Northeast Oregon Business News

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NORTHEAST OREGON BUSINESS NEWS Business, Ar t, Culture, Outdoors, Travel & Enter tainment

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Volume 2 - Issue 6 free

Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties

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NOV/DEC 2015

Agritourism Business Owners Donate Their Development Time and Effort for Hunt of a Lifetime Project Underway

Pick’N Patch - Cove, Oregon

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he tourism industry has seen a strong growth in people wanting to know where their food comes from and having a desire for authentic rural experiences. Nature has provided Eastern Oregon with all of the ingredients needed to meet that demand. Businesses interested in developing and marketing culinary and agricultural tourism now have the opportunity to work with tourism marketing professional Janet Dodson of Sunnyslope Marketing LLC. Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) engaged Dodson to work with businesses and tourism partners in Wallowa, Union, Baker, Umatilla and Morrow counties as part of a year-long agritourism development project.

Agritourism in Eastern Oregon includes a wide variety of visitor experiences and services such as lodging and camping on farms and ranches; agriculture tours; on-farm hunting and fishing; restaurants and events that feature local foods on the menu; local breweries, distilleries and wineries; and farmers markets, farm stands, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.

“Janet Dodson has a wealth of experience in tourism marketing and development in Eastern Oregon.

She also comes from an agricultural background and is familiar with the hunger that visitors have to connect with authentic agriculture experiences and locally grown products,” says Sara Miller, NEOEDD Economic Development Specialist and project partner. Funding for the project is being provided by USDA Rural Development, Eastern Oregon Visitors Association and Travel Oregon.

“Many farmers and ranchers view

Agritourism Continued on Page 4

Kevin Wilcox standing on the left, Ryan Leonnig, Collin Wilcox, Tom Lager, Ron Ross, and Clay McEnroe standing on the right. Photo by Lori Kimbel

Recently I was invited to visit with a group of hunters in NE Oregon.

Emotions were hidden by dark sunglasses and tears were forced to be unshed as they each explained what makes Hunt of a Lifetime so special to them, as men, as hunters, and as mentors. This was a special group, I knew it from the start and was even more convinced as my time with them lingered into evening, ending with a prime rib dinner and some photos of the group with the trophy elk, taken by 15-year-old cancer survivor, Collin Wilcox.

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By Lori Kimbel

lay McEnroe, of Baker County, Oregon has been involved with Hunt of a Lifetime for 11 years and has taken 40 kids on successful elk, antelope and mule deer hunts. Five premium access tags are set aside for Hunt of a Lifetime hunts in northeast Oregon, with each hunt lasting between four and five days.

“This isn’t real elk hunting,” McEnroe emphasizes, “someone looks out for us.”

McEnroe is the representative for northeast Oregon, but he is the first to tell

you he couldn’t do it without the group of people that have come together over the past several years, volunteering their time and making dreams come true for the kids that come from all over the United States to go on the hunts provided by the Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation.

McEnroe’s son Taylor has been involved with Hunt of a Lifetime since he was 14, he is now 25. The two scout for animals, so that once the hunter arrives there is a pretty good idea of where the elk, deer or antelope are.

When Tom Lager, owner of Timber Tiger Lodge, first heard about the Hunt of a Lifetime, he knew instantly he wanted to be involved.

“We wanted to give them a place to stay,” said Lager, who also serves as a parttime film maker of the hunts, “so we offered for everyone to come to the lodge. It is all for the kids, to put a smile on their face.”

Timber Tiger Lodge is located in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. With the Eagle Cap Mountains in the distance and

Hunt of a Lifetime Continued on Page 3

It’s a wrap!

Northeast Oregon Business News

Well, just like that, summer is over, the leaves are starting to fall from the trees and winter is just around the corner.

The fires have died down, yet some still burn, the danger however is nothing like it was in the heart of fireseason this year.

Even though the excitement of summer is slipping away doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of excitement still to be found in NE Oregon.

Janet Dodson is embarking on an agri-toursim development project in our region. We will be sure to keep tabs on her and all the great work she will be doing.

Trish Yerges, once again, has written some great articles about local business owners. Be sure to read all about the ‘Iron-Man’, as well as Teresa Martin and her five year anniversary at All For You Salon and More.

Of course this publication took me all over this summer, giving me the opportunity to meet people with all different types of occupations. There never seems to be a dull moment in my life and I couldn’t be happier.

I was able to go to the fire lines on more than one occasion; I went to a conference on equity research at Skamania Lodge, which was amazing and I can hardly wait to start writing about what I learned there and I even took pictures of the Brigadier General as he landed just outsied of my hometown.

Mark and I also made a trip to Troy

to survey the damage that the Grizzly Bear Complex left behind, so glad the town is still standing. Of course you just can’t go to Troy without taking a walk to the playground behind the school, (which this year has all of two students), so that you can ride the merry-go-round. The Troy school merry-goround has got to be the Firefighters from New Mexico came to battle the Grizzly Bear Complex. best one in the state. It Photo by Lori Kimbel is the only one I have To read the extended digital version ever seen that actually lets you pump it to get it of Northeast Oregon Business News spinning, and yes I am easily entertained. scan the QR Code to the right with

New this edition I will begin making an a QR Code reader on your smart extended digital version of Northeast Oregon phone.

Business News online. I will place a QR Code for you to scan that will take you right to the Subscribe to Northeast Oregon Business News extended digital version.

Thank you once again for reading Name:_____________________________ Northeast Oregon Business News. It is still just Address:____________________________ a fraction of what I want it to become, but like all good things it takes time. Thank you for ____________________________________ your support and I look forward to working with you or interviewing you in the future.

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Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center 1607 Gekeler Lane, Rm 148 La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: (541) 962-1532 Email: eousbdc@gmail.com

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Page 2

BUSINESS

Northeast Oregon Business News

Modern Woodmen Expands Representation in NE Oregon

By Trish Yerges

odern Woodmen of America

announced its new representative in Union County, Kem Brainerd of Elgin, who is fully licensed to sell life, property, casualty and health insurance.

Brainerd has over 16 years of experience in the insurance business and looks forward to growing into additional areas of financial advising in the coming years.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our members,” said Brainerd. “We do this by supporting quality family life, community impact and financial security. Modern Woodmen is a 501C8 non-profit organization that gives money back to the community.”

Modern Woodmen is one of the largest fraternal financial services organizations in the United States, helping members plan for their financial security through insurance, investment and banking products. It also offers a number of family-oriented member benefits and youth education programs.

The member-owned corporation was established in 1883 and has a regional headquarters in Caldwell, Idaho and corporate headquarters in Rock Island, Ill.

“Our program is designed for 7 key areas, including protection through life insurance, savings, retirement planning, retirement distribution, estate planning, business planning and employee benefits,” said Brainerd.

Modern Woodmen stresses the need for everyone to take responsibility for their own retirement savings. One reason for this is that 17 percent of U.S. companies have some kind

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of pension plan, but they are not fully funded.

Only 3 percent of U.S. companies have fully funded pension plans anymore.

Modern Woodmen representatives encourage people to save four times their annual income for their retirement. They have different types of income-earning investments a person can utilize to develop their retirement funds, Brainerd said. This is particularly important for women, who live longer than men, often reaching the age of 94 years.

For estate planning, Modern Woodmen works as a group with the client’s choice of attorney and an accountant. The company rep offers investment counseling to help coordi-

nate the beneficiaries listed on the will with other investment documents whether that is a 401K, an IRA account or life insurance policy.

Members of Modern Woodmen have access to about 16 different fraternal benefits and six youth educational programs. The benefits include a national parks pass, youth scholarships, prescription savings card, health screenings at reduced costs, savings on hearing care and others.

Brainerd is licensed to write business throughout the state of Oregon with a focus on Union County and Northeast Oregon. Patrick Harting of Caldwell is the regional director and Brainerd’s supervisor.

$500,000 matching gift benefits 4-H youth in Baker County T

he long-term strength and stability

of Baker County’s 4-H program for youth has received a major boost through a challenge gift establishing the county’s first endowed professorship.

Lee and Connie (Howard) Kearney will match up to $500,000 in gifts for the Janice Cowan Baker County 4-H Professorship endowment, providing a perpetual source of support for a full-time faculty member leading 4-H programs in the county.

