A wolverine was photographed by a trail camera on April 2, 2011 after being attracted to a camera site baited with a road-killed deer. Audrey Magoun photo.

They look like a couple of teenaged delinquents caught on security cameras.

But these new photos from ODFW are adding to a small pile of evidence that wolverines are back in Oregon and might be here to stay.

The first big news came out Friday when a wolverine researcher reported she found wolverine tracks in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Wallowa County. All by itself – this was pretty impressive. They’re the first confirmed wolverine tracks ever in Wallowa County and one of the few signs of wolverines anywhere in Oregon since the 1930s.

The new photos make this even more impressive. They show two wolverines at remote camera sites in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest feeding on road kill deer. Digitially captured more than a week apart, researcher Dr. Audrey Magoun says these are two different animals. Still unanswered – their genders.

Magoun and fellow researcher/husband Pat Valkenburg have been exploring the area around the Eagle Cap Wilderness since January. Winter is the best time to spot wolverines and the pair plan to continue their research next year.

A second wolverine was photographed at a baited camera station on April 13, 2011. Audrey Magoun photo.

Wolverine Bullet Points:

• Once widespread throughout North America, there are only a few hundred known to exists in the Lower 48 states.
• The nearest breeding populations are in the Northern Cascades of Washington and the Payette Forest of Idaho.
• Wolverines were nearly wiped out by trapping and poisoning.
• Despite the low numbers, they are not protected by the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says wolverines deserve protection, but that there are many other species that are more worthy. So the wolverine must wait.

Funding and logistical support for the survey comes from an Oregon Conservation Strategy Implementation Grant (federal State Wildlife Grant), The Wolverine Foundation, Inc., the Wildlife Conservation Society and private individuals including Magoun and Valkenburg, Alaska residents, who use their own plane for aerial surveys.

Environmental groups are throwing a victory party Thursday evening at Bark’s offices on SE Grand. Click here for details.

Earlier:

The coalition working to stop the Palomar natural gas pipeline is thrilled over today’s news, first reported right here on Natural Oregon.

Joint Statement from Bark, Columbia Riverkeeper and Hey! NW Natural

“Today Palomar Pipeline withdrew its FERC application to construct a 220-mile-long natural gas pipeline that would have served proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals on the Columbia River. This news comes just 2 weeks after Bark and other Palomar opponents submitted comments to FERC requesting the immediate withdrawal of the application. Bark, Columbia Riverkeepers, Oregon Sierra Club and the grassroots community group Oregon Citizens Against the Pipelines have fought tenaciously against Palomar since it filed its FERC application in 2008. Their opposition is based on the lack of need for LNG in Oregon, the impact of the associated 47-mile long clear cut through Mt. Hood National Forest, the use of eminent domain on rural Oregonians and the decimation of fisheries along the pipeline route.

Bark Community Organizer Olivia Schmidt summarized the meaning of this victory for Oregonians, “The withdrawal of this application is a victory for Oregonians and for Mt. Hood National Forest. NW Natural [backer of Palomar LLC] shouldn’t expect Oregonians to sacrifice the Wild & Scenic Fish Creek, the Clackamas River, the Pacific Crest Trail and towering Old Growth forests for more fossil fuel infrastructure. Cancellation of the Palomar Pipeline proves that engaged communities and grassroots organizing can protect what Oregonians hold dear: clean water, healthy forests, intact fisheries and defense of our public lands.”

Dan Serres, Conservation Director for Columbia Riverkeeper, highlighted the impact this would have on the possibility of Liquefied Natural Gas development on the Columbia River, “Palomar has always been the lynchpin to LNG development on the Columbia River. Without Palomar, the Oregon LNG terminal has no way to connect to its target market in California. This is not only a great victory for Oregonians, it is a crushing blow to the last remaining LNG proposal on the Columbia River.”

Sha Spady, owner of the equestrian center Big Oak Stables, a landowner on the Palomar Pipeline East of Molalla had this to say “I am very happy to hear this news. As a landowner on the pipeline route, Palomar’s withdrawal means that our stables that provide equestrian programs to underprivileged youth will be able to continue un-interrupted by pipeline construction. As a native Oregonian I am proud to know that the watersheds and old growth forests of Mt. Hood have been protected by the commitment of grassroots communities in our state.”

Martin Evans, spokesperson for the Hey NW Natural Campaign and a native Oregonian, cheered the news today “Mt. Hood National Forest is where I spent my summers as a child and my wife and I are continuing that tradition by spending every possible moment there with our daughter. Mt. Hood National Forest is a place that is iconic to our state and deserves protection from needless projects like the Palomar Pipeline. Today I am proud to be an Oregonian that stands in solidarity with my community to protect Mt. Hood.”

