Applegater Summer 2017 1 Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc. PO Box 14 Jacksonville, OR 97530

Photo by Teya Jacobi applegater.org Celebrating SUMMER 2017 Applegate Valley Community Newsmagazine Volume 10, No. 2 Serving Jackson and Josephine Counties — Circulation: 11,000 ~24~Years

was honored in Reno by receiving the 2017 Wildfire Think embers and Mitigation Legacy Award— the first time anyone has received this honor. continuous fuels In past Applegater articles I’ve discussed the Home BY SANDY SHAFFER Ignition Zone (HIZ) course I took from Dr. Cohen. Another March, another drive over the issues that we all face here in the Applegate. I’ve used his photos to Siskiyous and Sierras down to Reno for the I’ve attended this conference the past help explain the HIZ, I’ve annual WUI (Wildland Urban Interface) dozen or so years and looked forward discussed how to define Conference. This year our Applegate to seeing some old friends, learning new your particular HIZ, I’ve Fire District’s new office manager, Tallie concepts, and hearing how the coming quoted Dr. Cohen on Jackson, joined me for the trip. Reno is a summer wildfire season was sizing up. The This home ignited due to fine fuels around it “discontinuous fuels,” I’ve good, well-rounded conference for her to wet winter was definitely discussed. Not during the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire in Colorado. called him “the HIZ guru,” learn more about the WUI and the wildfire much new science-wise, but there was a lot of talk about both the safety of firefighters and I’ve shared his work with you, my and the motivation of WUI residents to Applegate neighbors. make their homes firesafe. When I looked up those old articles on BENEFIT FOR However, the recent retirement of the HIZ, how it differs from “defensible someone I’ve admired and learned from space,” and why homes burn in wildfires, Applegater NEWSMAGAZINE for many years came as a surprise. Jack I found that it’s been over ten years since I D. Cohen, PhD, had been the US Forest wrote them! Time sure does fly (or maybe Service’s post-fire investigator and WUI I’m just getting old?)! But, considering how Family BBQ! mitigation specialist for decades. Dr. Cohen See THINK EMBERS, page 24 Paragliders to add color to the sky soon! BY DAVID DOBBS SUNDAY Each June I get a quick glimpse of the The 2017 Rat Race competition runs paragliding event called Rat Race - Sprint from June 18 through 24. Practice day is JULY LIVE MUSIC Paragliding Competition and Super Clinic June 17. 2-6 as I drive past Woodrat Mountain on For those of you who want to enjoy the “STILL LOOKING” BAND Highway 238. How many paragliders can paragliding event with your feet on the 23 PM cluster suspended in midair? Who can stay ground and your eyes safely following the afloat the longest? Who can spot the target action in the sky, the event coordinators on land first and race to retrieve it? Does recommend visiting Fiasco, Longsword, the first one down have to pay for a round or Red Lily wineries. They all have ample fishing booth • CORNHOLE GAME of wine? Regardless, they are probably parking and viewing spots. “Longsword is enjoying themselves while I’m attempting probably the best seat in the house,” claims to drive responsibly while (not) heeding paraglider Norm Young. “It has plenty of FOOD & BEVERAGES SILENT AUCTION the posted warning signs not to look up. See RAT RACE, page 3 BBQ Chicken Art Cowboy Beans Wine and Food Green Salad and Bread Spa Treatments Complimentary Lemonade and more Wine and Hard Cider available for purchase RAFFLE PRIZE

TICKETS AVAILABLE JUNE 15 • PURCHASE BY JULY 16 • NO TICKETS AT DOOR KIDS $5 LOCATION 6 - 12* TICKETS ADULTS $15 / APPLEGATE RIVER LODGE 2 FOR $25 APPLEGATER.ORG 15100 HIGHWAY 238 evENTBRite.com APPLEGATE RUCH COUNTRY STORE *KIDS 5 & under ARE FREE Rat Race paragliding competitors will add color to the sky and a temptation for you to look up while driving (don’t do it). Photo: Julie Gever, flickr.com.

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OBITUARIES Ed Reilly Nadine Levie October 13, 1955 - March 9, 2017 January 9, 1944 - March 28, 2017

milled lumber for free, because they were our parallel experiences, neighbors. to the point where these Ed was very active in the Jackson/ synchronicities became Josephine Small Woodlands Association. commonplace, though A true conservation leader, Ed played a no less special. Whether prominent role in developing regional it was a discussion about forest restoration strategies. In 2010, Ed the over-aggressive mating and Jody were honored as the Jackson habits of male ducks, a County Tree Farmers of the Year in run-in with a bear, cougar, recognition of their long-term efforts in or coyote, the challenges forest stewardship. of raising a child through Ed was a natural teacher and enjoyed the teenage years, or an sharing his experiences with others. He exciting new diet, Nadine and Jody led many tours of their property had endless stories to over the years, including countless classes share, rich with her years for Oregon State University-Southern Kirsten Shockey, left, with mother, Nadine Levie. of experience, wisdom, Oregon Research and Extension Center’s and compassionate land steward and forestry and natural For those of us who had the good insight. Though I started seeing her for Ed Reilly, a pillar of the Applegate resource programs. fortune of knowing Nadine Levie, as a acupuncture, over time I came just as community, passed away suddenly, by heart Using skills from his BLM days, Ed friend, healer, and neighbor, her passing much for the deep bond of friendship attack, on March 9. An avid outdoorsman, recently completed an environmental brings such grief, tempered by many joyful with her, the respite from hectic daily lives, Ed had just completed a hike with friends assessment so the Applegate Trails memories. and the opportunity to unwind mentally, on the Lower Loop Trail at Cantrall Association could begin construction of Stepping into Nadine’s acupuncture physically, and spiritually in the comfort Buckley Park. He was 61. the East Applegate Ridge Trail above Ruch. clinic, adjacent to the Applegate Post of a small room with this incredibly gifted, Ed grew up in Rumson, New Jersey. In 1984, Ed took the lead in establishing Office, was like entering another world. intuitive healer, resembling a shaman more When he was 17, he quit high school and the first Ruch Library in the building next Nadine’s boundless curiosity was evident than a doctor. married his sweetheart, Jody. An uncle of to Ramsay Realty. Ed focused on the in the many tomes that lined her shelves Nadine will be missed by all of us Ed’s, who lived in Mill Valley, California, bookcase project and helped supervise, and the diverse healing techniques that she who felt her healing touch, enjoyed her offered to rent his small cabin in the hills build, and paint the shelves. The work employed on her patients—acupuncture, quirky, inquisitive, determined, and caring to the young couple, so they packed the was done on-site outdoors using donated holistic diet, cupping, tuning rods, Tong presence, and grew to behold her as a car and nine-month-old Jessica and drove plywood and volunteer labor. Ed’s young Ren drumming, and sound healing among godmother of sorts, caring for us as though cross-country to California. In their search children, Jessica and Jason, became early them. It was a common occurrence to hear we were her extended family. for rural property, they found their dream library users, and we all benefited from his her go on at length about a new approach May she rest in peace, and may we be location on Sterling Creek, where they community energy. to or method of alternative medicine so fortunate to find ourselves so timelessly lived for 42 years. Ed was all about community. A few that she had recently delved into, as she wise, so abundant in experience, and so In Oregon he took a job with the US years ago Ed organized neighbors to put continued to learn and grow. giving as to impact our community with Forest Service (USFS) on a tree-planting out a fire started by lightning. The Oregon I remember sharing countless deep, as much grace, compassion, dedication, crew in the Applegate Ranger District. Department of Forestry was swamped with meaningful conversations woven together and good humor as she did. Over the years, Ed assumed a series other fires at that time; the fire was under by her attunement to the seasonal cycle in Ben Yohai of increasingly responsible positions control quickly. our valley and its impact on us, its human [email protected] before transferring to the Bureau of Land Ed was also a member of the Cantrall residents. She observed and shared these Management (BLM), where he played key Buckley Park Committee, where he patterns with us, her lucky patients and roles in a number of high-profile projects. volunteered for a variety of projects. friends, helping us see that we were just Nadine is survived by daughters Kirsten Ed was always interested in learning When he died, Ed was preparing to take a small part of a larger web that holds us (Christopher) Shockey and Ursula (Ted) new things and was an early adopter of on management of a large ecological together. Raymond; son Gernot (Aspasia) Bartels; computer technology. He worked with restoration project at the park. He was So many times, before I lay down on grandchildren Jakob (Lydia) Shockey, USFS and BLM for a total of 30 years, looking forward to figuring out how the treatment table, we would talk at length Kelton (Nicole) Shockey, Dmitri Shockey, retiring in 2012. to improve the park’s natural drainage, about life on the farm, or our relationships, Ariana Shockey, Tobias Bartels, and Lila Ed embodied the community spirit redesign much of the landscape, replace or some other pertinent topic that revealed Bartels; and two great-grandchildren. of the Applegate, helping friends and the irrigation system, and modernize the neighbors without asking anything in parking. return. He used his geographic information Adventurous and always learning, Ed during the Clinton furlough, and we he was my mentor. I learned so much system skills to map the Applegate River and Jody traveled widely from Asia to worked together on the first programmatic from Ed—likely more than I realize, more watershed—a benefit to a multitude Europe to South America. As a tree lover, consultation on spotted owls in Oregon. It than I ever thanked him for. I appreciated of local organizations, especially the Ed couldn’t help but visit some of the was a fun two weeks! Later Ed became a that he always saw me as an equal. My Applegate Partnership and Watershed forests in these far-flung locales, and he part of the US Forest Service Terrestrial impression is that he viewed everyone that Council (APWC). In 2000 Ed caught always brought back pictures and stories Salamander Taxa Team, which included way, recognizing that every person “at the wind of a proposed “National Fire Plan” of his new discoveries. myself and other experts in the region, table” has something to offer. project, immediately met with APWC, Ed leaves behind his wife, Jody; two that developed the first conservation Speaking of tables, our kitchen table and helped get a grant approved. The children: daughter Jessica (Ahcho) and son strategy for the Siskiyou Mountains owes some serious thanks to Ed (and his result was the Applegate Fire Plan, the first Jason (Stephanie); and four grandchildren: salamander, our endemic salamander. He wife, Jody). Chris, my husband, and I grow community wildfire plan in the nation. Colin, Minya, Madilyn, and Delaney. was instrumental in GIS modeling for the exceptional onions every year thanks to the This plan included a public education He will be missed. project. When he went to the BLM, I got Reilly’s green thumbs. I think we are still piece on the hows and whys of reducing NOTE: Contributors to this article include to work with him on different versions of propagating a garlic strain from Sterling fuel hazards. This fire plan was more than Neal Anderson, Max Bennett and board landscape analysis that again put him in Creek, and we just polished off some dried a piece of paper—it became a way of life members of the Jackson/Josephine Small the thick of the Siskiyou ecology. Thai peppers from the Reilly garden. We in the Applegate. Ed was a big promoter Woodlands Association, David Calahan, Ed was always a person of note—a key have incorporated other tried-and-true of landowner responsibility to ensure Tom Carstens, Jack Duggan, Brett Fillis, player in analyzing the ecology and fire tricks of the trade, shared by Ed, into the healthy and fire-resistant tree stands on Pat Gordon, Katy Mallams, Jody Reilly, and history of the Siskiyous and southwestern garden; sometimes we reflect on our hard private lands. Sandy Shaffer. Oregon. He was a man of many talents, work and success while sitting in chairs Exemplary land stewards, he and Jody and he has touched many with his life that Chris built from an incense cedar, cared for 40 acres on Sterling Creek, and work. He was great man—one of my harvested from our yard, that Ed milled up transforming their property from an I have known Ed and Jody Reilly since I mentors and my friend. My wife, Debra, for us, and the chair pattern was in a book overgrown fire hazard to a diverse, wildlife- was about 15. We met at the Pennsylvania and I wish Jody, Jessica, Ahcho, and my borrowed from Ed! If I remember correctly, friendly, and firesafe woodland. The House commune on East Side Road in the good friend and fellow biologist Jason all on that occasion we had the fortune of property is an intensively managed small Upper Applegate. We were all very young. of our love. enjoying some delicious bounty from the woodland farm that integrates forest health Many years later I started working with Ed David Clayton • [email protected] Reilly kitchen table. with utilization of forest by-products. at the Applegate Ranger District. Ed could Anyone who knew Ed will surely agree Ed worked a pole-building Wood-Mizer do it all: National Environmental Policy that he had a lot to offer at every table sawmill, which had been crafted from Act, GIS (geographic information system), What a treat, what an honor, to have he joined, gladly sharing his knowledge, material harvested from the property. With fire, woods work. We were both present for known Ed Reilly. his perspective, soaking up what others timber he milled, Ed built a tree house, the inception of the Applegate Partnership I revel in the added bonus of having had to offer, and encouraging discourse pole barns, toys for his grandchildren, and and the Northwest Forest Plan. had the chance to work with Ed for several collaboratively—that word: Ed breathed furniture for his home. He took trees from In the 1990s, Ed and I were the only ones years. Ed always approached our work it, embodied it—collaboratively seeking neighbors’ properties and returned them as on the forest deemed “essential” employees relationship as my cohort, but in reality, See ED REILLY, page 3 Applegater Summer 2017 3 Community Inventory Report Wanna go for a ride? from the Little Applegate Valley BY BRYAN HUNTER BY MEGAN FEHRMAN AND TOMI HAZEL Wanna go for a ride…on your bike? In the spring of 2014, a couple of to each other. Lines were drawn between Now that spring neighbors met to plan a series of community bubbles, with action words on the lines or is here, you may meetings to map our resources using ideas where the intersection of bubbles suggested enjoy some pedaling based on exercises called Community Asset places of overlap and collaboration. We did pleasures—around Mapping and Scenario Practices—that is, all this in about two hours. the block, on setting up a session to record information Two months later we gathered again. nearby mountain about the strengths and resources of a We hung the 20-plus posters in two trails, or across community and then envisioning solutions parallel lines so that folks could tour the town. The simple to challenges and brainstorming how to first meeting’s work. Then we brainstormed joys of coasting move beyond imagined constraints. Once what was missing—were there other down hills and community strengths and resources are categories that seemed crucial to have on cruising through inventoried and mapped, the group can the map? What actionable projects leaped the landscape are more easily think about how to build on out of the information? Where could we go a delight for us all. their assets to address community needs from here? Several committees formed to But be careful— Bryan Hunter and daughter Hazel across from to improve the health of particular places work on new categories or to move forward cycling can be Williams Store in downtown Williams. and environments. with the obvious projects. A bulletin board dangerous! Cars and Thirty folks from various neighborhoods at Buncom, a bus stop at Crump, and a trucks driven by distracted folks don’t mix survived with limited injuries. A perfect and farms in the Little Applegate attended farm store at Yale Creek Ranch made the well with two-wheelers, partly because storm of ignorance and poverty, I suppose, the first meeting. We recruited a local agenda. Several small businesses in our we’re not all aware of some of the “Rules when I failed to glance back at the jalopy farmer to emcee the meeting, while Megan valley talked about sharing bulk buying of the Road.” or move farther away into the gravel. Fehrman and Tomi Hazel facilitated the and about recycling by-products between I’ve recently learned two unobvious Some 15 years have elapsed, and I’m group process. Tomi Hazel hung up some operations. We could share event calendars legalities regarding cars and bikes. First, still riding, now with lights and extreme posters on systems and talked the group and set up better communication systems. when passing a cyclist, the car driver is caution, enjoying the thrill evermore. Most through the concept and procedure. We all There was a lot of enthusiasm for this required to stay six feet from the bicycle of the time cars are respectful of me in the agreed that none of the data or information community inventory process, and some rider (I think it’s so that if the rider falls road, but it only takes one time to wind was to be photographed or posted online of the projects have seen some progress. We over, the car won’t run over the rider). up splattered. And while most of the roads and that this was just a pen-and-paper are now planning our next meeting for late “Hold on,” you may say, “to do so would are safely navigable with the shoulder, there exercise for our community. spring or early summer of 2017. make me cross the double yellow line are some treacherous spots! Everyone went to work as we began Talking about this experience with and that’s illegal!” Which brings me to So, a handful of us have embarked on the first of two poster-making sessions. In folks from around the Applegate generated the second Road Rule: when passing a the process of attaining some bike lanes the first round, groups worked together by interest from other neighborhoods. We cycler, pedestrian, horse, etc., you need in our Williams Valley. Our first phase place—each farm or homestead teamed hope that this report encourages and to maintain that six-foot clearance so you will connect our downtown area from with neighbors to jot down, on the ten enables other community inventories or, are allowed, in fact required, to cross the the post office/general store to Williams posters, resources they had, thus starting at the very least, encourages some mutual double yellow line when safe and oncoming Elementary School, a distance of two- to map the assets that the community held. exchange among residents in the various traffic permits. Astonishing, right? tenths of a mile. We envision a lane for They had five minutes per poster, and the drainages of our eclectic valley. Did you know that bicyclists are biking, walking, horses, and more on categories ranged from local businesses, Megan Fehrman forbidden to ride against traffic, on each side of the street. We’re working on a nonprofits and community organizations, [email protected] sidewalks, and in crosswalks? And, of number of feasible designs in conjunction skills and knowledge, equipment, Tomi Hazel course, when we’re on our bikes, we must with Josephine County Public Works, natural resources, transportation, and [email protected] abide by all traffic laws. Given the laws of Oregon Department of Transportation, communication momentum, gravity, and inertia, it can be and other bicycle advocacy groups. systems. difficult to adhere to the nuances of stop Stay tuned for our progress as we In the second signs and red lights, but they’re important turn the wheels of safe and enjoyable session, we broke signposts for safety and civility. And at nonmotorized travel. And keep your eyes into groups night, please have lights front and rear! alert for those of us not in solid metal one- based on interest Some years ago, at sundown in Williams, ton vehicles with seat belts! areas, with each I was struck from behind by a beater car If you’ve a passion for bike lanes in group analyzing with one misaligned headlight (and me Williams, join us. just one of the with no bike lights…). I miraculously Bryan Hunter • 541-846-9443 posters. Folks began clumping the information ■ RAT RACE into bubbles Continued from page 1 on a new piece room, plenty of parking, lots of landing of poster paper going on (depending on the task for the and then looking day), and, of course, wine.” He adds that to see how the the organizers of the event try to keep bubbles related bystanders at only those mentioned places “due to potential traffic-accident issues and ■ ED REILLY it was the mid-1990s), maps showing massive overcrowding and transportation Rat Race photo by Julie Gever, flickr.com. Continued from page 2 ownership of all the government agencies issues at top launch.” efficiency, analytically unpacking tough and industrial and private properties did So choose your spot and take a folding cylinder before the race begins. All this issues, pragmatically solving problems. not exist. Nor were there maps showing chair, your favorite smart device, and this information is officially judged once Sharing recipes and travel stories, all roads, streams, riparian areas, proposed issue of the Applegater to reference the contestants have uploaded their tracks trading gardening tips and produce, timber sales, etc. These maps were a following: from the GPS devices. “No maneuvers talking art and ecology—these are some wealth of information to those who were • For local event information: facebook. are encouraged,” Norm says. “That sort of my favorite memories with Ed. With interested. com/RatRacePG/ of thing occurs at Lost Creek Lake during confidence, I know this perspective is not My many conversations over the years • For a live broadcast of the the later summer months and involves tow uniquely mine. What a treat, what an with Ed started with me requesting maps event: mphsports.com/media/ustream. up by boat to maximize altitude, then, honor, to have known you, Ed. You will or articles I hoped to get from him for html. This site may have live updates on the after release from the tow line, acrobatic be missed. the paper and often ended talking about track logs from the GPS tracking devices maneuvers during the free flight down.” Jena Volpe • [email protected] music. He was the only person I knew who the paragliders use. Some paragliding trivia: (1) Paragliding was into the band Government Mule more • For a live view of the race: xcfind. was developed and named by NASA. (2) than me—Ed had seen them in concert paraglide.us/map.html?id=59. Typically The oldest female paraglider, according Ed Reilly was the man I’d go to at multiple times. Ed was the man, and I many of the pilots also have their GPS to Wikipedia, is Peggy McAlpine from the US Forest Service for detailed maps know he’s still rockin’. device postings here. You can view their Northern Cyprus, who took to the sky at of the Applegate watershed to run in J.D. Rogers routes overlaid with geographical imagery the age of 104 from a 2,400-foot peak. (3) the Applegater. Before that time (I think 541-846-7736 and the roads to get your bearings. Paragliding is not hang gliding (framed- • For past photos: Go to Flickr and wing design) or parasailing (a parachute). search for “Rat Race Paragliding.” This (4) It is not as dangerous as it looks as — A P O L O G I E S — URL will get you started: flickr.com/ long as the paraglider avoids bad weather search/?text=rat%20race%20paragliding. conditions. But Norm admits that, if your Melvin Guches, younger brother of the late Chuck Guches, Norm explains that the event is judged gear fails, the thing to do is “throw your should have been mentioned in the obituary that ran in the spring Applegater. by several criteria, including hitting laundry [reserve parachute]…and pray.” We apologize for the omission. waypoints, coming in first to the goal David Dobbs location, and not jumping the start [email protected] 4 Summer 2017 Applegater •••BIZbits••• Dress up for the The Good Earth Organics Supply. Good Earth Organics operates southern Oregon’s McKee Bridge largest premium soil-manufacturing yards and two full-service gardening supply stores. For over a decade they have served the Centennial Celebration Illinois Valley, and now they are excited to open a new location in Murphy. All soil ingredients are locally sourced and tested We sure hope this isn’t to insure the highest quality blends. The knowledgeable staff the first you’ve heard about at Good Earth Organics will happily help you with all your McKee Bridge’s first Centennial gardening and soil needs. 6891 Williams Highway, Murphy Celebration, but if so, check out • 541-592-4855 • thegoodearthorganics.com. the cover of the spring Applegater • • • (applegater.org) for the details. Spa E’vie. Pamper yourself at Spa E’vie. Esthetician Cheri Veritch and masseuse Then dig into the back of the Suzie Wagner blend their talents to create unique skin care and body therapies, even closet for those old fashions from wildcrafting organic potions for special treatments. Spa E’vie back in 1917 and come on out has an infrared sauna, a Zen Den (salt room), and a recently on Saturday, June 10, dressed for added special pedicure area and boutique hair salon, open the occasion and the time period. by appointment. With this recipe for success, it’s no wonder Prizes will be awarded Spa E’vie just celebrated their fifth anniversary! Applegater throughout the event for those readers receive a 15 percent discount with this BizBit. who dress up for it. You don’t 550 SW 6th Street, Suite E, Grants Pass • 541-479-3176 • want to miss it! grantspass-dayspa.com. For more information, contact Paul Tipton at 541- BizBits highlights businesses new to the area, holding special events, or offering new products. If you are a 846-7501 or mckeebridge1917@ business owner, let us know when you move into the area or to a different location, hold a special event, expand gmail.com. your business, or mark a milestone. Email Shelley Manning at [email protected]. BOOK REVIEWS IBM and that first identified the Jews Up Sterling Creek of Kerby, Oregon, with tales of juvenile the Holocaust in Germany. Without a Paddle derring-do, as well as reminiscences of After staring at this interesting relatives. (Due out soon is Edwin Black machine for an hour, Black Paul Fattig another book, Madstone, about Paul’s turned to his parents and draft-dodging uncles hiding out in the Is there anyone who hasn’t promised them that he’d If you’re a long-time resident and read Kalmiopsis area during World War I.) heard of the Holocaust? find out more. It took him the Medford Mail Tribune, you may be Several generations of his family get a When Germany liquidated years, with the assistance familiar with Paul Fattig’s writing—punny, thorough examination, counterpointed six million Jews along with of more than one hundred loquacious, and nostalgic about the history with tales of the new generation, the gypsies, homosexuals, and different people in America of the land and people (and critters) of combined children of Paul and his ever- whomever else they deemed and Europe, to gather 20,000 the Applegate Valley and all suffering wife. undesirable? pages of information to put things local. You’ll find that Building or restoring a I’ve heard of folks who the puzzle together. and more in this memoir of house has destroyed many believe that the Holocaust never happened. In his book, Black lays out the history a late-in-life move by Paul a marriage, and the charred They may be the same folks who believe of IBM, founded in 1896 by Herman and his wife, Maureen, to a eyesore the Fattigs started with that the earth is flat, the sun rotates around Hollerith, a German inventor, as a census- long-abandoned property near could have dissolved several the earth, the moon landing was staged, tabulating company. He also tells of the long-abandoned town marriages. In the end, this is and aliens live inside Mount Shasta. Thomas Watson’s history, which shows of Sterlingville. It seems to partly a love story as we follow They should read Edwin Black’s book. It him to be a very calculating, self-absorbed, me that Paul is “recovering” these childhood sweethearts sheds a blinding light on the Holocaust and power-hungry, money-grabbing predator. from the constraints of print through all the trials and International Business Machine’s (IBM) Hitler had personally awarded Watson journalism and enjoying tribulations of creating “a silk involvement with the Nazis. In addition the highest medal that the Nazis had the freedom of “real-life” purse from a sow’s ear.” It’s to being an author, Edwin Black has been for a non-German, the Merit Cross of journalism. a testimony to their mutual an investigative journalist who specializes the German Eagle with the star, due to His lively storytelling combines his commitment that they seem to come in corporate misconduct. Watson’s “Promethean gift of punch card journal of years spent rehabilitating the through all the hard times by finding the This is one of the most amazing books technology that enabled the Reich to burned-out cabin, in which he and his wife humor in almost any situation. Neither that I have ever read on corruption. achieve undreamed of efficiencies both in now live, with a generous dose of digging, ghosts nor rattlesnakes nor midnight IBM, one of America’s once-greatest its rearmament program and its war against literally, into local history—like the old strangers at the door seem to keep these corporations, now has me thinking that the Jews [and] for his refusal to join the mine adit and ancient vehicle graveyards two from enjoying their piece of paradise the words “corporation” and “corruption” chorus of strident anti-Nazi boycotters and on the property. His grandparents once up Sterling Creek, still looking for that might be one and the same. Even worse is isolators and instead open a commercial lived in the Applegate. He weaves in #**&!^ paddle. If you like local history, that Black uncovered many other American corridor the Reich could still navigate.” references to lots of dogs and cats and the you need to read this book. corporations that aided the Nazis. The medal ranked second in prestige only interconnected lives of people living and Paul Tipton • [email protected] Can you guess why? Money! Thomas to Hitler’s German Grand Cross. working together in the rural canyons of Full disclosure: This reviewer was employed S. Watson, IBM’s chairman at that time, When America went to war with the Applegate River drainage. by the Fattigs during their cabin restoration. was dreaming of trainloads of money, while Germany, Watson was torn about what A strong sense of family is evident His name is noted in the book, and his picture Hitler had other plans for his trains. to do with his pride and joy that Hitler throughout, from Paul’s upbringing (well, is in the centerfold photos. But it is a good What got Black interested in IBM’s had bestowed on him. When he asked his his parents attempted it) in the little town book. Honest. Read it. —PT connection to Hitler and his Nazi killing friend President Franklin D. Roosevelt, regime was a 1993 visit with his parents to Roosevelt told Watson to return it. (If the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Roosevelt had only known about the Why we care Washington, DC. Both of Black’s parents ongoing connection between Watson The creek sounds swirl and dance behind me. I lie on a fallen tree in the dead heat of were Holocaust survivors from the same and Hitler!) Reluctantly, Watson sent his summer. The air is still clear in mid-July, for the fires have not yet started. The trickles camp in Poland. His mother managed to trophy back to Hitler, but he made sure and splashes that lull me suddenly transpose into footsteps and snapping twigs; a person escape from a boxcar on a train headed that the Nazis had the IBM tabulating is present, but I do not jump or startle. I get up with ease to greet him, a familiar stranger to Treblinka, a camp in Poland where machine and the cards to feed it until the with a loyal hound. I do not feel threatened or worried because this is a community. Two years later, I find myself on a winding trail deep in the public lands surrounding Mark Winningham text tk people were immediately exterminated by end of the war. The cards were especially gas chamber. Unfortunately, she was shot important because they enabled the Nazis my home. The wildflowers, some taller than my own waist, have erupted over the marshy while escaping and buried in a shallow to be extremely efficient in identifying landscape surrounding the mountain lakes that attracted me to the site. For all of my mass grave. Jews, keeping their trains running with hike, I am alone and see no sign of any other humans. It isn’t until the dusk is greeting Black’s father had escaped earlier from phenomenal precision, and keeping track the day on my way back to the trailhead that I hear a commotion. In the distance I am a guarded line of Jews. Afterward, he saw a of troop movements. able to make out two daughters and two fathers with armloads of sleeping bags and leg protruding out of the snow from a mass IBM and the Holocaust is better than any small camping supplies. Smiling, I thought of how wonderfully fortunate we are to live grave. The leg belonged to Black’s mother, spy book. I can’t recommend it enough. In in a place where children are raised so close to nature and where we feel safe enough to and she was still very much alive. He pulled fact, I think some of the information about bring our children to remote places such as this. her out, and together they managed to IBM should be taught in any class about We trust and love and gather. We are drawn together by the splendors of nature that evade the Nazis hunting for them. World War II. surround us in our small valley. Our home is what links us together. I feel just as safe with On the day of the Black family’s While the Holocaust would have the people I meet at Williams Creek or on the Bigelow Lakes Trail as I do with my own visit to the Holocaust museum, the first happened with or without IBM, the family because we have an understanding. We respect the land and respect each other; display they saw was an IBM Hollerith number of people murdered would never to be stewards of our environment is to be stewards to ourselves. May we continue to D-11 card-sorting machine. The only have approached six million without its see our community flourish with trust, and let us never forget the interconnectedness explanation attached was that it was used support of Germany. of our natural and social environments. by the Nazis to organize the 1933 census J.D. Rogers • 541-846-7736 Chloe Lindgren • [email protected] Applegater Summer 2017 5

