Update on the dead cormorant

The Audubon Society has retained tissue samples from the cormorant in case we encounter more dead birds..

If we find more dead birds, we can order a test for Garlon3 substances - that poison which Pen2 is using.

Wildlife said that while cause of death for the cormorant was likely from aspergilossis, it is possible in theory that the fungal infection was secondary and some kind of environmental poisoning contributed to it. We have no evidence as yet of harm due to ingestion of the spray.

Update on levee

Ed Hecker is with the US Army Corps of Engineers and sent this to the neighborhood association...

* USACE is reviewing existing policy and standards for vegetation
management using a four-step process. During the review, USACE will work in coordination with other federal and non-federal agencies, including regulatory agencies.

* Steps one and two: USACE will conduct the review using current
engineering and science studies and practices. The review will identify recommended modifications to existing nationwide vegetation management policy and standards, which will undergo an external peer review.

* Step three: USACE will then identify the regulations, policies and
manuals and changes necessary to implement any modifications to existing vegetation management. Use of regional variances regarding vegetation management may be considered as long as public safety is not compromised.

* Step four: Policy and standards, and implementation will be
discussed as part of a National Roundtable to be held in early 2008.

* The policy and standards document and the implementation plan are intended to be issued simultaneously.

* USACE vegetation management policy and standards will focus on public safety first and reflect a systems approach applying sound engineering, science, and operations and maintenance principles.

The policy and standards document and the implementation plan are intended to be issued simultaneously shortly after the national roundtable, subject to completion of the External Peer Review process.

Regards,

Ed Hecker

Ahh..those slippery slopes

Guess winter is coming - the morning commute up the ramp is getting more slippery : o ). It's gotten to the point that I can't take my coffee with me when I take the dog out for his early stroll as I need that hand to grab the rail [just in case] - besides the coffee would cool off very quickly.....

The good side is that the river is higher and the ramp is therefore less steep...gotta see the bright side...and, of course, those skiers among us will soon be hitting the slopes of Mt. Hood.

Happy Thanksgiving

We all have a lot to be thankful for out here....friends, neighbors, all our pets, and a great sunny day for enjoying our turkey.

Have a happy thanksgiving.

At the request of "anonymous neighbor"

The neighbor asked me to post the minutes of the meeting that no one knew about - so here they are:

MINUTES OF THE Continuing BNA BOARD AND TREE COMM. MEETING
October 24, 2007, North Harbour Mews Recreation Building, 7Pm

The joint meeting of the Board of Directors and the Tree Committee was called to order at 7:00 pm at the North Harbour Mews recreation center.

Board Members present were: Matt Whitney, Stan Hart, Walter Valenta, Leslie Sawyer, CherryAnn Kolbenschlag, Chuck Wilson, Jon Peterson and Kim Swenson. Stan Hart resigned and Chuck Wilson stepped in to act as Treasurer for the Neighborhood. Sam is on vacation so Becky Whitney has agreed to take the minutes.

Members of the Tree Committee present were Elise and Stuart Goforth, Tom Kelly and Becky Whitney.

The PDC Parks Bond Measure was discussed, people are writing grants for us.
Walter and Matt talked at length about the issue.
The Bridgeton tree issue was the #1 topic. Elise reported that Dave McAllister, the Urban Forester, called her and said that he did not agree with the drainage district that the tree cutting was an emergency issue. “Let’s compromise” is what McAllister suggested – much discussion ensued about actions – what should we do now?

Walter talked about which trees were going to be cut – he had additional information on what was going on. Elise and all talked at length about Drainage District, its organization, board make up and upcoming election. Much discussion was had about the Penn2 Board and Dave Hendricks, who’s in charge and who apparently has not kept the drainage district board informed. Discussion of which trees were regulated by the City Forester.
Elise reported on the City tree cutting permit rules and which city regs were backing the rules.

Penn2 Board elections – Walter should run. We need a representative for the December annual meeting. Talk ensued about the votes each Bridgeton HOA carried plus other groups, golf club and PYC.

Continuing with old business, we discussed bills and financial issues. A promissory note idea was proposed to the board to allow payment to Scott. All was approved – Sam was the only member absent so the motion passed.

Cherry Ann gave her ideas on a concert issue. Problem with Pier 99 – no heat and electrical problems. Decided to put concern off until February. Discussion was had about options and timing.

For anyone’s information, check out website, levees.com.

Fundraising effort needs to be escalated. We don’t know how much our final bill will be.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,


Rebecca Whitney
Acting Secretary for Sam McGarrity

This neighbor suggested that all read the by-laws - especially Article V Board of Directors

link here: http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/?c=34264

Dead Birds

A few weeks ago a dead heron was found on Bridgeton Road and today a dead cormorant was found floating in my moorage.

The Audubon Society has been notified of both and I think the dead cormorant was taken to the Society so they could check the cause of death - if possible.

If I recall correctly, the heron had been buried by a neighbor and it may have been too late for the Audubon people to do anything.

