The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Oregon Beach Weather
Today– A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly between 2pm and 3pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Wednesday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Calm wind becoming west southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday– A 50 percent chance of rain. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 52. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.
Friday– A chance of showers before 11am, then a chance of rain after 11am. Cloudy, with a high near 55. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Saturday– Rain, mainly before 2pm, then showers likely after 2pm. Snow level 3400 feet lowering to 2200 feet in the afternoon . Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50.
Respect Nesting Areas March 15-Sept. 15 To Protect Threatened Shorebird
Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15. Beachgoers will see ropes that identify sensitive plover nesting areas, as well as signs that identify restrictions to protect the small shorebirds during this period.
Plover beaches remain open to foot and equestrian traffic on wet, packed sand throughout the nesting season. All other recreation on plover beaches is off limits on both wet and dry sand, including walking your dog (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, camping, burning wood or other materials, and flying kites or drones.
“We appreciate everyone’s help, it’s making a difference,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Research shows us that humans play an important role in the long-term success of the western snowy plover; if we can minimize our impact, this species has a greater chance of thriving.”
These small birds nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators, or people.
Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: small stretches of beach along the entire coastline where plovers are nesting or could potentially nest. These areas collectively comprise about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.
“Visitors will have access to hundreds of miles of beaches that have no seasonal restrictions,” said Laurel Hillmann, Ocean Shore Specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “By planning your trip, you can enjoy the coast and help keep these special birds safe.”
Detailed maps can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (go.usa.gov/xEh2h). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review maps at go.usa.gov/xdwYQ to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.
The increase in plover numbers in recent years has resulted in nesting occurring in new or historical nesting sites, including at Sand Lake Recreation Area. Like last year, visitors to Sand Lake may see roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests, and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by limiting recreation activities to wet sand areas near the water’s edge, staying out of roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out, and keeping dogs on leash.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 55 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then, from 107 in 2003 to 604 in 2021.
Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD).
Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers to develop and implement a restoration strategy as well as to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for snowy plover, rare plants and animals, and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.
Pacific Fishery Management Council Adopts Alternatives For West Coast Ocean Salmon Fisheries
The Pacific Fishery Management Council has adopted three alternatives for 2022 ocean salmon fisheries off Washington, Oregon, and California for public review.
The Council will make a final decision on salmon seasons at its meeting on April 6-14.
Detailed information about season starting dates, areas open, and catch limits for the three alternatives are available on the Council’s website at www.pcouncil.org.
Forecasts for many Chinook and coho stocks have improved over last year; however, the Council is constrained by requirements to conserve Fraser River (Canada) coho, lower Columbia River natural tule1 fall Chinook, and Klamath River fall Chinook.
“Meeting our conservation and management objectives continues to be the highest priority for the Council,” said Council Chair Marc Gorelnik . “Balancing those objectives while providing meaningful commercial and recreational seasons remains a challenge in 2022.”
“The prey needs of Southern Resident killer whales is an important piece of the Council’s salmon fishery deliberations”, said Executive Director Merrick Burden, “as is the need to rebuild salmon stocks that have become overfished.”
Washington and Northern Oregon (north of Cape Falcon)
Fisheries north of Cape Falcon (in northern Oregon) are limited mainly by the need to constrain catch of lower Columbia River natural tule Chinook. Additionally, three coho salmon stocks are categorized as overfished (Queets River, Strait of Juan de Fuca) or not overfished/ rebuilding (Snohomish), which is also a concern when structuring 2022 fisheries.
Tribal ocean fisheries north of Cape Falcon
Tribal negotiations are underway, but at this time the Chinook and coho quotas for tribal ocean fishery alternatives range from 30,000 to 50,000 for Chinook salmon (compared to 40,000 in 2021), and from 42,000 to 62,000 coho (compared to 26,500 coho in 2021). Under the range of alternatives, seasons open May 1 and continue through September 15.
Commercial season alternatives
For the non-Indian ocean commercial fishery North of Cape Falcon, the alternatives reflect traditional seasons between May and September. Chinook quotas for all areas and times range from 26,500 to 32,500, compared to 30,750 in 2021. Coho quotas range from 25,600 to 33,600 marked coho, compared to 5,000 in 2021.