~ FINE PRINT ~ HANKS WHO WE ARE A huge T to the generous donors The Applegate Valley Community Poetry Corner who recently contributed Newspaper, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the publication to the Applegater. of the Applegater newsmagazine, which, Summertime and the we feel, reflects the heart and soul of our Living ain’t so Easy PATRON Anonymous (3), Jacksonville, OR community. Linda Althouse, Grants Pass, OR by H. Ni Aodagain Zephyr Fund at Schwab Charitable, Our Mission San Francisco, CA Judith Ano The Applegate Valley Community SUSTAINER Lisa Baldwin, Grants Pass, OR Newspaper, Inc. (AVCN), provides the On the West Coast Tracy Lamblin, Jacksonville, OR Josette Beckman many rural and diverse communities of the Applegate Watershed with a we battle apocalyptic waves CONTRIBUTOR Kelley Brandeau, Williams, OR communications vehicle, the Applegater of fire, water, and earth Drummond & Deborah Rennie, Jan Buur, Santa Barbara, CA newsmagazine, free of charge to all Jacksonville, OR David & Barbara Calahan, watershed residents. Our quarterly Forests burn the length of Oregon SUPPORTER Jacksonville, OR paper presents constructive, relevant, and California Anonymous, Applegate, OR Dennis & Barbara Crawford, educational and entertaining reports on the streets of L.A. seep with water Anonymous, Grants Pass, OR Williams, OR a wide variety of subjects such as: and all of us wait Anonymous, Williams, OR Merridy & Glen Cross, Williams, OR n natural resources for the big one Steve Armitage Jr, Ashland, OR Devitt Winery, Applegate, OR n ecology and other Larry & Shannon Buscho, Theodore D. Eckert, Jacksonville, OR science information Lorraine & Lynn Levitt, Williams, OR n historical and current events the great quake Applegate, OR n community news and opinions that lies asleep under Ken & Jan Chapman, Applegate, OR Billie Jean McCurdy, Litchfield Park, AZ AVCN encourages and publishes the Cascadian Subduction Zone Marvin & Evelyn Crawford, Jean Mount, Grants Pass, OR differing viewpoints and, through the Applegate, OR Mike Nelson, Grants Pass, OR Applegater newsmagazine, acts as a that two centuries ago Richard & Thelma Goodnough, Mary Saxton-Dunn, Brookings, OR clearinghouse for this diverse community. swallowed villages whole Applegate, OR Martha Shonkwiler, Grants Pass, OR We are dedicated to working together like the yawning mouth Bonnie Grant, Medford, OR Jeanette Stobie, Applegate, OR with community members to maintain of a mammoth whale Connie Harris, Grants Pass, OR Marla Stoner, Applegate, OR and enhance the quality of life that is Teresa Hopkins J. Wood, Grants Pass, OR unique to the Applegate Watershed. while in Baltimore, Ferguson Jim & Kathleen Moore, Jacksonville, OR Acknowledgements and Henderson, James & Peggy Olson, Grants Pass, OR The Applegater newsmagazine is Chicago and Cincinnati, Pennington Farms, Grants Pass, OR Advertisers! published quarterly by the Applegate black men and women Mike & Liv Schneider, Grants Pass, OR Valley Community Newspaper, Inc., and fight for their lives Pete & Shelly Smith, Grants Pass, OR We can help you reach your is funded by donations from our loyal in jail cells, on corners, Sunshine Properties, Inc., market. The Applegater is the only readers and advertisements for local selling cigarettes Jacksonville, OR newsmagazine covering the entire businesses. from the back of a paddy wagon Ted and Mary Warrick, Grants Pass, OR Special thanks to Diana Coogle, Applegate Valley. and lose Steven & Priscilla Weaver, With a circulation of 11,000 and a Margaret della Santina, H. Ni Aodagain, Jacksonville, OR and Paul Tipton for copy editing; Diana *** readership of more than 20,000, we cover And it is the writer who SPONSOR Coogle, Kathy Kliewer, Mikell Nielsen, Jacksonville, Ruch, Applegate, Williams, speaks the truth, names Anonymous Debbie and Don Tollefson, and Paul Murphy, Wilderville, Wonder, Jerome the falsehoods, Anonymous (3), Applegate, OR Tipton for proofing; Karan Dump for Prairie, and areas of Medford and Grants bookkeeping; and Webmaster Joe uncovers the lies Anonymous, Corvallis, OR Lavine. Anonymous (2), Grants Pass, OR Pass. Board of Directors but now, in post post-capitalist For more information, contact: Diana Coogle, Chair Amerika Help us ensure that we have the Ron Turpen • 541-601-1867 Shelley Manning, Secretary the writer is told, ongoing support needed to publish [email protected] Chris Bratt, Treasurer “create a following,” David Dobbs, Assistant Treasurer the Applegater. All contributions are look into the magic box Barbara Holiday tax-deductible and receive recognition Next deadline: Debbie Tollefson and count the number of “likes” in the Applegater. August 1 Don Tollefson you get, before your voice is heard. J.D. Rogers (Honorary) Patron $1,000+ Editorial Committee Revolution is too strong a word Sustainer $500 - $999 Editorial Calendar Chris Bratt and has lost its meaning Contributor $200 - $499 ISSUE DEADLINE Tom Carstens for those busy Supporter $50 - $199 Barbara Holiday, Editor checking their Facebook Sandy Shaffer Sponsor $5 - $49 FALL (Sept - Nov)...... August 1 *** Agriculture-Wine Greeley Wells Never mind that Please make your checks payable to Rauno Perttu (Honorary) WINTER (Dec - Feb)...... November 1 the bees are dying and Applegater and mail to: Holiday-Arts All articles, stories, opinions and we might run out of food P.O. Box 14 SPRING (March - May)....February 1 letters that appear in the Applegater Jacksonville, OR 97530 Commerce-Community are the property and opinion of the Never mind that, SUMMER (June - Aug)....May 1 author, and not necessarily that of the instead of talking about Donors: We strive to ensure that our Environment-Fire- Applegater or AVCN. the 9.8 billion people the earth donor list is accurate. Please contact Recreation will need to support by 2050, us if there are errors or omissions. PROTECTION OF we should be providing basic COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL contraception to the women All materials submitted for publication Masthead photo credit PERSONAL MAILING LABEL must pertain to the Applegate Valley, be of the world free of charge, paid for One year: $14.99 Teya Jacobi took this photo at the original (no reprinted articles, please), by their local government Two years: $24.99 and be the intellectual property of the Middle Fork of the Applegate River, a Mail us a check or pay online at author unless otherwise credited. Are these radical ideas? You betcha popular swimming area. www.applegater.org. All articles submitted to the Applegater ’cause the last elephants/tigers/lions Thanks again, Teya! are subject to edit and publication at the are being slaughtered newsmagazine’s discretion and as space by rich white men who deem it allows. When too many articles are their right to hang trophies submitted to include in any one issue, on the walls of their den Inside the Gater some articles may be placed on our website or held until the following issue. *** A view worthy of a trail: East ART progress...... 23 and the Animas River Letters to the editor must be 450 Behind the Green Door: Make America green again...... 19 words or less. Opinion pieces and turned toxic orange from a federal articles cannot exceed 700 words. agency “screw up” Bird Explorer: The elusive barn owl...... 11 Community calendar submissions must Camping is trendier than ever...... 15 be brief. and it didn’t snow All photos submitted must be high in Ketchikan, Alaska Cantrall Buckley Park news...... 10 resolution (300 dpi) or “large format” last winter (e.g., 30” x 40”). If you have questions, Dirty Fingernails and All: It’s not all smoke...... 9 email [email protected]. and half the population Grape Talk: Red grape leaves are pretty but...... 16 Photos submitted for the masthead are on a volunteer basis. Credit is given of this country, the greatest Hippy communes revisited, Part 2...... 14 nation on earth, in the issue in which it appears on our Nonprofit News and Updates...... 7 website and on our Facebook page. buys their clothes at Goodwill, All submissions for the next issue Opinions...... 17 - 20 must be received at gater@applegater. See SUMMERTIME, page 21 org by the deadline. River Right: Big numbers...... 18 6 Summer 2017 Applegater