More news as it happens - but if you find any dead large birds - let us know and let the Audubon Society know.

These birds were NOT killed by cats or dogs! I saw the cormorant removed from the river and it had no visible damage.

Response to my letter to the DD

The response from Bob Eaton to my email of November 9th came in the mail and was undated and I did not log in when it came but it was within the 10 days I requested of him. I'll quote and/or summarize the one page large font letter here:

1 - "The District does not poison beavers." He said they collapsed the burrow.

2- The herbicide use for vegetation control is Garlon 3A - a DowAgro product and he included the DowAgro Safety Data Sheet. Eaton claims animals are "safe" and "Those who use the River may do so with confidence."

3- Eaton adds that if anyone want to inspect the spraying records they are welcome to review them at the MCDD office between 7:30AM and 3:30 PM

4- He claims the DD this year "has gone over the neighborhood notification process procedures" with staff to make sure they will be improved for 2008. As we were never notified - when you and or I go to the office be sure to ask for the current neighborhood notification procedures to see if they even had any.

DowAgro's own Data Safety info suggests that prolonged or frequent exposure needs skin protection and that chemical goggles be used by those spraying. It also states: "...items such as faceshield, gloves, boots, aprons or full-body suit will depend on operation." So let's see - if you are the one spraying it - take all sorts of precautions. BUT if you are near where it is being sprayed and you can be exposed to it - he feels we have no need to know!

Al other info talks to exposure guidelines and of course that was not in the material Eaton sent.

I will make trip there and I suggest anyone else who is interested to go there as well.
Address is 1880 NE Elrod Drive - it's off 33rd

So you don't have to go looking - I'll re-post my letter him below - you can see he did not answer many questions.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Mr. Bob Eaton, Executive Director
Mr. Dave Hendricks, Deputy Director

Multnomah County Drainage District

Dear Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hendricks:

I am a Bridgeton resident. In October of this year a neighbor told me that your office poisoned the beavers in the Columbia River along the levees, including Bridgeton levee, and also sprayed “something” on the levee to curtail vegetative growth.

I find this worrisome and have a few questions:

1 – Did you poison the beavers?

If so, when specifically did this occur? Where were the beaver burrows located that were poisoned?

What poison[s] were used? Please be specific and also list all ingredients including information as to how long each of the ingredients is active.
Did you retrieve the dead animals?
If so, where were they found?
And if not retrieved – why not?

2 - Did you spray or otherwise cause chemicals or poison[s] to be put on the levee?

If so, when specifically did this occur?
Exactly what areas were subjected to this process and how close did the process come to the river's edge?
Did you first take care to note if any water fowl were nesting in those areas?
What specifically was used? Please list all ingredients and also include information as to how long each of the ingredients is active.

3 - Why were the neighbors not notified in advance of any of these events?

Many of us allow our pets to walk on the levee and explore the grasses along the slopes.
Many of us water our plants and vegetables with river water.
Many of us in the neighborhood swim and kayak in the Columbia Channel and River or otherwise come in contact with the water, as do many who do not live here but are out on the river in boats.

Assuming you have all this information readily available I expect a most rapid reply and expect an answer within 10 working days.

All quiet on the water front

Not much going on in the neighborhood - and maybe this is why. It's hard to meet and chat with neighbors when the rain is coming down like it is because most of us are staying inside.

This is more like the east coast rain I thought I left behind - the all day - dark and dreary rain - YUK

Even my cold-weather loving dog hates this kind of rain - but my cat? She's out there someplace - probably in someone's house visiting...that's her new thing this Fall...

Anonymity and our neighborhood

Some neighbors have told me they agree with the anonymous neighbor postings and know that there is an unresolved issue in the neighborhood that was brought to light by the tree conflict.

Why neighbors choose to remain anonymous is that this is a small neighborhood and most everyone knows everyone else and we come into contact with each other on a regular basis. No one wants to step on toes for many reasons. By remaining anonymous, we can all go to the same parties and coffee shops and chat with each other with no hard feelings.

I am willing to remain as a conduit for anyone wishing to have a voice in the neighborhood. You all know how to find me : - )

Christmas Ships coming soon - eeks!

Eeks = the fact that it's mid November ! [I'm still back in September/October wondering where this year went.]

And that means it's time to start preparing for the Christmas Ships parties : - )

The North Portland Harbor viewings are December 7 and December 14th at 7 PM.

For complete parade route details for both rivers click here.

More questions from "neighbor x"

The neighbor who wishes to remain anonymous downloaded and read the Bridgeton By-Laws after I posted the link the other day.

[Here is the link again: http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/?c=34264
and click on Bridgeton]

"Neighbor X" wanted to know why the By-Laws are not followed and had many questions about meetings and Board elections.
I suggested that concerned neighbors try to get to meetings and raise these questions - but neighbor X said that with no meeting schedules posted that is difficult to do and is hoping that postings on this blog might help a little.