The endowment is named for Oregon State University faculty member Janice Cowan, who is retiring following 25 years of service with 4-H and Baker County.

The Kearneys, who live in Vancouver, Washington, are among OSU’s most active volunteer leaders and generous philanthropists. A retired attorney, Connie (Howard) Kearney grew up in Baker County, where she participated in 4-H. She serves as treasurer on the Oregon 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.

As the only nationwide youth development program with direct ties to the land grant

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university system, 4-H is uniquely positioned to ensure that its programs evolve and align with the most current knowledge about how young people develop and learn. In Baker County, 4-H has served youth for more than 110 years.

In addition to traditional 4-H programming such as raising animals, camping, and cooking, Baker County has become known for innovative programs including Field to Fork, in which more than 200 participants each year learn about where their food comes from. Along with other eastern Oregon counties, Baker County 4-H also offers college and career readiness camps to help youth succeed after high school.

The Janice Cowan Baker County 4-H Professorship will support high-impact programs like these and others, such as school garden projects, after-school activities and increased opportunities for youth to engage in statewide programs.

When she was a teen, a statewide 4-H summer conference first brought Connie

(Howard) Kearney to the OSU campus, where she would later go to college and meet Lee, her future husband.

“4-H played a pivotal role in my life.

4-H taught me how to cook, sew and can,” she said. “We believe an endowment is the best way to ensure that funds are always available to support leadership for these young people.

We hope our challenge grant will encourage others to financially support Baker County 4-H.”

The endowed professorship is the third for Oregon 4-H, all created by donors in the last three years. Other recent gifts have created programmatic endowments for county 4-H programs.

“We’ve seen all over the country that 4-H programs are vulnerable to cuts in public funding,” said Pamela Rose, state 4-H program leader. “That’s why an endowment is so incredibly important – it provides a long-lasting legacy of support. We’re deeply grateful for the Kearneys’ inspiring generosity and leadership.”

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Northeast Oregon Business News Business Directory

BANKING

BUSINESS ADVICE

BUSINESS ADVICE

HOME LOANS

Community Bank Joseph, Oregon 97846 541-432-9050 www.communitybanknet.com

Small Business Development Center 1607 Gekeler Lane La Grande, Oregon 97850 541-962-1532 www.eousbdc.com

Small Business Development www.bluecc.edu/busind_sbdc 2411 NW Carden Pendleton, Oregon 97801 541-278-5833

Community Bank 609 N. Main Street Joseph, Oregon 97846 541-432-9050 www.communitybanknet.com

INSURANCE

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MOVING & STORAGE

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Wheatland

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229 SW First Pendleton, Oregon 97801

541-293-2124

Licensed Massage Therapist Elgin, Oregon 541-663-6277

Mountain West Moving & Storage 1315 Jefferson Ave. La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: 541-963-2331

B a k e r C i t y S B D C G ro w i n g

Blue Mountain Community College’s Small Business Development Center in Baker City has named two new business advisors.

Joining current business advisor Jeff Nelson are Glenas Orcutt and Phillip O’Reilly.

Orcutt brings extensive experience in business and marketing with more than 25 years in advertising management and sales. In her previous position as Regional Advertising Director for the Baker City Herald and the La Grande Observer, Orcutt was responsible for sales management, training and development of print and digital products.

With a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Colorado, O’Reilly brings considerable experience in finance and economics. He recently owned a wireless internet service provider company and is currently a computer consultant.

BMCC Director of SBDC Art Hill said

Agritourism tourism as a way to connect with people from urban areas,” says Dodson. “Many tourism businesses see an opportunity to expand their market by partnering with farms and ranches.

And lots of people want to know more about how their food is produced or to experience the rural lifestyle. This project seeks to bring together those three sets of interests and make good things happen.”

One of Dodson’s first tasks will be organizing working groups in two tourism regions to help guide project activities and make connections to grow agritourism. Interested businesses and agriculture operators in Baker, Union and Wallowa counties are encouraged to join the Northeast Oregon working group.

Those in Umatilla and Morrow counties are invited to become part of the Oregon’s Rugged Country working group.

In the spring, workshops will be offered to respond to the technical assistance and resource needs identified by the working groups and partners participating in the project. Dodson will also be reaching out to businesses throughout the five counties to inventory agriculture related products, experiences and services that should be marketed

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he is thrilled that Orcutt and O’Reilly are joining the team.

“With Nelson’s knowledge of Baker County’s business climate, O’Reilly’s experience in business finance and Orcutt’s background in marketing, Baker County will have an outstanding trio of resources available to them,” he said.

The SBDC offers free individual counseling in new business startups, business plan preparation, financial management and general management strategies for small businesses. The SBDC also offers free and low cost workshops, seminars and courses geared to the needs of small businesses. Advising will continue to be free, but trainings, workshops and webinars will be delivered for a nominal fee.

For an appointment call 888-441-7232.

Continued from Page 1

to visitors. She will assist the working groups to create plans to market the unique offerings of each region and guide investment of funding earmarked for future promotion. Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved in the project is welcome to contact Dodson at janetd@eoni.com or 541-786-8006.

Blue Mt. Outfitters 1124 Adams Avenue La Grande, Oregon 97850 541-612-0148

Blue Mountain Community College Small Business Development Centers

BMCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Volume 2 - Issue 6 November/December 2015 Publisher Lori Kimbel lorikimbel@neobn.com PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827 541-910-1096 10,000 distributed every other month.

Serving Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa Counties www.facebook.com/neorbn www.linkedin.com/in/lorikimbel Twitter - neobnlori www.studio6designworks.com www.neobn.com www.lorikimbelphotography.com Northeast Oregon Business News is owned and published by Studio 6 Designworks, A Creative Publishing & Marketing Company POSTMASTER: send address changes to Studio 6 Designworks PO Box 295, Elgin, Oregon 97827 Subscription Rates: To subscribe to Northeast Oregon Business News c/o Studio 6 Designworks Mail $24 to Studio 6 Designworks PO Box 295 Elgin, Oregon 97827

Page 4

Northeast Oregon Business News

ADVENTURE

HUNT OF A LIFETIME - NE OREGON STYLE Baker Valley below, the view is spectacular; a great place to relax before and after a big hunt.

Ron Ross also comes from Silverdale, Washington and spends every September feeding the visitors of Timber Tiger Lodge during Hunt of a Lifetime hunts. “September I’m just gone from home to be here,” said Ross.

“He is a jack of all trades and we use every single one of them. We have even helped him discover a few more,” said Betty Bottger, Lager’s girlfriend and willing volunteer at the lodge.

Ross donates all of the food for the Hunt of a Lifetime guests. From lasagna to prime rib, his cooking is a favorite among hunters and volunteers alike.

Brent Woolard is from Silverdale, Washington and does a fabulous job capturing memories and putting together DVD’s for the northeast Oregon kids that participate in hunt of a lifetime, according to Bottger.

Collin Wilcox happened to be one of the kids that realized his dream of hunting an elk late in the summer of 2015. Collin made the trip from Wisconsin to Oregon with his dad, Kevin Wilcox.

“This has been an absolute dream for both of us,” explained Kevin. “The enthusiasm of all these guys, they are all just having fun, it’s amazing.”

Once the hunt is completed and the hunters have returned home the meat from the animal is processed and shipped to them. They also receive a shoulder mount of their animal.

For Collin that means a huge 6 x 7 point elk from Oregon will soon be hanging in the living room of his home in Wisconsin.

Collin was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 13, he wasn’t about to let it take his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors away. However, Osteosarcoma can be relentlessly painful and it isn’t always easy to just ignore the pain and go about your day to day activities, but Collin gave it his best shot.

“Everything changed when we got the diagnosis,” said Kevin. “We instantly got thrown into a fire fight. We were in shock and we knew we just had to gather our strength.

Fortunately my wife and I work for a company that lets us take time off. We always tried to just stay positive. Collin and I would go out in the boat after dinner until dark. Never once has he said ‘I don’t feel good’ on the boat, or when we are hunting.”

Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer and it typically starts in bone cells in the arms, legs, or pelvis. The disease most frequently occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 30 and it is also more common in males then it is in females.

For Collin, Osteosarcoma meant losing his knee and femur which would later be replaced by a prosthetic rod invented in Great Britain. Collin underwent two rounds

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Continued from page 1

of chemo before a 12 hour surgery each round lasting four weeks. After surgery he received five more rounds of chemo every four weeks.