— Applegate Library — — Josephine Community Libraries —

The silent auction at Applegate Library • Wednesday, July 12, 11 am - 1 pm. John Williams branch weekly storytime The Summer Reading Program is was a great community event that raised Jackson will be here to show the kids how Bring the whole family to children’s free and offered during regular library over $600. A huge thank-you to the to build small motors. storytime at 3:30 pm every Wednesday hours at all four branches. Funding for Applegate School Class of ’65 and to all the • Wednesday, July 19, 11 am - 1 pm. at the Williams branch of Josephine the Children’s Summer Reading Program generous donations from the community. Allie Parkin will give another class on clay Community Libraries. is made possible by the Oregon State Money from this event makes it possible pot creations. Build a Better World: Library Ready to Read Grant. For more for the Friends of Applegate Library to • Friday, July 28, 2:30 - 4:30 pm. Create 2017 Summer Reading Program information, call your nearest library schedule classes and programs throughout a wire sculpture with Thalia Truesdell. June 24 - August 5 branch, email [email protected], the summer. • Wednesday, August 9, 12 - 2 pm. Create Families are invited to join the free or visit josephinelibrary.org. I recently had the privilege of attending a fairy/mini garden scene in a small pot or Summer Reading Program at any of the Bugs-R-Us at the Williams branch the Oregon Library Association conference container. All items will be provided; just four branches of Josephine Community Save the date for Bugs-R-Us at the in Salem. What an event! It was exciting bring your imagination. Libraries in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, library this summer! Bugs-R-Us will to see the many young librarians who are Spots are limited so be sure to call the Williams, or Wolf Creek. visit the Williams branch of Josephine serving in the state of Oregon. I am very Applegate Library and get your name on Children ages birth through 12 years Community Libraries from 2 to 3 pm hopeful for our next generation of readers the list. old can enjoy creative crafts and storytelling on Wednesday, July 12, to offer a free and leaders. The three most exciting Other community events scheduled in sessions and play “reading bingo” for program highlighting the life cycles of rare classes I attended were “Understanding our meeting room are: special prizes. butterflies and moths from all over the Our Patrons’ Needs,” “Author Talk with • Sangha Meditation on Mondays Teens can earn a weekly raffle ticket world. No registration required. Maggie Stiefvater,” and “Playing Well through Thursdays from 6 - 7 am. for each book read and the chance to win The library is located at 20695 with Others.” These classes really opened • Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays a $50 gift certificate to Oregon Books and Williams Highway and is open Tuesdays, my eyes about ways to better serve the from 8:30 - 9:30 am. Games every week. Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 1 to 5 community. • Knitting on Tuesdays at 2 pm. Parents who attend with their children pm. For more information about Williams School will soon be out and Summer • “Talk Story” with David and Malcolm every week have a chance to win a $100 Branch Library, contact manager Evelyn Reading will begin. There are lots of other Kennedy on the second Saturday of each gift card to Fred Meyer at the end of the Roether at 541-846-7020 or eroether@ activities, too, so be sure to check them out. month at 7 pm. reading program. josephinelibrary.org. The following programs are sponsored by For more information, contact branch the Friends of Applegate Library and are lead Lisa Martin at 541-846-7346 or free to the public: [email protected]. — Friends of Ruch Library — We had just moved Whether you are new to the to our new home in the community, want to hang — Ruch Library — upper Applegate when my out with interesting people, We now have hot-off-the-press books Join John Jackson as he takes us on a virtual husband, Curt, announced find you have more time to for you! These books, available to our tour of the wildlife just outside our door. that he had signed me up give back to the community, patrons in Ruch, are not holdable, so kiss This is his newest program. for volunteering at the or are looking for a way to that 74th place on the waiting list good- • Thursday, August 3: Build a Village, A-frame Bookstore next to offer community service as bye! Hooray! 1 - 4 pm drop-in for all ages. Build part Ruch Library. You did what, a part of your educational It has been a delight having the of a cardboard village or city to grace the where, when? plan (yes, we even have high- kindergarteners and seventh- and eighth- library for a month, and then take your Yes, I love books and school students, who will grade Ruch School students at the library part of the creation home. libraries. Yes, I believe strongly in receive community service credit!), please every week this year. This is why we chose • Saturday, August 5: Cairns, 1:30 - 3:30 community service. Yes, I have volunteered consider joining us. Opportunities are this property next to the school, and the pm. Teen program for ages 12 - 19. Build with Friends of the Library in several plentiful—be a part of the FORL (we get children’s library skills and interest attest to a personal rock cairn and paint it bright communities. Yes, I was looking forward together monthly), work two-hour shifts its success. We hope to see you all during colors. to being a part of our new community. at the A-frame (lots of time to read great the summer! • Tuesday, August 8: Flashlights from an Knowing this, Curt spoke with volunteers books!), help with library programs, or Summer at Ruch Library will be a lively Altoids Tin (STEM Program), 1 - 2 pm for from Friends of Ruch Library (FORL) take part in our seasonal book sales while time as we all strive to “Build a Better ages 8+. Children under age 12 must be while visiting Buncom Day festivities when enjoying community celebrations. World.” In addition to eight scheduled accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration I was out of town. So…what could I say? To join us, drop us a note at the Ruch programs, we will have Legos available at required. John Jackson will teach you how I jumped in! Library, stop by the A-frame Bookstore, all other times. And what could be better to create a flashlight out of an Altoids tin. It has been a fantastic experience or come to our September board meeting! than all the books, computers, movies, Ruch Library is open Tuesdays from 10 that began with volunteering at the Peggy Mekemson, President audiobooks, and magazines we always have am to 5 pm, Thursdays from 1 to 7 pm, A-frame Bookstore and working with Friends of Ruch Library for you? Though we are a small branch, we and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm. The Thalia Truesdell, Ruch Library manager, [email protected] are mighty! Don’t forget we have access to library is located at 7919 Highway 238. then moving on to become president of Note: The A-frame Bookstore, located across all the materials in the whole system and For more information, contact branch FORL. Meeting like-minded people in the parking lot from Ruch Library, is open are happy to order from other branches for manager Thalia Truesdell at 541-899-7438 our community, who soon became friends, Tuesdays and Saturdays 12 to 4 pm, and your convenience. or [email protected]. and admiring the talents and enthusiasm of Thursdays 1 to 5 pm.Bring this article • Saturday, June 24: Little Dresses for an incredible community have been a joy. on your next visit, and we will treat you Africa, 11 am - 3 pm drop-in. Ages It is our hope that more community to a book of your choice (most books 8+. Children ages 8 - 10 must be members will join us as volunteers. included)! accompanied by an adult. Bring a gently used pillowcase(s) to be turned into a dress for a girl in Africa or an adult t-shirt to become a pair of shorts for a boy. Trim will Voices of the Applegate be available. We need people to iron, cut, and pin, while the owners of the sewing Concerts machines work their magic. (Thread, trim, Voices of the Applegate, our community choir, concluded its spring session and pillowcase donations are welcome!) with two spectacular performances. The first was an evening concert held in the • Thursday, June 29: Wire Sculpture, Old Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville on April 7, and the second was held in the 1 - 5 pm drop-in for ages 4+. Let your afternoon of April 9 at the Applegate River Lodge on Highway 238 in Applegate. imagination go wild with colorful The program consisted of a variety of music from around the world, including telephone wire. (Any bendable wire France, Russia, Ireland, and Armenia, as well as our own American Midwest. We donations are welcome!) took the audience with us on this adventure, and the performances brought joy • Saturday, July 15: Wood Sculpture, to all who attended. noon - 3 pm drop-in for all ages. Scrap Williams Elementary School “Fashion Re- Directed by Hope Harrison, Voices of the Applegate is comprised of about 25 wood and tacky glue offer unlimited invention” winners Ava and Stella Spliethof community members of all ages. New members are always welcome to join. No possibilities for building. with Southern Oregon Sanitation representative audition is required, only a love of music. There is a charge of $55 per person for • Saturday, July 22: Give Someone a Shea Sigafoos. The Spliethof sisters’ “Spring each fall and spring session. Hand, 11:30 am - 3:30 pm drop-in for is in Bloom” entry used wood, old nails, and The next session begins in early September, with rehearsals from 7 to 8:30 ages 6+. Stitch around your traced hand tin cans to create shelving for plants. Placing pm every Wednesday for 12 weeks, and ends with two concert performances in and create a special keepsake. second was Harley Scott’s “Red Buccaneer,” November. • Tuesday, July 25: Wildlife of the and in third place was Elijah Reyes’s “Futuristic For more information, call Joan Peterson at 541-846-6988. Siskiyou Mountains, 1 - 2 pm for all ages. Flower.” (See more information on page 22.) Applegater Summer 2017 7 NONPROFIT NEWS AND UPDATES — Applegate ACCESS Food Pantry — — SMART — Applegate ACCESS Food Pantry tables, please be mindful of others who are We have now wrapped up the SMART operates out of the back of Ruch School behind you—some have large families and (Start Making A Reader Today) program cafeteria on Mondays from 9:30 - 11:00 need more food or are picking up a box for for the 2016-2017 school year. The goal am, except holidays and when school is neighbors who are unable to come to the of SMART is to get children enthusiastic in session. pantry themselves. about reading. When you come to the pantry, Please help us in thanking Ruch I started as a SMART volunteer at remember that you are on school grounds, Country Store for their weekly donations, the beginning of the 2016 school year. so please observe the speed limit and no- and be kind to our volunteers. It wouldn’t I wasn’t totally sure what I was getting smoking regulation. be possible to run the pantry without these myself into, but, simply speaking, it was If you bring your kids, keep them with dedicated folks. an exceptionally rewarding experience, you; please don’t let them wander. When For more information, contact manager, and I can’t wait to do it again. To see the you are taking food that is on the dock or Charlotte Knott, at 541-899-8381. kids’ faces each week and watch the kids grow throughout the year was priceless. I Applegate School SMART volunteers, from left passed along the idea of joining SMART to right, Kathy Kliewer, Fred Hall, Jean Hall, — Summer at Pacifica — to some good friends, and they became Babette Rapp, Seana Hodge, and hooked as well. Rich Halsted. (Steve Rapp not pictured.) New Caterpillar. Thanks to activity stations (birds, insects, tracking, The process of becoming a SMART contributors and supporters, a new and many more over the next three years) volunteer at Applegate School, where I progress. As the year progressed, he started Caterpillar science trailer will be ready for on the Caterpillar’s Outdoor Discovery volunteered (Ruch and Williams schools identifying more and more words, and his action in fall 2017. Thank you all! Trail are finished. The trail will center also have programs), was exceptionally confidence improved substantially. At the Birds and wildflowers. Bird and around Friendship Pond, and each station simple. I contacted our coordinator, end of each month, and at other special wildflower identification sheets, hung at (like those in the Caterpillar) will have one filled out a short background check times, each student can take home a book all the kiosks, will help you learn more to four hands-on activities. The stations are and application, and attended a brief to keep. about and enjoy the great trails at Pacifica. available free for budding naturalists and orientation at the school. Then came what (This is where I make my pitch, so Take these learning guides on the trails scientists and their families. There will be I thought would be the hard part: meeting please read on.) with you and then return them to any nine different and special Summer Day the kids and getting them interested in We still have students who would kiosk or the office when your hike is Camps (see list on page 8). reading. It wasn’t hard! The students have benefit from the SMART program, and it done. Enjoy! The multitude of wildflowers Gardens need volunteers. over 100 books to pick from. It was always would be great if we had more volunteers. that bless Pacifica’s trails come in three Work is also progressing on fun to watch them browse before making This program does require a one-hour- waves: early spring, late spring, and early a Fragrant Labyrinth Garden and a selection. a-week commitment on days school is summer…which is right about now. So go the Pollinator Garden. The more hands Okay, so if you have read this far I’m in session. Also “life happens,” and the for a hike or horse ride or dog walk, and that are involved, however, the faster and guessing you’re thinking, “But you have SMART volunteer may have to miss a day you might see mule’s ears, monkey flowers, more fun the work goes. to teach them to read, and that’s hard!” I or two. No problem. We can work it out. cat’s ears, pussy-toes, coyote mint—a If you would like to put a few hours had similar thoughts before I volunteered, All right, if you have read all of this, whole zoo-full of flowers! into these or other projects, the monthly but learning to read becomes the natural I’m hoping you can join us next year. For New for horseback riders. Thanks Volunteer Day is the third Sunday of each by-product of the enthusiasm. When I Applegate School please contact Seana to Kay Johnson and her Brushrider friends, month from 9 am to noon or whatever read with my assigned students, I focus on Hodge at 541-660-8317 or shodge@ there are new trails (up to seven miles works for you. understanding their body language. One siskiyou.com. For other schools just long), new trail signs, and a picnic table Have a great summer—spend some of boy is a fantastic reader, but sometimes contact the main office, and I guarantee under a tree at the far side of the property. it enjoying Pacifica! he wants to take a break and have me they will help you out. For those unsure, New for budding scientists- Peg Prag read the story. I believe this gives him the contact me at [email protected], and naturalists. The first three of 10 to 20 [email protected] chance to focus on the pictures and use I’ll be glad to share more of my experience. his imagination rather than just reading Thanks to all the SMART readers who out loud. Having me read also enables are certainly making a difference in our — Rotary Club of Jacksonville-Applegate — conversations about what is happening community! in the story. My other student is just Rich Halsted Rotarians have been at work improving feet in the mountains of Nevada waiting learning to read and has made significant [email protected] the lives of young people in the area. A for the spring melt so it can be retrieved recent effort of the club was the delivery and its data analyzed. Help support the Applegater of dictionaries to third graders at Ruch, In our ongoing support of the by purchasing these unique items! Jacksonville, and Madrone Trail Schools. playground renovation at Cantrall Buckley Educators see third grade as the dividing Park, the Rotary Club has pledged $1,000 Book. From the Heart of the Applegate anthology of original essays, line between learning to read and reading toward the final renovation of the RV park. poems, and short stories contributed by Applegate Valley writers in support to learn. Teachers help students learn to use The Jacksonville-Applegate Rotary of the Applegater. Available now for $16 at Amazon.com and applegater.org; their personal dictionaries to become good Club meets each Thursday morning from Applegate Valley Realty, Jacksonville; Bloomsbury Books, Ashland; Oregon writers, active readers, and resourceful 7 to 8 am at Bella Union Restaurant, Books, Grants Pass; and Terra Firma, Jacksonville. learners. 170 West California Street, Jacksonville. The club provided financial support Please join us to hear interesting speakers Beautiful planters built with donated local wood to help Cub Scouts Pack 17 launch a and learn about our upcoming projects to Planter. and volunteer labor. See these useful and long-lasting “Applecrates” weather balloon in April as part of their better our community and the world. at Applegate Valley Realty, 935 N. Fifth Street, Jacksonville. A stock STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, For more information about the Rotary planter box, 12” wide x 22” long x 14” deep, starts at $40. For more and Math) training. The balloon reached Club, contact Peggy Carlaw at 805-801- information, call Chris Bratt at 541-846-6988. 60,000 feet and is now lodged at 8,800 3882 or [email protected].

Visit the A-Frame Bookstore @ Ruch Library Upper Applegate Road A-Frame Ruch Used books from $1 to $1.50 Library Tuesdays 12 - 4 Thursdays 1 - 5 Saturdays 12 - 4 Managed by Friends of Ruch Library. Highway 238 Join us! 8 miles from Jacksonville 8 Summer 2017 Applegater

THE STARRY SIDE Philosophically speaking BY GREELEY WELLS

My love for the night sky, which came Even though it to me as a child through a grandmother is only five stars, figure (a story I’ve told before in this it is clearly—to Greeley Wells column), is deeply ingrained in me. me at least—a Now that I’ve taken up video work, I’m dolphin capturing movies of the moon, clouds, jumping over a wave on the surface of the trees, sometimes a star or planet, sunsets, ocean. Even though I don’t see the ocean, and other sky-related images. I’m up at all my mind fills it in. Maybe it’s part of the hours noticing things; I often suddenly Milky Way? Anyway, it’s a constellation run outside in the middle of the night that I always look for and enjoy. I hope with the camera and tripod in order not you find in it the same little treat, a little to miss some colorful dance the moon is nighttime gift. doing. These images are finding their way Of note into my films (see greeleyandfriends.com). That brightest of all “stars” in the south It’s what the unaided eye sees that is the planet Jupiter, beyond the arch of fascinates and intrigues me and that I try to the Big Dipper’s handle. Venus is now a capture in my video images. When I look morning star, a real treat for early risers, at the night sky, I realize that I am looking especially when a crescent moon is in the at what the whole human race has been east, too. Early risers may also be lucky looking at during its entire existence. It’s enough to catch a glimpse of little Mercury hard to explain how connected I feel with low in the pre-dawn sky. that sense of history and with my fellow The modest Delta Aquarid meteor man and woman across time, place, and Illustration from stellarium.org. shower gets as big as it gets on July 28. Your culture. I can’t be out in the night without best chance of seeing it is pre-dawn. The looking up and feeling that connection. already coming up in the east. It will soon look. This constellation is Aquila, the eagle. wonderful, strong, and predictable Perseids Looking at the sky, I am sharing the be the primary celestial object of summer, Just outside the large Summer Triangle is are visible many nights around their peak lifetime of humanity. That warm feeling merged and mingling with the beautiful a smaller triangle composed of Aquila the on August 12. They are a must-see. of fellowship and commonality with spread of the Milky Way. In the east, the eagle, Delphinus the dolphin, and the little Here’s to clear, dark night skies and humanity gives me great joy and peace. I’m last rising part of the Summer Triangle is arrow called Sagitta. bright stars for you. so grateful for that beautiful spread of solar the bright star, Altar. (I’ve put some lines There are so many wonderful Greeley Wells • [email protected] and cosmic things over our heads at night. on the illustration to help you see what I’m constellations out there—about 80 in (I love hearing from you!) This season describing here.) total. This season, one of my favorites is the Note: Don’t miss the total eclipse on Monday, Summer is upon us. As early as April, by Stars on either side of Altar make an dolphin, Delphinus. My love for Delphinus August 21. For more information, see my the time I go to bed the Summer Triangle is almost three-in-a-row, Orion’s beltish comes from how “real” it looks and feels. “Starry Side” in the Fall 2016 Applegater.

play outside in the sun, and focus on fun to take home. Teachers: Mary Collins, Sign up for Pacifica Summer Day Camps crafts inside. Teachers: Serene Dussell, Shauna Sorce. Give your kids a summer to remember! yoga instructors, this camp is sure to Heidi Carlson. Creativity Camp: Makin’ Magic, Community experts are teaching their create lasting memories, new friendships, Theater Camp: Dramatic Adventures, August 14 - 17 (ages 6 - 14). Bring your skills and specialties to our youth! Join us and a foundation for health and well- July 24 - 27 (ages 8 - 18). Young actors playful spirit for a fun week of creating for a wide range of exciting day camps at being. Teachers: Clair Highfield RYT, Allee of all skill levels are welcome. Join local from scratch. We will use a variety of Pacifica, 14615 Water Gap Road (2.3 miles Gus RYT250. experts in discovering the wonderful materials, including recycled items, to from Highway 238, near Williams). Classic Camp: A Variety of Fun, world of the stage! The focus will be on make original creations. The possibilities Each camp runs Monday through July 10 - 13 (ages 6 - 10). Summer days improvisation, theatre games, and group- are endless as we use our imagination, the Thursday from 9 am to 2 pm. See dates filled with arts and crafts, songs, outdoor building activities that help support inspiration of nature, and the support of below. The cost is $150. Scholarships are games, nature activities, and more! If you building self-confidence and collaboration each other to produce daily creations to available, as well as discounts for siblings love to create, play, sing, and explore, skills! Shane has over 20 years of experience keep for ourselves or share with others. and for multiple camp sign ups. this is the perfect camp for you. Join us! working in theatre as a performer, director, Teachers: Patty Goodin, Mary Collins. Yoga Camp: Playful Practice, June Teachers: Patty Goodin, Leah Markman. and producer. Teachers: Shane Skinner, Camp Botanica: Plant Fairies of 26 - 29 (ages 6 - 12). Kids, summer, and Summer Fun: Sewing Camp, July Madeline DeCourcey. Pacifica, August 21 – 24 (ages 5 - 9). Join yoga: a great combination! Through a 17 - 20 (ages 8 - 14). Join us for four days Rock Band Camp: Jammin’, July Ms. Dandelion for a week of exploring combination of yoga poses, games, themed of fun learning how to sew. Students will 31 - August 3 (ages 8 - 14). Students will plants from a fairy’s perspective. If you were craft projects and relaxation time, kids work on basic hand and machine-sewing learn the mechanics of song writing, live a fairy, how would you use a mullein leaf? If will be able to strengthen their bodies, skills. There will a number of fun activities stage performance, and production, and you were an elf, what plants would you use minds, and spirits. Taught by two local that will help build on these skills, time to write at least one original piece to perform as medicine for a bee sting? Plant-related at the end of camp! Teacher Brian Risling stories, songs, games, and creative projects is a professional educator and musician will weave together this playful week. with extensive stage experience; Frankie Teachers: Lauren Kemple, Alexa Trost. Hernandez is a professional musician. Connecting with Nature Camp: Spring has Students will view Pacifica’s recording Ancestral Awareness, August 28 – 31 (ages studio, originally built by Steve Miller, and 6 - 12). Connect with your inner wild record a track there with Grammy-award- child and learn to walk in balance and Sprung! winning engineer Dennis Dragon. harmony with the living world. Explore Art Camp: Passion for Paint, August the ponds, creek, and wild areas of Pacifica. Mon - Sat 9 am - 3 pm 7 - 10 (ages 8 - 18). Explore yourself and Campers can learn and practice a variety Serving Grants Pass and the world around you through the medium of primitive and survival skills. This camp of paint. Learn the art principles of color, incorporates storytelling, art, games, "It all starts here." the Applegate Valley contrast, mark making, layering, and and sensory-awareness activities with incorporating “self,” while being inspired ecology, stewardship, and wilderness skills. by nature’s beauty. Set your imagination Teachers: Shauna Sorce, Vanessa Martinez. Home Of The Living Compost free as you play with paint, creating More information: contact Vanessa at Compost • Top Soil • Potting Mix • Greenhouse Mix original drawings, paintings, and creations 541-621-6278 or [email protected]. Red Bark • Bark Mulch • Pumice • Wood Chips Gravel • River Rock • Potting Mix We now carry fully amended soils and toppers! • Mention this ad and get 10% offyour purchase • 541-660-7080 224112 Powell Creek Road, Williams williamsvalleysoilsupply.com Applegater Summer 2017 9 DIRTY FINGERNAILS AND ALL It’s not all smoke BY SIOUX ROGERS

