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Seattle/Western Wash. News Releases for Tue. Feb. 7 - 2:35 am
02/04/12
Mountain View High School takes top spot at BPA’s 21st annual Regional Science Bowl
Bonneville Power Administration - 02/04/12
Science Bowl Logo
Science Bowl Logo
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-02/1236/51432/thumb_Science_Bowl_2011-logo-sm.jpg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
CONTACT: Doug Johnson, 503-713-7658

Portland, Ore. – High school students from around the Northwest put their razor-sharp minds to the test at BPA’s 21st annual Regional Science Bowl, Saturday at the University of Portland. Mountain View High School located in Vancouver, Wash., edged out more than 60 other teams from Oregon and Washington in the region’s foremost math and science competition.

Interlake High School located in Bellevue, Wash., took second. The Salmon Creek team, a group of home-schooled high schoolers from Woodland and Vancouver, Wash., finished third.

By winning the regional competition, the team from Mountain View High School earns a berth in the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., later this spring. What’s more, students from the top three teams will also receive scholarship offers from sixteen colleges and universities: Central Washington University, Evergreen State College, Gonzaga University, Lewis and Clark College, Linfield College, Oregon Institute of Technology, Pacific University, Portland State University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, University of Oregon, University of Portland, University of Puget Sound, Washington State University, Western Oregon University and Western Washington University.

BPA has sponsored the Northwest Science Bowl since 1991. More than 150 BPA employees volunteer as moderators, judges and in other positions and have helped the event evolve into the largest regional science bowl in the nation.

"We’re so thrilled to welcome these students and teachers every year, and to provide a forum where they can really shine. Just as some of their peers may receive recognition on the athletic field or on the stage, this is where kids who love science come to demonstrate their skills," said Cheri Benson, BPA Science Bowl coordinator. "There’s a practical application for us as well. Whether it’s engineering, hydrology, biology, or accounting, utilities such as BPA need future employees with a skillset that’s based on math and science. So this battle of the brains is our Super Bowl."

Photos and high-definition video of the event are avaiable at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bonnevillepower/sets/72157629175029605/

This year’s event was also sponsored by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Alstom Grid, and the University of Portland.

About the Game

After training for months, teams of four or five students from Oregon and Washington faced off in a round robin, quiz-show-style competition, followed by a double elimination final. The questions are multiple choice and short answer. Topics include astronomy, biology, chemistry, energy, mathematics, physics, earth science, computer and general science.

BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.

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Attached Media Files: Science Bowl Logo
02/02/12
New pilot saves customers money and reduces BPA reserve requirements
Bonneville Power Administration - 02/02/12
PR 07 12

BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
CONTACT: Doug Johnson 503-230-5840
or 503-230-5131



New pilot saves customers money and reduces BPA reserve requirements
Committed Intra-Hour scheduling pilot will advance renewable energy integration



Portland, Ore. – Two Bonneville Power Administration customers have committed to faster-paced energy schedules, increasing the electric grid’s flexibility to absorb changes in wind energy generation and reducing costs for both the customers and BPA.

Portland General Electric and Snohomish PUD will schedule transmission of energy through BPA’s system every half hour – doubling the previous pace of once an hour -- in exchange for a 34 percent reduction in the rate BPA charges for balancing services. The more frequent scheduling helps the energy market better adjust to fluctuations in wind generation.

For more than a century, the Northwest’s transmission system has operated by scheduling deliveries on the hour. However, that means BPA must hold enough generating capacity in reserve to make up the difference between what wind generators expect to deliver to the grid in any 60 minute period and what their turbines actually produce. More frequent scheduling lets wind producers match their schedules more closely to output, reducing the demand on BPA’s hydroelectric capacity.

BPA manages 75 percent of the Pacific Northwest’s high voltage electric transmission system.

"During our most recent rate case, we worked with our customers to create a pilot that would save them money and help us find options other than the hydro system to balance increasing amounts of wind," said Elliot Mainzer, executive vice president, BPA Strategic Planning. "We continue to look for innovative ways to integrate renewable energy sources and stretch the value of the hydro system."