Statement from Ivan Maluski, Conservation Director for the Oregon Chapter Sierra Club

“The withdrawal of the permit for the Palomar gas pipeline today is a huge victory for the people of Oregon. Proposed LNG development along the Columbia River and Oregon Coast is and always has been a terrible idea. LNG development and the Palomar pipeline have posed one of the most significant threats to farms, forests and rivers in the Willamette Valley and Mt. Hood National Forest over the past decade. We are glad to see that in addition to withdrawing the western portion of the pipeline originally intended to access proposed LNG import infrastructure, Palomar and Northwest Natural Gas have also decided to withdraw the permit for the controversial eastern section of pipeline across the Mt. Hood National Forest as well. The eastern section of the proposed pipeline would have had significant impacts on old growth forest and Wild and Scenic stretches of river in the Mt. Hood National Forest. With renewed concern over the potential for large-scale earthquakes in our region in coming decades, Oregonians should continue to question proposals to build massive gas pipelines and LNG infrastructure that pose both environmental and public safety risks.”

Today, the Palomar Gas Transmission company filed papers with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to withdraw the project. But at the same time, Palomar says it’s exploring options for a new pipeline in the future.

How serious are they about developing a new pipeline? How long will it take? Big questions with no easy answers. At least not today.

Palomar spokesman David Dodson says he won’t speculate on time frame for developing a new project. But he says the company remains convinced that the demand for natural gas in the Portland metro area will continue to grow and the one current pipeline isn’t enough.”The need is there,” said Dodson, “but when is the tough question.”

For the record, Dodson disagrees with my use of the word “dead” to describe the status of the pipeline.

Environmental groups have fought Palomar on two fronts.

A western segment was designed to bring natural gas from the proposed Bradwood Landing LNG terminal on the Columbia River. But when Bradwood went bankrupt that pretty much ended those plans. Dodson says today’s filing is the kiss of death for a western segment. But those are my words, not his.

The other half of the project called for building a pipeline from Eastern Oregon, over the Cascades, and into the metro area. Instead of imported LNG, this one would have brought in domestic natural gas from the Rocky Mountain region. Environmentalists were opposed to this plan too, partially because the route went through the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Today’s filing hints at what the company’s next move might be. It says they struck a deal with the Confederate Tribes of Warm Springs for a shorter route – which means a smaller footprint in the Mt. Hood National Forest and avoids an over the river crossing of the Deschutes.

Should they move forward on this new route, it’ll be interesting to see how environmentalists react. How soon might it happen? Dodson didn’t know, saying it would depend on market forces.

One final note. NW Natural is a major investor in Palomar. The company’s annual meetings in Portland have become the focus of huge rallies by Oregon’s environment movement. We’ve got video from last year’s rally.

I’ve also attached a copy of today’s filing.

Video: Highlights From Thursday’s LNG Protest In Portland

Palomar Pipeline Withdrawal

ODFW says it found the year old female yesterday – thanks to the signal from her radio collar. The collar sends out a special alert when it doesn’t move for four hours or more, and that’s when the agency suspected something might be wrong.

A photo of the yearling female when she was collared February 25, 2011. Bob Swingle, ODFW photo.

So far, ODFW says it has no reason to think that this is anything other than a natural death. They didn’t see any signs of foul play. But the carcass was sent to the Washington State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for a complete examination.

The Imnaha pack has at least 14 other members.

For More Information:

ODFW Wolves

Marine reserves are like state parks in the ocean. They are areas set aside for conservation, research and recreation. But activities like fishing and crabbing aren’t allowed.

So far we have two reserves along the coast at Otter Rock and Redfish Rocks. Now state officials are considering three more at Cape Perpetua near Florence, Cascade Head near Lincoln City and Cape Falcon near Manzanita.

Fishing groups are generally opposed because they’re worried about losing access to good fishing area. But environmentalists think protecting some of the ocean will help improve marine life all along the coast.

Regardless, nothing happens unless the legislature agrees.

For more information:

ODFW Marine Reserves

Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which opens in 2013, will be paid for by lottery funds. Photo from Oregon Parks and Recreation.

Coming to you in November, a ballot measure that will protect a major source of money for Oregon state parks, river restoration and wildlife habitat.

Known as the Water, Parks and Wildlife measure, it was certified today for the ballot by the Secretary of State’s office.

The measure is a constitutional amendment that guarantees 15% of lottery revenues will go state parks, programs to improve water quality and restore wildlife areas. These programs are already getting that money. But the funding expires in 2014. This measure makes it permanent.

The lottery funds have made a huge difference, especially for the state parks. A decade ago, the state parks were in so much financial trouble that dozens of them were getting ready to be closed. Not only did the lottery money turn things around, but since then state has been opening new parks every year since 2005. The best known are Stub Stewart near Vernonia, and Cottonwood Canyon in North Central Oregon that opens in 2013.

When a similar measure went on the ballot in 1998, it had overwhelming support from voters. Things might be tougher this time. Some legislators and union leaders don’t like the idea of tying up so much lottery money at a time when the state is hard up for cash.