Once a forbidden topic, cannabis all citizens to sow Sioux Rogers now seems appropriate for dinner-table hemp widely. conversation—especially in the Applegate Thomas Jefferson bred improved hemp Valley. If you want to impress your dinner varieties and invented a special brake for companions, here are some interesting crushing the plant’s stems during fiber facts to impart. processing” (farmcollector.com/farm-life/ • In 1997, a hemp rope dating back to strategic-fibers). 26,900 BC was found in Czechoslovakia, • The first hemp laws, passed in 1619, making it the oldest known physical were “must grow” laws. If an American object to be associated with cannabis farmer did not grow hemp, the farmer (mastersoflinen.com/eng/histoire). would be jailed or kicked out of the • Hemp was outlawed in 1937, but country as a non-patriot. saved the life of George Bush Sr. in 1944 • From 1631 until the early 1800s, when he was forced to parachute from his cannabis hemp was legal tender (money) burning military airplane. Fortunately for in most of America (darcfoundation.org/ Mr. Bush, hemp had been brought back history-of-hemp.html). into popularity in 1942 due to numerous • There were an estimated 8,400 hemp military needs, and US-grown cannabis plantations in 1850. hemp had been used to create the webbing • The demise of hemp was cinched in of his parachute. Fire hoses, rigging, and 1937 when Congress passed the Marijuana ropes of the ship that picked up Bush were Tax Law. This was clearly an ill-conceived woven from hemp, and parts of his military Diagram from azmarijuana.com/marijuana-info/what-is-hemp. law, as World War II presented numerous aircraft engine had most likely been needs for hemp, as evidenced above. lubricated with hemp seed oil. Cannabis • Both hemp and marijuana come from oil—is so versatile that it has been used in • Competing industries successfully hemp was also used to stitch military shoes the same cannabis species, but there is clothing and food and as an ingredient in managed numerous smear campaigns, like the ones Bush Sr. wore that day. a major difference between the two: the building material. Hemp paper was also linking marijuana and hemp as one and the levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). used for maps, logs, and even for Bibles same, calling it the “evil weed,” but it was While hemp has virtually no trace of THC, that sailors brought on board ship. the 1936 radical propaganda film,Reefer pot has around 10 percent; some strains of • More than 120,000 pounds of hemp Madness, that was the nail in the coffin of marijuana can have as much as 27 percent. fiber was needed to rig the 44-gun USS cannabis. Another movie, Hemp for Victory, It’s the THC in marijuana that gets people Constitution, America’s oldest navy ship, released in 1942, encouraged patriotic high. Hemp produces a cannabinoid called affectionately called “Old Ironsides.” farmers to re-start their hemp production. CBD, a non-psychoactive component • During the Revolutionary War the Hemp is once again legally being of the cannabis plant that blocks the demand for hemp soared due to its grown in specific states. To verify where high typically associated with marijuana, durability, availability, and natural new legislation is encouraging industrial according to the National Center for resistance to decay. The British colonies cannabis, visit this site: ncsl.org/research/ Biotechnology Information (livescience. were legally required to grow hemp. agriculture-and-rural-development/state- com/24552-what-is-hemp.html). • “Hemp fiber was so important to industrial-hemp-statutes.aspx. • There are over 25,000 uses for hemp the young republic that farmers were Dirty Fingernails and All, according to estimates by The North compelled by patriotic duty to grow it and Sioux Rogers Basket made from hemp American Industrial Hemp Council. were allowed to pay taxes with it. George 541-846-7736 (s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com). Hemp in its entirety—its fiber, seeds, and Washington grew hemp and encouraged dirtyfingernails @fastmail.fm 10 Summer 2017 Applegater

CANTRALL BUCKLEY COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP WE NEED YOUR HELP! When: Wednesday, July 5, from 9 -11 am Where: Meet at first parking lot inside the front gate for team assignments Bring: Community Spirit! Gloves, bags, and grabbers provided, along with snacks and water. See you there! For more information, contact organizer Janis Mohr-Tipton at 541-846-7501. Cantrall Buckley Park news BY JEREMY CRISWELL Let’s start off with a big thank-you to everyone who came out to help with our park cleanup in March. This is a community park, and each of you proved that by showing up, working hard, and making a big difference. The winter snows brought down larger than usual tree debris throughout the park, and the tremendous turnout made short and fun Left photo: The LaFave family--Johnny, Arianna, Brennan, and Michelle-- work of a very big job! We had volunteers raking debris at Cantrall Buckley Park. Right photo: Tom Carstens with the of all ages who came with shovels, rakes, pile of debris collected by over 80 volunteers. wheelbarrows, and trailers from not only Ruch and Applegate, but also from Williams, Medford, and Ashland, which Applegate School field study and service shows what a large geographic footprint program continues in Cantrall Buckley our park serves. Thank you! BY DARRELL ERB JR. Campground project final phase is under way. Using funds from a Bureau of Airline raffle winners in action. Applegate middle-school students are background needed for this project is Land Management (BLM) Title II grant, back in the field this spring! fantastic,” said Star. “Our students will water and electrical hookups have been funded, and implemented in May with Continuing a science field-study have such a rich science background to brought to three campsites and to our host the help of Applegate School middle- program the school started last year, build upon as they develop these pollinator site. We’ve also begun a major fundraising school students and staff, Applegate students are working to design and plant gardens.” campaign to fund the rest of the project, Valley Garden Club, US Forest Service pollinator gardens in Cantrall Buckley The work expands on efforts to raise, which will include expanding our potable and BLM, Southern Oregon Monarch Park. The field study also includes work release, and support monarch butterflies, water capacity, adding a new group area Advocates (SOMA), Grange Co-op, and in the classroom, where guest speakers a program at the school headed by restroom, and extending power and water many individual community members. joined science teacher Star McAdam to staff member Linda Kappen. “Planting to 31 sites, which will allow our park to “The waystation is a very positive project expand student understanding about the pollinator gardens in the Applegate Valley host RV travelers for extended stays. The that brings science and learning into a real- importance of pollinators and the critical is a great next step in our program,” Linda funds from RV users will add to our park’s life setting, where it becomes a teaching role of soil, water, and plants in providing said. “We have the opportunity to include sustainability and will allow us to even tool for students. It also gives the public habitat for these creatures. students in creating habitat-rich spaces better serve community! a good example of how they can create a Speakers who have presented so far where pollinators of all kinds can thrive.” Fundraising efforts. We will again small garden project in their own backyards are Tom Landis, retired US Forest Service Linda’s work has had an increasingly be raffling off two airline tickets to be used to help meet the basic needs of monarchs (USFS) nursery expert, who discussed important impact on the school as more anywhere in the continental United States and pollinators,” said Janis Mohr-Tipton, native plants specific to pollinators, and and more teachers are integrating the work with no blackout dates! Last year’s tickets who was instrumental in putting this plan Jakob Shockey, Applegate Partnership she is doing with their own science lessons. made their way to Applegate resident and together. and Watershed Council riparian manager, It’s a great opportunity for kids to get park lover Carianne Lewis, who along with You can find the waystation close who shared information about the local their hands dirty doing science. We know her two children, Lincoln and Amara, to the entrance of the park. Wander watershed and human impacts on it. from research that practical experience just returned from a trip to visit family in through the garden and see a variety of Additional guest speakers included Joni increases long-term learning, and we also Chicago. native nectar plants, milkweed, shelter Brazier, forest soil scientist with USFS, and know that doing work that is beneficial to Where might you like to go if you had trees, and a miniature “puddling” pond Bonnie Criswell, landscape designer and the community and for the Earth builds two tickets in your hands? Pick up some where monarchs can find water, salts, and community educator, who presented on students’ citizenship and character. This is raffle tickets at one of our summer events minerals. SOMA has provided the park plans to help students with garden designs a win-win for our kids! in the Applegate to have your chance! with take-home brochures that can help and habitat requirements for monarchs. Special thanks to Janis Mohr-Tipton, Monarch Waystation at Cantrall you get started on your own pollinator Work in the park started in May, when who has been instrumental in designing Buckley Park is complete! What started garden! We hope to see many monarchs students began to break ground and plant and coordinating this valuable project at out as an idea to help bring more monarch and all of you enjoying Cantrall Buckley the native species that support monarchs our school. butterflies back to our area has culminated Park throughout the spring and summer. and other pollinators. Darrell Erb Jr., Principal in a wonderful garden that was planned, Jeremy Criswell • [email protected] “The community’s willingness to get Applegate and Williams Schools with our students and provide the scientific [email protected] Cantrall Buckley Park campground improvements need funding Applegate School mural will celebrate Park plans call for adding 33 new RV sites with water and power beginning in 2019, as well as new restrooms in the group camping area, a dumping station for RVs, a new life in the Applegate water storage and pumping system, and improvements to the roadway. These upgrades Applegate students are working with adorn an outdoor mural featuring a tree would make the campground more self-sustainable financially by increasing occupancy local artist Jeremy Criswell to create full of life. from the current 25 percent. It would also provide much needed lodging in our area a mural that Under Jeremy’s tutelage, students for visitors to enjoy the delights of our valley. celebrates the diligently sketched their images, transferred The total budget for the project is $360,000. The Oregon State Parks County abundant life their sketch to clay, then painted their Opportunity Program is expected to provide a grant to match the $180,000 that we enjoy in the images in glaze. the community needs to raise by the end of 2018. Park and campground operations Applegate. Students crafted tree parts and various are conducted by a partnership between Jackson County and the Greater Applegate As part of animals—fish and four-legged creatures, Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit corporation that has already the school’s birds and insects—to decorate the tree. provided many improvements to water systems and roads and two new RV sites with “Artist in Funds for the program were raised last water and power at the group campsite. Residence” year at Fred and Jean Hall’s farm at a barn Make a tax-deductible donation: (1) go to cantrallbuckley.org, or (2) mail your check program, event, where music was played by the Family to GACDC Campground Fund, PO Box 335, Jacksonville, OR 97530. Jeremy Carr and Applegate students. Poetry was worked with read by students of Applegate School, and students in all pieces of art by professionals, enthusiasts, classrooms, and students were auctioned off. from grades Darrell Erb Jr., Principal K-8, to create Applegate and Williams Schools images to [email protected]

Various life forms will be featured on the mural created by artist Jeremy Criswell with the help of Applegate School students, including Laura Kliewer, Zeyna DiBiasi, Claire Emmons, Kaylee Easley, Owen Elmore, and teacher Linda Kappen. Applegater Summer 2017 11

BIRD EXPLORER

As an image hunter, I have been cave entrance The elusive Barn Owl frustrated by this species, simply because with a Barn Owl there is often no light when they are out guarding it. BY PETER J. THIEMANN hunting mice and other rodents. When With good they are roosting or nesting, it is always light, here The Barn Owl is a species that lives True to its name, we can find this dark, and I don’t like to use a flash or other was finally my in the Applegate Valley and on every nocturnal owl in our barns, roosting or disturbing lighting. opportunity to Peter J. Thiemann continent except Antarctica. It is mainly nesting in roof timbers in daytime. Go to But there was an exception one day. capture this elusive night owl with my a tropical and subtropical bird that has Hanley Farm in Central Point and ask to While climbing up a mountain cliff to look camera. Not wanting to disturb what expanded its range northward, often visit their big barn—you will most likely for a nesting Prairie Falcon, I discovered appeared to be a nesting owl, and not being following human land development. see one or more Barn Owls. right next to the falcon’s nest a small able to see into the cave, I had to guess if there was a nest. But then, on another visit, I observed two Barn Owls at the cave entrance—a sure sign of a nesting pair. What struck me most was the fairy- tale quality of my Barn Owl images with lichen-covered rocks and this mysterious dark cave entrance! In Chapter 13 of my book, Great Gray Owl in California, Oregon, and Washington (available on Amazon), there is more about our fascination with owls. We have all heard about the folklore surrounding these mysterious creatures of the night that fly and kill silently. Often the only sound is the death cry of its prey. Peter J. Thiemann [email protected] Photos courtesy of Peter J. Thiemann flickr Barn Owl guarding cave entrance. A pair of nesting Barn Owls. photo stream.

Wiggle your toes in the river and think lampreys The Applegate Partnership and and are filter feeders, Watershed Council is working with living on the suspended local biologists and organizations to help microorganisms in understand lamprey eels and their habitat the water. They play in the Applegate Watershed. If you have important roles as any stories or historical observations water cleaners and about lampreys in the Applegate River bioturbators, or and its tributaries, we would love to hear mixers, of bottom from you. Email us at contact@apwc. sediments. This goes info or drop by our office at 6941 Upper on for five to seven years, with ammocoetes This lets them know that it’s a good place to Applegate Road in Ruch. growing close to pencil size. So, when you spawn. In fresh water, adults stop feeding, Here is information about lamprey eels look at a sandy or silty stream bottom swim upstream, then hide under cover to from an article in the winter 2017 issue of between your toes, think lampreys. prepare for spawning. This usually takes The ConfluenceRogue ( River Watershed When ready, ammocoetes transform, almost a year, using up body reserves— Council newsletter) written by Stewart growing eyes, teeth and a sucker mouth, females shrink a quarter of their length. Reid, PhD, an independent conservation but they don’t start feeding yet. They swim In spring, males and females build biologist who has been working with to sea, where young lampreys begin to feed, shallow nests, or redds, moving and lampreys for close to 20 years. growing up to two and a half feet. Then arranging rocks with their mouths. After Lampreys begin life as eyelash-sized they come back, but not necessarily to spawning, adults die, settling on the ammocoetes (larvae), with no eyes or teeth. their birth stream. Instead, they look for bottom, contributing rich bodies full of Ammocoetes burrow in fine sediments, any suitable stream, as long as it smells like marine nutrients to the rivers in which where they are abundant, but rarely seen, ammocoetes, which the Rogue River does. their young will rear. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY 12 Summer 2017 Applegater population. They hibernate, reproduce, The California Tortoiseshell and live here throughout the summer. In fall they will overwinter here again butterfly in flight this summer with some emigrating south to live. There is still much to learn about BY LINDA KAPPEN the reasons for the large irruptions of the California Tortoiseshell. One As with most species, reason may be the health and optimal the male perches looking conditions for specific predators of the for females. The females butterfly, e.g., a parasitic wasp. Thus a will lay their eggs in good year for parasitic survival results bunches on the host in lower numbers for the butterfly, and plants. As the young Tortoiseshell underside vice versa. caterpillar grows, it The last large population irruption feeds on the leaves in a of this butterfly that I witnessed locally close group with other They can be seen in flight from January to was around 2001, when hundreds of caterpillars. November. April through August are peak California Tortoiseshells flew around Adults overwinter months for this butterfly. Applegate School and were seen in large and will fly early in the Host plants are species of Ceanothus groups puddling on the track, which is day, coming out on (wild lilac). Breeding occurs in the decomposed granite. There may have California Tortoiseshell butterfly warm days through late Ceanothus zones of the mountains. been a smaller irruption in 2009 in our winter and spring. In This butterfly lives in lower elevations mountains, including the Cascades. After The California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis mid-spring, the Tortoiseshells mate and in clearings and at edges of forests and witnessing an irruption, folks sometimes californica) is of the Nymphalidae family of lay eggs for another brood. In southern in woodlands, canyons, river corridors, mistake the butterflies for migrating butterflies. It is dark brown with a reddish- Oregon, these butterflies may have up to and brushy areas. They have a wide range Monarchs, only to find out they are indeed orange tinge and big and small black spots two or three broods some years. on the western side of the Rockies from California Tortoiseshells. It would be on the middle of the upper side. A dark The overwintering adults feed on fir- British Columbia, on the Pacific Coast, to awesome to witness another irruption of brown to greyish pattern, which resembles needle exudate in early spring. Exudate is Baja, and east to Colorado, New Mexico, this beautiful insect! a dead leaf or tree bark, appears on the a substance excreted by fir needles. Adults Montana, and Wyoming. Linda Kappen underside of the wings. The butterfly’s will later use nectar for food and visit The California Tortoiseshell is known [email protected] wingspread can be up to 2.5 inches. mud puddles or damp spots in roadways. to have irruptions or “outbursts” in Butterfly photos by Linda Kappen.