"We feel BPA's advancement of intra-hour scheduling will facilitate additional renewable energy on the grid, benefiting rate payers, the regional economy and the environment," said Rachel Shimshak, executive director, Renewable Northwest Project. "As our region adopts a resource mix that includes more new renewables and less fossil fuel, intra-hour scheduling will play a key role within the suite of solutions necessary to accommodate clean energy."

PGE will employ intra-hour schedules for 450 megawatts of wind it operates within the BPA grid. Snohomish PUD will do the same for 97 megawatts of its wind energy. Because of these commitments, BPA will reduce by 23 megawatts the balancing reserves it holds in case wind facilities generate less energy than scheduled and 34 megawatts of reserves it holds in case wind plants produce more energy than scheduled. Removing these reserves provides BPA with operational flexibility to meet other hydro system requirements.

"We expect our participation in this pilot will help reduce our balancing charges for wind integration," said Snohomish PUD Senior Manager of Power Scheduling Kelly Wallace. "It has provided a valuable learning opportunity in committed intra hour scheduling in large part due to our successful collaboration with our pilot partners and BPA."

"It is important that all of us in the region work collaboratively to find fair, efficient, cost-effective ways to integrate the increasing amounts of variable, renewable power our customers want on the electric grid," said Jim Lobdell, PGE’s vice president of power operations and resource strategy. "Intra-hour scheduling is one tool that can help make the system more resilient, and we’re pleased to work with BPA to move this forward."

During this two-year rate period from Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2013, BPA is inviting participation in the pilot for up to 1,200 megawatts of wind energy. The amount of wind identified for participation to date accounts for just less than half the available space in the pilot.

Voluntary intra-hour scheduling has increased steadily over the past three years. However, because the practice was voluntary BPA could not discount its variable energy integration rate because it could not predict how often certain utilities would use the tool and at which wind plants.

BPA customers have pursued intra-hour scheduling even without discounts, though. A two-phase voluntary intra-hour scheduling pilot began in 2009. Under this initial pilot, BPA allowed only increases to schedules, which did somewhat limit participation.

Between January and September 2011, voluntary intra-hour schedules averaged about 5,440 megawatt hours per month. But that amount swelled to an average of approximately 17,240 megawatt hours per month between October and December 2011, when BPA opened the pilot to decreases in schedules and initiated a pilot with the California ISO opening intra-hour scheduling for Northwest generators who send power to California.

BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.



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Update: Toledo Police Chief and Oregon National Guard Officer to be promoted to Major General and become Chief of Staff U.S. Forces Korea
Oregon Military Department - 02/02/12
2012-02/962/51361/BG_Enyeart.jpg
2012-02/962/51361/BG_Enyeart.jpg
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-02/962/51361/thumb_BG_Enyeart.jpg
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon Army National Guard Brig. Gen. David Enyeart, is scheduled to be promoted to the rank of Major General, during a ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 6.

The ceremony is scheduled to be held at the Anderson Readiness Center on the drill floor, located at 3225 State Street in Salem, Ore. Members of the public and the media are invited to attend.

Following his promotion, Enyeart will begin his new position as Chief of Staff, United States Forces Korea.

"I am honored but also very humbled with this promotion to Major General," said Enyeart, "I am looking forward to the challenges and learning experience with this new position in United Forces Korea."

Enyeart began his career in the U.S. Army in 1978. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant through Officer Candidate School in June 1985 and joined the Oregon National Guard as a Mortar Platoon Leader. During his three decade career he has had three overseas deployments, two to Afghanistan and one to Sarajevo.

His military career includes commands ranging from unit level to Brigade level and then to Assistant Adjutant General (Army), Oregon National Guard, and Commander/Senior Military Representative, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Headquarters /Sarejevo.

Enyeart recently returned from Sarajevo, Bosnia where he served with military and governmental agencies assisting in their entry into NATO.

