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Introducing, Willamette Riverkeeper's "Nicol Sanctuary" (top left)
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Hello River Folks -
Over the years I've been fortunate to meet a great many generous people who have supported our work in many ways. Sometimes I've known them for years, and then they completely surprise you with additional works of major generosity to our non-profit organization. In that vein, I am happy to announce the donation of a wonderful property that is to be called The Nicol Sanctuary.
Gorham and Robin Nicol, who have been Willamette Riverkeeper members for years, have donated 107 acres of riverside land to our organization as a new sanctuary for all manner of wildlife, and for low impact use by people. The property is located in the mid-Willamette in Yamhill County. With our Norwood Island property dozens of miles upstream, the Nicol Sanctuary makes a fitting addition to Willamette Riverkeeper Greenway lands along the river.
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Wildlife cameras captured an image of this bobcat stalking prey at a neighboring Willamette Greenway property
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This new sanctuary provides a wealth of opportunity to conduct additional habitat restoration, and for a wide range of wildlife viewing. There will be Water Trail access for low impact camping, and over time, we will provide multiple opportunities for people to enjoy it, and help with our work.
I am grateful for the generosity of Gorham and Robin and everyone who helps support our mission. Sanctuary is such an important concept - with one of the clear definitions being so close to the core of our work along the river "Sanctuary: a place of refuge and protection."
As we gear up for the work ahead in 2018 and the challenges that face the Willamette River today, your support is more important than ever. Your support will not only help us reduce toxics, but it will also help us maintain and restore sanctuaries like this! Thanks to all of you who are active members, and if you like our work, but are not yet a member, please consider joining us with a monthly or other financial contribution.
Thanks again Gorham and Robin!
Travis Williams
Riverkeeper & Executive Director
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Volunteers Needed: Trashy Tuesday (Eugene)- 12/12
Calling all River Guardian volunteers, clean water enthusiasts, and River lovers!
At this month's Trashy Tuesday river clean up in the Eugene-Springfield area, we'll revisit the section of river between Alton Baker boat ramp and Owosso Footbridge, down to Beltline.
When: Tuesday, 12/12 - 8:30AM
Where: Meet at Alton Baker Boat Ramp in Eugene
Details:
Please meet at the Alton Baker boat ramp at 8:30am to unload boats and run shuttles to the Beltline takeout. We plan to be on the water no later than 9:00am.
RSVP is required to participate (see directions below).
All "bring your own boat" (BYOB) paddlers must be able to comfortably paddle in Class II moving water.
NO BOAT? NO WORRIES! There are seats avaialble in rafts and drift boats that may be reserved, but due to limited space, you MUST RSVP. Because we will be working from the water, lifejackets are REQUIRED. Please indicate any additional needs in your email, and whether or not you will BYOB.
Bring: water and appropriate layers for the weather. Please wear closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and pants. Gloves, pickers, garbage bags, tarps AND COFFEE will be provided - huge thanks to local business owners at Global Delights and The Barn Light for your support! If you are new to this program, please message us for more details!
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Quiz Night For a Cause- 12/14
What:
Quiz For a Cause
When: Thursday, 12/14- 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Where: Schmizza Pub & Grub on NW 21st in Portland (directions)
Cost: $5 to play & support our work
Details: Join us, and our friends at Columbia Slough Watershed Council, for a "Quiz for a Cause" hosted by Geeks Who Drink
at Schmizza Pub & Grub on NW 21st. Your participation will support both organizations, and our work to ensure we have clean water and healthy habitiat.
There will be raffle tickets available with a donation to either Give!Guide campaign.
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Mission Restoration Update
Our planting season has begun at Willamette Mission State Park!
We are happy that the river level dropped this week so we could plant 565, 10-12 ft tall cottonwood stakes.
We also planted 400 smaller stakes with North Salem High School field biology students.
We will ramp up planting efforts at the end of January when we plan to plan more than 70,000 bareroot plants!
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| Detroit Reservoir and dam |
Please send an email to help give threatned fish the water they need!
The Army Corps of Engineers operates 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Basin, including well known reservoirs such as Detroit on the North Santiam River, Cougar on the McKenzie River and Lookout Point on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River.
Together the reservoirs can store up to 1.6 million acre feet of water for release later in the year.
The Corps is in the process of deciding
how much
of the stored water should go to fish and wildlife, irrigation, and municipal and industrial uses in the 50-year period starting in 2020.
Your voice is needed! Now through 12/22, please ask the Corps to give more water to fish and wildlife and to prioritize threatened fish populations in low-water years.
Please tell the Corps:
- The allocation of stored water for fish and wildlife needs to meet flow targets for threatened salmon and steelhead more often.
- In low water years, threatened salmon and steelhead need to take priority. Their survival is worth asking for more conservation in irrigation and municipal uses, especially since the flow targets already go down in low water years to recognize that there is less water for everyone.
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Wild winter steelhead are a threatened species in the Willamette
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Send your comments to: wbr@usace.army.mil. Per instructions from the Corps, please refer to public notice number: CENWP-PM-E-18-01, as well as the title of the proposal (Draft Willamette Basin Review Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment) and the "issue date" (November 7, 2017).
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If you give just $10 or more, you'll receive FREE gifts from: Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Salt & Straw, Ken's Artisan Bakery and more. For even more incentive, check out the BIG GIVE DAYS where a donation of just $10 or more will make you eligible to WIN some really incredible prizes like...
- A Trek FX Bike from the Bike Gallery if you give TODAY, Thursday 12/7
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We Welcome Belinda to Our Board!
We are thrilled to welcome Belinda Covarrubias to our board!
Born and raised in the Southwest, Belinda enjoyed discovering the fragile riparian ecosystems that exist in the Sonoran Desert. Since Moving to Eugene over 20 years ago she has spent many years canoeing and rafting Oregon's beautiful waterways developing a strong interest in conservation of the Willamette river. Belinda has worked as a nurse for over 20 years and has an affinity for limiting pollution in our water ways to protect human and ecological health. Her passions include boating, backpacking, birding and adventuring with friends and family.
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You can help to shape the future of the Willamette, and Willamette Riverkeeper's ability to grow and meet the challenges of today, and those we will see a decade from now, through legacy giving. Bequests and planned gifts can help us make a continuing impact on behalf of clean water and healthy habitat.
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The next generation, learning to enjoy the Willamette River Water Trail
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There are a variety of ways that you can include Willamette Riverkeeper in bequests and planned gifts:
- Bequests that name Willamette Riverkeeper as a beneficiary of your will or trust, to receive a portion of your estate, or a specific sum.
- Real Estate can be donated, from potential natural areas that can be protected for the long term, or real estate intended for sale.
- Insurance - By naming Willamette Riverkeeper as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
- Retirement Accounts - You can name Willamette Riverkeeper as part of your retirement account and gain tax advantages.
With any of these options you should consult with a financial planner and attorney, to enable you to receive the best financial advantages and to ensure that your desired outcomes are met.
Willamette Riverkeeper would need to be specifically designated in your documents.
If you would like to discus planned giving, with no obligation, please contact Madeline Brown at
madeline@willametteriverkeeper.org
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Thank you for making 2017 such an exceptional year for your river, and Willamette Riverkeeper! We wish you a healthy and happy holiday season.
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