Collin endured 30 weeks of chemo at the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukie.

Kevin shared that he would often find Collin in other parts of the children’s hospital playing games with intercity kids, some more sick then himself. Many of the intercity kids arrived at the hospital in a taxi, with no one to worry, or care about them outside the hospital.

Collin Wilcox (right) with his 6 x 7 elk

“It was amazing when you went into along with Taylor McEnroe. the ‘hot unit’ and you would see kids smiling,”

said Kevin. “Somehow, with all they are going unt of a Lifetime is a nonprofit through they can still reach out and find happiorganization, created by Tina Pattison, with a ness.”

Now, after a year of treatment, Collin’s mission to grant hunting and fishing dreams for children, age 21 and under, who have been cancer is gone and he has just completed the hunting trip of a lifetime where he was able to diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. stalk, and take a bull elk thanks to a group of

When Tina Pattison’s son Matthew was people that have dedicated their lives in helpdiagnosed with cancer he dreamt he would one ing young people realize their hunting dreams. day be able to hunt moose with his dad.

Collin will continue to be checked by

Tina contacted a wish granting orgahis doctors every three months for the next 10 nization to see if Matthew would qualify for years and once back home he will share his Oregon Hunt of a Lifetime story with others. one of those dream wishes. Tina was told that

“I’m blessed to have a future,” said since Matthew was past the age of 18 he no Collin who was fortunate enough to get time longer qualified, and the organization had quit off work to make the trip. A normal day for granting hunting wishes. This did not stop this Collin includes milking 275 cows each mornmother who was now on a mission. Tina made ing, a daunting task for a 15-year-old, but he seems to be well able to get the job done. phone call after phone call to outfitters and

“We do it because this is what we finally received a call from Clayton Grosso an enjoy doing,” said McEnroe, with a sincere outfitter in Nordegg, a small village in Alberta, smile as he wrestled a bit with a rambunctious Collin, a true typical 15-year-old, who was not Canada. They went above and beyond fulfilling Matthews dream. Within the first day of quite ready to leave the lodge and the people their adventure Matthew was able to drop a that would forever be a part of his memories of his very own hunt of a lifetime. huge bull moose in its tracks. Six months later

Danny Benson is the Oregon AmbasMatthew passed away. (There is so much more sador for the Oregon Chapter of Hunt of a Life to Matthew’s life story, please visit www. time, which was started in 2002. huntofalifetime.com to read the amazing Story

“I have set up 69 kids that have come of Matthew Pattison written by his mother to, or been from Oregon, for the dream hunt,” Tina.) said Benson. “All have been successful not It was after losing her son that Tina only being able to take the trophy they wanted but in them having some time to enjoy live in decided to start a foundation that would fulfill the outdoors and forget about their problem. the dreams of terminally ill children, givI have not be able to go on every hunt but on ing them a chance to embark on an outdoor the ones that I have it is the joy in the child’s hunting or fishing adventure. Soon Hunt of a eye, the smiles and sometime the tears that Lifetime was born. make this a great program.”

According to the Hunt of a Lifetime

Ryan Leonnig was also very involved in Collin’s hunt. He and Collin bonded quickly website, each hunt experience is unique to and enjoyed taking the UTV out on excursions the child. When diagnosed with life threatenaround the lodge after the hunt was complete. ing illnesses, most children don’t have time

Since being home Collin misses all to realize their dreams. Hunt of a Lifetime is of the men he met in Oregon and truly addedicated to giving children the possibility of mires Clay for what he did for him and all of achieving their desired hunting or fishing trip. the guys he met there. He also says he could never thank Tina enough for starting Hunt of a The hunts are conducted by an all-volunteer Lifetime. He feels sad for her to know she had group and there are no out of pocket expenses for the hunters. to loose her own son for this to happen. He is very thankful for what she has done.

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BUSINESS

Northeast Oregon Business News

The Incredible “Iron-Man”—Forging Beauty to Strength

by Trish Yerges

I

n an inconspicious welding shop at

the dead end of Cove Avenue in La Grande is where you’ll find ironworks artist Matt Orthmann of Vine & Branch Ironworks, which he founded in 2014.

To look at him, one would say he has a strong presence with his muscular build and a high-n-tight hair cut, but underneath that ironman exterior is a reverent heart and a craftsman’s eye for beauty and form, all blended together in iron.

Orthmann was raised in Yakima, Wash., in a family of talented and creative men, being the youngest of four sons of a carpenter. Construction, design, shape and color were all part of his early informative years. When he attended Eastern Oregon University, he played football and took art classes in drawing and painting.

“They had an old forge there in the EOU shop, and I rebuilt that,” said Orthmann.

In his own shop, he’s surrounded by traditional blacksmithing tools, a propane-powered home-made forge that he heats to over 2500 degrees, a 100-pound anvil, hammers and an electric Trip Hammer.

“I invented some of my own tools too,” said Orthmann.

His current ironworks project is a tree he calls the “Tree of Rebirth.” He’s already put over 400 hours into the 8-foot tall tree.

It’s a commissioned piece of work

by Ed Carroll of Yakima, Wash., who will donate it to be erected as a memorial at the Calvary Cemetery in Yakima. The patron wanted to honor the lives of the unborn and their families, so a tree budding forth new leaves was Orthmann’s symbol of that.

“In the center of the tree, I might put in a nest and a Scripture pointing to a new birth or rebirth,” said Orthmann.

“This memorial will appeal to any who have suffered the loss of a child or loved one.”

The finished Tree of Rebirth will be placed on a cement foundation, he said, and there will be a ceremony to unveil it when the time comes.

“It will be given a rusty-red patina to resemble tree bark,” said Orthmann, “and I’ll weld on leaves with a green patina. All around the base of the tree trunk will be a bench where people can sit, if they want. It’s retail value, when finished, will be about $50,000, and it’s going for a really good cause.”

Another project Orthmann has been commissioned to make, this time by a La

Grande patron, is a miniature bannister and ballisters in hammered wrought iron to be hung above double doors.

“It will be reminiscent of French Tuscan decor and architecture,” said Orthmann, “and will be hung in the patron’s home on a stucco finished wall. It will have that classic hammered look to it. Every inch will be hammered and the iron will sit on its axis.”

The beveled look gives it more depth and reflects the light to show off its classic style.

Vine & Branch Ironworks can be found on Facebook and at his web site at www.vineandbranchironworks.com

Orthmann can be reached at 541-4033056.

Wildhorse Foundation Launches New Website T

he Wildhorse Foundation, a community benefit fund established by the Consfederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) as a result of its gaming operation, launched a new website for those interested in submitting a grant application; http://www.thewildhorsefoundation.com/.

Until now, the Foundation information has been located on the Wildhorse Resort & Casino website. “As the Foundation continues to grow and the need for Foundation dollars continues to attract applicants, we felt that it was a good time to get a standalone website,” said Kathleen Peterson, Chair of the Wildhorse Foundation Board.

According to Peterson, “changes continue to take place with our application process, and

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a website made sense to help us communicate those changes.”

The most recent change is that the Foundation now only requires one copy of an application instead of the five copies they have required for the last 14 years. The Foundation now also requires each application to be accompanied by a W9.

“The Foundation Board also wanted a place to be able to share some of the amazing work that our community organizations do. There are so many wonderful organizations in our giving area that do great work that people don’t often hear about,” said Peterson.

Local and regional non-profits have benefited from over 1550 foundation grants, funded by the Wildhorse Resort & Casino. Since the inception in 2001, more than $8.8 million

dollars has been dispersed to help aide public health and safety, education, the arts, historic preservation, gambling addiction services, salmon restoration, environmental protection, and cultural activities.

Looking back at the programs funded, there has been a heavy emphasis on education, public health and public safety.

Examples of the Foundation’s work span far and wide from the Early Learning Center in Pendleton, the Life Flight helicopter pad in Medical Springs and the renovation of the City Hall Clock Tower in Heppner. Not to mention the large number of iPad and Chromebooks purchased for schools around the region in the last few years. The Founda-

tion has also helped a number of initiatives within CTUIR such as the Public Transit program, TERF recycle program, Longhouse updates and numerous programs at Nixyaawii Charter School.