Family, friends, and members of the media are invited to attend the promotion ceremony which marks, Enyeart’s more than 33 years of service to the military.


Attached Media Files: 2012-02/962/51361/BG_Enyeart.jpg
01/31/12
American Red Cross to Partner with Body Worlds and the Brain
American Red Cross Blood Services - 01/31/12
Red Cross Logo
Red Cross Logo
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Portland, Oregon – American Red Cross Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region is partnering with Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds and the Brain. All blood and platelet donors who present to donate on Friday or Saturday during the month of February at the Portland, Salem, or Vancouver Red Cross donor centers will receive a free ticket to the Body Worlds and the Brain exhibit. Appointments are preferred; please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org/pnw and enter sponsor code: bodyworldsOMSI.

Portland Donor Center
3131 North Vancouver Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97227

Clark County Donor Center
5109 NE 82nd Avenue
Vancouver, Washington 98662

Salem Donor Center
475 Cottage Street NE Suite 110
Salem, Oregon 97301

All-New Exhibition
BODY WORLDS & The Brain includes more than 200 authentic human specimens—including entire bodies, individual organs, and transparent body slices—preserved through von Hagens’ Plastination process. This all-new presentation highlights neuroscience, brain development, and performance and invites profound reflection on the power, beauty, and fragility of the amazing human body and brain. Specimens on display stem from body donors, individuals who donated their bodies specifically to the Institute for Plastination. For more information, please visit www.omsi.edu/bodyworlds

Exhibition location information:
OMSI 1945 SE Water Ave. Portland, OR 97214
503.797.4000 omsi.edu/bodyworlds
Hours of operation:
Sunday – Thursday, 9:30am – 5:30pm
Friday – Saturday, 9:30am – 9:00pm

For more information, or to schedule your donation, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.

# # #
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.


Attached Media Files: Red Cross Logo
01/30/12
Oregon Air National Guard 142nd Fighter Wing to Conduct F-15 Night Flying
Oregon Military Department - 01/30/12
PORTLAND, OR. -

The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Fighter Wing will be conducting routine night flying training January 30 - February 3. All flying is scheduled to be completed each evening before 10 p.m.

Night flying is conducted periodically throughout the year to meet the Air Force’s training and currency requirements for both pilots and aircraft maintenance personnel. Night flying in an F-15 involves the use of night vision goggles (NVG’s), night aerial refueling, and incorporates other tactics and procedures that must be routinely exercised.

"Any time we conduct training outside of our normal daily routine, we feel it’s our responsibility to inform the public of the jets flying overhead," said 142nd Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Michael Stencel. "We feel privileged to be a part of this community and are committed to our role as good neighbors and stewards of taxpayer dollars."

Since September 11, 2001 the 142nd Fighter Wing has flown over 37,000 hours in support of our mission to ensure the Pacific Northwestern skies remain safe.

-30-
Shahala Middle School retains title at "Super Bowl of Science"
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/30/12
Jason Yu, Sydney Wallace, Austin Jang, Ming Liu, Kobi Hsu, and coach James Cantonwine
Jason Yu, Sydney Wallace, Austin Jang, Ming Liu, Kobi Hsu, and coach James Cantonwine
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-01/1236/51284/thumb_science_bowl.JPG
PORTLAND, Ore. - For the second year in a row, Shahala Middle School of Vancouver, Wash., prevailed at the largest regional science bowl in the country. Shahala team members Jason Yu, Sydney Wallace, Austin Jang, Ming Liu, Kobi Hsu answered more questions correctly than 67 other teams from across the Northwest during the day-long BPA Regional Science Bowl at the University of Portland Saturday.


"BPA does an amazing job of organizing such a massive event and showing the students the value of science and engineering careers," says Shahala coach James Cantonwine.

The Shahala team’s win assures them a spot at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. Last year, Shahala placed second at the national level.