Notes from a Rogue entomologist the western US and is fair- sized (between a quarter- inch and a half-inch long). Insects on milkweed— Occasionally you can find quite large populations feeding on milkweeds, and more than just monarchs when that happens they are hard to miss. BY RICHARD J. HILTON Both the cobalt Monarch butterflies are always a commonly seen. The oleander plant is beetle and the monarch welcome sight, and finding caterpillars in the same botanic family as milkweed have evolved the same with their bright yellow and black bands and also produces some similar toxins. physiological mechanism feeding on a milkweed plant is inevitably a The oleander aphid is bright yellow with for dealing with the toxin delight. Add in a chrysalis that is adorned dark legs, feeds on the plant sap with a produced by the milkweed with gold trim and it is easy to see why sucking mouthpart, and can reproduce plant. Additionally, the such a spectacular species is the focus of rapidly. You often find milkweed plants adult cobalt beetle and the so much attention. whose pods are completely covered with final stage of the monarch The fact that monarch butterflies engage these small insects. Gardeners growing caterpillar have also developed in an annual migration covering thousands milkweed often consider these aphids a an interesting adaptive of miles is remarkable. Unfortunately, pest and unwanted competition for the behavior whereby the insect the overwintering sites in Mexico for the desired monarchs. Look for articles on the cuts the stem or mid-vein of population of monarchs that migrate web, like the one titled “10 Good Ideas the leaf prior to feeding on it. into the Eastern and Great Plains states for Keeping Milkweed Aphid-free…and 1 This reduces the sap flow and have been under threat, and while they Bad One” at monarchbutterflygarden.net/ lessens the amount of toxins are now largely protected, climate change control-aphids-milkweed-plants. moving into the leaf that is and habitat destruction loom as very real Another milkweed-sucking insect is the being consumed. concerns for this charismatic species. small milkweed bug, which is extremely The monarch butterfly is Our western monarchs overwinter common in our region. (There is also a one of our most recognizable in California and while the threat there large milkweed bug that has distinct red insect species, but this summer is not as severe, the western population coloration and, while it is reported to be when you see a milkweed has declined over the last 20 years. In in Oregon, I have never observed it here in plant, please keep an eye out response to the reduced numbers of the Rogue Valley.) The small milkweed bug for some of the lesser-known monarchs, there has been a nationwide is often confused with the boxelder bug as insect inhabitants that can effort to plant milkweed and monarch they are both “true bugs” and have a similar survive on this poisonous host. waystations to encourage them in their size and shape. In addition, both insects One of the pleasures migration. Milkweed plants contain toxic have some orange to red coloration. You of studying insects is their chemicals that the monarch sequesters and can tell the difference—the small milkweed immense diversity, and the uses to deter predators, accounting for its bug’s markings are more pronounced, group of insect species that dramatic coloration that acts as a warning making an X shape on the insect’s back, can thrive on milkweed plants sign to potential predators. and the small milkweed bug can also have is no exception. However, monarchs are not the only two white spots towards the rear end. Richard J. Hilton insects that can live on milkweed and The last of my trio of local milkweed 541-772-5165 ext. 227 survive the toxins produced by the plant. insects other than monarchs does not Senior Faculty Research Locally, there are three insect species have any yellow, orange, or red warning Assistant / Entomologist other than monarchs that you will often coloration, but it is, to my mind, the Oregon State University- Top photo: Oleander aphids (wildernesscenter.org). find when you are out searching milkweed most striking of the bunch. It is popularly Southern Oregon Research Middle photo: Small milkweed bug plants for monarch caterpillars. The known as the cobalt (or blue) milkweed and Extension Center (commons.wikimedia.org). oleander aphid is probably the most beetle. This metallic-blue beetle is found in [email protected] Bottom photo: Cobalt milkweed beetle (thoughtco.com). Applegater Summer 2017 13 APWC’s Butcherknife Creek Update on the Upper Applegate project, a cut above Watershed Restoration Project BY BARBARA SUMMERHAWK BY DON BOUCHER Fifteen miles The Upper Applegate Watershed native pollinators. To enhance pollinator west of Grants Restoration Project (UAWRP) is designed habitat, UAWRP would plant native Pass, Butcherknife to implement actions to restore structure pollinator plant species on five sites in Creek slices and processes in the Upper Applegate the Upper Applegate Valley (Flumet Flat through the watershed and provide for landscape Campground, Jackson Campground, northwesternmost conditions resilient to disturbances and Kanaka Gulch Flat/Kanaka Gulch, section of the climate change. The project aims to protect and Nick Wright Flat). A low-intensity Applegate the following important community- prescribed fire in the fall to burn grassy fine watershed, feeding identified values: recreation (motorized fuels would improve the site before seeding. into Slate Creek and nonmotorized), late-successional In addition to providing butterfly habitat, right below Hayes forests (northern spotted owl habitat), this action would provide the following Hill, the highest biodiversity (both plant and animal), benefits: wildlife species diversity, natural point on Highway important connectivity corridors, roadless pest control, nutrient cycling/soil fertility, 199 between here and unmanaged areas, sustainable flow of recreation opportunities, scientific and and the coast. goods and services, and human life and educational opportunities, as well as The Applegate property. This proposal is a result of over a identification of cultural and intrinsic Partnership and year and a half of meetings and workshops values. This is just one example that you Watershed Council The dilapidated Butcherknife Creek culvert will be with the US Forest Service, the Bureau will find in the scoping notice. (APWC) has replaced with a bridge this summer. of Land Management, and community Additionally, this planning and been working to members. The most recent meeting was implementation effort will utilize replace this creek’s rusting and dilapidated and funding were complicated, time- held on April 19. adaptive management principles. Adaptive culvert, which is a serious barrier to fish consuming, and expensive. Removed In addition to building relationships management is a process that bases passage and makes passable the only road from Josephine County Public Works with local communities, this planning management actions on clearly defined providing ingress and egress to residents management, Butcherknife Creek Road process helps us to move toward the outcomes and monitoring to determine if of Butcherknife Creek Road and Onion is now maintained by local residents, vision and goals in the Applegate Adaptive actions are meeting desired goals. If not, the Mountain Road. The culvert will be who don’t have the resources to replace Management Area (AMA) Guide by process facilitates changes in management replaced with a bridge this summer when the culvert. The APWC worked with all engaging the community early and often that will best ensure those outcomes are streamflows recede. In keeping with the the stakeholders: landowners along the in the process. met. The most critical and challenging APWC mission to maintain and restore private road, permitting agencies, design The “benefits from nature” concept component of adaptive management is to ecological health to the valley, this project reviewers, contractors, engineers, fisheries of this planning process underscores monitor the work that we do. As we move will provide access to the creek for coho biologists, funders, and so on. relationships between ecological, social, through the planning process, we will salmon, a threatened species listed by Soon the Butcherknife Creek Project and economic conditions in and around engage with the community to provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric will be completed, providing safe passage the AMA. This concept aligns well with input as we develop a monitoring strategy Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. for salmon to upstream habitat and safe goals in the Applegate AMA Guide and for the Upper Applegate project. Butcherknife Creek is a tributary of passage across the creek for emergency the Applegate Fire Plan, i.e., to manage By now many of you will likely have Slate Creek, which is one of our watershed’s vehicles that currently could collapse the land adaptively to achieve social seen the scoping letter or notice asking most important streams due to its potential the culvert. This is an example of the and ecological sustainability. Using this for comments on the proposed Upper for highly productive habitat for coho collaborative work the APWC provides in approach, we hope to highlight the Applegate Watershed Restoration Project. and chinook salmon and steelhead. bringing landowners and agencies together goods and services provided by forests to We are in the process of seeking comments Butcherknife Creek flows year-round in the to improve the health of the Applegate communities. and concerns related to the proposed upper reaches of the Slate Creek watershed watershed. To further refine proposed actions, implementation actions to determine if and provides adult and juvenile salmon All of our projects can benefit from the planning team organized the key there are issues or other aspects that we and steelhead crucial cold water refugia efforts by volunteers willing to work on community values into three major did not consider, and whether there are and rearing habitat. activities in their realm of interest and themes: (1) water and aquatic habitat, (2) any alternative ways to achieve the project’s Coho, it should be noted, were once as ability. If you would like to support and terrestrial biodiversity, and (3) community purpose. Proposed project descriptions and prevalent as chinook salmon, but are now join in the APWC’s mission “to promote and culture. For each of these, the team maps are available by stopping by the Star at five percent of historical levels because ecosystem health across the Applegate described objectives to protect, enhance, Ranger Station at 6941 Upper Applegate of human impact on aquatic habitat. watershed through stewardship, education, or maintain important values. The Road, Jacksonville, Oregon, or calling Historically, coho, chinook and steelhead and restoration carried out in partnership community identified projects to deal 541-899-3800. provided food for Native Americans and with landowners, agencies, and other with threats to those key values. For those who have been involved settlers and for bears and other wildlife, interested parties while contributing to The following is an example from the through the lengthy series of meetings besides supplying nutrients for small fish local economic and community well- list of actions for the UAWRP: and workshops, we sincerely want to say after the adults have spawned and died. being,” visit apwc.info, our Facebook page Two of the objectives identified by thank you. Replacement of the culvert has been a or Instagram site, or email us at contact@ the community are (1) manage forests to If you have questions or comments, five-year project. The APWC and Oregon apwc.info. The watershed needs you! increase biodiversity and (2) develop and please feel free to contact me. Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries Barbara Summerhawk maintain habitat-connectivity corridors. Don Boucher • 541-899-3840 biologists began developing this project Applegate Partnership and Watershed One of the actions that will address these Applegate AMA Team Leader in 2013 based on fish passage and habitat Council Board Member objectives is to enhance pollinator habitat Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest needs in the watershed, but the design [email protected] to benefit monarch butterflies and other [email protected] Back in Time Applegate School history BY EVELYN BYRNE WILLIAMS WITH JANEEN SATHRE Applegate School was built in 1879-1880 on land donated by Rial Benedict. This school was on the west side of Humbug Creek near where the Applegate School stands today. My grandparents were living on Humbug Creek, where my dad, John Byrne, was born in 1887. His oldest sister and brother were already going to Applegate School. The family moved from there to Forest Creek and then to Watkins in the Upper Applegate area. However, an Applegate School card (see photo) lists my dad in attendance while he was staying with the family’s good friends, the John O’Briens, who lived a few miles from the school. Evelyn Byrne Williams with Janeen Sathre • 541-899-1443 14 Summer 2017 Applegater Discover Stories on the Land Applegate Valley history In 1995 George McKinley and Doug the Indians should care one way or another Hippy communes revisited—Part 2 Frank wrote Stories on the Land: An if the forest burned. It is quite something BY DIANA COOGLE Environmental History of the Applegate else again to contend that the Indians used and Upper Illinois Valleys for the Bureau of fire systematically to ‘improve the forest’… Land Management (BLM). It has languished yet this fantastic idea has been and still is on the BLM website ever since. But in 2018 put forth time and again. Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, In his classic study, Fire in America: Inc., will be publishing this fascinating book A Cultural History of Wildland and Rural to make it more widely available. Following Fire (1982), S. J. Pyne takes a stand at the is an excerpt; look for more excerpts in future other end of the spectrum, suggesting not issues of the Applegater. only that natives had a profound interest in and understanding of fire, but that their The Applegate and Illinois use of fire virtually created the fire regimes valleys, at the beginning and forest stands that existed throughout The story of the origin of the Applegate the Pacific Northwest prior to European and Illinois valleys begins 200 million settlement. years ago, when the continental land However, James Agee, in Fire Ecology Molto Bene commune residents. Photo courtesy of Mike Kohn. mass of which they now form a part was of Pacific Northwest Forests(1993), reacts submerged beneath the Pacific Ocean, against such broad generalizations, saying The hippy communes in the Applegate Applegate businesses were another shifting west from the African continent. that Pyne pushes to its “illogical extreme” Valley, like other communes of the 1970s, lasting benefit. Even East Side House, with The accumulated debris at its forefront, the idea that native cultures utilized fire in were founded with inspiration from all its laid-back attitude, helped start (along transformed by heat, pressure, and time, so sophisticated a manner. In his view, “the Woodstock and in response to the Vietnam with folks from Trillium and others) Co- eventually produced the Klamath Geologic role of human beings in the ignition and War and the riots of the time. In the face of operative Forest Workers, a tree-planting Province of today. By about two million spread of forest fires is important, but this those events, says Mike Kohn, co-founder company. “We took care of our families by years ago, the basic topography of the importance varies from place to place and of Molto Bene, “it felt good to try to live working in the woods,” John says. Indeed, region was similar to that of today. from culture to culture.” Agee gives three an ideal.” he is still in that business. Laser Farm The arrival of the early Holocene Epoch examples: At least three common patterns One ideal, of course, was “peace and started two seed companies, Peace Seeds in southwest Oregon, about 10,000 years of Native American burning were found in love.” East Side House was known as the and Seeds of Change. Lori bought and ago, brought a climate significantly cooler the Northwest: frequent burning in west “good-vibe commune.” Co-founder John ran what was known as the “hippy store” and moister than at present. During this side prairies and adjacent dry Douglas-fir Hugo says, “It was all ‘come up, kick back, in Ruch. With his knowledge of wood- time the conifer species of today expanded forest, maintenance of small patches of relax.’ No one would judge you. There was burning stoves gained in his years at Molto their range upslope from riparian bottoms. open prairie for agriculture or hunting no drunkenness, no fighting—it was all Bene, Mike started a chimney-sweep and During the hotter, drier mid-Holocene, by coastal or mountainous tribes, and peace and love.” stove sales business. Other commune beginning 7,500 years ago, oak savannah/ widespread burning by inland or ‘plateau’ But life is never all peace and love members have built good businesses with woodland communities probably spread tribes east of the Cascades. (except maybe at East Side House). their crafts. across the area, taking residence in places In the Applegate and Illinois valleys Even the spiritual orientation of Trillium Both Mike, from Molto Bene, and they dominate still. The late Holocene, specifically, evidence exists that natives Farm, where each household hosted a Bryan, from Laser Farm, cite “tolerance” from approximately 4,500 years ago to the burned their landscape for a variety of spiritual day a week without advocating as the most lasting influence of communal present, brought a return of cooler, moister reasons: to control pests; to stimulate any particular religious path, did not living. Bryan says, “Welcoming people into weather to the region. new plant growth for a number of uses; eliminate friction caused by “the difference your life: I carry that with me and I live Is it a coincidence that the consensual to provide browse, grasses, and berries for in people’s ability to manifest their dreams that today. Our house is full of people every date for the presence of resident humans game; to reduce undergrowth as an aid for and do what they said they would do,” as weekend—a dozen or more, sharing the in the Applegate and Illinois valleys hunting; to more easily hunt insects; and co-founder Chant Thomas says. preparation of food, eating together, the approximates the onset of the Holocene to reduce wildfire hazard, particularly in Another problem, Mike says, was camaraderie. It’s very much a communal epoch? Because the first humans almost residential areas. simply the difficulty of holding land in living experience.” certainly were in southwest Oregon by at Of greatest interest, however, is the role common. But if it was all so good, why did the least 9,000-8,000 years BP, we find a parallel these fires played in environmental change For Bryan Newpher, at Laser Farm, the communes disappear? between evolution of the ecosystems and in the region. It is less important to isolate most difficult thing was “the emotional “It’s difficult for humans to share fully that of humans in southwest Oregon. It is anthropogenic fire from the evolution part of it, stuff that happened between all their resources,” Lori says. “There interesting to speculate upon the formative of plant communities than to note its people.” is a nuclear focus in raising children. influences these partners in evolution may participation in that evolution. Indeed, Neither Molto Bene nor Laser Farm People don’t want to make that effort of have had on each other in this earlier era. since anthropogenic fire has been so had much of a structure for dealing with communal living.” Contemporary discussion has focused intimately involved in the environmental conflict, but, Mike says, “Blowups were Chant says, “Community has to have upon fire as a medium of interaction history of the region, Wayne Rolle, in a rare. If you sat on a thing for a while, you people who are out for the greater good, between the earliest humans and the watershed analysis prepared for the US realized the other person had legitimacy for not people who are out for themselves.” young environment. One commentator, Forest Service, claims that “its role in the whatever the thing was.” Something similar Mike points to the lack of engagement, C.R. Clar, writing in 1959, before the development and maintenance of pre- worked at Laser Farm. “There was always socially, in the outside world. recent paradigm shift in understanding settlement plant communities cannot be somebody to turn to, to talk to,” Bryan Essentially, though, as Tolstoy said in prehistoric human-plant relationships in segregated from that of fire from natural says, then added, “Life is not an easy one, Anna Karenina, “Every unhappy family North America, suggests that the native causes.” whether you’re on a commune or living in is unhappy in its own way.” Eventually, inhabitants showed little interest in fire, Note: Excerpted by Diana Coogle from standard-type relationships.” people just found other ways to live. calling the notion that these peoples pages 5-14 of Stories on the Land: An One of the greatest benefits of living Nonetheless, nostalgia runs deep. “If consciously used fire as a tool “fantastic”: Environmental History, by George in community was for the children. Mike, there was a major snowstorm or freeze,” It would be difficult to find a reason why McKinley and Doug Frank. whose two daughters were born and grew John says, “those were the nights we up at Molto Bene, says, “There were lots gunned up the sauna, then walked down of adults who treated them like human to the river across a few feet of ice and beings, interacted with them constantly, jumped in.” didn’t put them down in front of a “We were together for a long time and television.” Childcare was shared by all are still friends,” Mike says, “so something the parents. worked right.” Children at Trillium attended Trillium’s Chant has just sold Trillium to another own school, where I used to teach, but intentional community who will continue Molto Bene children went to Applegate Trillium’s legacy of cleaning up the land School. Lori Hava, co-founder of Molto and forest activism. Bene, said about her relationship with “The decision to disband Laser Farm other parents in the school, “Some of the came in the wintertime,” Bryan says. “My ladies in the Applegate School were quite wife decided to leave and move from the cool to me,” adding “but the teachers and farm. There was only a small group of staff were very nice.” Mike’s election to people left. I was pretty much worn out. the school board—long hair and scraggly We sold the land for twice what we paid beard notwithstanding—proves the larger for it. I gave all the money to my wife and community’s tolerance and acceptance of wandered off to the world.” the commune. Diana Coogle • [email protected]

Four communes in the Applegate • Laser Farm (1969 - 1974) on Thompson Creek Road • East Side House (1973 - 1979) on the Applegate River • Molto Bene (1974 - 1990, or thereabouts) on Slagle Creek • Trillium Farm (1976 - present; now called “Friends of Trillium”) on the Little Applegate Applegater Summer 2017 15 Camping is trendier than ever! BY SHELLEY MANNING

Do you love camping and the great eastern shore of the Applegate Lake, and outdoors? With the abundance of can also be reached by boat. Each has five campgrounds in the Applegate Valley, why campsites. Campsites are first come, first not unplug from your daily routine with a served. Bring your own water and pack camping adventure! A hot cup of coffee in out your trash. the morning chill can become a sublime Hart-tish Park and Campground. experience. You can play, watch nature, Located on Applegate Lake, Hart-tish Park hike, swim, make art, bicycle, meditate, and Campground has a boat ramp and a paddle, and fish until you snuggle up at grassy day-use area for swimming. Just night in your cozy sleeping bag. past the dam are seven tent sites, eight RV Camping has become trendy, as sites without hookups, and a group site. evidenced by Hipcamp (hipcamp.com), a Campfire and barbecue pits are provided, website like Airbnb, but for camping, that along with showers and restrooms. The helps you find public and private campsites general store has snacks, sells day passes, across the US (including in the Applegate reserves campsites, and rents kayaks. Left photo: View of Applegate Lake from Hart-tish Park and Campground. and neighboring areas). Fishing enthusiasts can catch trout and Right photo: Jackson Campground on the Applegate River. Fees and length of stay at campgrounds bass. Hart-tish is across the road from the Photos: Shelley Manning. vary. For more information on specific Collings Mountain “Bigfoot Trail.” Be sure campgrounds, search the internet or to reserve a site. visit recreation.gov. Star Ranger John Jackson Campground. Located on Campground Locations McKelligott invites you to contact him at the Applegate River, Jackson Campground [email protected] or 541-944-1176 provides swimming, fishing, and hiking Beaver-Sulphur. Take Highway 238 to Upper Applegate Road 8.5 miles, left on if you have questions about camping in along the river. Eight shaded tent sites and Forest Road 20 for three miles. $50 for group campsite (entire campground). More the Applegate. one group site are first come, first served information: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov. Beaver-Sulphur Group and open year-round. There are modern Cantrall Buckley. Take Highway 238 to Hamilton Road approximately one mile, Campground. Popular for hunting and restrooms and a day-use area for picnics. turn right on 154 Cantrall Road. Individual campground $16/night; group campground family reunions, Beaver-Sulphur Group Reserving a site may be possible by calling $65 the first night, then $50/night (reservations required). More information: 541-774- Campground has six tent sites and four the camp hosts, Tom and KT. 8183 or jacksoncountyor.org/parks/Day-Use/Cantrall-Buckley. trailer sites. The entire campground must Squaw Lakes. High in the pristine Carberry. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 18.5 miles to junction be rented. There is a vault toilet. Bring your wilderness you will find secluded Squaw of Forest Road 777, take right for .3 miles. $15/night. More information: 541-899- own water and pack out any trash. Access Lakes, a breathtaking campground with 9220 or applegatelake.com. hiking trails Charlie Buck/Baldy Peak Trail abundant wildlife. Nineteen campsites Harr Point and Tipsu Tyee. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road to 918 and the Little Grayback Trail 920. around the lake are spread out for privacy. Applegate Lake, cross the dam, follow County Road 959 about three miles, turn right Cantrall Buckley Park and Advanced reservations are mandatory. on Forest Road 100 for a half mile to Squaw Arm Parking Area. Hike about 0.25 mile Campground. One of only two public Paddle boats are permitted, as are (Harr Point) or 1.25 miles (Tipsu Tyee) west along Payette Trail. Also accessible by boat. access points on the Applegate River, swimming, hiking, biking, and fishing. No fee. More information: search fs.usda.gov. Cantrall Buckley Park is 88 beautiful There is a one-mile interpretive hike to Hart-tish. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 16 miles. $20/night. acres on 1.75 miles of the Applegate Little Squaw Lake. Porter service for $10 a Reservations: 877-444-6777 or reserveamerica.com. More information: 541-899-9220 River. The campground has 30 campsites trip may be available to help with your gear. or applegatelake.com. under native laurel and pine trees with Watkins Campground. Rustic Jackson. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 7 miles. $20/night. fire rings and picnic tables. The group site Watkins Campground has 14 campsites More information: 541-816-2115 or applegatelake.com. can accommodate up to 100 people and with picnic tables (some of which have seen Squaw Lakes. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 15.5 miles to can be reserved through Jackson County better days) and fire rings. It is located on a Applegate Dam, cross the dam and continue up for 8 miles. $15/night. Reservations Parks. The park recently added two RV steep hillside with no terracing, so pitching mandatory, bring documentation. Reservations: 877-444-6777 or reserveamerica.com. sites, with water and power, within the a tent is a challenge. From the top of the More information: 541-899-9220 or applegatelake.com. group camping area. Individual sites are campground you can peek at Applegate Watkins. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 18 miles. $15/night. first come, first served. The restrooms Lake through the trees; trails lead down More information: 541-899-9220 or applegatelake.com. are modern, with coin operated showers. to the Lake. Bring your own water. Vault Wrangle. From Highway 238, take Upper Applegate Road 8.5 miles to Forest Road Currently there are no RV hookups on toilets are provided. 20 for 18 miles to Wrangle Gap, then left on Forest Road 2030 for less than a mile. No individual sites, but fundraising efforts for Wrangle Campground. With access fee. More information: search fs.usda.gov. improvements are under way. For more for hikers to explore the Pacific Crest Trail, information, see the Cantrall Buckley Park Wrangle Campground, at Wrangle Gap, article on page 10. has five campsites, picnic tables, fire pits, Carberry Campground. Four miles a rustic shelter, a community kitchen, and past the dam on Applegate Lake you will a cabin built in the 1930s by the Civilian find this quiet and peaceful campground Conservation Corps. The Seven Miles for tent campers. Ten campsites have picnic Ridge Trail is also accessible. Opens in tables and fire rings. Cool off in Cougar June. First come, first served. Bring water, Creek or practice your trout-fishing skills. pack out trash. Vault toilet. Campers bring their own water and use From hiking adventures to still vault toilets. First come, first served. mountain lakes, make the Applegate the Harr Point and Tipsu Tyee place for your next camping experience. campgrounds. Both are accessible from Shelley Manning the Payette Trail, which winds around the [email protected] 16 Summer 2017 Applegater GRAPE TALK

in Sonoma County decades ago. The virus Center (SOREC), Red grape leaves are is moving very slowly in the Willamette OSU’s extension Valley, but is spreading quickly in southern service in Jackson pretty but… Oregon and the Applegate Valley. So far it County, says, “The has not been reported in vineyards outside identity, biology, Debbie Tollefson BY DEBBIE TOLLEFSON North America. and management Like leafroll disease, red blotch causes of potential red blotch vectors is currently As a rural realtor, I often show vineyard mealybugs, rust mites, phylloxera (a species a reddening of the basil leaf margins from a major topic of research at SOREC.” properties for sale in the Applegate Valley. of lice that preys on vines), and stinkbugs late August through September. Unlike These and other scientists are studying Late last summer while walking with a in vineyards. Dr. Walton’s lab was the first leaves affected by leafroll, however, the red- the causes of this new virus, the vectors buyer, I noticed beautiful red leaves on to record the spread of grapevine leafroll blotch leaf stays relatively flat and the green spreading it, and the effects of the disease some of the vines. I thought the leaves were and red blotch viruses in Oregon. on grapes and the wines produced from especially pretty with their unusual red The red blotch virus is one of over 60 those grapes. Effects include reduced veins. A few weeks later, though, I learned different viruses identified in grapevines yields, reduced sugar content, delayed about grapevine red blotch-associated virus since the 1960s. It was already prevalent fruit ripening, reduced production weight, (GRBaV). in California when it was first observed elevated acidity, diminished color, and Vaughn Walton, an associate professor in Oregon in 2009. Red blotch differs altered tannins. of horticultural entomology at Oregon from most grapevine-infecting viruses in Using infected scion and rootstock State University (OSU)-Oregon Wine that it has DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in grafting can spread the disease. Other Research Institute in Corvallis, leads rather than RNA (ribonucleic acid), so factors could be insect vectors, including a research program on the biology of identification depends on genomic tools. suckers like leafhoppers and treehoppers, horticultural insect pests, especially those DNA testing of a specimen from the drought and other environmental stresses, associated with grapevines. He has worked early 1940s at University of California, soil conditions, and fungal pathogens. with thrips, leafhoppers, treehoppers, Davis, proved the presence of red blotch Vaughn Walton, associate professor Vineyard owners need to be sure they of horticultural entomology are using scion and rootstock that have at OSU-Oregon Wine been tested with a DNA-based molecular Research Institute, Corvallis. test. Treating plants for treehoppers, the most likely vector, may help prevent veins often change to pink or red. Red further infestation and slow down the blotch can affect both mature and new leaf spread of red blotch. treehopper plantings. The disease can be confirmed It’s not just vineyard owners who should only through DNA-based analysis, since be grateful to the work being done to visual diagnosis can be complicated by the identify the vectors that spread this disease multiple viruses that could be infecting and to find a solution for it. Because red the vines and by the fact that a vine with blotch virus affects grape quality, valley girdling no symptoms can often test positive for economics, and, ultimately, the taste of our the virus. wines, we should all be grateful! Richard Hilton, entomologist at Debbie Tollefson Southern Oregon Research and Extension [email protected]

