Years in the making.
A process that engaged stakeholders in Oregon and Washington.
It all goes away. Why? Because everyone didn't agree. Because baseless fears drove a handful of people to object. Since when have we all agreed on everything that happens around here?
The proposed Lower Columbia National Heritage Area concept is dead.
I find this rapid reversal curious for a number of reasons. The draft feasibility study makes the case for the unique character of the region and it's serious contributions to American history. The study establishes a model for financial sustainability through (though controversial) an organization with a local track record for solid economic development projects.
You may remember the long battles over expansion of Fort Clatsop. NPS really wanted that one and actually moved staff managers around and lobbied congress until they made it happen. That in spite of very similar arguments against it and a clearly divided community that had to be won over.
This sudden decision after laying so much groundwork is just plain odd.
Comments expressed
June 15, 2010
June 07, 2010
The New Economy
A friend spotted this classified ad and sent it to me today. I was a little worried about where the country is going with the job picture no better. After reading this I felt better knowing that the politics that have upended Clatsop County and driven off major industry is actually an industry unto itself with growth opportunities. Read on.
Job opportunities working on urgent grassroots campaigns.
Right now, we have the opportunity to make huge gains on critical issues, from re powering America with clean, renewable energy and reducing our dependence on oil, to winning the battle for equal rights. America’s leading advocacy groups are gearing up to meet these challenges this summer. In order to win, they need citizen support and grassroots action. That's where we come in. At the Fund for the Public Interest, we've been organizing campaigns to protect the environment, stand up for the public interest, and defend human rights for more than 25 years. Now we are working to stop ocean pollution and ban plastic grocery bags in Oregon. Get skills. Learn vital campaign skills including how to fund raise, run a news conference and mobilize activists. Know the issues. Learn about the issues from some of the nation's top advocates, organizers and experts. Be part of a winning team. Work alongside other motivated staff who share your passion for change. Make lasting friendships. Leadership Opportunities: We also have opportunities for additional responsibility as a Field Manager or Campaign Coordinator. Gain great experience;like an internship, but you get paid. Field Managers work with the director to meet the office goals and increase the impact of our campaigns. Campaign Coordinators work closely with the directors to develop and implement winning campaign tactics, such as organizing the media, building coalitions, and writing letters-to-the-editor. Earn $400-600 per week.
Yes it is a real ad. Yes it is a real company. I love the line about "organizing the media".
Job opportunities working on urgent grassroots campaigns.
Right now, we have the opportunity to make huge gains on critical issues, from re powering America with clean, renewable energy and reducing our dependence on oil, to winning the battle for equal rights. America’s leading advocacy groups are gearing up to meet these challenges this summer. In order to win, they need citizen support and grassroots action. That's where we come in. At the Fund for the Public Interest, we've been organizing campaigns to protect the environment, stand up for the public interest, and defend human rights for more than 25 years. Now we are working to stop ocean pollution and ban plastic grocery bags in Oregon. Get skills. Learn vital campaign skills including how to fund raise, run a news conference and mobilize activists. Know the issues. Learn about the issues from some of the nation's top advocates, organizers and experts. Be part of a winning team. Work alongside other motivated staff who share your passion for change. Make lasting friendships. Leadership Opportunities: We also have opportunities for additional responsibility as a Field Manager or Campaign Coordinator. Gain great experience;like an internship, but you get paid. Field Managers work with the director to meet the office goals and increase the impact of our campaigns. Campaign Coordinators work closely with the directors to develop and implement winning campaign tactics, such as organizing the media, building coalitions, and writing letters-to-the-editor. Earn $400-600 per week.
Yes it is a real ad. Yes it is a real company. I love the line about "organizing the media".
June 04, 2010
The Dog and Pony Show
I just got my hands on the findings regarding FERC's investigation of complaints against Oregon Pipeline. The judge who conducted the hearings here and in Forest Grove and Portland has determined that there is no evidence to support the complaints.
There was something else troubling about the report that reflects poorly on the process. FERC's lawyers had promised that the scope of the fact finding would be limited to those specific charges levied against Oregon Pipeline ( a sister of Oregon LNG) regarding it's practices in siting a natural gas line from Warrenton to Mollala. The findings went well beyond those limitations.
In her summary the presiding judge writes that MANY of those with standing to testify were actually talking about the Palomar Pipeline project which has no bearing on Oregon Pipeline. That's a helpful note even though one would think those comments would be redacted and not referred to in the final summary. More troubling were the judges comments that there seems to be a great deal of opposition here to any LNG terminal project in the state! She left that and those comments as part of the public record to FERC. She makes this conclusion after listening to testimony from some 30 people in three cities who were for the most part not directing their comments to the questions regarding Oregon LNG or Oregon Pipeline at all.
This is just outrageous behavior.
Every affected property owner was sent notice of these hearings. A very small percentage even bothered to reply.
Oregon LNG was right to challenge the very concept of holding these hearings in the first place.
There was something else troubling about the report that reflects poorly on the process. FERC's lawyers had promised that the scope of the fact finding would be limited to those specific charges levied against Oregon Pipeline ( a sister of Oregon LNG) regarding it's practices in siting a natural gas line from Warrenton to Mollala. The findings went well beyond those limitations.
In her summary the presiding judge writes that MANY of those with standing to testify were actually talking about the Palomar Pipeline project which has no bearing on Oregon Pipeline. That's a helpful note even though one would think those comments would be redacted and not referred to in the final summary. More troubling were the judges comments that there seems to be a great deal of opposition here to any LNG terminal project in the state! She left that and those comments as part of the public record to FERC. She makes this conclusion after listening to testimony from some 30 people in three cities who were for the most part not directing their comments to the questions regarding Oregon LNG or Oregon Pipeline at all.
This is just outrageous behavior.
Every affected property owner was sent notice of these hearings. A very small percentage even bothered to reply.
Oregon LNG was right to challenge the very concept of holding these hearings in the first place.
June 03, 2010
Diamonds Are Forever
Well...Maybe not.
Tim Gannaway hosts "The Diamond Chronicles" weekday mornings at 8:30 on KAST where he tells short stories about diamonds. In one trivia episode he talks about how that stone oxidizes. He says (dramatically) that your diamond is actually burning. It's a very slow chemical process..let me stress that. It's a very s...l...o...w process. But it's burning.
I find that sort of fact very interesting. Tim also shares stories about legendary stones. He talks about who discovered them and how in many cases these gems have been associated with major historical figures and events.
Got a question about diamonds or the diamond trade?
Post it as a comment to this post and I'll pass it along.
Tim Gannaway hosts "The Diamond Chronicles" weekday mornings at 8:30 on KAST where he tells short stories about diamonds. In one trivia episode he talks about how that stone oxidizes. He says (dramatically) that your diamond is actually burning. It's a very slow chemical process..let me stress that. It's a very s...l...o...w process. But it's burning.
I find that sort of fact very interesting. Tim also shares stories about legendary stones. He talks about who discovered them and how in many cases these gems have been associated with major historical figures and events.
Got a question about diamonds or the diamond trade?
Post it as a comment to this post and I'll pass it along.
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