Second place and third place at the regional science bowl went to Summa Academy North and Stoller Middle School of Beaverton, Ore. Summa Academy’s team included Mak Jankovsky, Akshay Pulavarty, anath Agarwal, Anirrudh Jain, Tom Bryan and coach Ashu Jain. The third place Stoller team included Steven Cen, Andrew Yang, Danny Chiu, Akhila Kandaswamy, Ashwin Sah, and coach Meena Kandaswamy.

Since BPA began sponsoring the science bowl 21 years ago, the competition has grown to become the largest regional science bowl in the nation. Each winter, more than 500 middle and high school students from around the Northwest visit Portland to match wits in this quiz-show-style competition.

With more than 140 people pitching in, science bowl is BPA's largest volunteer endeavor. "BPA treats the students like rock stars," Cantonwine says. "It's never hard to find a volunteer when you need one."

High school science bowl competition Feb. 4

When: Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Juggler Rhys Thomas, former Smithsonian artist and popular OMSI presenter, will demonstrate physics with acrobatics, juggling and the irresistible force of levity. The show is from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium and is open to the public.


Attached Media Files: Jason Yu, Sydney Wallace, Austin Jang, Ming Liu, Kobi Hsu, and coach James Cantonwine
01/26/12
Northwest students battle wits at "BPA Super Bowl of Science"
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/26/12
Portland Ore. – The Pacific Northwest’s brightest middle school and high school students will flock to the University of Portland this weekend and next for the 21st annual BPA Regional Science Bowl – the largest regional science bowl in the nation. The future scientists and engineers are vying for the right to compete at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C., later this spring.

The public is invited to watch more than 650 students representing teams from Oregon and Washington compete in these two quiz-show style round-robin events. Sixteen colleges and universities are offering scholarships to the top three winning teams. Corporate sponsors of these two events are Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Alstrom Grid, and the University of Portland.

As BPA biologist Makary Hutson experienced last year, the intensity of the questions and competition leads many people to ask themselves, "Could I ever compete in such an event?"

"I was most impressed with the middle school students’ ability to calculate answers to difficult mathematical questions in the team rounds," says Hutson. "The majority of people will never calculate the molarity of a molecular compound – let alone in less than 30 seconds." Hutson is one of 150 BPA employees who volunteer as moderators, judges and in other positions in each year’s competition.

Middle school science bowl competition
When: Jan. 28, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Astronaut Stanley G. Love, Ph.D., will deliver the luncheon address and provide living proof of the importance of science and math. Love, who grew up in Eugene, Ore., will speak from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium. This presentation is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule


High school science bowl competition
When: Feb. 4, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: University of Portland, Franz Hall and Buckley Auditorium
Lunchtime event: Juggler Rhys Thomas, former Smithsonian artist and popular OMSI presenter, will demonstrate physics with acrobatics, juggling and the irresistible force of levity. The show is from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. in Buckley Auditorium and is open to the public.
Details: See complete schedule

About the Game
Middle school and high school students train for months for this academic challenge. Coaches and teams of four or five students from Oregon and Washington dive into topics such as astronomy, biology, chemistry, energy, mathematics, physics, earth science, computer and general science.
The competition consists of a round robin followed by a double elimination final. The questions are multiple choice and short answer. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams and the winning team is invited to the Department of Energy’s National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.

About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.
01/24/12
Joint transmission system projects to improve system reliability in Puget Sound area
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Portland, Ore. - The Bonneville Power Administration, Puget Sound Energy, and Seattle City Light today signed a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at improving the reliability of the regional electric grid and reducing the probability of region-wide customer power outages in the future.

The MOA includes six proposed transmission improvement projects – the product of several years of study by BPA, PSE, City Light and the Snohomish Public Utility District – that working in unison will significantly improve electric reliability for electric utility customers in the Puget Sound area. In all, the projects are estimated to cost approximately $140 million and involve either transmission line upgrades or equipment additions at existing facilities.