Poisoning of beavers and "spraying" of the levee

This letter was sent today to the Multnomah County Drainage district and our state rep Tina Kotek - via email. I will post a reply when I receive one.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Mr. Bob Eaton, Executive Director
Mr. Dave Hendricks, Deputy Director

Multnomah County Drainage District

Dear Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hendricks:

I am a Bridgeton resident. In October of this year a neighbor told me that your office poisoned the beavers in the Columbia River along the levees, including Bridgeton levee, and also sprayed “something” on the levee to curtail vegetative growth.

I find this worrisome and have a few questions:

1 – Did you poison the beavers?

If so, when specifically did this occur? Where were the beaver burrows located that were poisoned?

What poison[s] were used? Please be specific and also list all ingredients including information as to how long each of the ingredients is active.
Did you retrieve the dead animals?
If so, where were they found?
And if not retrieved – why not?

2 - Did you spray or otherwise cause chemicals or poison[s] to be put on the levee?

If so, when specifically did this occur?
Exactly what areas were subjected to this process and how close did the process come to the river's edge?
Did you first take care to note if any water fowl were nesting in those areas?
What specifically was used? Please list all ingredients and also include information as to how long each of the ingredients is active.

3 - Why were the neighbors not notified in advance of any of these events?

Many of us allow our pets to walk on the levee and explore the grasses along the slopes.
Many of us water our plants and vegetables with river water.
Many of us in the neighborhood swim and kayak in the Columbia Channel and River or otherwise come in contact with the water, as do many who do not live here but are out on the river in boats.

Assuming you have all this information readily available I expect a most rapid reply and expect an answer within 10 working days.

I am posting this letter on my neighborhood blog [http://ibridgeton.com] and will post your reply as well. As others have shown interest when I spoke of this, copies of this letter will be forwarded to persons and agencies in addition to those noted below..


Lynn Dorman, Ph.D., J.D.
205 N. Bridgeton Road #5
Portland Oregon 97217
503-477-5550

Cc: Peninsula #2 Drainage District Board of Supervisors Messrs. Schafer, Halsten, McBride

Tina Kotek, State Representative District 44

Good points from an anonymous neighbor

Someone who wishes to remain anonymous just asked me why meetings of the Board and meetings about the tree issue were kept "secret?"

Little or no notice has been given for Board meetings although this blogger has been more than willing to post such notices. Of late, notices are sent only to the North Portland neighborhood office for someone there to post on the city website.

The anonymous person I communicated with looked all over that site and found no mention of tonight's meeting and raised the question that since there is an email list of most of the neighbors - why is that list not being used to let neighbors know about meetings? And that person answered their own question with: "I guess they are trying to keep them secret. Why on earth should we have to check the city website on a regular basis to find out what is going on in our own neighborhood?"

This person went on to suggest that any association that makes decisions for a larger group of people and fails to communicate to those people about those decisions in a timely fashion [or even ask for input from the larger group] is not acting on any one's behalf except their own...and then to ask others to pay for the repercussions of those decisions - well - that left this person a wee bit angry!

Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Tonight

The Board of the neighborhood association is meeting at 7 PM in the MEWS social space at 905 N. Harbour Drive.

The Mews is the condo near I-5 - east of the hotel and behind the apartment complex. The social area is the eastern-most door.

Board meetings are open to the public...so try to attend.

[I only just heard about the meeting and so am posting it for all blog readers.]

A copy of the Bridgeton By-Laws can be found by going to this page http://www.portlandonline.com/oni/?c=34264
and clicking on Bridgeton - it's alphabetical : - )

Did you vote?

If you have not yet dropped off your ballot - TODAY is IT !!!!

Here are official drop off spots for Multnomah County

http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/2007-11/drop_sites.shtml

Commentary by Brain Stipak

This is reprinted with Brian's permission.

One acre, one vote. That's not democracy

By Brian Stipak of Portland, Oregon. Brian is a professor of public administration in the Mark Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.

Every citizen has an equal vote in national elections -- "One Person, One Vote". But in the Multnomah County Drainage District it's "One Acre, One Vote".

Bridgeton Neighborhood residents earlier this year tried to elect a local resident to the supervisors of Peninsula Drainage District No. 2 by attending the meeting for that election. Although we were a majority in attendance, we had but one vote each and were easily out-voted by several people (non-residents, I believe) casting hundreds of votes representing businesses owning hundreds of acres.

What consequences results from such undemocratic process? In the current controversy about tree-cutting in the Bridgeton Neighborhood, the District supervisors and staff ignore the voices of the local residents. 0);"> The State Legislature needs to change this undemocratic "one acre, one vote" governance that robs people who live in a neighborhood of representation on a local agency affecting the livability and safety of that neighborhood.

State Representative Tina Kotek has taken the lead in trying to correct this lack of representation of local residents, and she deserves our support.

Don't forget to vote!

Ballots are due by Tuesday at 8 PM - so if you are mailing yours in - today is best - and tomorrow should be okay.

You can also drop off your ballot at any public library or other official county ballot drop off site.

Whichever method you choose - VOTE!

Our precinct has low voter turnout - let's improve that statistic!