Tuesday, April 22, 2014

ODOT acts to limit disclosure of oil train shipments after The Oregonian won its release www.oregonlive.com

DOT-111 detecting disaster spotters guide

Worth the read!

The Canadians have a pretty powerful way of tracking the trains! Let's follow suit!

http://canadians.org/blog/dot-111-detecting-disaster-spotters-guide

One citizen's opinion of the 4-11-14 Meeting between 2 Port officials and 11 citizens

One citizen's opinion of the 4-11-14 Meeting between 2 Port officials and 11 citizens:

I am immune to "spin" and "charm" offensives from elected officials.  The only thing that matters to me is what these officials actually  do.  That being said, there are a few positive things that came from this meeting.

1.  That the meeting occurred at all is a positive.  This kind of meeting had never happened before.
2.  The meeting was cordial, and  citizens were very frank in expressing their concerns.
3.  Citizens strongly reminded the Port officials that the Port does have the power necessary to stop Global's operations at Port Westward until Global complies with necessary DEQ permits.
4.  There was considerable conversation trying to define exactly what defines a "unit" train: they are single commodity (although sometimes they carry mixed commodities) and are between 90 and 110+ cars long.
5. Awareness of, and the risk to,  the natural environment was discussed 

Needs improvement:

1. The Port participants didn't provide answers to questions concerning Global's liability insurance.
2. They didn't respond positively to the suggestion that video cameras be used to monitor tanker trains to enhance safety and accurately count the numbers and types of tankers passing through the county.
3. Citizens didn't ask about our perception that the Port uses the Freedom of Information Act to obstruct citizen access to public records, imposing conditions that are too restrictive

Danner Christensen

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Salmon People and place, A Talk with the author Jim Lichatowich. May 7

This event is Free and open to the public! Snacks and beverages will be provided!


Hello Friends,

Clatskanie Forward is proud to host an event with author Jim Lichatowich on his recent book Salmon People and Place: A Biologist’s Search for Salmon Recovery

This beautifully written account of his experience as an acclaimed fisheries biologist, Jim Lichatowich exposes  the sad truth that the fractured governmental agency's efforts to save the salmon have actually contributed to their drastic decline.

Lichatowich brings us hope by suggesting humans realize the acute and inseparable connection between salmon and the notion of place. As we engage in his exploration of salmon recovery based on past mistakes, perhaps we humans can rediscover our own sense of place in the intricate web of life.

Please Join us for conversation and light snacks in the Cedar Room at the Clatskanie River Inn 600 E Columbia River Hwy Clatskanie May 7th, 2014 at 7:00 pm
Light snacks will be served. 

I will attach a flier in case you want to print them, e-mail them or pass them out and spread the word!