The Foundation will accept applications from organizations in the Foundation’s giving area which includes Umatilla, Union, Morrow and Wallowa counties in Oregon; Benton, Columbia and Walla Walla counties in Washington and National Indian Organizations.

The next deadline for applications is January 1st. Applications must be received at Wildhorse Resort & Casino by 5pm.

Applications can be found on the website.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

Maintaining Good Bridges Is Critical To a Strong Economy Bridge condition report identifies need for stable strategic investment to protect Oregon’s economy and lifestyle

O

regon’s bridge system needs contin ual investment to avoid falling into a state of disrepair

The latest bridge condition report from the Oregon Department of Transportation puts a dollar figure to the cost to Oregon’s economy if the state’s bridge system isn’t adequately maintained: In the next 20 years, Oregon could forfeit $94 billion in production and 100,000 jobs if action isn’t taken.

The good news: If we act soon, Oregon still has time to keep our bridges healthy.

Oregon’s state highway system contains more than 2,700 bridges. (The state’s cities and counties own about another 4,000.)

More than half of the state highway bridges were built in the 1950s and ‘60s; these bridges are 50 to 65 years old.

“If these bridges were people, we’d be throwing retirement parties for them,” said Bruce Johnson, Oregon State Bridge Engineer.

“Instead, we’re asking them to carry more traffic at higher speeds and heavier weights.”

“Healthy bridges are critical to Oregon’s economy and our lifestyle,” said Matthew Garrett, ODOT Director. “They connect communities; they link lives. We cannot let those bonds break. We must be willing to make the necessary strategic investments.”

ODOT’s 2015 Bridge Condition Report summarizes bridge conditions statewide. And, because of previous investments beginning a dozen years ago, the system looks pretty good at the moment. Only two in every eight state highway bridges show signs of wear and tear that would call for significant repair or replacement.

But without continued investment to repair or replace the state’s oldest bridges, Oregon’s bridge system will fall into disrepair: Funding levels for the near future are the lowest in the past 20 years, and inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of each dollar.

The report documents some basic, stark facts: • To replace each state highway bridge on a 100-year cycle requires replacing an average of 27bridges each year; Oregon taxpayers fund the replacement of an average of three bridges per year.

• Bridges should normally receive major maintenance every 30 to 50 years; current bridge funding covers major maintenance only

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once every 100 years.

In coming decades, hundreds of state bridges will deteriorate to the point that they will have to be restricted to truck traffic. Detours increase transportation costs for Oregon businesses, making them less competitive in national and world markets and costing Oregonians their jobs.

“Without the funding to proactively address bridge needs to prevent problems before

they occur, we are forced to react to problems after they occur,” said ODOT Director Garrett.

“Patching holes in decks and making emergency fixes to bridges is not a strategic use of taxpayer money, and is very inconvenient to all travelers. Strategic investment to repair or replace older bridges in a coordinated manner protects our economy; minimizes detours, delays and traveler inconvenience; and keeps Oregon moving well into the future.”

Page 7

WILDFIRE

Northeast Oregon Business News

The Anatomy of an Interagency Incident Management Team

By Lori Kimbel

T

he process fascinates me. With roughly 50 experts, they come together, like a family gathering, only it’s never a picnic.

Many of the people organizing the safety of the firefighters, the equipment they need and the supplies they will go through have been away from home most of the summer. With a constant deluge of new wildfires Incident Management Teams are getting scarce and the prayers for rain have gone unanswered.

The Washington Interagency Type 2 Incident Management Team #4, (WIIMT)#4, led

by Commander Brian Gales was stationed at the Elgin Stampede Grounds, set to battle the Grizzly Bear Complex fire that started on August 13. The day they took command, August 20th, the fire blew up, burning 37,802 acres in a single day.

Many of these people were at the Oso Landslide in 2014, some still carry the heaviness around with them, others have seen so much destruction and even too much death, they have found their own way of coping.

Some most likely hold the most

vivid and heart-wrenching details inside, maybe to never surface, I can’t pretend to know. Maybe they cry out at night after a nightmare, maybe they are scarred to silence.

During the 2015 fire season, WIIMT#4 was on command on the Mt. Adams Complex Fire on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest from July 3 – 17, the Baldy Fire six miles NW of Ione, Washington from August 1 - 16, the Grizzly Bear Complex 20 miles SE of Dayton, Washington (this fire also came into the town of Troy, Oregon) from August 20 – September 5, and the Meeks Table Fire near Nile, Washington from September 12 -21. This was a long, tiring fire season and this team and many others like them answered the call to put their knowledge to the test, keep firefighters safe and communication flowing.

The list of professionals that become part of an interagency incident management team is impressive. For the WIIMT#4 they come from many different agencies in both Oregon and Washington. From command, to finance, planning, logistics and operations, this team works quickly and efficiently on each and every disaster

they go on.

According to Gales there are approximately 50 people on the team and a lot of them The Washington Interagency Incident Management have worked Team #4 together for is a command and general staff more than a decade meeting and by 3 p.m. there is an

Incident management agency administration briefing. By teams first started in the 1970’s 4 p.m. a strategic meeting is held and were formalized by the to go over the planning for the 1980’s, according to Larry Nickey, the deputy incident command- next 72 hours. At 5 p.m. there is another stakeholders call and at 6 er of the Grizzly Bear Complex p.m. there is the night shift briefwho is working his 38th fire ing. season.

“It is our job to meet the

“Our primary goal is mission of the people we are public and firefighter safety,” said working for. We are there to serve Gales, “from there we minimize them,” said Gales. “We are there the acres burned on private and to protect the values at risk while state lands.” managing the public’s exposure.”

A typical day for Gales

On September 5th the starts at 5:30 a.m. with an operaWIIMT#4 left as quickly as they tions briefing, then at 6 a.m there came. Cables were coiled, yurts will be the day shift briefing. were folded, pickups were loaded At 7:30 the incident command and all those people who made call, with up to 35 people occurs. their way to Elgin to battle the Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. he holds a deliberate risk assessment Grizzly Bear Complex quietly and a stakeholder conference call. slipped out of town. Little did Often the stakeholders are private they know then, but seven days land owners concern for the safety later they would be off to their of their home, their livestock, and next mission, the Meeks Table Fire. or their livelihood. At noon there

Forest Service Chief Reviews Fire Season, Calls for Two-Part Solution to Fire Budget

U.S.

Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell reviewed the 2015 fire season and provided insight into longer term trends and challenges for the agency during testimony before the House Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee. Tidwell highlighted concerns over the increasing cost of suppressing wildfire, emphasizing that more than half of the agency’s annual budget now goes toward fire suppression.

Tidwell outlined two key issues the Forest Service is wrestling with that must be resolved by Congress.

First, the chronic increase in the portion of the Forest Service budget devoted to fire suppression must be stopped. The current rate of increase results in progressively less funding for fire prevention and restoration activities. In 1995, fire suppression made up 16 percent of the Forest Service’s annual appropriated budget—this year, for the first time, more than 50 percent of the budget will be dedicated to fire.

This trend is having a debilitating impact on the Forest Service budget, as well as non-suppression activities within the agen-

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cy. According to the Forest Service Report Rising Firefighting Costs Raises Alarms three quarters of Forest Service trails cannot be maintained to standard. That not only impacts families wanting to use those trails, it also puts at risk small businesses and communities that depend on recreation jobs and dollars.

“Left unchecked, the share of the budget devoted to fire in 2025 could exceed 67 percent,” said Tidwell. “We are at a critical moment in the history of the Forest Service.

Urgent action is needed in order to ensure that the Forest Service does not become further hindered by the continually increasing percentage of our budget that is dedicated to wildfire suppression activities.”

Second, we must stop the practice of “fire transfer” which occurs when fighting fires in a given year costs more than Congress appropriates for that specific function, and the Forest Service must deplete restoration, watershed and recreation programs to pay for fire suppression. This fiscal year the transfer was a record $700 million.

It is this double-hit—permanent shifting and fire transfer—that severely impacts the Forest Service’s ability to restore forests and serve the public. Experience shows that acting

now to reduce the threat of future wildland fires drastically reduces costs in the long run.

The agency’s fire management goal, especially near homes and communities, is to prepare forests and grasslands to resist stresses like drought and to be more resilient following disturbances, including wildfires.

