Category Archives: Local Issues

Local Issues

Turtles in our neighborhood

 
Protecting lives, property, and the environment through innovative, proactive, floodplain management.
Peninsula Drainage District #1 | Peninsula Drainage District #2 | Multnomah County Drainage District #1 | Sandy Drainage Improvement Company
Upcoming Events
JCA Board Meeting
May 5, 2016
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
MCDD
1880 NE Elrod Dr. 

4MAT and PEN 1 Board Meetings
May 19, 2016
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
1880 NE Elrod Dr. 

PEN 2 Board Meeting
May 26, 2016
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
1880 NE Elrod Dr. 

SDIC Board and Landowner Meeting
June 2, 2016
3:00 – 5:00 pm
1880 NE Elrod Dr. 

Levee Ready Columbia
June 9, 2016
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location TBD

Bookmark our calendar here.

Best Practices for Turtles

This month, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Regional Conservation Biologist Susan Barnes visited MCDD headquarters to discuss ways the Districts can reduce their impact on native turtles. Due to habitat loss and displacement by invasive species, both the Western Painted Turtle and Western Pond Turtle are classified as “Sensitive – Critical” by the state of Oregon. The Western Pond Turtle is being considered for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The levees and sloughs in the Districts are prime habitat so District operations may have a big impact on local populations. MCDD is committed to adopting as many of the Oregon Conservation Strategy’s Best Management Practices for Oregon’s native turtles as is practical.

Some practical ideas staff learned about through the discussion with Susan Barnes included modifying mowing schedules to accommodate for nesting season and the safe handling of both native and invasive turtles.  In the field, staff polished up on  turtle identification skills, spotted a river otter, and discovered a mallard duck nest full of eggs. In addition to being an informative day of training, we were reminded that, through some simple logistical changes, we have the opportunity to be even better stewards of the habitat in the area that we serve.
 
To learn more about Oregon’s native turtles and to find out how you can be a better turtle steward visit www.oregonturtles.com or search for the “Oregon Conservation Strategy Guidance for Conserving Oregon’s Native Turtles Including Best Management Practices”.
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Local Issues

NE Coalition alert


February 2016 Action Alert
 

Action Alert

 

Dear Northeast Portland residents,
 
As some of you may be aware, it has come to the public’s attention that a number of Portland neighborhoods- including the inner Northeast neighborhoods, have been experiencing high concentrations of cadmium, arsenic, and other metals, as found in air toxics samples obtained from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. These metals are carcinogenic, and have both short and long term health effects on humans when exposed for certain extended periods of time.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has released maps showing the concentrations of cadmium and the affected neighborhoods. The US Forest Service released the maps showing arsenic levels in different locations as well. These elevated concentrations of air toxics has been linked to glass production sites, as cadmium, arsenic, and other metals are often used in coloring glass.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
A joint community meeting is taking place this week, Thursday, February 18. Attend this meeting to receive more information from the agencies responsible for the situation, have your questions answered, and meet with other affected community members. Childcare and interpretation in Spanish will be provided.

Where: Tubman Building Cafeteria, 2231 N. Flint
When: Thursday, Feb. 18

  • 5 pm to 7 pm: Open House where residents can get information and talk with staff.
  • 7 pm to 9 pm: Formal presentation and question/answer.
Hosted by: The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Multnomah County Public Health Department, Oregon Health Authority, and Portland Public Schools

Any questions about the issue of air toxic pollution can be directed to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
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