26 Saturday Nov 2016
Posted in Events
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January 1, 2017
Willamette River, Wallace to Keizer Rapids – Class A+ – length 3.5 miles
A favorite for the season, this is a late, quick, local trip to commemorate the occasion, and start the year right. Dress warm and bring provisions.
jim.cascadepaddlers@gmail.com
09 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Paddlesport, Outdoors and Wildlife
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New Delay for Minto Island Bridge
The footbridge to connect Riverfront Park to Minto Island has suffered more setbacks, and now is expected to enter service in February, 2017, at the earliest. The removal of the construction support structures will be welcome; they are an obstacle to navigation while creating an eyesore. The Statesman Journal provides coverage: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2016/10/11/facing-new-delay-minto-island-bridge-pushed-2017/91864540/
Marine Board Actions
The Oregon State Marine Board met in Lincoln City on October 26, and took several actions. Probably the one with the greatest ramifications for valley paddlers involved a proposed ban on wake enhancement on the Lower Willamette. As the news release stated, “The Board … denied a petition to expand the prohibition on the use of wake enhancing devices on the Lower Willamette River from the Hwy 219 Bridge at river mile 48.5 to the upper end of Willow Island at RM 31.5. Instead, the Board directed staff to initiate an advisory committee to review the Wake Enhancement Device Prohibition rules adopted in 2008.”
You can find the board’s full minutes and agendas, here: http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx
Otter-Inspired Wetsuits on the Horizon
Researchers at MIT have managed to figure out the secrets of otter and beaver fur insulating properties, and are now working to apply the knowledge to working products. The result could be lighter, more comfortable and better insulating wetsuits. The Smithsonian has the story: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/coming-soon-otter-inspired-wetsuits-180960716/?no-ist
09 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Nature and the Environment
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Synthetic Clothes Shed Plastic Microfibers
While sources like cosmetics or the break down of packaging have been pointed to as sources of the microplastics fouling aquatic environments, it turns out our clothes may be a major contributor as well. Researchers found that laundering a variety synthetic clothing produced differing amounts of microfibers, thought to be harmful to aquatic life. The Smithsonian explains: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/pick-your-wardrobe-carefully-lives-clams-and-mussels-may-depend-it-180960761/?no-ist
Urban Trees Cut Air Pollution
It would seem obvious, but now it’s official: Trees make cities healthier places to live. Of course, to make it official, you have to quantify it, which is what the Nature Conservancy did, in a report. In turn, the BBC provides coverage: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-37813709
09 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Travel and Photography
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Butterfly “Photobombs” Koala
A decidedly cute encounter between a Koala and a butterfly was captured at an Australian wildlife park. Reuters has the video: http://www.reuters.com/video/2016/10/04/koala-joey-strikes-up-a-friendship-with?videoId=370026262&videoChannel=118169
Nora the Polar Bear in Ice
The Oregon Zoo’s photogenic, recent arrival, Nora the polar bear cub, had a ball when keepers gave her a kiddie pool filled with ice cubes. The Oregonian has the video: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2016/10/nora_the_polar_bear_cub_really.html#incart_river_index
A Gallery of Less-Visited National Parks
The Smithsonian has striking photos from six less-popular national parks. It clearly isn’t a lack of beauty, (or nice water features), keeping the crowds away. Find the article here: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/experience-america-least-visited-national-parks-180960430/?no-ist
Humpback Calf Helps Stranded Mom to Safety
The valiant efforts of the calf to free its mom from stranding makes for a compelling video. Reuters has the footage: http://www.reuters.com/video/2016/10/08/stranded-humpback-whale-helped-to-safety?videoId=370074559&videoChannel=118169
London Natural History Museum’s Best Wildlife Photos
The Smithsonian provides a gallery of the museum’s best wildlife shots for the year: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/londons-natural-history-museum-selects-best-wildlife-photos-year-180960878/
New “Rivers of Oregon” Book
As Christmas nears, let the coffee table books proliferate! The Oregonian has provided a taste of one such volume, “Rivers of Oregon”, by Tim Palmer, Oregon State University Press. Enjoy: http://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2016/11/rivers_of_oregon_tim_palmer.html#0