Large-scale restoration projects are designed to restore fire-adapted forests while helping, in the long run, to lower the growth of both wildfire suppression cost and the share of the Forest Service budget that goes to fight wildfires. To accomplish this, the Forest Service is accelerating restoration and management of the national forests through innovative, science-based approaches, increased collaboration and using new authority provided by the 2014 Farm Bill to increase the pace and scale of restoration.

“Despite the severe loss of resources and staffing for restoration work, we are still getting good work done,” said Tidwell. “We accomplished more than 4.6 million acres of restoration that improves the health of our forests and watersheds in 2014, an increase of

Forest Service Continued on Page 9 Page 8

WILDFIRE

Northeast Oregon Business News

Forest Service Chief Reviews Fire Season, Calls for Two-Part Solution nine percent compared to 2011. We are eager and poised to do even more, if we can solve the two-part suppression budget crisis.”

The cost of fighting wildfires this season reached a record high, exceeding $1.7 billion. During the 2015 fire season, the Forest Service spent 24 days with all available ground and air assets committed to priority work managing more than 50,000 wildfires across the nation.

The frequency and intensity of wildfire, prolonged drought, increased development in areas near forests, and the way that fire suppression is paid for all combine to limit the agency’s capacity to realize additional gains in land management and restoration.

More than nine million acres have already burned across the United States this season, destroying 2,500 single family homes and disrupting many businesses.

“The greatest losses this year involved the fatalities of 13 wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives of others,” said Tidwell.

The mission of the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet

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Continued From Page 8

the needs of present and future generations.

The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the U.S. Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone.

Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

Photo at right was taken October 6th near Troy, Oregon where a still active Grizzly Bear Complex fire continues to burn.

The Grizzly Bear Complex fire started on August 13, 2015 and has burned 82,659 acres.

Page 9

Northeast Oregon Business News

SHOP LOCAL

All For You Salon and More Marks 5th Year in Business and others are generic,” said Carrie. “We also do window art and cabinet door art using

hen it comes to retail gift shops vinyl-printed designs. and service businesses, “All For You Salon You can find us on Faceand More” in Elgin has a little bit of everybook under our business thing for sale in vendor nooks creatively name.” arranged throughout the store. At the same Annette Byrd of time, customers can leave looking and feeling Elgin is another new venbeautiful after a hair cut, pedicure, manicure, dor at All For You Salon massage, acupuncture treatment and a spray and More. tanning.

“My business

Owner Teresa Martin of Elgin started the business in 2000 with the goal of bringing here is called “The Itty Bitty Video and Book in products and services that residents might find in larger cities. Today, she features 16 dif- Nook—where half the Teresa Martin, owner of All For You Salon and More fun is finding us,” said ferent art and gift vendors and seven personal Byrd. “I’ll be offering care providers. new books by Union and Wallowa County

“I’d like people to come and see what LMT (massage); and beauty operators Teresa authors and pre-owned books too, as well as we have,” said Martin. “Make it a family spa Martin, Chelle Douglass, Kathy Noyes, and videos, DVDs and other odds and ends.” day. Get a massage and come and gift shop.”

Becky Kanoho.

Byrd is a self-published author of local

Among the gift vendors are Danielle Glenda O’Connor of La Grande is history and is associated with a writers’ supRasmussen, Kandi Kretscker, Sue Baird, Cara licensed acupuncturist who has worked at port group called “The Write People” based in Mountain Valley Therapy for the past two and olyn Cunningham of Caroline’s Flowers and Gifts; author Annette Byrd, Tracy Sawer, Lau- Wallowa County. a half years. She has expanded to include

Leather craftsman Laird Allen of Elgin ra and Jan Designs, Maree Wynn of Maree’s her services at All For You Salon and More also displays his work at Martin’s store, and he Goat’s Milk Soap; Jim and Lourie Carrie of on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 does special orders for leather products.

Everlasting Impressions, Robin Wall, painter p.m.

“I make lots of things like multi-tool Ruth Beverly, Amanda Welch of Huckleberry

“Acupuncture is used for weight loss, cases, 3-1/2 inches to 4-1/2 inches,” said Quinn, Laird Allen of L&D Crafts, Amanda pain control, and it’s useful for emotional Allen. “I also make knife cases, fixed blades, DeVore, tie dye artist; Melissa Hayes and work or for tobacco cessation,” said O’Conwallets, belts, dog collars, suspenders, watch Kenna Collins; and Ted Juve of Olaf Stonenor. “It’s just good for healing and improvbands, key fobs, leather bracelets, holsters, ware-Raku-Pottery. ing health, along with other practical health gun belts, rifle slings and purse repairs.”

Lourie Carrie is the newest gift vensolutions we can talk about. I also perform

Also featured is Western jewelry dor at Martin’s store, who together with her acupuncture on animals—very helpful for hip vendor Rosie Doty of Elgin, who provides an husband, Jim, founded “Everlasting Impresand joint problems.” sions” out of Nampa about 5 years ago. They amazing collection of jewelry—a glamorous

All For You Salon and More, 12 North produce engraved and printed wall-hung board display of art and style to adorn yourself.

Eighth Avenue, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But that’s not all—All For You Salon signs. Some are custom-made family name and after hours by appointment (call 541-437signs etched or painted in your choice of font, and More also offers a variety of spa treat8305). Martin welcomes the public to her ments, beginning with Glenda O’Connor, and linked together for hanging. The Carries open house during the upcoming Lions’ Light LAC, of Turning Point Acupuncture; Terri also print fun signs for your pets’ names too.

Parade in December.

Moore, spray tan technician; Kenna Collins,

“Some of the boards are personalized

by Trish Yerges

W

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Page 10

Northeast Oregon Business News

HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Always Something New at Shangri - la Boutique in Milton Feewater

By Lori Kimbel

S

tep into Shangri-la Boutique and let your eyes wander as they

take in this gem of a gift shop located in Milton Freewater. This holiday season is the perfect time to stop in and see just what owner, Jeanne Ehmer, has to offer.

Jeanne Ehmer, along with her husband George started restoring the former Carnegie Library, located at 815 South Main in 2005. Since then Jeanne has transformed it into a fabulous boutique filled to the rafters with unique and lovely gift items. With an ever changing mix of gifts and collectables you will have no trouble finding something for each and every person on your Christmas list.

The gift shop has a large collection of themed items including angels and fairies, chickens, coastal, country, garden, lodge, western, wine, jewelry, kitchen and bath, lighting and lamps and scarves

“I just love it when new inventory comes in,” said Jeanne. “The ever changing inventory is exciting. I don’t get bored having to look at the same items. Every single day that freight comes in is like Christmas to me. I have to buy so far out, sometimes six months or more ahead, so by the time it comes in I have often forgotten what some of the items even looked like when I picked it out in the show rooms.”

Shangri-la has a great mix of coffee mugs, canisters and cookie jars. Also for the first time this season Annie B’s Caramels and Caramel Popcorn will be available.

“We are not monotone,” said Jeanne, “as far as carrying one style of something. We have several themes and there is a lot of items within each theme. It isn’t just one type of décor, we have something to suit everyone’s unique style.”

New for fall is the concealed weapon purses, Jeanne has more than 40 in stock. Also new for fall are place mats and table runners with almost thirty different styles.

Christmas has arrived at Shangri-la, trees are decorated to the hilt with more than 5,000 different ornaments for you too choose from, along with several nativity scenes.

Be sure to stop in during their 11th Annual Holdiay Open House on Saturday and Sunday, Novemeber 14th and 15th.

Also “Like” them on Facebook for your chance to win a $25 gift certificate.

The Elgin Works CNC/Laser Shop

Bringing Your Ideas To Life

Julie Goetz g 360-367-6299 downthedirtroadphotography@gmail.com www.downthedirtroadphotography.com

EOSU Student Projects Gunsmith Machining

Laser Cutting Custom Engraving

1680 Division St. Elgin, OR (541)248-7080 info@theelginworks.com

Northeast Oregon Business News

SAVING MONEY

Energy Trust of Oregon Helps Businesses Save on Lighting Costs Oregon businesses switch to energy-efficient LED lighting at record pace

Business owners across Oregon are

saving money and energy thanks to a new era of energy-efficient LED lighting products.