Sport season alternatives
For the ocean sport fishery north of Cape Falcon the alternatives with Chinook recreational quotas range from 26,500 to 32,500, compared to 27,250 in 2021. For coho, recreational quotas range from 134,400 to 176,400 marked coho, compared to 70,000 in 2021. Starting dates range from mid- to late-June and ending dates range from mid-to late-September. Chinook and coho retention is allowed generally throughout the proposed seasons.
Oregon (south of Cape Falcon) and California
Fisheries south of Cape Falcon are limited mainly by the low abundance forecast for Klamath River fall Chinook, and the need to protect ESA-list California Coastal Chinook. Klamath River and Sacramento River fall Chinook contribute significantly to ocean harvest. This year’s management alternatives are designed to provide fishing opportunity for the more abundant Sacramento River fall Chinook while reducing fishing impacts on Klamath River fall Chinook and California Coastal Chinook.
Commercial season alternatives
Commercial season alternatives south of Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain are open either beginning in late March or May through October, with closed periods in most months. A limited incidental hatchery coho season is also being considered.
The commercial alternatives in the Oregon Klamath Management Zone provide a range of Chinook only season alternatives opening from late March through May, and include quotas in June , July, and August. All alternatives have the California Klamath Management Zone closed for the season.
Commercial seasons south of the California Klamath Management Zone vary considerably between the alternatives and management areas (Fort Bragg, San Francisco, and Monterey), but in general provide significantly reduced levels of opportunity compared to last year.
Sport season alternatives
Chinook fishing in the Tillamook, Newport, and Coos Bay areas all open March 15 with Alternative 1 running continuously through October 31, similar to the 2021 season. Alternative 3 has August closed to Chinook retention.
Oregon ocean recreational alternatives include mark-selective coho fishing seasons starting in mid- to late-June and running through most or all of August south of Cape Falcon, with intermittent non-Chinook retention periods in specific areas. Quotas range from 95,000 to 110,000 marked coho (compared to 120,000 in 2021). In addition, non mark-selective fisheries are proposed in all alternatives for the area between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain starting in September, with quotas ranging from 17,000 to 20,000 coho (compared to 14,000 in 2021).
The range of alternatives include proposed fisheries for the Klamath Management Zone in both California and Oregon with the majority of the fishing opportunity occurring June through August in Oregon and occurring over varying dates between May and September in California.
California ocean recreational alternatives for the Fort Bragg and San Francisco areas have reduced opportunity compared to 2021, whereas alternatives for the Monterey area have similar or increased opportunity. Seasons vary between management areas.
Management Objectives for Southern Resident Killer Whales
The Council worked collaboratively with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to understand the effects of Council-area fisheries on Southern Resident killer whales, which are listed as endangered. Based in part on information provided by the Council’s ad-hoc Southern Resident Killer Whale Workgroup, the Council amended the Pacific Salmon Fishery Management Plan to address the needs of the whales while providing salmon harvest opportunities. Salmon abundance is well above the threshold of 966,000 Chinook that would require additional fishery restrictions.
Management Process
The Council has scheduled one public hearing for each coastal state to hear comments on the alternatives. The hearings will occur online and are scheduled for Tuesday, March 22 (Washington and California) and Wednesday March 23 (Oregon). The public will also be able to comment on the alternatives during the April Council meeting. Materials and instructions for joining online Council meetings and hearings will be posted to the Council website.
The Council will consult with scientists, hear public comment, revise preliminary decisions, and choose a final alternative at its meeting April 6-13.
The Council will forward its final season recommendations to NMFS for its approval and implementation no later than May 16. All Council meetings are open to the public.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council manages fisheries for approximately 119 species of salmon, groundfish, coastal pelagic species (sardines, anchovies, and mackerel), and highly migratory species (tunas, sharks, and swordfish) on the West Coast of the United States. We are one of eight regional fishery management councils established by Congress in 1976.
Grant Money Available To Help Those Affected By 2020 Wildfires To Be More Fire-Resistant When Rebuilding
Oregon homes and businesses damaged or destroyed by the 2020 wildfires can get financial help through a state and multi-county partnership.
Eight counties and the Oregon Building Codes Division are coordinating a grant program for rebuilding costs. Examples include $2200 towards roofing, and $350 for ventilation.