"The transmission system serving the Puget Sound region is at capacity and needs to be upgraded," said Brian Silverstein, senior vice president, BPA Transmission Services. "Several decades have passed since we and the area utilities have jointly invested in large, regional bulk power transmission projects. Now is the time to consider these projects to avoid load curtailments and potential region-wide power outages in the future"

In developing the projects covered by the MOA, the BPA, PSE, SCL, and SnoPUD looked to the technical work of the ColumbiaGrid’s Puget Sound Area Study Team, which has studied and analyzed our regional bulk electric transmission system for several years to help develop the "one-utility" planning approach.

"This was a truly collaborative effort that allowed us to develop a solution to an issue that has been discussed and studied for more than 15 years," said Hardev Juj, vice president of Planning and Asset Management, BPA Transmission Services. "Without the cooperation of our partner utilities, we could not have reached this agreement."

When large amounts of energy are being delivered to the Puget Sound area through the Northern Intertie to Canada, transmission lines at times become congested. To relieve this congestion and avoid unplanned power interruptions to customers, BPA currently limits or curtails the amount of energy Puget Sound-area utilities and Canadian utilities can deliver across certain transmission lines. This curtailment process has been in place since fall 2007.

Energy demand projections for the Puget Sound area and the potential for additional energy delivery from the Northwest to Canada have transmission system planners projecting increased curtailments by the end of this decade.

When the curtailments are instituted, utilities have to make changes to the generating resources providing power to the area, explained Silverstein. This can be costly to Puget Sound area customers and the environment. The projects being announced today will significantly expand system capacity and minimize the need for curtailments and potential rolling blackouts.

Most of the power generating resources that serve the Puget Sound are located far away from the area. In addition to the energy coming into the area to serve local needs, BPA delivers energy through the Puget Sound area to Canada to fulfill the "Canadian Entitlement" agreed to in the 1964 Columbia River Treaty.

Under the treaty, BC Hydro stores water behind three large dams for flood control and to optimize the generation potential along the Columbia River - generating power when customers need it most. In exchange, BPA annually returns an agreed upon amount of power to BC Hydro. At times of peak energy use, system congestion in the Puget Sound area can make it difficult for the BPA to return energy to BC Hydro. BPA equally curtails energy delivery to BC Hydro, PSE, SCL and SnoPUD to relieve transmission congestion. These improvements would eliminate the need for curtailments.

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About BPA
BPA is a non-profit federal agency that markets renewable hydropower from federal Columbia River dams, operates three-quarters of high-voltage transmission lines in the Northwest and funds one of the largest wildlife protection and restoration programs in the world. BPA and its partners have also saved enough electricity through energy efficiency projects to power four large American cities. For more information, contact us at 503-230-5131 or visit our website at www.bpa.gov.

About Puget Sound Energy
Washington state’s oldest local energy utility, Puget Sound Energy serves more than 1 million electric customers and 750,000 natural gas customers in 11 counties. A subsidiary of Puget Energy, PSE meets the energy needs of its customer base through incremental, cost-effective energy efficiency, procurement of sustainable energy resources, and far-sighted investment in the energy-delivery infrastructure. PSE employees are dedicated to providing great customer service and delivering energy that is safe, reliable, reasonably priced, and environmentally responsible. For more information, visit www.PSE.com.

About Seattle City Light
City Light is the tenth largest public utility in the U.S. Its seven hydro projects provide half of the power needed for the 400,000 customers in its service territory. City Light is 90 percent hydro powered with another 4 percent alternative new renewable power such as wind, biomass and solar. City Light was the first electric utility in the country to be carbon neutral and since 2005 is the only utility to achieve this status.

About Snohomish County PUD
Snohomish County Public Utility District serves one of the fastest growing counties in the Pacific Northwest, delivering electricity to about 320,000 customers and water to nearly 20,000 customers. It’s currently the second largest public utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest in the United States. It is committed to addressing regional growth by pursuing all cost-effective conservation and a diverse mix of renewable energy sources.
Major land purchase in Columbia estuary benefits salmon
Bonneville Power Administration - 01/24/12
Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds.
Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds.
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-01/1236/51086/thumb_CSR.jpg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
CONTACT: Glenn Lamb, Columbia Land Trust, 360-606-6071
Dan Cook, Columbia Land Trust, 503-442-1839
Michael Milstein, BPA, 503-230-4215
Diana Fredlund, Corps, 503-808-4510


(EDITORS: Maps, photos and video available at http://bit.ly/y6i8Ms or on request.)