Lighting accounts for 35 percent of a typical commercial building’s electricity use. With Energy Trust support, businesses can cut up to 75 percent of lighting energy costs by installing LED lighting and controls.

Energy Trust provides cash incentives and technical assistance to businesses that upgrade their lighting systems. In 2014 alone, Energy Trust business customers completed 2,000 lighting projects ― and for the first time the majority of projects included LEDs.

“We’re seeing LEDs grow in their appeal for all types of customers. LEDs work well for many uses in all types of businesses like high-bay fixtures in warehouses, lighting for refrigerated spaces, retail and hospitality

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displays and for outdoor and street lighting, museum exhibitions, car dealerships and more,” said Susan Jowaiszas, Sr. Marketing Manager. “Energy Trust has seen a big increase in completed projects over the last few years, and this trend continues as more customers see the benefits from the technology.”

In addition to energy savings, LEDs provide numerous other benefits attractive to businesses. They are durable, produce almost no heat, last longer than conventional bulbs, maintain high-quality color and distribute light evenly. According to ENERGY STAR, LEDs can last 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so businesses that install LEDs can also reduce labor costs associated with replacing failing lamps.

The improved color quality from LEDs creates a more versatile suite of applications that can be appropriate for all types of businesses. As a result, LED lighting can improve the aesthetics of a work space, increase comfort levels and productivity and contribute to improved health and safety.

For more information on Energy Trust lighting incentives and information, visit www.energytrust.org.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

SMALL BUSINESS

Governor Kate Brown Announces New Loan Program for Oregon Small Businesses

Business Oregon Secures $450,000 to Help Small Businesses Reach Global Markets

Governor Kate Brown today announces a new pilot program

to help small Oregon companies finance their growth.

Small and young companies often struggle to find conventional financing. The Small Business Expansion Program is a $5 million fund that will provide an alternative for small businesses, especially those in underserved or disconnected communities.“

Businesses that start and expand in Oregon provide about 70-percent of new jobs here,” said Oregon Governor Kate Brown.

“By connecting small companies with the resources they need to thrive, Oregon is seeding job growth while supporting businesses that might otherwise not have access to these kinds of tools.”

The Small Business Expansion Program will be managed by Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. It will be funded by the Oregon Business Development Fund, a long-standing program that provides direct loans to fuel growth at small Oregon companies, such as Face Rock Creamery of Bandon.

How the loans work: The Small Business Expansion Program provides an alternative to conventional debt and equity financing by allowing businesses to make periodic revenue payments as a percentage of net sales, combined with traditional monthly payments.

Business Oregon will begin accepting applications Dec. 1.

To learn how to apply and for details about the program, visit oregon4biz.com/Revenue

Carr Joins GEODC

Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation

(GEODC) is please to announce that Tillman Carr has join GEODC as Executive Director effective August 3, 2015. Tillman will oversee the activities of GEODC.

Tillman comes to GEODC with a long career in banking including 13 years as a bank examiner, 14 years with the Farm Credit System, 3 years with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and 3 years as Commercial Credit Administrator at Spokane Teachers Credit Union. In addition, Tillman was a private business owner and a financial consultant.

GEODC is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 organization that provides a variety of economic development assistance and services for private sector businesses and public sector government agencies in a seven county service area; Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler counties.

GEODC also offers a wide array of loan options for start-ups, micro-lending, new businesses and business expansion. In addition, GEODC can help organizations with grant writing and grant administration and can assist with project development including planning, budgeting and financing.

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Metolius Climbing of Bend

B

usiness Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, has secured $450,000 in federal grants to help small businesses export their products and services to international markets.

“Marketing Oregon’s products to the world starts with access,” said Governor Kate Brown. “These grants open the door for Oregon’s small businesses to markets around the globe.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grants help Oregon companies offset the cost of overseas marketing, including booth fees at international trade shows. About 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, but less than 1 percent of U.S. small businesses export. The State Trade and Export Promotion grants encourage small businesses to pursue growing sales globally, which can drive job growth locally.

This is the fourth straight time Business Oregon has been awarded grants through the SBA’s competitive application process. During the previous three years, Oregon received a combined $1.2 million. Business Oregon has provided grants to 153 Oregon small businesses, producing a

reported $36 million in immediate export sales. That’s a return of $31 in export sales for every $1 in federal grants provided.

Metolius Climbing of Bend, Bulk Handling Systems of Eugene and Plasti-Fab of Tualatin are examples of companies that have used Business Oregon’s export promotion program to attend overseas trade shows and reported a growth in exports.

“The export assistance program enables small Oregon businesses, like Metolius, to expand into international markets with confidence by offsetting some of the costs that make these trade shows prohibitive,” said Chip Miller, the company’s global sales director.

About the State Trade and Export Promotion program: It’s a federal-state partnership grant initiative to increase the number of small businesses that export and the value of exports by the small business sector. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 authorized the program.

To apply for Oregon grant funding: Oregon small businesses can apply online.

To qualify, at least 75 percent of the company’s total employees must be employed in Oregon.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

FOREST

Seeking Public Comments for proposed Fire Salvage and Danger Tree Removal Projects on the Whitman Ranger District T

he Whitman Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest would like to hear your concerns, suggestions, and questions regarding project proposals to address roadside danger trees and fire salvage within the Cornet/Windy Ridge, Eldorado, Eagle Complex, and Dry Gulch fire areas. Your comments will help us identify issues to be considered in the environmental review of these proposals.

In August and September of 2015, four large fires, the Cornet/Windy Ridge, Eldorado, Eagle Complex, and Dry Gulch, burned across portions of the Whitman Ranger District in Baker County. Collectively the fires burned just over 152,500 acres on state and private lands, and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service. Of the total acres burned, approximately 31%, or 48,725 acres, were on National Forest System managed lands. The district is considering a variety of management opportunities across each of these fire areas including looking at salvage of fire killed trees and removal of hazard trees on or near the impacted Forest Road systems for safety of the public and employees.

The proposed projects will look at both opportunities for salvage logging operations and danger tree removal across the lands managed by the Forest Service and impacted

by these four fires. Salvage projects would increase the possibility for economic recovery of fire killed timber and reduce the potential for an insect outbreak. The proposed danger tree removal projects will provide for improved public and employee safety by felling danger trees located along Forest Roads. These roads are considered primary routes for public and administrative access in the fire areas. Felled danger trees may be removed as timber products or left in place depending on the management direction for the areas they are located and the associated environmental effects.

At this time it is anticipated that these projects can be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. A project file will be prepared to document the environmental effects of these projects. Submitting written comments during this scoping period would establish eligibility to object to these projects under 36 CFR 218.5, should an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement be prepared.

You are invited to comment on the proposed actions and your comments will help identify issues to be considered in the environmental review. Please submit your written comments by October 16, 2015 so they can be considered in the analysis. Implementation is expected to begin in Fall 2015. Any comments received will be placed in the project file and

shall become a matter of the public record (36 CFR 215.6 (b) (2)).

Please submit your comments to: Jeff Tomac Whitman District Ranger 1550 Dewey Ave, Suite A Baker City, OR 97814 Ph: 541-523-1350 FAX: 541-523-6394

Those submitting hand-delivered comments may do so during the regular office hours of 7:45 to 4:30 Monday through Friday except legal holidays. Please be sure to include Whitman Fires Danger Tree Removal and Salvage as the subject for your written comments.

Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, rich text format (.rtf), Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf), or Microsoft Word to comments-pacificnorthwest-wallowa-whitmanwhitmanunit@fs.fed.us. Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record for these proposals and will be available for public inspection (Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21).

If you have any questions, additional information can be provided by contacting Melissa Shelley, Environmental Coordinator at (541) 523-1350.

Public Invited to Propose Forest Projects Under County Payments Program I

n response to the two-year reauthorization by Congress of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act in April; the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests are soliciting project proposals to be funded under Title II of the act.

The federal legislation encourages individuals, non-profit organizations, local governments, and others to propose projects that restore watersheds, decommission or maintain roads, control noxious weeds, or otherwise improve the condition of the Forest. Proposed projects do not need to be implemented on Forest Service lands, but must show a benefit to national forest resources.

Project proposals for FY2016 funding are due electronically by November 16, 2015.

