes and explored the river from an on-water perspective.
“Pairing a shoreline stewardship project with on-water experience was a great way to engage students,” said Alex Rhodes, Environmental Educator. “From a canoe, it’s much easier to care and learn about rivers. Students were empowered and motivated by the hands-on work that benefited the fishing community. They quickly make a connection between stewardship and a healthy river.
Research Scientist, Sneha Rao, celebrates her three-year work anniversary with the Estuary Partnership in August. Before securing her to her current position, Sneha was on staff as a field technician. Research Scientists spend a lot of time in the field; Sneha can be found conducting UAV flights (drone flights) at restoration and control sites throughout the lower Columbia River estuary. She also processes remote sensing data for the Ecosystem Monitoring Program and Action Effectiveness Monitoring and Research Programs. Sneha manages the newly expanded Columbia County Water Quality Monitoring Program. Results from this monitoring can be viewed on this public dashboard.
“I enjoy habitat monitoring because it gives me a chance to see how conditions evolve from year to year under different hydrology conditions,” said Sneha.
Welcome Sophie D'Arcy, Research Technician
Sophie joined the Monitoring Team as a Research Technician for the summer field season. Sophie has contributed to research in the fields of structural geology—studying the temporal and spatial cycles of subduction zone earthquakes in Northern Chile—as well as mathematics—investigating which functions are realizable as sequential dynamical systems. Her interests include learning more about fluid flow, groundwater, and how humans can adapt to hydrologic and climate change both by understanding and planning for the effects of these changes and by creating more sustainable, harmonious ways of living. Sophie received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Smith College and is completing a Graduate Certificate in Hydrology at Portland State University. She enjoys spending time outdoors, quality time with family and friends, and dancing.
Welcome Mario Javier David Haro, Summer Recreation Leader
Mario joins the Estuary Partnership as a Summer Recreation Leader, leading Big Canoe paddles and providing environmental education for community-based organizations. Mario is a father, chef, wrestling coach, lover of nature, and he works to build a better world through organizing and relationship building. Mario was born in Portland and graduated from U.S. Grant High School – representing the Afro-Mexicano experience in the Pacific Northwest. Mario holds Associates of Arts degrees in Humanities from Alfred State University of New York and Occupational Studies from the Western Culinary Institute.
Welcome Derek Marquis, Research Technician
Derek also joined the Estuary Partnership Monitoring Team as a Research Technician for the summer field season. Derek’s academic history includes the development of shoreline management guidelines for private property owners in Burlington, Vermont. Originally from Salem, Massachusetts, he attended the University of Vermont and received a degree in Natural Resources Ecology with a minor in Physical Geography. Derek moved to Portland in March and is excited to experience the city, as well as explore the natural areas of the Pacific Northwest.
Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership 400 NE 11th Avenue Portland, OR 97211
To restore and care for the waters and ecosystems of the lower Columbia River, for current and future generations of fish, wildlife, and people.
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