Quady North viognier is Editor’s Choice Quady North 2015 Steelhead Run Vineyard Viognier is Editor’s Choice and received 93 points in Wine Enthusiast’s June 2017 Buying Guide. Also listed are Quady North 2015 Eevee’s Vineyard Grenache Blanc (91 points), Quady North 2013 Mae’s Vineyard Treehopper adult feeding on cane, About one week after girdling, Syrah (91 points), and Plaisance Ranch 2014 Carmenère (90 points). causing girdling. the leaf or cane will change color.

with agencies, communities, schools, tribes, Lomakatsi partnering on Upper organizations, and private property owners to restore ecosystems and increase the Applegate Road Demonstration Project sustainability of ecosystems, communities, BY SHANE JIMERFIELD cultures, and economies. Lomakatsi is excited to again partner The Applegate watershed hosts an are threatening its ecosystems and human with the US Forest Service (USFS), the amazing diversity of wildlife habitat, forest communities that depend on the forest for Bureau of Land Management, and the types, and recreation opportunities. It their quality of life and clean water. Nature Conservancy to bring its extensive provides clean drinking water to homes Lomakatsi is a nonprofit ecological individual and collective experience In fall 2016, community members and and businesses and water for irrigating restoration, education, and training in ecological forest restoration to the representatives from the Applegate farms and orchards. But a changing organization. For more than 22 years, it Upper Applegate Road Demonstration Neighborhood Network, Applegate Trails climate and decades of fire suppression has worked across the region in partnership Project. The project will demonstrate four Association, US Forest Service, The Nature treatment alternatives in close proximity Conservancy, and Lomakatsi reviewed the to each other so that scientists and the project sites and discussed the project’s public can evaluate the results of different design and objectives. treatment types. (See article by Don Boucher in the spring 2017 Applegater.) project, supervising contractors to ensure The partnership has been seeking they are meeting treatment specifications community participation in the project, and following guidelines. Lomakatsi including offering public tours of the sites will periodically monitor project sites to to increase knowledge of the project. measure and compare the effectiveness of This spring Lomakatsi’s forestry the different treatment types. technicians have been preparing In the fall, Lomakatsi’s technicians and demonstration sites for treatment, marking restoration saw crew will be completing the trees to be removed on all four treatment treatment prescriptions by carrying out sites. Although none of the treatment noncommercial thinning. When thinning alternatives has a timber focus, small- activities are completed (anticipated in diameter trees will be removed as a November), Lomakatsi will offer a public by-product of restoration effort. Sale tour to review the immediate outcomes. of these small-diameter logs will help Slash pile burning should be completed fund additional restoration work. This within two years. commercial timber harvesting is scheduled Project partners and community for May through July and will utilize members are hopeful that this collaborative a helicopter for yarding. Although a process can be carried forward into a larger helicopter is expensive to use, helicopters community-supported project over the provide the lightest touch on the land, a next few years in the Upper Applegate high priority to Lomakatsi. Minimizing Watershed. Learn more about that project on-the-ground impacts to vegetation on page 13 of this Applegater. and soil is important ecologically and Shane Jimerfield significant to the evaluation of results. Program Director Working with USFS, Lomakatsi’s Lomakatsi Restoration Project technicians and inspectors will oversee the [email protected] Applegater Summer 2017 17 OPINIONS Best practices for growing cannabis Serpentine geology makes the Applegate unique BY EVELYN ROETHER BY SUZIE SAVOIE

To support harmonious • Don’t take water that is The lush, dense forests of our relations between the not legally yours to use. region sometimes give way to sparsely burgeoning cannabis Erosion and pollution vegetated, rocky, and unique habitats industry, the broader • Leave buffers of native called “serpentine barrens,” where the community, and our local vegetation around all underlying serpentine soil influences environment, a group of waterways (best practice is vegetation in very obvious ways, local growers and residents 100 feet). making the casual observer ask: “What recently produced a brochure • After conducting is going on here?” titled Growing Cannabis: activities that expose bare Many people are familiar with and Best Practices for a Successful soil, re-seed, mulch, and have visited the largest area of serpentine Grow, Happy Neighbors and create sediment traps. in North America, the Josephine a Healthy Environment. • Pick up trash and limit Ophiolite, roughly situated between Originally produced for and sources of pollution. the coast and Grants Pass where one The red, weathered serpentine rock of the Red sponsored by the Williams • Provide appropriate can see California pitcher plants Buttes gives rise to unique plant communities. community, the brochure bathroom facilities so that (Darlingtonia californica) and hike the Photo: Luke Ruediger. has expanded its reach into human waste is not a source unique Kalmiopsis Wilderness. While greater southern Oregon and of pollution. the Applegate doesn’t have Darlingtonias, Watershed this summer! And don’t forget is available at local businesses Wildlife. Benefit the the biological diversity and unique flora of your plant identification manual! and several government agencies. wildlife that share our beautiful valley our watershed are also heavily influenced • Big Red Mountain. Use Forest Service Here are some suggested best through organic practices; fertilizer and by the occurrence of serpentine. Road 20 on the Siskiyou Crest to access the management practices for cannabis trash containment; generous setbacks; If, like me, you are not a geologist, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at either Siskiyou growers. corridors; water conservation; noise, light the following explanation sums it up in a Gap or Wrangle Gap. Plants to see: split- Noise and pollution mitigation; erosion control; tangible way: hair paintbrush (Castilleja schizotricha) • Check the noise levels at your property and traffic safety. “Terrestrial life, perched on the Earth’s and Lee’s lewisia (Lewisia leeana). Threats: line. If you can hear your equipment, so Scale. Consider succeeding with a smaller continental crust, has evolved on soils Off-highway vehicle (OHV) impacts. can your neighbors. grow before scaling up. Risks for neighbor formed from relatively low-density rocks • Observation Peak. Use Forest • If you must produce loud noise, mitigate conflicts, pest outbreaks, mold, labor such as granite that are rich in silica, Service Road 20 on the Siskiyou Crest it, e.g., insulate structures, use low decibel shortages, and cost overruns all increase calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. The to access the PCT at the signed PCT fans, etc. with the size of your grow. chemistry of these soils is usually amenable crossings west of Jackson Gap. Plants Light Indoor versus outdoor. Consider to plant growth almost by definition. to see: Henderson’s horkelia (Horkelia • Make sure no light is leaving your growing outdoors. Outdoor grows are less Deeper in the Earth, forming its mantle hendersonii) and Whitney’s milk vetch property from sunset to sunrise. expensive to operate, easier to manage, and most of its oceanic crust, are darker (Astragalus whitneyi). Threats: OHV • Hooded lights and blackout tarps are use less energy, and have fewer impacts on and denser ultramafic (high iron and impacts and public land grazing. the best practice for lighted greenhouses. the environment and neighbors. If you do magnesium) rocks and minerals. Near the • White Mountain. Head east on Traffic choose the greenhouse approach, consider surface they may become serpentinized— the PCT from Cook and Green Pass to • Educate yourself and your employees using renewable energy. altered in contact with water. These access this remote and interesting geologic about school zones, speed limits, and the Fertility and pest management. submarine rocks are seldom seen on land area in the Condrey Mountain Roadless presence of children and wildlife on the Consider growing your cannabis but occasionally become stranded on the Area. Plants to see: Siskiyou willow-herb roads. organically. Organic production is less edges of continents during the process (Epilobium siskiyouense) and Lemmon’s • If possible, hire local employees and expensive, better for the grower’s health, of subduction (the disappearance of sword fern (Polystichum lemmonii). Threats: organize carpools to reduce the number of and increasingly mandated by state testing one crustal plate beneath another). The Public land grazing impacts. trips associated with your operation. standards. resulting terrestrial islands of ultramafic • Red Butte. Head west on the PCT • If you share an access road with Employees. Consider hiring local help rock, or serpentine outcrops, are truly from Cook and Green Pass. Walk below neighbors, talk to them early in your and paying living wages. By hiring local, ‘unearthly’ in their appearance. (Serpentine the serpentines of Cook and Green Butte process about ways to reduce the impact you support the local economy and help is technically a mineral, but the same word on your way to the iconic Red Buttes of associated traffic and road maintenance. alleviate many of the negative impacts of is often used for ultramafic rocks, the soils themselves. Continue west along the PCT Visual impacts and setbacks transient laborers. that form from them, and the unique in the Red Buttes Wilderness to see more • Before building a fence, consider Links to useful references ecosystems that form on them.) Serpentine serpentine at Kangaroo Mountain and whether you need one and allow a • Oregon Sungrown Growers Guild soils are deficient in plant-essential Kangaroo Springs. Plants to see: Baker’s reasonable setback from roads and lot lines. (oregonsungrown.org) nutrients and often also in organic matter... cypress (Hesperocyparis bakeri), Siskiyou • Try to build with materials that blend • Oregon Department of Agriculture whereas they are enriched in magnesium fritillary (Fritillaria glauca), and Siskiyou in with your environment or plant a (water quality, cannabis, pesticide and sometimes in nickel, chromium, and hastingsia (Hastingsia serpentinicola). hedgerow of fast-growing shrubs and trees resources) cobalt. This unusual chemistry gives rise Threats: Chromium mining and US Forest instead. • oregon.gov/ODA/programs/ to rocky, sparsely vegetated landscapes that Service proposal to reintroduce public land • Follow all legal setbacks from lot lines NaturalResources/AgWQ/Pages/ form striking boundaries with the lusher grazing in the Red Buttes Wilderness. and keep grow activities a respectful AgWQPlans.aspx vegetation on neighboring soils. In some • Sucker Gap. Located within the Red distance from neighbors’ homes. Best • oregon.gov/ODA/agriculture/Pages/ parts of the world, serpentine has given rise Buttes Wilderness along the Boundary practice is 100 feet from property lines for Cannabis.aspx to spectacular levels of plant endemism” Trail. Plants to see: Howell’s lousewort structures and 15 feet for fences. • oregon.gov/ODA/programs/Pesticides/ (Serpentine: The Evolution and Ecology of (Pedicularis howellii) and false turtlehead • Incorporate wildlife corridors so that Pages/CannabisPesticides.aspx a Model System, edited by Susan Harrison (Nothochelone nemorosa). Threats: None. deer and other critters have safe passage. • Oregon Department of Forestry, fire and Nishanta Rajakarua). Thankfully, it’s protected wilderness. Fire safety regulations (swofire.com/p/fire-season- In other words, serpentine comes from • Bolt Mountain. Unusual low- • Have fire safety rules and a fire plan regulations.html) deep in the Earth and is very old. Although elevation serpentine between Wilderville and make sure everyone you work with is • Oregon Water Resources Department serpentine occupies less than one percent and Murphy. Park at Fish Hatchery Park familiar with them. (oregon.gov/OWRD/pages/index.aspx) of the land surface of the earth, it has an and hike the Bolt Mountain Trail. Plants • Familiarize yourself with our local fire • Oregon Water Resources Department, ecological importance that far outweighs its to see: Hall’s violet (Viola hallii), Indian season and regulations. Josephine County Watermaster (541-479- extent, making it special where it occurs— dream fern (Aspidotis densa), and large Water usage 2401) like the Applegate! Everyone should also flowered star tulip (Calochortus uniflorus). • Research your water rights and respect For more information or to order copies be aware of the possible threats to the Threats: None currently. their limits. of the brochure, please email your request survival of its rare plants and ecosystems Suzie Savoie • Consider using rainwater catchment, to [email protected]. from ongoing land management activities. Conservation Chair, Siskiyou Chapter drip irrigation, and mulch, and make a Evelyn Roether Get out and see some of the unique Native Plant Society of Oregon plan for water conservation. [email protected] serpentine habitat in the Applegate River [email protected] 18 Summer 2017 Applegater OPINIONS River Right Big numbers! BY TOM CARSTENS

It’s clearly a budget. It’s got a lot of paying the tab. But they don’t fool most of legislators don’t really have a clue how Tom Carstens numbers in it. —George W. Bush. us—in the end, we know who pays the tab. they’re going to deal with it. Out of around The combination of big snowmelt and Beleaguered, Republicans are suggesting 4,400 bills presented this session, not one school budgets. (Why do schools always big rain has meant that all our rivers have we try cutting some spending. addresses this. seem to be the first to get the ax?) big water. River flows are measured in Last February, the joint Senate-House Give credit to our own Senator Alan Meanwhile, DeBoer is also looking cubic feet per second (CFS); these numbers Committee on Ways and Means held a DeBoer. He’s about the only guy in Salem at how the state could relieve the PERS are also big right now. The folks I paddle series of meetings throughout the state to actually looking for solutions to this huge liability from local governments. A with study these numbers. You could call gather public input on what to do. Did you problem. He thinks the PERS unfunded significant percentage of our two county it “risk-budgeting.” Little kayaks on big, attend the one in Ashland? Even though liability will eventually reach $50 billion if payrolls is encumbered by pension costs. roiling water can make for interesting trips. speakers were limited to two minutes we don’t act. Now, that’s a wow. Josephine County tries to work in these It is budget time and that brings each, it was a full three-hour parade of Among other things, he’s tinkering costs up front with each new hire, but it’s another set of big numbers. Federal, state, sacred cows competing to spare the knife. I around with individual and corporate taxes hard to project; legislative relief will be county—everyone’s trying to match needs brought up the uncomfortable fact that the to try to get at the “unfunded” part. He needed to address the spiraling pressure. with resources. Well, the feds, not so state actually has an unfunded liability of should be careful: we don’t want to look Jackson County maintains a “rainy day” much—they can spend without regard for around $22 billion (and growing), mostly like Illinois, breathlessly trying to tax our fund, but the county can’t keep this up income in spite of being over $20 trillion due to future Public Employees Retirement way out of financial difficulty while citizens forever—PERS will someday “eat our in the hole. It’s hard to wrap my head System (PERS) pension obligations. and businesses scurry off to states with lunch,” says the county administrator. around that number, which comes out to That full amount is not yet a deficit on more favorable tax climates. Think of it as At least we can take some budget over $61,000 of debt for every American. today’s balance sheet, but it does represent the “self-draining swamp effect.” comfort here in the valley. Our Applegate Not sure how that’ll be repaid. At least, by promises for which we have no idea how Sooner rather than later, we’re going Valley Fire District is one public entity law, Oregon’s state and local governments we’ll pay. to have to look directly at the “liability” that provides great support at a bargain- must balance their budgets. Not really understanding how big that part, i.e. the lopsided contract the public basement price. Small numbers, zero Our legislature has been trying to number is, I worked out that 22 billion employee has with the taxpayer. That’s drama, big payback. Maybe we ought to work out a $1.6 billion shortfall in seconds ago or 697 years is the year 1320, going to take some political courage and put those guys in charge. projected revenues. The Democrats want which is 172 years before Columbus leadership. Without it, we’re going to see See you on the river…but watch those to raise taxes. They contort themselves into first set sail. And the world was still flat! some real pain. All those sacred cows could numbers! framing income redistribution schemes Put another way, that’s over $5,000 per be headed for the slaughterhouse. We’re Tom Carstens that make it seem like someone else will be Oregonian. It’s so much money that our already seeing consequential cuts to local 541-846-1025

• A necessity to change crops using and use nonspecific toxic chemicals to Global warming and cultivars more adapted to a warmer control pests. This destroys the soil’s health environment (such as different grape and sustainability. sustainable agriculture varietals) Scientists believe that if some BY RAY SEIDLER, PHD • Possible losses of beneficial biological atmospheric carbon dioxide gas is control and pollinator populations sequestered back into the soils to again form “Climate change” is the long-term the Applegate area, through the year • Warming river temperatures as riparian soil organic carbon, further global warming trend in the Earth’s climate (changes in 2100 based on mathematical modeling vegetation zones change (disappear?) can be at least partially slowed. It is possible temperature, wind, precipitation, strength conducted by US Geological Survey • A significantly increased area involved in that 5 to 15 percent of annual global and frequency of extreme weather events). scientists. The upper line represents the wildfires and, therefore, increased potential carbon dioxide emissions can be offset by “Global warming” refers to the increase in mean maximum temperature scenario that for soil erosion increased global soil carbon sequestration Earth’s average surface temperature due to assumes consumption of fossil fuels at the Scientists have estimated that the (cdn2.sustainabilitylabs.org/ecosystem- increased concentrations of greenhouse accelerating rate we have exhibited to date global food system and conventional restoration/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ gases (GHG). “Sustainable agricultural (“business as usual” or BAU). Meanwhile, agriculture practices contribute one-third Soil-Carbon-Sequestration-Impacts.pdf). practices” are farming techniques that the lower line assumes we change the of the GHG emissions and account for Financial incentives to sequester carbon protect the environment, soil health and trajectory and slow the rate of accelerating some 30 percent of the world’s energy by using sustainable agricultural practices productivity, and public health, human fossil fuel use and GHG emissions by consumption (nature.com/news/one- include improved fertility and soil water- communities, and animal welfare. about 50 percent. third-of-our-greenhouse-gas-emissions- holding capacity and increased crop yields. How does all this come together? As illustrated by the graph, we have come-from-agriculture-1.11708). Fossil Soil carbon sequestration is only a minor A lot of Applegate Valley agriculture already experienced a 1.5-degrees F mean fuel combustion for the production of part of the total repair of global warming. is known to involve sustainable and near- increase in annual temperature during the ammonia fertilizer, mining, and shipping Reduction in fossil fuel emissions coupled sustainable agricultural practices. These 1950 to 2005 period. It shows another 4 of other mineral fertilizers, soil preparation, with soil carbon sequestration is vital for practices protect neighbors, use few if any degrees F expected to be phased in over synthesis and application of pesticides, buying time to find more significant ways toxic synthetic pesticides, and attract more the next 40 years, with an additional manufacturing farm equipment, and the to slow climate change. consumers who seek foods, plants, and 4.1-degrees F increase (9.6 degrees F total) harvesting and shipping of food thousands Practices that facilitate soil carbon “vine imbibes” with enhanced health and by the end of the twenty-first century if we of miles from where it was produced all sequestration are: nutritional properties. follow BAU. contribute to energy demands. In the • Decreasing the level of soil disturbance Climate models suggest that global These models predict less snowpack for Rogue Valley, we are now receiving fruits, (tillage) warming from the release of greenhouse summer irrigation, earlier spring snowmelt including table grapes, from Chile, located • Increasing the mass of organic inputs gases (carbon dioxide, methane, and providing less irrigation water during the some 6,000 miles away. to soils (organic fertilizers free of toxic nitrous oxide) will change everything about late growing season, and a reduction in soil Adding to the problem is the loss of chemicals, plants with numerous deep our future agriculture industry. moisture. Anticipated are: soil organic matter as carbon dioxide, roots) The graph shows temperature trends • Changes in the current natural fauna largely since World War II, due to farming • Improving soil microbial diversity anticipated for Jackson County, including and flora practices that physically disturb the soil and abundance by increasing soil organic matter and avoiding or limiting toxic 70 pesticides Temperature assuming the BAU trend 68 of accelerating fossil fuel consumption • Adopting year-round cover crops and crop rotation. 66 Ray Seidler, PhD 64 °F Consumption of fossil fuels at reduced rate [email protected] 62 Ray Seidler is a retired professor of 60 microbiology, former senior research scientist 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 with the US Environmental Protection Temperature trends for the Rogue Valley from 1950 to 2100 using data from the US Geological Survey Agency, and board member of Our Family (2.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/clu_rd/nccv/viewer.asp). Graph provided by Alan Journet, PhD, of Southern Oregon Climate Action Now. Farms in Medford, Oregon. Applegater Summer 2017 19 OPINIONS Behind the Green Door Make America green again BY CHRIS BRATT The Sierra Club recently sent us (my • More than 400 national parks, 560 Most frightening are President Donald O&C lands to be wife, Joan, and I are members) two national wildlife refuges, and nearly 250 Trump’s executive orders, which negatively included within separate mailings. One was a “Certificate million acres of other lands managed by affect social-justice issues and threaten to its borders. This Chris Bratt of Appreciation,” which honored our “45 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). end the government’s role in protecting the new administration is gearing up to cut a years of outstanding leadership preserving, • 154 national forests (Rogue River- environment. He has proposed cutting the lot more timber by lowering protections protecting and enjoying America’s great Siskiyou National Forest and the BLM Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) on a lot more local public land. outdoors, wildlands, and wildlife.” The Medford District manage 66 percent or budget by 31 percent and EPA jobs by 20 The Donald Trump presidency has certificate reminded me that our family 324,669 acres in the Applegate.) percent (3,200). He also wants to end EPA popularized anti-environmentalism has been on the right side of environmental • 873 federally recognized National programs and regulations that would help through its support for more conservative causes for ages, and that protection of Conservation Areas encompassing almost reduce the effects of climate change (which family values, private-property rights, our precious natural resources continues 32 million acres. he believes is a hoax). and political self-determination for to require a long-term commitment • 129 national monuments, of which two Another executive order requires a rural communities. This has attracted from concerned individuals, families, are in the Applegate’s backyard. review of the Antiquities Act of 1906 to disgruntled people who are fearful of and communities. It also reminded me • 680 wilderness areas protecting over look for what Trump’s administration calls their economic future and suspicious of that future generations, including our 106 million acres in 44 states, including “government overreach.” After this review, government, which has used these anxieties grandchildren, are relying on all of us 16,709 acres in the Red Buttes Wilderness it’s possible that our local Cascade-Siskiyou to compromise environmental laws, ethics, to leave them a healthy, peaceful, and in the Applegate. National Monument designation could be science, and public participation. functioning world environment. A planet • National historic sites, battlefields, removed or diminished, along with other All concerned people, especially that right now requires what a past Sierra recreation areas, national preserves, national monuments. environmentalists, must develop a smarter Club executive director called “CPR” memorials and more. Further, the Trump administration approach to solving these economic and (conservation, protection, and restoration). All Americans are the heirs to these has inspired lawsuits by Oregon timber social problems. We need to come up with The second Sierra Club communication magnificent places, so let’s not allow private companies and associated groups to proposals to keep rural areas viable, create was a call to action for their 2.7 million economic interests to carve up our public challenge the BLM’s failure to sell more local jobs, and organize these alienated members to defend our natural legacy lands for profit. timber, which is what they believe is folks. In the meantime, we must face these of public lands and waters. The message If you want to ensure that future called for in the Oregon and California threats to a sustainable environment head- outlined possible threats from the Trump generations will be able to enjoy them (O&C) Lands Act of 1937. Other timber- on and continue to give America CPR, administration and Congress to our as we do, become an active Applegate industry lawsuits assert that the Cascade- making it green again. amazing national and natural holdings stakeholder and volunteer for a local or Siskiyou National Monument, managed Let me know if you’re on board. that include: regional environmental organization. by the BLM, has improperly allowed Chris Bratt • 541-846-6988