Mark Peterson of the Oregon Department of Consumer Business Services says this is all part of what’s called fire hardening.
“Fire hardening can include actions that can be taken to make a home or business more resistant to the damage from a wildfire, such as using materials for siding and roofing that resist ignition during a wildfire,” said Peterson. “Installing fire-resistant windows to protect openings, or using attic ventilation devices to help reduce ember intrusion.”
Peterson adds if someone has already started or finished their rebuilding efforts, they can still apply for over 6-thousand dollars in grant money.
The eligible counties are Lane, Clackamas, Klamath, Douglas, Jackson, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion.
Information can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/bcd/Pages/firehardening.aspx
Oregon reports 775 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 16 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 16 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 6,885, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 775 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 699,960.
The 16 new deaths and 775 new cases reported today include data recorded by counties for the three-day period between March 11 and March 13.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (4), Clackamas (104), Clatsop (5), Columbia (6), Coos (15), Crook (2), Curry (4), Deschutes (64), Douglas (15), Grant (17), Harney (1), Hood River (3), Jackson (45), Jefferson (1), Josephine (23), Klamath (10), Lane (82), Lincoln (3), Linn (20), Malheur (1), Marion (44), Multnomah (167), Polk (12), Tillamook (2), Umatilla (7), Wallowa (6), Wasco (4), Washington (90) and Yamhill (15).
Oregon reports 460 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 11, 177 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 12 and 138 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases on March 13.
Last week, OHA launched Oregon RISE (Resilience in Support of Equity), Oregon’s post-pandemic resilience plan.A five-point plan, RISE outlines near-term priorities Oregon will pursue to monitor COVID-19, shield people at highest risk, reinvigorate communities and repair the state’s social fabric as public health interventions fall away over the coming months.To learn more, visit https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-rise.
Former Oregon Corrections Official Indicted for Sexually Assaulting a Dozen Female Inmates While Serving as a Nurse
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal indictment was unsealed today charging a former Oregon Department of Corrections employee with sexually assaulting a dozen female inmates while serving as a nurse at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF), Oregon’s only women’s prison.
Tony Daniel Klein, 37, of Clackamas County, Oregon, is charged with 21 counts of depriving the victims of their constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by sexually assaulting them. The indictment alleges that from 2016 through 2017, Klein committed various forms of sexual assault, some of which included aggravated sexual abuse and some resulting in bodily injury. Klein is also charged with four counts of perjury for giving false testimony during a 2019 deposition related to a federal lawsuit alleging he committed sexual misconduct while serving as a corrections nurse.
If convicted, Klein faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office with assistance from the Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Rykken and Hannah Horsley of the District of Oregon, and Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold and Trial Attorney Cameron A. Bell of the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Oregon
Eugene Man Indicted for Illegally Importing and Exporting Live Scorpions
A Eugene, Oregon man who formerly resided in Southern Oregon pleaded guilty today in federal court to violating the Lacey Act by illegally importing and exporting hundreds of live scorpions.
Darren Dennis Drake, 39, waived indictment and pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to commit Lacey Act violations, a federal misdemeanor.
According to court documents, between September 4, 2017 and March 21, 2018, Drake imported and exported dozens of live scorpions from and to contacts in Germany without first obtaining an import-export license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). On one parcel intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drake falsely labeled the package contents as “chocolates.” Drake also mailed or received several hundred live scorpions from other U.S. states, including Michigan and Texas, in violation of federal mailing laws.
On February 23, 2022, Drake was charged by criminal information with conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act.
Drake faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on June 22, 2022 before U.S. District Court Judge Ann L. Aiken.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FWS Office of Law Enforcement with assistance from CBP and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting America’s wildlife from poaching, illegal commercialization, and other kinds of wildlife crime. If you have information related to a wildlife crime, please call 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477) or email fws_tips@fws.gov.
Portland Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns and Stealing Public Benefits
A Portland, Oregon tax return preparer was sentenced to federal prison today for preparing and filing false and fraudulent tax returns for clients and for herself.
Elizabeth Munoz, 38, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Munoz was also ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution to the IRS and $82,400 to the Oregon Department of Human Services.