The Columbia Land Trust, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced the largest purchase of riverside habitat in the Columbia River estuary in nearly 40 years, permanently protecting essential refuge for salmon, steelhead and other wildlife.

The acquisition, which will benefit salmon from Oregon, Idaho and Washington as they migrate to the ocean, is the largest step yet in the estuary to mitigate the impacts of federal dams on the Columbia and Snake river systems.

The Columbia Land Trust on Monday completed the purchase of the 920-acre Columbia Stock Ranch on the south shore of the Columbia River near Goble, Ore., with $5.3 million in BPA funding. The purchase sets the stage for the Corps of Engineers to restore hundreds of acres of historic wetlands in the next few years to provide food and shelter for salmon migrating to and from the ocean.

The acquisition protects more estuary habitat for conservation than any other single purchase since the early 1970s.

"The size and ecological importance of this habitat set a new benchmark for habitat protection and is a key piece in an extensive fish refuge system in the lower Columbia River," said Glenn Lamb, executive director of the Columbia Land Trust. "In the last 10 years we have worked with about 60 landowners to conserve 9,100 acres of estuarine and tributary spawning and rearing habitat. BPA has been an important partner in many of these projects. The estuary is a particularly vital nursery for young salmon, and this project is the best demonstration yet of conserving and restoring the lands that make the estuary so valuable."

An independent panel of biologists identified the parcel as an especially valuable swath of historic tidal wetlands that if restored would boost survival of young salmon as they transition to saltwater. Some two-thirds of estuary wetlands have been lost over the last century, but recognition of their biological significance has encouraged restoration.

"Everything we learn tells us more and more that the estuary is very important to juvenile fish," said Ron Thom, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist specializing in ecosystem restoration who helps assess potential projects. "Restoration can create more habitat to support them. In general, the more opportunities for fish to access large, productive rearing and feeding habitats, the better the chances of young salmon gaining strength and ultimately surviving."

"I applaud the collaboration between the parties – the local landowners, the Estuary Partnership, the Land Trust and the federal agencies – in bringing this project into our Fish and Wildlife Program to help mitigate for the hydro system’s effects on salmon and steelhead. Estuary projects benefit multiple populations and increase the benefits for the ratepayer dollars spent," said Joan Dukes, chair of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

"The Columbia Stock Ranch site offers a large area for contiguous restoration," said Elvon Childs, the Corps’ Columbia Stock Ranch project manager. "We are designing the project so it maximizes benefits for salmonid habitat restoration with direct tidal connections to the Columbia River."

"Not since the early 1970s when the two lower Columbia River wildlife refuges were established has there been a single purchase of this magnitude purely for conservation," said Debrah Marriott, executive director of the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership. "The Deer Island area was once a rich network of forests, shrub scrub, wetlands, sloughs and floodplain lakes that provide critical shallow water areas for juvenile salmon resting and rearing as they make their way to the ocean. With this purchase and the restoration of this property, these essential habitats will once again become available to Endangered Species Act listed fish and other species."

Federal agencies are responsible for mitigating the impacts of federal hydroelectric dams on salmon as outlined by NOAA Fisheries’ Biological Opinion. The mitigation includes new technology ensuring more fish pass dams safely and habitat restoration, with increasing focus on the estuary below Bonneville Dam.

"We’ve seen fish returning to other restored habitat within days, so large, contiguous properties such as this one should boost salmon survival even more," said Lorri Bodi, BPA vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife. "Healthy estuary habitat is like a Head Start program for salmon that makes them that much more likely to return to the Northwest to spawn as adults."

Management and restoration plans for the property will be developed with public input. Restoration work will also support the local economy and jobs. The restored habitat will benefit coho, chinook and chum salmon; steelhead; and cutthroat trout, as well as terrestrial wildlife such as black bear, elk and river otter.