Still waiting for the measure to be assigned a number.

Related Stories:

200,000 Strong: Park Supporters Turn In Names For Ballot Measure

Coming Soon: What Could Be Oregon’s Biggest State Park

This Fall, Will Oregon Support Water, Parks and Wildlife?

So Saturday’s annual Shindig should be a happy event. Even Mother Nature seems to be celebrating by turning down the heat and providing some almost perfect Oregon summer weather.

Here’s what’s on the agenda.

• 4:00pm: Drinks and family activities.
• 5:00pm: BBQ Buffet. The Sierra Club is asking for donations of $10-$20 per person to cover the cost of dinner.
• 6:00pm: Keynote speech by National Executive Director Michael Brune. Brune will provide the latest updates on the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the momentum gathering behind the Sierra Club’s “Beyond Oil” campaign. Portland Mayor Sam Adams will be given the group’s annual Environmental Leadership Award in part for his efforts to advance Portland’s Clean Energy Works Program, advocate for early closure of Portland General Electric’s Boardman coal plant, and encourage a coal-free Oregon.
• 7:00pm: Music by Sound Semantics

For more information and to RSVP please see:

“Sierra Club Shindig” and BBQ

Supporters of the Water, Parks and Wildlife measure say they turned almost 200,000 signatures today to the Secretary of State’s office. They only needed 110,000 names to earn a spot on the November ballot.

Outreach Director Jessica Moskovitz tells me that with so many extra names, they’re confident the measure will be qualified for November. But official confirmation isn’t expected until August.

By the way – 200,000 is an impressive number – it’s almost 10% of Oregon’s registered voters.

The measure is a proposed constitutional amendment to set aside 15% of lottery funds for water, state parks and wildlife programs in Oregon. Those programs are already getting that money from a different ballot measure that expires in 2014. This new measure will make that funding permanent.

The money has made a huge difference for state parks. When the original measure was approved in 1998, Oregon’s State Parks system was on the verge of collapse. More than 60 state parks were getting ready to be closed and the maintenance backlog totaled more than $100 million.

Since then, we’ve not only saved those parks, but we’ve opened several new ones. That includes Stub Stewart State Park in Washington County. And coming in 2013, the opening of the 8,000 acre Cottonwood Canyon State Park along the John Day River near Condon.

It’s also helped wildlife, streams and salmon. Nearly half of the money goes to these kinds of programs. The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board works on a voluntary basis with local landowners to improve stream and salmon habit in every county of the state. The money has also helped preserve the Table Rocks near Medford, and Zumwalt Prairie in Wallowa County.

Moskovitz says that so far there’s been no formal opposition to the Water, Parks and Wildlife measure. But in the latest Willamette Week, reporter Nigel Jaquiss writes how the measure is worrying unions and educators. They’re also interested in getting ahold of more lottery funds and see this measure as an obstacle.

For More Information:

Oregonians For Water, Parks and Wildlife

Willamette Week: Turf Battle, Labor vs. Enviros: Why Speaker Hunt and the OEA want to sideline a parks measure.

Related Stories:

New State Budget Cuts Will Impact Fires, Fish and Water Quality

Coming Soon: What Could Be Oregon’s Biggest State Park

This Fall, Will Oregon Support Water, Parks and Wildlife?

Phantom Hill Wolf, Wood River Valley, Idaho. Photo by Randy Flood.

With the debate over wolves in Oregon heating up, the timing couldn’t be better.

The documentary, Lords of Nature, has a showing Monday night at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland.

The movie isn’t just about wolves, but rather it’s about the important role that all top predators play in helping the environment thrive and restoring biodiversity.

For example, the filmmakers travel to Yellowstone to show how the reintroduction of wolves has benefited beavers, songbirds, and restored streams.

They also visit my home state of Minnesota. Since being nearly exterminated, wolf numbers have rebounded to where there are now about 2,900 of them across the Northeastern third of the state. That’s more than any state, except Alaska. Turns out my parents live in wolf country, and I don’t think they’re even aware of that. The movie includes Minnesota ranchers and hunters who are working and recreating alongside wolves.

Details about the showing:

• When: 7:00pm, the movie runs about an hour and will be followed by a panel discussion.
• Where: The Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
• How much: Free, but donations are encouraged.

Oregon Wild is one of the sponsors of the showing.

For more information about the movie see: Lords Of Nature

The event is Saturday, June 12, at Holladay Park on the south side of Lloyd Center in Portland. Things are scheduled to kick off at 10:00am.

The group is called Progressive Oregon. I don’t know much about them beyond what I see on the Facebook page, but I recognize some of the people posting messages. It’ll be interesting to watch them as they organize around various issues and start showing some muscle.

It’s connected to a Worldwide BP Protest Day that’s also coming together via Facebook.