Molalla River Alliance INTERIM REPORT: July 2008 July 23, 2008 Letter from the president Dear Alliance IT technician. If you are aware of indi- Members, viduals who might have the time, talent and dedication, please let me know. I hope this And, some exciting news is the finds you in good opening of the MRA office in downtown health and enjoying Molalla. See more inside and make sure the great weather to put the Open House date (Aug. 21st) (finally!). on your calendars. On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to More exciting news! Read inside provide the first of what will become an about how MRA members helped save a ongoing series of updates on the progress small girl’s life on the River. Save these dates Save these dates of your Molalla River Alliance. There Finally, if there are questions you has been exciting progress on many have or the need for additional informa- Office Open House: Thursday Aug. 21 fronts. There remains much work to be tion, please feel free to contact me at any done … on many fronts. time. MRA Meeting of Members: I want to encourage your continuing sup- Thank you all for your great, great TBD port and participation. Please get in- work! volved with your Enclosed with committees. Listed this report please on page two are the find the following: names and e-mail addresses of each Who We Are: committee’s leader. Our Mission The efforts of Our Goals the Alliance con- Our Key Conser- tinue to attract vation Priorities growing and diverse Strategic Issues support from nu- merous organiza- I encourage tions, associations everyone to famil- and individuals that iarize themselves share our goals and with these for they INSIDE are willing to help. are the most impor- Who We Are 2 I strongly believe tant words we will this will be a key to produce. They Ongoing Projects 3 our success. So, if serve to state our you are aware of purpose, ethics and other individuals, values, clarify our Partners 4 groups, or organiza- goals, and provide tions that want to guidance when confronted with tough Wild and Scenic 5-6 role up their sleeves with us, please in- issues. They are the principles which Flyer troduce them to the MRA. guide our collective efforts as the Mo- We look to broaden the expertise and lalla River Alliance and will be included diversity of skills of the Alliance. We on our web site. will benefit greatly if we can attract the following as full-time members: (1) sci- Mike Moody entist / biologist; (2) public relations spe- [email protected] cialist; (3) fund raiser / grant writer (4) (503) 699-8704 university connection; (5) attorney; (6) (503) 697-7233 (fax) Who we are The Molalla River Alliance is a non -profit, all-volunteer conservation group, comprised of more than 30 public and private, local, state and federal organiza- tions, groups and individuals, dedicated to playing a leading role in protecting and preserving the water quality of the Molalla River and to sustaining the wild- life, fish and plants that inhabit its water- shed. Our foremost commitment is to the benefit and health of the River and its ecosystem for the consequential enjoy- ment by all people. For our efforts to be successful, we endorse an ecosystem- based management approach that consid- ers the benefits to the River above those of any single species, activity, or group, including humans. Our Mission Engage multiple and diverse private Implement plans which encourage The Mission of the Molalla River and public stakeholders to forge accessibility and encourage day-use Alliance is to safeguard, enhance and sus- collaborative, trust-based mutually activities tain the ecosystem and natural resources of beneficial partnerships Increase law enforcement and pa- the Molalla River for enjoyment and bene- Work with law enforcement partners trols in the Corridor fit of all people forever. to alleviate adverse effects of human Support efforts to eliminate dump- activities on the River ing, littering, vandalism, and drug Distinguish cultural, economic and use and underage drinking parties in Our Goals political influences which may con- the Corridor To promote efforts that preserve the tribute to threats to, or may enhance Improve communication systems for water quality and biodiversity of the Mo- opportunities for, the Molalla River public health and safety; lalla River and to protect and sustain the Promote increased public awareness Maintain a substantial riparian zone natural resources that inhabit its water- of vital conservation issues affecting along the Molalla River shed the Molalla River Eliminate motorized access to areas To promote a safe and healthy envi- Share with others what we learn that are not manageable ronment that encourages diverse enjoy- Pursue Wild and Scenic River status ment of the Molalla River Recreation for the upper Molalla River