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Attached Media Files: Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in the Columbia River estuary, purchased Jan. 23 by the Columbia Land Trust with Bonneville Power Administration funds. , Newly protected salmon habitat in Columbia River estuary.
01/20/12
Joint Base Lewis-McChord,Wa., under the weather
62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord - 01/20/12
1/20/2012 - The C-17 Globemaster III statue outside of building 100 sits encased in a tomb of snow and ice Jan. 20, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. McChord Field experienced a winter storm which accumulated more than nine inches of snow and caused massive power outages across the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)
Main campus
Grays Harbor College - 01/20/12
College open and on regular schedule.
01/19/12
Toledo School Board Meeting Canceled
Toledo (WA) - 01/19/12
The Toledo School Board meeting tonight is canceled and rescheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:00.
Schools on time Thursday, 19 January.
Raymond - 01/19/12
Busses will run on time today.
01/17/12
School Board will meet / work study canceled
Aberdeen Dist. #5 - 01/17/12
The regular meeting of the Aberdeen School Board will take place as scheduled at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, in the Community Room at Aberdeen High School. The agenda and board meeting materials are available online at www.asd5.org.

Tonight's work study session with the school improvement team from A.J. West Elementary School is rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 7.

For more information, contact the Superintendent's Office at (360) 538-2002.
01/12/12
Update One Year Later: Officer Steven Dodds and Suspect David Durham (Photos)
Oregon State Police - 01/12/12
2012-01/1002/50680/dodds.jpg
2012-01/1002/50680/dodds.jpg
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-01/1002/50680/thumb_dodds.jpg
The following is a news release from Lincoln City Police Department:

This January 23rd will mark one year since Lincoln City (LCPD) Police Officer Steven Dodds was shot and seriously wounded during a late evening traffic stop in 2011. Officer Dodds has demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage in overcoming life threatening injuries and has recently returned to his patrol duties. His reactions that night combined with the valiant and professional efforts of his Patrol Sergeant, the other on-duty LCPD members, and the outstanding emergency medical personnel in Lincoln City and Portland not only saved his life but also paved the way for his recovery. Officer Dodds and LCPD remain ever grateful for those efforts.

Officer Dodds has worked tirelessly to recover and get back on patrol, performing the duties and doing the work he loves serving the Lincoln City community. He has been recognized for his valor and courage by several organizations, including receiving the Purple Heart from the Oregon Peace Officers Association. When asked how he felt when this happened, he responded by saying "I was a victim for thirty seconds and I have been a survivor since." He has no desire to be in the limelight and is trying to put this event behind him while getting back to as normal of a life as possible. He has been very humbled by the overwhelming support of his community and fellow officers.

Officer Dodds was shot by the driver of a vehicle that he had stopped on Highway 101 at the south end of Lincoln City for a speed violation. The shooter, who has been identified as David Durham, fled the scene shooting at bystanders as he continued southbound on Highway 101. Durham led officers from Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department on a high speed chase through Newport, continuing to shoot at trailing police vehicles as he fled until his vehicle was disabled by spike strips deployed by an off-duty Lincoln County deputy near Waldport. Durham fled on foot and allegedly shot at boaters on Alsea Bay as he tried to escape. Durham is suspected of shooting at nine other people besides Officer Dodds. An extensive manhunt was conducted with the help of numerous agencies, but Durham has never been found.

LCPD, OSP and the FBI continue the investigation and all three agencies followed up on separate tips this past week. The FBI has a $10,000 reward posted for information leading to Durham’s arrest.

Every month, LCPD receives tips from all over Lincoln County. Tips come from multiple sources that include direct calls to our office from possible witnesses, calls from other law enforcement agencies, and tips from America's Most Wanted. Each are followed up on as they come in. Tips and information received from local sources are followed up primarily by the lead investigators assigned to the case from LCPD and the OSP Newport office. Tips from other states have been followed up on by the F.B.I. These tips have been from all over the country, from Hawaii to the East Coast. LCPD and OSP investigators are in touch with the FBI weekly continuing to work on this case.