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Application forms, instructions, and submission guidelines can be found online atwww. fs.usda.gov/main/wallowa-whitman/workingtogether/advisorycommittees. Another round of applications for project proposals will be reviewed in 2017.

“The reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools is excellent news for the Oregon counties and numerous communities that partner with the National Forests” said Jeff Tomac, Designated Federal Official and Whitman District Ranger.

Eligible project proposals submitted to the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests will be reviewed by the Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee, a balanced and diverse group of stakeholders representing local communities, industry, recreational interests, environmental groups, elected officials, and more. Following

their review in January the committee will provide Forest Supervisors with a list of projects recommended for funding.

“The resource advisory committee is an important part of the process to fund projects under the Secure Rural Schools Act. We recruit continuously for energetic and interested people that represent the diversity of our state and community” said Tomac.

Please submit your applications to one of the National Forests nearest you: • Susan Garner, sgarner@fs.fed.us , 541.575.3039, Malheur National Forest • Ian Reid, ireid@fs.fed.us, 541.427.5316, Umatilla National Forest • Arlene Blumton, ablumton@fs.fed.us, 541.962.8522, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

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FORESTS

Northeast Oregon Business News

McDonald’s, Mars, and Other Marketplace Brands to Engage with Family Forest Owners on Sustainability

GreenBlue and American Forest Foundation Announces Sustainable Forest Management Partnership and Summit

G

reenBlue and the American For est Foundation (AFF) today announced a new partnership to bring together America’s family forest owners and several of the most well-known marketplace brands, including Mars, Incorporated; McDonald’s USA; Avery Dennison; and Evergreen Packaging. For the first time ever, both ends of the forest products supply chain will connect and take part in a dialogue to explore their respective needs and challenges relative to sustainable forest management. The dialogue, which will take place in January, builds on GreenBlue’s Forest Products Working Group efforts to examine the role of forest certification to explore, in partnership with AFF, frameworks for providing assurance that wood from family woodlands is produced sustainably.

“We know that America’s family forests are a critical source in supplying the wood fiber for McDonald’s packaging,” said Townsend Bailey, Director of Supply Chain Sustainability at McDonald’s USA. “The GreenBlue/AFF partnership creates an opportunity to connect with family woodland owners and explore ways to assure and engage our customers around the sustainability of our products.”

“Our goal at Mars, Incorporated is to achieve a fully sustainable supply chain for all the pulp and paper-based packaging materials we use,” said Rachel Goldstein, Global Sustainability Director at Mars, Incorporated. “As demand for sustainably sourced products grows, we’re working with our suppliers to make this happen. We look forward to participating in the Sustainable Forest Management Summit so we can engage with family forest owners and drive meaningful collaboration.”

“AFF operates our country’s oldest and largest sustainable woodland program, the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), showcasing its impressive history of working with family forest owners to ensure their forests provide an incredible range of benefits such as wood, wildlife habitat and clean water,” said

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Nina Goodrich, GreenBlue’s Executive Director. “We are honored to partner with AFF to expand their work and be a part of connecting these two vital audiences in a dynamic value chain.”

The GreenBlue and AFF partnership is part of a new larger initiative launched by AFF this month, to help meet the growing and changing global market needs for sustainable wood supplies from family-owned forests, while protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat and other forest benefits. The initiative is currently in phase one gathering input and data from the forest products supply chain, from manufacturers to consumers, forest land owners themselves, and many others to identify priority areas and wood supply needs.

“Brand owners play a key role in the supply chain of wood products, as they are at the forefront of customers,” said Tom Martin, President of AFF. “This partnership with GreenBlue offers the potential to uncover new insights and help us increase our impact on ensuring family-owned forests continue to provide for all Americans.”

About American Forest Foundation: The American Forest Foundation (AFF) works on the ground with families, teachers and elected officials to promote stewardship and protect our nation’s forest heritage. A commitment to the next generation unites our nationwide network of forest owners and teachers

working to keep our forests healthy and our children well-prepared for the future they will inherit. Visit forestfoundation.org to learn more.

American Tree Farm System: The American Tree Farm System® is a network of 82,000 family forest owners sustainably managing 24 million acres of forestland. It is the largest and oldest sustainable woodland system in the United States, internationally recognized, meeting strict third-party certification standards. Visit treefarmsystem.org to learn more.

About GreenBlue: GreenBlue is an environmental nonprofit dedicated to the sustainable use of materials in society. Our mission is to promote the principles of sustainable materials management — use wisely, eliminate toxicity, and recover more. Through our projects, we achieve our goal by influencing the debate, enhancing supply chain collaboration, and creating action. For more information please visit www.greenblue.org and follow GreenBlue on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Forest Products Working Group: The Forest Products Working Group is a collaborative network of companies that rely on paper, wood, and other forest products. Our members pool their collective knowledge and resources to identify science-based solutions that work for business, people, and the forests. The Forest Products Working Group is a project of GreenBlue’s Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

Page 15

Northeast Oregon Business News

AGRICULTURE

ODA Traps Yield 14 Gypsy Moths in Oregon intercepting every potentially viable gypsy moth egg mass are challenging. It is likely that the adult moths trapped this year in the Portland Vancouver area originated from one of those egg masses.

“We are receiving an increased number of shipments into our ports from Russia, Korea, China, and Japan,” says Burfitt. “Those Asian ports are well lit and near forested areas. The Asian gypsy moths are attracted to the lights. Female Gypsy Moth Caterpillar moths fly onto the ships, then potentially a much more danger- lay their eggs on containers and ous insect. Unlike its European commodities. Based on the high

fter six straight years cousin, the female Asian gypsy population of moths at these of single digit detections, the moth has the ability to fly, which Asian ports and the egg masses Oregon Department of Agriculcould lead to a more rapid inture has trapped 14 gypsy moths festation and subsequent spread. that have been recovered from the ships the past couple of this summer including two Asian The Asian gypsy moth also has years, there is a heightened alert gypsy moths in the Portland area. a larger appetite for what grows nationally to be on the lookout The results signal an increased in Oregon, including a taste for for Asian gypsy moth.” concern of the threat posed by conifers. There have been just Oregonians have more the plant-eating invasive species three Asian gypsy moths detected experience with the European and has prompted an evaluation in Oregon prior to this year– a gypsy moth, which is usually of next steps to deal with the single catch in North Portland in introduced when new residents insect pest.

1991, one caught in Portland’s or travelers from areas of high

“This is an exceptionalForest Park in 2000, and one gypsy moth populations in the ly destructive insect that would caught in St. Helens in 2006. eastern US unwitchange the health of our forests, It’s notable that two of the three tingly bring the making them far more vulnerable Asian gypsy moths trapped in pest with them on to other invasive plant issues, Oregon were relatively in the outdoor housecausing a loss of foliage on trees same locations as this year’s dehold furniture or as well as damaging agriculturtections. Additionally, an Asian other items that al-related industries that would gypsy moth has been trapped may harbor gypface quarantines should the gyp- across the Columbia River near sy moth eggs. sy moth get established,” says the Port of Vancouver in Wash For the third straight Clint Burfitt, manager of ODA’s ington. year, ODA has trapped European Insect Pest Prevention and Man- The detections of Asian gypsy moths near Grants Pass agement Program. gypsy moth are not completely and the seven detected this year

After placing approxisurprising since the insect pest are further proof of a breeding mately 15,000 traps statewide was ultimately transported by population in the area. this spring, ODA has found ships arriving from Asia, particu- Now that nearly all of the seven gypsy moths near Grants larly Russia.

15,000 gypsy moth traps have Pass in Josephine County, five

“We can speculate that been checked and removed for in the greater Portland area, one the moths likely came from Far the year, ODA and its partners in Forest Grove in Washington East Russia as thousands of steel are examining the data while County, and one in West Linn in plates are imported from areas considering the best course of Clackamas County. Two of the across the Pacific that are infest- action. While no plans have moths were trapped in or near ed with Asian gypsy moth,” says been determined yet, there is Portland’s Forest Park, another Burfitt. the possibility of gypsy moth two in the St. Johns area and the Patrols from US Customs eradication projects next spring Port of Portland’s Terminal 6. and Border Protection as well as in Josephine County and North Perhaps most significant is the US Department of Agriculture’s Portland. This year, the State of detection of Asian gypsy moth– Animal Plant Health Inspection Washington has caught Asian one in Forest Park, the other near Service (APHIS) have worked gypsy moths as well, incuding St. Johns. The other 12 moths with shipping companies to the one in Vancouver. A USDA are the more common European inspect vessels before they arrive technical working group will strain of the insect. in Oregon and elsewhere around be offering recommendations

Asian gypsy moth is the country, but the chances of to both states on the next steps,

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which may include spray projects in spring 2016 using Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk)– an organically approved product and natural-occurring bacterium that targets the gypsy moth.