private land while people were working Amendment rights, and no one wants to Unsafe shooting on outside, and hit outbuildings. limit the actions of those who follow safety Instead of shooting out into space principles while enjoying public BLM Anderson Butte from those landings, some people have land. Most of those shooting from those BY NEAL ANDERSON shot at targets across or down the roads. Anderson Butte sites simply don’t realize This illegal activity is dangerous for those how many people they are putting at risk. Anderson Butte is an increasingly popular from these staging areas, and bullets not driving vehicles and their passengers, Unsafe target shooting affects people recreation area for hikers, equestrians, stopped by targets can go out into the trees especially since there are many blind curves who enjoy recreation on Anderson Butte bicyclists, hunters, motorcyclists, and and land below. on those roads. Sometimes people have and people who live nearby. We hope that people just out for a scenic drive. Located What may look like unpopulated forest shot across roads using the banks uphill of people going to Anderson Butte for target in the Little Applegate watershed, south often has a house or a trail only a few those roads as backdrops; shooters may not practice will obey these basic gun-safety of Jacksonville and just west of Medford, hundred feet away. Today, 70 homes— be aware that many trails for recreation are rules: Anderson Butte totals 11,742 acres, most inhabited by people, their pets and above those banks. Shoot only if you know what is beyond of which is managed by the Bureau of Land livestock—are situated within one-mile A group of people, including your target and if you have a sizeable Management (BLM). radii of popular shooting sites. Bullets fired homeowners near Anderson Butte, backdrop that will catch any bullets Generations of people have grown up from some of these landings have a range as recreationists, and members of the missing your target—otherwise, you are learning to shoot and hunt on Anderson far as five miles, based on shells collected at National Rifle Association, has contacted putting other people at risk. Butte, and it has been a remote escape the sites. In January 2016, a bullet coming the BLM, our elected representatives, and Don’t shoot across or down a road— for many. However, as Medford and the from a popular shooting site on Anderson the sheriff’s department about unsafe target such shooting is illegal, and others use wildland-urban interface (WUI) have Butte went through the door of a home shooting on Anderson Butte. Recognizing these roads. expanded, Anderson Butte is no longer about a mile away. the danger, the BLM positioned concrete Some local organizations offer free gun- secluded. Many homes now surround That hasn’t been the only incident. The barriers and posted signs to discourage safety courses. Shooters can also become Anderson Butte, and hundreds of people complex of ridges and valleys of Anderson unsafe shooting. The BLM continues to members of the Medford Rifle and Pistol are regularly out in the woods or on the Butte creates short sight lines, making it communicate to those participating in Club in Central Point or the Jackson trails that crisscross the area. challenging to see or hear where shooting recreational target shooting that firearms County Sports Park Shooting Complex in When Anderson Butte was logged, is coming from and trapping motorcyclists must be discharged toward a backstop White City, with one of the best shooting roads were constructed by cutting into the and equestrians on public trails for fear of sufficient to stop a bullet’s forward progress. ranges in southern Oregon. ridges; landings for logging were created being hit if they move. The BLM and the sheriff’s department Thank you. by leveling land on the outside curves of Bullets from Anderson Butte target- will increase patrols on Anderson Butte Neal Anderson the roads. Now these areas are often used shooting sites have whizzed by hikers on to help curb unsafe shooting. These (No relation to Anderson Butte) for target shooting. The land drops away the Sterling Mine Ditch Trail, hit trees on efforts are not trying to curtail Second [email protected]

OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR HIGH SCHOOL REPORTER WANTED

Opinion pieces and letters to the editor represent the opinion of the Great experience and author, not that of the Applegater or the Applegate Valley Community volunteer opportunity! Newspaper, Inc. As a community-based newsmagazine, we receive The Applegater wants to include diverse opinions on different topics. We honor these opinions, but object information on Hidden Valley to personal attacks and reserve the right to edit accordingly. Opinion pieces and letters to the editor must focus on the Applegate Valley. High School (HVHS) activities, Opinion pieces are limited to 700 words; letters are limited 450 events, sports, news, clubs., etc., words. Submissions will be edited for grammar and length. Opinion in our quarterly newsmagazine. pieces must include publishable contact information (phone number Any budding journalists, English and/or email address). All letters must be signed, with a full street address majors, club members, parents, or PO Box and phone number. Anonymous letters and opinion pieces or staff members interested in will not be published. Individual letters and opinion pieces may or representing HVHS for your may not be published. local paper? The next deadline for • articles is August 1. Email opinion pieces and letters to the editor to [email protected] If you’re willing and able, or mail to Applegater, Applegate Valley Community Newspaper, Inc., email [email protected] PO Box 14, Jacksonville, OR 97530. by July 1. 20 Summer 2017 Applegater OPINIONS 20 years of BLM failure From the Siskiyou Crest to BY JACK DUGGAN the Rogue River: Federal land The 1995 Bureau of Land Management over a period of five years. The CX did not (BLM) Resource Management Plan meet the criteria for a CX nor for a trail management in the Applegate Valley (RMP) listed areas to be managed for designation and was appealed by numerous BY LUKE RUEDIGER off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. individuals and organizations. “Timber Mountain/John’s Peak (TM/JP) In 2016 BLM issued a new RMP The scope and scale of currently Humbug Creek to Jacksonville, Central 16,880 acres” was one of them. No written that presented an interim plan to be proposed or approved federal land- Point, and the Rogue River. Despite the description or maps defined any of these used for “existing roads and trails.” No management projects in the Applegate massive scale of the project, the CX shields areas. These 43 characters within those definition of existing roads and trails was Valley are staggering. The region we love the agency from environmental analysis quotation marks set off a controversy about provided. That should mean the roads and and call home could be significantly altered and public comment. All 65 miles of issues of trash, trespass, noise, and erosion trails considered existing must be legally by the cumulative impact of federal land unauthorized OHV trails have been built that has impacted Applegate residents for established. There are no legally established timber sales, new roads, off-highway without authorization or attention to trail more than two decades. Major players OHV trails in the Applegate. vehicle (OHV) trails, and increased standards, creating extreme environmental include BLM, local residents, and the Now comes another CX to “maintain” livestock grazing on the Siskiyou Crest. impacts. The BLM has approved motorized Motorcycle Riders Association (MRA). 65 miles of trails over two years. It is little From the mouth of the river and through use on “existing” trails (with no definition For five years this undefined area was different from the 2014 CX, meeting the foothills to the Siskiyou Crest, our of “existing”) that impact the endangered included in BLM and Oregon Department neither the criteria for a CX nor the criteria neighbors managing federal land have big Gentner’s fritillary (the official flower of of Parks and Recreation brochures. In for trails. The very damage BLM seeks to plans—some good, some bad, some ugly. Jacksonville), northern spotted owl nesting 2000, leaflets declaring that motorcycles repair was caused by their promotion of In an attempt to produce timber habitat, riparian areas, the Wellington were taking over the mountains were user-created trails. Many of us see this volume, the Bureau of Land Management Butte Roadless Area, and the proposed distributed throughout the valley. BLM as an attempt to legitimize user-created (BLM) has recently proposed a flurry Applegate Ridge Trail, a broadly supported had issued a permit to the MRA to hold OHV trails that have never been legally of timber sales in the Applegate Valley, nonmotorized trail. The CX can only be a three-day event with routes that would and appropriately evaluated. some bad and some ugly. They have either described as ugly and is being appealed by include county roads and private property. It is clear to me that BLM is biased proposed or approved timber sales from numerous community organizations. The permit was pulled. toward off-road machine recreation. At the Wilderville to Williams, Thompson Creek On US Forest Service (USFS) land, the In 2003 BLM began an environmental time of those 43 characters in 1995 and and throughout the Middle Applegate, to agency is updating its grazing management review for the TM/JP with a scoping during the development of the draft EIS, Little Applegate and Upper Applegate. plans for the first time since the 1960s. (public comment) period in which the BLM’s recreation coordinators were both The BLM has approved, but not yet The project is known as the Applegate public could say what issues should be OHV enthusiasts. The Medford District logged, the Pilot Thompson Timber Sale, Grazing Complex and covers 166,452 included in the environmental impact has the highest number of proposed OHV extending the length of Thompson Creek. acres in the Little and Upper Applegate statement (EIS). At the first public meeting areas of any BLM District in Oregon. They have also approved, but not yet sold, watersheds, including the high meadows for that process, Kristi Mastrofini, now Hikers and bicyclists must pay their own the controversial Nedsbar Timber Sale in of the Siskiyou Crest. The agency is BLM’s Ashland field manager, Medford way to do an environmental review before the Little and Upper Applegate Valleys. considering grazing in long-ungrazed District Office, presented slides of the building trails to meet BLM specifications, That sale would cut some of the last low- areas, including the Red Buttes Wilderness MRA logo and began promoting the but OHV enthusiasts get to create trails elevation, late seral forests in the Little and Area and numerous botanical areas. Public organization. wherever they like with no cost to them Upper Applegate watershed, build new land grazing is currently impacting water In 2006, while BLM was in the process and no environmental review. It is no logging roads, and generally reduce both quality, biodiversity, and a multitude of of developing a draft EIS, area residents wonder residents are ignored. forest health and fire resilience by logging other resources. finally saw maps of the proposed OHV Residents are once more preparing large, old trees and dramatically reducing Meanwhile, the BLM and USFS are area. The name and acreage have changed appeals to the latest CX—our First canopy cover. The BLM has proposed “re- proposing a joint project in the Upper many times since. The draft EIS, released Amendment promises that “Congress shall packaging” the sale for auction in the fall. Applegate. The project is being planned in 2009, was widely criticized for failing to make no law…abridging the right of the The Grant Pass BLM is proposing the under the Applegate Adaptive Management consider scoping issues, failing to show a people to petition their government for a Pickett West Timber Sale in the western Area (AMA). The concept is to promote full range of impacts, and failing to account redress of grievances.” (Unfortunately, this Applegate Valley near Wilderville, Murphy, innovative and ecologically balanced public for the costs of implementation. In 2012 article will be published after the deadline and North Applegate Road. The sale would land management through collaboration the BLM held a six-month “alternative for appeals has passed.) log healthy, fire-resilient old forest and and public input. Currently the project dispute resolution” process that resulted So let’s petition our government. Let’s build numerous new roads into relatively is developing into a comprehensive plan in an agreement to disagree. spread the word that this is no way to intact native habitats. Many logging units encouraging outdoor recreation, improving While the draft EIS was in development, be a good neighbor or a good member are located along the proposed Applegate pollinator habitat, reducing watershed the BLM issued a categorical exclusion of our community. We may have to live Ridge Trail, and two new roads would be impacts from damaged or unnecessary (CX) to repair damage to an area known as with BLM, but they have to live with us. built on top of the proposed trail corridor. forest roads, reducing fuel risks, and Bunny Meadows. There were no objections Together we might all get them to take a Recently, the BLM also proposed a new maintaining resilient forest conditions to this CX until BLM put up a sign naming more balanced view. timber sale in the Middle Applegate and through the use of prescribed fire, fuel it a “staging area” and posted a kiosk map Jack Duggan has identified the entire area from Ruch to reduction thinning, and commercial that included the MRA logo and showed [email protected] Thompson Creek for potential logging and thinning in both natural (but previously trails across private property. The next CX Jack Duggan lives in the Applegate where “vegetation management.” This includes logged) and plantation stands. Many in came in 2014, a proposal to “maintain he would be surrounded by the proposed places like the Wellington Butte Roadless the community are hopeful that the final and rehabilitate” 72 miles of OHV trail OHV area. Area, China Gulch, Forest Creek, Humbug proposal is one we can support. Local musicians jam in restaurant Sundays Creek, Ferris Gulch, and Slagle Creek. Through the good, the bad and the The BLM also recently approved a ugly, Applegate Neighborhood Network HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! categorical exclusion (CX), allowing will be here representing community and OHV trail maintenance and de facto conservation interests. Join us. There is a designation on 23,000 acres and 65 lot to do. miles of unauthorized motorcycle trails. Luke Ruediger The project covers a vast region from 541-890-8974 Forest Creek, China Gulch, and Upper Applegate Neighborhood Network Restaurant open 4 - 9 pm, Wednesday - Sunday L odge aLodgend Re sopentaura 7n tdays open a 7 week days a week WednesdayH app yNight H ou Liver fro mMusic, 3 - 5 popenm da itillly 11 pm Applegate Lions Club members go back to school Local musicians jam in restaurant on Sunday T uesday reduced rates on entrees Members of Applegate Lions Club W ednesdayLodge N ight 541-846-6690L ive M usic, op en till 1 1 pm recently completed work on a new swing Restaurant 541-846-6082 set at Applegate School, bringing with them Wedding/Special Events 541-660-0244 their expertise, tools, heavy equipment, www.applegateriverlodge.com and lots of opinions about how to proceed! “These guys were lots of fun,” said Applegate River Lodge Darrell Erb, principal. “They all had ideas & Restaurant about the best way to do things. I did my best to stay out of the way as they do great work!” The Applegate School staff and students want to shout out a giant thank-you to our local Lions Club!