Corridor including tourism and family- Strategic Issues friendly activities Work with the BLM to create a comprehensive management plan for COMMITTEE LEADERS the Molalla River Recreation Corri- Our Key Conservation dor; Science: Tom Derry Priorities Encourage management of the Cor- [email protected] The Molalla River Alliance will: ridor for recreation, water quality, Law Enforcement/ Identify threats to the natural re- and fish and wildlife Communications:: sources of the Molalla River and Encourage the removal of dispersed Bob Loucks define abatement strategies camping areas and create and main- [email protected] Utilize ecosystem-based manage- tain full-service designated camp- Sgt. Gordon White ment plans which are measurable ground(s) [email protected] and favor long-term benefits; Restrict camping between Molalla Recreation: Bill Taylor Protect, improve and manage habi- River Forest Road and the river to [email protected] tats critical for breeding, spawning reduce adverse impacts to the ripar- Outreach/P.R.: John Atkins or nesting ian ecosystem [email protected] Molalla River Alliance July 2008 Interim Report Page 2 COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE The address is 103 S. Molalla Ave., Molalla. We will be holding an OPEN HOUSE at our new of- OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS fices on Thursday evening, August 21st. Put it on your calen- Your Board believes the strength and diversity of the dar and we hope to see you there. MRA will be enhanced by expanding the number of Board members. To that end, the Board of Directors agreed to ex- WEB SITE and BROCHURE pand the board by at least four members-at-large and will pre- We are diligently working in earnest on the MRA web- sent this for a vote of the entire membership at our next meet- site and brochures. Much of the copy has been completed and ing. soon we will turn it over to a webmaster for construction. The Also at the next general meeting, a proposal will be pre- website will also include links to all MRA-member organiza- sented to stagger terms of the board to assure continuity and tions as well as information pertinent to tourism and educa- ease of transition. tion. If you want your group’s web link included, please let Fran Taylor know at [email protected]. Also, if any of you TOURISM GRANTS are interested in helping on these vital tools, please let Fran Thanks to John Atkins efforts, MRA applied for and re- know. ceived a $3000 tourism grant to develop an MRA website and brochures. Great job, John!! WILD & SCENIC PRESENTATION RIVER The MRA is working with TO SALMON American Rivers to gain Wild & Sce- STRONGHOLD nic Recreation designation for the Mo- th lalla River. We are in the process of On June 19 , the MRA securing support from Clackamas presented at the North American County, numerous organizations and Salmon Stronghold Partnership our U.S. Congressional delegates, in- meeting, a biological profile of cluding Senators Wyden and Smith, the Molalla River and a sum- etc. Rep. Darlene Hooley, who will mary of the conservation chal- leave office in November, sees desig- lenges and opportunities faced nation of the Molalla as part of her by the River. The Stronghold legacy and is a strong advocate. Con- Partnership works to direct re- gress adjourns September 26th, so, we sources to river conservation have a very narrow window to present efforts which promote fish- our case in this election year. friendly land and water prac- tices. They lend support to ef- fective local and regional ac- LAW ENFORCEMENT tions that will sustain fish popu- lations. Thanks to the efforts of Bob Of key interest to the Loucks and Sgt. Gordon White of the Stronghold are the widespread Molalla Police, law enforcement ef- efforts by the Molalla River Al- forts have been stepped-up in the Cor- liance. Our work was very ably presented by board member ridor. Coordinated patrols have been implemented in coopera- Mark Schmidt. tion with Clackamas County Sheriff, Oregon State Police and We feel the Alliance fits the criteria of the Stronghold BLM enforcement officers. Partnership and will learn later this year if the Molalla River is Two officers are now traveling in a car; heavy enforce- to be included in the Stronghold. ment patrols on Friday nights and a rules and regulations flyer has been created that can be handed out to users in the Corri- dor. According to numerous comments, their efforts have OFFICE seen a marked decline in vandalism, underage drinking and The Alliance has entered into an agreement to share of- general criminal activity. fice space with other conservation groups with commitments to the Molalla River and surrounding area. It is intended that the office will become THE center of information and knowl- HAPPY ENDING!! edge about the entire Molalla Recreation Corridor.