Approximately one hundred tips have been received since the manhunt started, and between 3 to 5 tips still come in each month. LCPD appreciates each and every one, not only from the general public but also from law enforcement officers who call with information.

There has not been one confirmed sighting of David Durham since January 24, 2011 when he was last seen running up the beach towards the Bay Shore subdivision in Waldport. While fleeing on foot it is believed Durham also shot at two men crabbing in the Alsea Bay. Due to the hard work and assistance from other law enforcement agencies, we have been able to confirm that the many reported sightings were positively not David Durham. There are some reported sightings that cannot be confirmed either way. Some tips are vague and anonymous with no way of contacting the caller for more information.

The fact there have been no sightings or confirmed information that he has been at a particular location after that night indicates there is a possibility that Durham could be deceased. However, LCPD has no evidence that he is deceased and will continue this investigation until we find him or his remains. The Oregon State Medical Examiner's office will examine the remains of any unknown human recovered along the Oregon area beaches and elsewhere for the possibility of identifying Durham. This has been done previously but none of the examinations conducted of human remains found along the Oregon beaches over the last year has resulted in a positive identification as Durham.

Durham is entered into criminal data bases as a wanted person/fugitive and as a missing and endangered person. This will help if he is deceased and his unidentified remains were located in another state, making identification possible for authorities in those jurisdictions.

Last January, Durham was put on the U.S. Border Patrol and Custom's watch list as well as the Canadian Border patrol watch list in case he tried to cross one of our borders. There have been no reported crossings or attempted crossings.

Since the night of the shooting, law enforcement has monitored Durham’s residence for several months and there is no evidence that he ever returned to that location. There is also no evidence indicating he has been at any other particular location after the night of the shooting.

After OSP SWAT and other assisting agencies ended their search of the Waldport area, the Lincoln County Search and Rescue team brought in cadaver K-9's and conducted a sweep of the vicinity. No human remains were found.

Investigators are still hopeful that Durham will be located. They will not give up the search until he is found. Investigators encourage anyone that sees David Durham or has information regarding his whereabouts to please contact the Lincoln City Police at 541-994-3636, their local police or the FBI.

Photographs:
Officer Dodds - Lincoln City Police Department
Suspect David Durham

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2012-01/1002/50680/dodds.jpg , 2012-01/1002/50680/Durham_2010.jpg
01/10/12
OSP Trooper Stops Car After Hitting Deer, Finds 23 lbs of Marijuana and Arrests Washington Man - Interstate 5 north of Sutherlin (Photo)
Oregon State Police - 01/10/12
2012-01/1002/50595/Goheen.jpg
2012-01/1002/50595/Goheen.jpg
http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-01/1002/50595/thumb_Goheen.jpg
An Olympia, Washington man was arrested Monday night when an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped his car after the man hit a deer along Interstate 5 near Sutherlin and found approximately 23 pounds of marijuana. The man continued driving seven miles after hitting the deer before the trooper stopped the car and later arrested him after finding the marijuana.

On January 9, 2012 at approximately 9:00 p.m. an OSP trooper was conducting a traffic stop northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 135 when he heard a vehicle collide with a deer just south of the stop location. The vehicle, a 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo displaying Washington license plates, continued northbound past the trooper without stopping to inspect the damage.

Thinking it was odd the vehicle didn’t pull over after hitting the deer, the trooper ended the traffic stop and overtook the Chevrolet near milepost 142 where he stopped it and contacted driver CHRISTOPHER R. GOHEEN, age 26, from Olympia, Washington.

Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the assistance of an OSP drug detection canine led to the discovery of approximately 23 pounds of marijuana in the car’s trunk. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $57,000.

GOHEEN was arrested and lodged in the Douglas County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Marijuana.

No photographs of marijuana or vehicle available for this release.

Photograph Source: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###


Attached Media Files: 2012-01/1002/50595/Goheen.jpg