Lions Club members volunteered at Applegate School. Top photo: Larry Hogan. Bottom photo: Stephen Rapp. Applegater Summer 2017 21 especially when we consider the cumulative Williams has a town council? effects. Local citizens have clearly expressed BY MIKE SMITH to WTC/CAC their complaints and concerns, such as traffic, excessive noise, The Williams Town Council and County Planning Division. The CAC and light pollution from greenhouses. Citizen’s Advisory Committee (WTC/ reviews, researches, and may comment on At this point, issues concerning noise CAC) started over 30 years ago when development permit applications that it and night light are particularly difficult Josephine County had over a dozen receives from the county. If an application to resolve when the grow is on property citizen advisory committees. All the appears controversial or could have zoned EFU (exclusive farm use), which others stopped functioning due to lack significant community impact, the WTC/ is considered “resource land” zoning that of volunteer interest or challenges in CAC can call a town meeting for discussion is possibly protected by an old “Right to communicating with the county. The and input, which may inform the CAC’s Farm” act. If the grow is on property zoned Williams CAC is the only active CAC left advisory comments to the county. RR (rural residential), current county in the county. Purely an advisory body, Historically, the WTC/CAC has assisted ordinances apply. The state legislature has lacking any formal authority or budget, the community with challenging issues ruled that counties can pass “reasonable it allows Williams residents to participate such as industrial logging, a proposed cell regulations” to mitigate these issues on in land-use, long-range planning, and tower near the elementary school, and the “resource lands.” Many counties have other issues relating to the planning and sale of hard liquor in Williams. In recent passed such measures. Josephine County development of Williams. years, the WTC/CAC saw little activity has yet to consider such action. The organization has two primary until the legalization of marijuana. Since The WTC/CAC is currently working to functions. One is to hold town meetings then large recreational marijuana grows help resolve some of the growing pains we on matters that are timely and important have been submitting applications to the are experiencing. By holding town meetings to the community or that present difficult county for processing plants, inviting and encouraging citizen involvement in the problems or discontent. These meetings community comment. planning and development of Williams, give WTC/CAC a chance to support Of course, the introduction of any perhaps we can collectively find solutions residents on projects that are beneficial to industrial-scale business into a region that to the very real problems we face and the development of Williams, such as bike, includes residential areas, such as the “green nip them in the bud. As one of the horse, and pedestrian pathways, or events gold” (marijuana) industry in Williams, permaculture principles states, “We are the that encourage a healthy community. comes with its challenges. As many problem; we are the solution.” The WTC/CAC’s other primary residents know, marijuana production has Mike Smith, WTC/CAC member function is its advisory role to the Josephine many social and environmental impacts, [email protected]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ■ SUMMERTIME Continued from page 5 Pay attention Dear Applegater: I was lucky enough to attend an event in the Applegate Valley where my husband while the elite attend and I visited with old friends and neighbors. Even though my family moved to Ashland NY Fashion Week over 20 years ago, many of our friendships in the Applegate remain intact. The closeness pretending we can all go on and caring of living for 20 years in the valley are still very meaningful and grounding like this in our lives. At the gathering, we all spoke about the happenings of the past year and our gratitude And I don’t know how to fit and love of place. We spoke about fears for the next four years, and a number of friends into this poem spoke of their commitment to their watershed and their valley, focusing their attention the millions of refugees on what’s taking place close to home. While it’s very worthwhile and beneficial to take that have streamed into Europe care of our families, neighbors, and friends, I feel the urgency of issuing a strong warning running from not to bury our heads in the sands or close ourselves off in the mountains. It’s important, insane zealots with arms, now more than ever, to stay awake, stand up, and be heard. I’d like to remind my friends both sides intent that Hitler, too, was elected into a democratic government and demagogues have a way on killing each other ’til of distorting the truth, separating groups from one another and destroying democracy. no one’s left standing After World War II there was a famous quote from a European priest that I paraphrase *** and update here: “First they came for the Muslims and I say nothing, then they came for The I Ching says, the Mexicans, the gays, the blacks and I still say nothing. And then they came for me.” “may you live in interesting times” Although I am not saying it will happen, and I actually have confidence in our people’s the Buddhists call it samsara love of country, but anything can happen, especially if good people are in hiding, not the Christians—I gave up on them speaking out or standing up. The beauty and strength of living in the United States is a long time ago, that we have safeguards, we have freedoms, and we need to keep them alive and current. Yes, care for our communities close to home and still pay attention to what is happening and the only thing that makes sense around you because you are truly not separate from any of it. Sincerely, is to plant lettuce in October, ’cause Sheila Canal, Ashland, Oregon (Applegate Valley property owner) it’s way too warm for fall spinach • • • Climate changes sing praise to the velvet-petaled rose Editor: as she opens one last time Maybe all folks living in Oregon, the nation, or the world think the same. Certainly, many of us in the Applegate Valley think this is the best place in the world to live. But bring water to the raspberries we are also noticing the rising temperatures that the weather service reports—over two and hope to see the shy green frog degrees during the last century. We are noticing the trend of reducing snowpack, even hiding among their canes though we’ve had a couple of decent snow years. Water shortages resulting from this trend are also troubling us. And we are aware that drought is becoming an ever-present Speak truth threat while our fire season and fire risk are both increasing. Honor beauty It’s time for Applegaters to join concerned peoples across the nation and the planet Practice love in addressing the global warming that is causing these climate changes. And we need to do it before our entire way of life is compromised. All else is folly. Fortunately, we can do this. The Oregon legislature is considering placing a cap on the climate pollution that is causing our problems. The proposal will reduce pollution H. Ni Aodagain and generate funds earmarked to provide economic assistance to rural southern Oregon [email protected] as we transition to a clean-energy economy with better-paying jobs. Data show us that reducing climate pollution can help our economy. Sincerely, Alan Journet, Jacksonville, Oregon Co-facilitator, Southern Oregon Climate Action Now Advertisers! • • • Community issue For rates and other information, Dear Editor: contact: A problem with large-scale cannabis production that has not been mentioned is that Follow us Ron Turpen it often invites crime. When a large crop of cannabis nears harvest, there is the likelihood 541-601-1867 of theft, and the perpetrators (as well as the growers) are often armed. This should be on Facebook. mentioned in meetings concerning the pros and cons of this new community issue, as [email protected] it has been a real problem in other locations. Next deadline: Thank you, Pete Gerard, Jacksonville, Oregon August 1 22 Summer 2017 Applegater “Science+” a success NEXT GENERATION Applegate School staff and students Next Generation features the talents of our local students and school news and updates. All welcomed a big crowd of parents and schools in the Applegate Valley are encouraged to submit news, art, writing, photography, community members on Monday, April and any other creative pieces to [email protected]. 24, for “Science+,” a celebration of science and learning. There was plenty to do for those who attended! Ruch student wins park season pass In addition to science projects and Ruch Community School is very classroom exhibits, Pacifica’s Caterpillar, excited to announce that first-grade the touring science museum, was on hand student Savanah Barclay won a Cantrall to provide information on pollinators. Seventh grader Aiden Fimbres fills up a Buckley Park Season Pass for 2017! And Liese Murphree with ScienceWorks balloon with gas during the “Science+” ScienceWorks Museum presentation. Savanah created a scene that she often Museum in Ashland led an exciting show enjoys—the playground at our favorite using liquid nitrogen. local family park and campground, Students’ science projects were on grade five, received a Gold award for his Cantrall Buckley. She then submitted her display, and families received passport experiment, “Comparing Hackamores”; design and was declared the winner. stamps for each of the areas they attended, Chris Hartley, grade five, received a The annual contest encourages local to qualify for a drawing held at the end of Gold award for his “Battery Life versus children to draw favorite activities at the the evening. Temperature” experiment; and Max park and campground. A panel of judges Three students were honored at the Vidlak, grade four, received a Silver award reviews all the drawings submitted, and district level for their projects. Cody Locke, for his experiment, “How Many Seeds.” their votes determine the winner. Savanah received a season pass for her Top photo: Savanah Barclay and Applegate family and her classroom teacher, Mrs. her teacher, Mrs. Brown. School National Brown. “I love playing on the monkey Bottom photo: Savanah’s winning design. bars,” shared Savanah with a smile. She also Junior Honor enjoys helping stack wood and working Society members on structures in the park. Savanah plans recognized to spend a lot of time this summer in our Capping the Science+ very own Cantrall Buckley Park, making celebration was the induction memories to last a child a lifetime! into the National Junior Honor Cantrall Buckley Park and Campground Society, where hard-working supports community youth and their students joined a time-honored families. With 1.75 miles of Applegate and elite society of young River frontage, it is one of only two public scholars whose commitment Applegate School’s new inductees display their certificates access points to the river. It provides a to academia, citizenship, and from the National Junior Honor Society. swimming hole, fishing opportunities, leadership are recognized. beautiful picnic spots, and a newly If you would like to join the efforts to Pictured are 2017 inductees (front row) Maria Cross, Seth Davis, Lily Emmons, renovated playground where children like modernize the campground and provide Soren Emmons, Lexi Hill, and Ronan Hodge; (back row) Macy Kliewer, Hunter Krouse, Savanah can spend lots of time playing on utility hookups to the campsites, please Coral Lowry, Carlen Nielsen, Emma Singleton, and Nate Vidlak. Teachers Star McAdam monkey bars and other equipment. visit gacdc.org for more information. (left) and Michelle Stone (right) presented certificates. Existing members Sam Vidlak, Bree Saunders, Marly Marcoulier, and Lucas Cross officiated. The best classroom is outside! Great things are happening at Williams Elementary! It seems that the world of education is always looking for a new math curriculum, Literacy Night was fun for all Re-invention Show uses recycling strategies for assessment, or a new and Students and families who attended Inspired by the three Rs, Williams better way to manage student behavior. We the recent Literacy Night at Williams Elementary held a Re-invention Show should look no further than right outside Elementary were pleased to see a special on April 10 to honor Earth Day and to the front door. guest that night: The Cat in the Hat! This culminate a school-wide unit on reducing, Students from Ruch Community coincided with our library’s book fair, and re-using, and recycling. School recently spent a morning in the those present were able to purchase books Local star cast in Music Man Jackson Creek Wetlands with their teacher, and other items that promote literacy. A talented student in our fourth-fifth Ryan King, and forest park volunteer and Folks came early and enjoyed a hot-dog classroom, Samantha Solano, was cast in retired teacher, Clayton Gillette. Joined by dinner, then went to the gym to participate Music Man, a play produced in Grants other volunteers, students pulled blackberry Great crew, and great job done! in loads of games that emphasized learning. Pass. The entire school was able to watch bushes, hauled gravel, and restored parts There was also an academic corner the performance along with neighboring of the trail that meanders through the as they can lay claim to adopting the where parents could pick up information schools and districts. We were proud to Wetlands. Engaged in a classroom activity Jackson Creek Wetlands as their very own on how to help support their students’ see one of our own on stage. and lesson that was the furthest thing from creation,” stated Tony Hess, Jacksonville learning by grade level. The night ended Thanks to two generous folks! textbooks, notebooks, or computers, the Forest Park volunteer. “They showed up with ice-cream sandwiches and a classic Dr. A special thank-you needs to be students instead were armed with gloves, with great enthusiasm and demonstrated Seuss story read by Principal Erb. It was a expressed to James Kalfas and Greg Cox shovels, and wheelbarrows. Nature was hard work.” fun night. Hope you can join us next year! for their generous contribution of the their classroom! So, while other institutions are Williams students back new banner that has been placed on Students at Ruch Community School desperately searching for curriculums to in the garden again our gymnasium wall. The banner reads know better than anyone that they learn boost test scores, I suggest getting outside Sarah and Shayne Ayrsman are “Williams Elementary, Our School, Our most outside while providing a service with your students and staff. Discover two wonderful volunteers who have agreed Family, Our Community.” to their community. Service learning services that can be performed by your to be garden coordinators for our school. Reader board facelift under way combines the principles of experiential students, and offer them something Students are getting their hands dirty Our reader board is getting a facelift learning with service to the community. In greater than a grade: a sense of ownership preparing beds for spring planting. All and will be moved closer to the road for the process, it supports students’ personal, and passion for the environment around grades are involved—we believe students your viewing pleasure! Look for the board academic, and social development. them. Give them a sense of belonging and should learn by doing, and our garden in the near future. It will be placed close to “We look forward to regular work and connection to their community—then provides a great opportunity for them to the stop sign in front of the school and will fun visits with your students in the future watch your test scores take off. learn where their food comes from and the list important events and exciting news. work it requires in order to realize a harvest. Smokey Bear was in the house Authors are students Applegate Rogue River Southern Oregon Sanitation The kindergarten and first-grade class of Ruch School teacher by Lori Yates by William della Santina taught us the three Rs received a surprise visit from Smokey Jennifer Drane. I feel the spray of the Have you ever been to No, not “reading, ’riting and ’rithmatic,” Bear. Remember, only you can prevent raging river, but “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.” Our students forest fires! Applegate? Where salmon Valley I hear the sound of the are learning not only how to grow their Upcoming events jump lake to lake. The by Katie Costello splashing rapids, own food, but also how to keep our land Coming soon Williams School will geese fly and say GOOD- Applegate Valley I see the glistening of the beautiful and clean. Second and third have a visitor from the National History So much to do lots to see BYE! Oh you must come calm water, graders have even taken a further step and Museum. There will also be an all-school Run outside and play to Applegate. The lake I taste the sweet summer in made reusable fabric grocery bags to help field trip to Pacifica, a trip to the Oregon Swimming in the lake dances beautiful with the air, reduce the use of plastic bags. Students Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Have fun hiking, majestic colors. Come join I love the glorious Rogue have also written letters to encourage in Portland, and a jet-boat excursion on and biking us with the fun in the sun. River, businesses that still provide styrofoam cups the mighty Rogue River to ride out the See the scenery Applegate, awaits you... Flowing through my heart and takeout boxes to find biodegradable school year! forever. solutions. Lots going on in our growing school! Ruch School information provided by Applegate and Williams school information provided by Julie Barry, Principal Darrell Erb Jr., Principal 541-842-3850 • [email protected] 541-846-7224 • [email protected] Applegater Summer 2017 23 Reilly; Rogue wilderness A view worthy of a trail: WorkSource; status or Northwest protection. East ART progress Youth Corps; ATA is and all those convinced BY DAVID CALAHAN volunteers that the who showed public can Since March 23, the Applegate Trails For me, reality set in during the first up for the sway BLM Association (ATA) has watched our locally days of trail building. After so many three East away from hired crew lean into the task of creating a years, thousands of volunteer hours, and ART work logging the new hiking trail high on the slopes above thousands of dollars, this community parties. Few few isolated Bishop Creek. Whack, whack, whack, dream was coming true. But as the thin can appreciate patches of foot by laborious foot, grubbers and brown line grew, I had to ask myself, what how much timber in this Pulaskis bit into the earth, leaving a narrow have we done? “If you build it, they will these people incredible brown path that crept slowly across the come.” It is true, they will come. I know in have put into Aerial photo of East ART view by Scott Harding. backyard incredibly beautiful and diverse landscape a short time the disturbed earth will blend this project. gem. It is our of our valley. On the ground, progress was again and from a distance the trail will For those wielding a tool, the work caused hope that BLM will recognize the true measured in hundreds of feet per day. On disappear. Mother Nature is an excellent some sweat and maybe a blister or two. value of recreation in southern Oregon, the map, progress was measured in tiny healer. But I had to wonder, will all the Funding for the trailhead improvements, especially nonmotorized recreation in wild quarter-inch segments. benefits of the trail outweigh the impacts trail planning, and construction came from places, and give it the attention it deserves. By now the actual construction of of so many humans coming to what once REI, the Schwemm Family Foundation, ATA has two more scheduled events. On the 5.6-mile East Applegate Ridge Trail was a difficult place to visit? Analyzing Title II grants, fundraising, and your Sunday, June 18, Alex Weinbrecht (alex@ (ART) is nearly completed. Although this question from many angles, I felt my donations. applegatetrails.org) will host a horseback improvements at the primary trailhead off internal scales tipping heavily to “yes,” and What’s next for the East ART and ride on the Enchanted Forest Trail. Bring Sterling Creek Road are done, a number every thoroughly delighted and astonished ATA? First we seek funding to establish your own horse. On Sunday, July 9, Diana of tasks still need to be accomplished hiker reinforces that conclusion. The trail an improved trailhead on the west end Coogle ([email protected]) will before the trail is officially opened to the is a good thing. off Highway 238 near Forest Creek Road. host a hike on Mount Elijah. For more public, hopefully this summer. The trail’s This undertaking has elicited so much Then we start planning for the Center information, go to applegatetrails.org. proximity to Jacksonville, jaw-dropping support it is impossible to thank all ART, from Highway 238 to Humbug When it is ready, you must go up on views, and an easy grade for the first three those who deserve it. But some special Creek. This section of trail will access the the East ART. The grade is gentle, and the miles are bound to make the East ART praise should be given to the ATA board 7,000-acre Wellington Wildlands, which is views, starting in a few hundred yards, get very popular. Shortly after we started, the (past and present); Siskiyou Upland comprised of all the public lands between better and better around every corner. It is trail was discovered by mushroom pickers, Trails Association; Annette Parsons; Highway 238, China Gulch, Humbug a whole new way to see the Applegate. See hikers, mountain bikers, and critters, all Duane and Katy Mallams; Zach Million, Creek, and the Forest Creek ridgeline. you on the trail. pleased to be using a trail across those recreation planner with the Bureau of Even though these public lands look and David Calahan • [email protected] steep slopes. Land Management (BLM); the late Ed feel like wilderness, they do not have official Chair, Applegate Trails Association Williams says farewell to Annual Williams scholarships awarded Each year scholarships toward ever-increasing college expenses are given to deserving beloved teacher Joanne Wardle students who live in the Williams School District. This year a total of $3,250 was awarded Joanne Wardle has been teaching school to three exceptional students. Congratulations to: for more than 30 years (since 1985), the Autumn Hewitt • Autumn Wilkins-Kahn • Calder Wilson past seven of which have been at Williams The Williams Community Scholarship Fund was established in 1982 by Ray and Elementary School. Now retiring, she will Peg Prag, Wendell and Irene Shampine, and Burt Eikleberry. In the last 35 years, well spend her last day with students on June over $50,000 has been awarded in the form of 115 well-earned and much-needed 15. scholarships of varying amounts. While Joanne may be looking forward Originally, money for these scholarships was earned by selling soft drinks at Pioneer to retirement for sleeping in on school Round-Up. Later, funds were raised by selling plants, mainly donated by Forestfarm. days, gardening, traveling, and spending Each year most of the earnings were awarded as scholarships, while a small portion was precious time with her grandchildren, saved and invested so that the Williams Community Scholarship Fund could award there are those at Williams Elementary scholarships based on annual interest earnings. This year, however, with such outstanding who say she will be sorely missed. students, more money was given out than earned, making your donations all the more “I have had the pleasure of working important. with Joanne for the past three years,” said In the face of rising tuition costs and the increasing importance of continuing Darrell Erb, principal. “She’s an amazing education, the scholarship fund was created to “promote post-secondary education teacher—so committed to students and for members of the Williams community.” Scholarships are awarded on the basis of this community, so caring and positive— “Joanne’s story is one of unselfish scholastic achievements, extracurricular activities, financial need, and long-range goals. we will miss her big-time. She picked us service to us all, and her impact will live Please consider donating to the Williams Community Scholarship Fund. Donations all up every day!” on,” said Mindi Gallegos, office manager enable us to provide more and/or larger scholarships. One hundred percent of The search has begun to fill Joanne’s at the school. “We will miss her infectious donated funds goes towards scholarships. There are no administrative costs—the five position. There is always a new chapter, smile, her upbeat disposition, and, best of Board members volunteer their time. Donations from community members stay in but Joanne’s service has left a legacy at all, her home-baked goodies!” the community. For more information, contact Peg Prag at 541-846-1100 or peg@ Williams Elementary. We wish her the best in her retirement! pacificagarden.org.

Carol Applegate Store & Cafe Milazzo Deli & Picnic Supplies Debbie Tollefson Don Tollefson Principle Broker Principle Broker Breakfast • Lunch •To-Go Orders Owner Owner Broker 541-973-9184 541-973-9185 541-415-1844 Gas • ATM • Espresso Open 7days a week! Beer & Wine 15095 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR “We Focus on Relationships, not Commissions.” 541-846-6659 List with us! Your local Horsefeather Farms independently Ranchette Guesthouse Stayovers B&B Bring the kids! Pet friendly! owned Realtors! 13291 Hwy 238, Applegate, OR Stay at a real country farm on the Applegate River! Applegate Valley Office Jacksonville Office Call for information and reservations: 7380 Highway 238 / Ruch, OR 935 North Fifth Street / Jacksonville, OR Next to Ruch Country Store By the Gas Station 541-941-0000 www.horsefeather-farms-ranchette.com 541-261-0949 541-218-0947 24 Summer 2017 Applegater

■ THINK EMBERS vegetation. “Fire spreads as a continually Continued from page 1 propagating process, not as a moving Look who’s reading the Gater many new folks move to the Applegate mass” (Reducing the Wildland Fire Threat to Take us with you on your next trip. Then send your favorite each year, I’m thinking it’s time to bring Homes: Where and How Much? by Jack D. “Reading the Gater”photo to [email protected] or back those messages for a quick review. Cohen, PhD). If there are any fuels leading mail to Applegater, PO Box 14, Jacksonville, OR 97530. After all, with all the rain we got this to your home, the fire can and will spread. winter, the fine fuels, grasses, and weeds So think about things like your garage, are already tall and plentiful. carport, or a neighboring house, the old You may remember that statistically, wooden fence around the yard, or even a most homes are destroyed in wildfires wood mulch pathway to the front door. because embers or firebrands flying ahead If you live in a neighborhood with homes of the fire land on fine fuels that catch close together, fire could spread from house and ignite the home. (A wildfire roaring to house. What if a neighbor is burning a through the forest is not the most common slash pile on their property and your wood cause of homes burning—it moves too fence catches fire? Could it lead to your quickly.) However, if the home is covered house? Or if the school bus stopped to drop with pine needles, has leaves in the gutters, off the kids and the exhaust pipe spewed or firewood stored underneath the deck, embers onto your mulched pathway, rest assured those flying embers will start leading right up to the front door? ignitions everywhere. The photo on page Yes, I’m describing a “home ignition 1 from the 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire in zone” or HIZ—the area surrounding your Colorado illustrates how a home with fine home that has fuels that could lead a fire fuels on and around it can ignite, while to the house itself. Every HIZ is different, the thinned mature trees are still standing. and it is possible (and common!) to share Studies from large fires as far back as an HIZ with a neighbor. Break up the fuel 1961 have shown a 95 percent survival lines, make them “discontinuous,” and rate in homes with two things: a (well- maintain this work over time. You’ll be maintained) fire-resistant roof and 30-60 better prepared for fire season, and your feet of vegetation clearance (Stanford local firefighters will thank you! Research Institute, Howard et al. 1973). Sandy Shaffer However, a 30- to 60-foot vegetation [email protected] clearance is not a hard and fast guarantee For more information on the HIZ, contact that your home will survive! There are me via email or check in with the Applegate other sources of burnable materials besides Fire District. Free pamphlets are available!

Fire season is approaching: Be ready, be set, go! Photos, clockwise from top left: The Applegate Valley Fire District No. 9 reminds us that every year homes in —Diana Potts was pleased to find a review in the Gater restaurant section of a hot tapas bar southwest Oregon are threatened by wildfire and other emergencies. Follow the Ready, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Set, Go evacuation process provided by the Rogue Valley Fire Prevention Cooperative. –Karen Giese, stranded on Whidbey Island, searched the Applegater for rescue services. Ready…make copies of important papers, set aside a supply of water and food, –Annette Parsons and Jim Clover checked the Gater events calendar to see who’s on the designate a place to go, and plan a way for friends and family to find you. bill at the Amargosa Opera House in Death Valley Junction, California. Set…pack your emergency kit, water, and food; point your car so it’s facing out the —Kiana and Andres Raber traveled safely to Cloud Gate, aka “The Bean,” in Chicago’s driveway; and monitor local news stations for updates. Go…act quickly, close all windows and doors, and leave for your designated location Millennium Park, thanks to the Applegater’s updated GPS application. in a safe manner. Do not return home until told to do so by incident officials. You are responsible for your family’s safety. Be prepared, stay informed, and remember: Keep those articles, letters, opinions, and Ready, Set, Go! Visit the Rogue Valley Emergency Management website at rvem.org “Reading the Gater” photos coming in. You are the Gater! to learn more about the Ready, Set, Go evacuation process.

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