According to court documents, from 2015 to 2018, Munoz operated a federal and state income tax return preparation business from her home in Southeast Portland. Munoz advertised on business cards that she would obtain for her clients the “Biggest Refund Guaranteed.” Munoz prepared more than 1,300 false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for more than 600 clients, resulting in an approximately $1.8 million tax loss through fraudulent refunds.
Munoz used fraudulent tax schedules, tax credits, and filing statuses to carry out her refund fraud. Though Munoz charged her clients up to $150 per tax return, she reported no business income on her own personal income tax returns from 2014 through 2017, causing a $22,764 tax loss. Munoz additionally submitted six years’ worth of false applications to obtain more than $82,000 in public benefits designed to support poor and indigent community members.
On August 5, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 25-count indictment charging Munoz with filing false income tax returns and aiding and assisting in the preparation of false income tax returns. On December 15, 2020, Munoz pleaded guilty to 13 counts of preparing and filing false income tax returns for clients and four counts of filing false income tax returns for herself.
U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS:CI) and prosecuted by Seth D. Uram, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
IRS:CI reminds taxpayers to be careful when selecting a tax professional. Though most tax professionals provide honest, high-quality service, a minority of dishonest preparers operate each filing season perpetrating refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt innocent taxpayers. Well-intentioned taxpayers can be misled by preparers who deceive people into taking credits or deductions they aren’t entitled to claim.
Resources to help taxpayers, including tips on choosing a preparer, the differences in credentials and qualifications, as well as how to submit a complaint regarding an unscrupulous tax return preparer, are available at www.irs.gov/chooseataxpro.
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence Program Seeking Applications
Officials with the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument are accepting applications for its summer Artist-in-Residence program. Selected artists receive a one to two-week residency at CSNM during early summer. Artists will create while immersed in a beautiful environment, and share their works with the public. All artists are encouraged to apply, and there is no preference given to any particular style or medium.
“Each year we celebrate new perspectives,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Artists have a unique viewpoint on these special areas, and they provide a fascinating window into our relationship with public lands.”
The Artist-in-Residence program is in its sixth year and has translated the monument’s natural and cultural resources into images, objects and performances.
“These artists have brought enjoyment to others and forged a deeper understanding of our nation’s treasured places,” said Brumm.
During their stay, artists share their vision in one public presentation. Following their residency, artists donate at least one digital image of their completed artwork to CSNM. CSNM holds a publishing copyright to donated digital imagery for promotional use to advance the residency program. The artist retains a non-exclusive use copyright.
One artist and one alternate will be selected based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision.
Interested artists can learn more information and an application at the Artist-in-Residence website (https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/artist-in-residence/air-sites/cascade-siskiyou), by e-mailing jbrumm@blm.gov, or by calling CSNM at (541) 618-2256. Detailed instructions are on the entry form. Applications must be postmarked by April 4, 2022. Application materials and sample artwork can also be submitted in a single email no larger than 15 mb to jbrumm@blm.gov.
Those wishing to learn more about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument information can do so on the CSNM’s website: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-monuments/oregon-washington/cascade-siskiyou
Police Ask for Public’s Help in Search For Victim’s Roommate In Albany Homicide – A 42-year-old woman, the roommate of a 75-year-old man whose death was ruled a homicide, is wanted for questioning in the case, Albany police officials said.
Elvin “Al” Pierce was found dead by officers around 9:10 p.m. Friday after a 911 caller reported a man was unconscious and not breathing. Investigators at that time said the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious.
APD said Pierce’s roommate, 42-year-old Elizabeth Nicole Tyler Jimenez, wasn’t there at the home when officers found Pierce dead and they don’t know where she is. Authorities did not specifically state whether Jimenez is a suspect or if there are any charges against her.
Pierce’s car, a tan 2004 Buick Park Avenue with Oregon license plate 081FAX, is also missing.
Jimenez, who investigators believe is currently without a job, is described as often visiting local soup kitchens. She also has skills as a masseuse and a seamstress, officials said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact APD at 541-917-7680 or APD Lt. Buck Pearce at 541-917-3209.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect
The first real clue to come in on all the missing person cases in the area. Help Klamath Falls Oregon Sheriff Office ID this trucker. He was the last to see this woman alive and could be the key to not only solving this woman’s disappearance but a number of the hundred other women missing in PNW. IF you have any information, please call (541) 883-5130
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/