For many years, spraying for gypsy moth was an annual event in Oregon, but the most recent eradication project took place in 2009. Oregon’s gypsy moth history shows the cyclical nature of the insect. Prior to this year’s 14 detections, there were just four detections in 2014, two moths caught in 2013, one moth in 2012, and no detections in 2011. By contrast, more than 19,000 gypsy moths were trapped in Lane County alone in the mid-1980s. Despite the lack of moths up until this year, the threat of new introductions to Oregon is constant on an annual basis.

So far, Oregon has avoided the unsavory prospect of having to learn to live with the gypsy moth. That’s why the just-completed detection program continues to be an important tool in fighting off an unwanted invader.

“History shows that we have a very good program that finds gypsy moth populations while they are small and treatable,” says Helmuth Rogg, ODA’s Director of Plant Programs. “We have a track record of eradicating small pockets of gypsy moth in Oregon as soon as we detect them. Without a good trapping program and a safe, effective eradication program, that would not be possible.”

As officials mull over the options and contemplate what needs to happen next, history shows that the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s emphasis on early detection and rapid response to the gypsy moth threat fits well with ODA’s mission to protect the state’s natural environment and economy from the impact of an invasive species that has caused havoc in other parts of the country and the world.

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ART

Northeast Oregon Business News

Maryhill Museum of Art Receives $1 Million Grant

project and have appropriated funds to cover a significant portion of the costs,” says executive director

aryhill Museum of Art Colleen Schafroth. “The board and is pleased to announce a $1,000,000 staff of Maryhill are committed grant from the State of Washington to caring for and improving this to support the repair and replaceNorthwest architectural treasure; we ment of the exterior stucco on the know others in the region feel the museum’s historic building. The same way and will help us meet our funds were appropriated in Washfundraising goal.” ington State Legislature’s HB

Schommer and Sons of 1115. The total cost of the project Portland will carry out the repairs. is estimated at $1,394,000, with the The firm has in-depth knowledge of remainder to be raised from private the design and construction of the sources. historic building, having completed

Designed in 1914 by the the museum’s Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing, a 25,000 square foot Washington, D.C. firm of Hornblower and Marshall, architects of addition that opened in 2012. the National Museum of Natural

It was during the museum’s History and other landmarks in the expansion project that the full scope nation’s capital, the Beaux Arts of the stucco issues on the historic mansion above the Columbia River building came to light. During 2011 Gorge has long been an icon of and 2012, Architectural Resources Washington state; the museum and Group, an architectural preservation its surrounding 5,300 acres were firm based in San Francisco, conplaced on the National Register of ducted an in-depth analysis of the Historic Places in 1974. stucco, diagnosed the problems, and

Over the years, the harsh made recommendations for approclimate in the Columbia River priate repairs.

Gorge has caused the building to

“The restoration project sustain water damage and stucco will be thorough and long-lasting,” failure. While past repairs represent- says Schafroth. “We are addressing ed the best solutions at the time, un- the underlying causes of the current derlying causes were not adequately damage and implementing repairs addressed, leading to subsequent that will keep the exterior in excelissues. lent condition for many years to

The state’s $1,000,000 grant come.” (less a 3% administrative fee), will

Those interested in learning allow the museum to properly admore about the project or making dress the underlying causes of water a donation online are invited to damage by removing old repairs visit maryhillmuseum.org/belong/ and applying new solutions to the support/capital-projects or to call problems. The project will repair Colleen Schafroth at 509.773.3733. and replace the exterior stucco on the museum’s historic building, ABOUT MARYHILL MUSEUM replace decking on the building’s OF ART: roofs and ramps, and make repairs

Housed in a glorious Beaux to the flashing and gutters to prevent Arts mansion on 5,300 acres high further deterioration of the facade. above the Columbia River, Maryhill Finally, the entire stucco exteriMuseum of Art opened to the public or will be painted in the original May 13, 1940 and today remains historic color, reinvigorating the one of the Pacific Northwest’s appearance of the building and plac- most enchanting cultural destinaing it within its historic context. tions. The museum was founded

Fundraising for the remain- by Northwest entrepreneur and ing $394,000 project cost is undervisionary Sam Hill, who purchased way, with $37,500 committed and the property and began building the requests out to a number of regional house with dreams of establishing a grant making organizations and Quaker farming community. When individuals. The goal is to secure that goal proved untenable, Hill was all of the funding by spring 2016 encouraged by friends Loie Fullso that work can begin in early er, Queen Marie of Romania, and summer and be finished by late fall Alma de Bretteville Spreckles to 2016. establish a museum.

“We are extremely grateful

Maryhill Museum of Art to Governor Jay Inslee and State boasts a world-class permanent of Washington legislators who collection, rotating exhibitions of recognized the importance of this the highest caliber, and dynamic GOLDENDALE, Wash.

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Maryhill Museum educational programs that provide opportunities for further exploration by visitors of all ages. On view are more than 80 works by Auguste Rodin, European and American paintings, objects d’art from the palaces of the Queen of Romania, Orthodox icons, unique chess sets, and the renowned Théâtre de la Mode, featuring small-scale mannequins attired in designer fashions of post-World War II France. Baskets of the indigenous people of North America were a collecting interest of Hill; today the museum’s American Indian collection represents nearly every tradition and style in North America, with works of art from prehistoric through contemporary.

Maryhill’s William and Catherine Dickson Sculpture Park features more than a dozen largescale works by Northwest artists.

The Maryhill Overlook is a site-specific sculpture by noted Portland architect Brad Cloepfil; nearby are Lewis and Clark interpretive panels.

Four miles east of Maryhill is a lifesized replica of Stonehenge, Stonehenge Memorial, which Sam Hill built to memorialize local men who perished in World War I. Nearby, the Klickitat County War Memorial honors those who have died in the service of their country since World War I.

The museum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 2001 the museum was listed as an official site of the National Historic Lewis and Clark Trail and in 2002 was accredited by the American Association of Muse-

ums. In 2012 the museum opened the Mary and Bruce Stevenson Wing, a 25,500 square foot expansion that is the first in the museum’s history. The new wing boasts the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Education Center, a collections storage and research suite, a new cafe and terrace, and the Cannon Power Plaza with an installation of sculpture, and sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood in the distance.

VISITOR INFORMATION:

Maryhill Museum of Art is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15 to November 15. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $3 for youth age 7-18 and free for children 6 and under. Admission to the Stonehenge Memorial is free; it is open from 7:00 a.m. to dusk daily.

Sandwiches, salads, espresso drinks, cold beverages, and freshly baked desserts and pastries, as well as a selection of local wines are available at the museum’s cafe, Loie’s, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily; the Museum Store features art and history books, jewelry, Native American crafts and other mementos.

Maryhill is located off Highway 97, 12 miles south of Goldendale, Washington. Drive times to the museum are 2 hours from Portland/Vancouver, 3.5 hours from Bend, 4 hours from Seattle, and 1.5 hours from Yakima. For further information, visit maryhillmuseum. org.

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Northeast Oregon Business News

CATTLE RANCHING Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Cattle

By Debby Schoeningh (Eastern Oregon rancher and author of www. ranchwifeninja.com)

There has been a lot of discussion about cattle and the impact the animals have on the environment the last few years. As the concept of global warming takes hold, livestock are increasingly being singled out for contributing to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants.

Because cattle are ruminants, they eat plants like grasses that are difficult to digest, even with a four-chambered stomach. A microbe that resides in their stomachs, called methanogens, converts feed into a product that can be digested by the animal. This process produces methane gas which is exhaled by the animal, mainly via burps.

Although methane is a more potent greenhouse gas — about 20 times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO2) — there is over 200 times more CO2 in the atmosphere. Methane in the atmosphere will react with oxygen and eventually become transformed into carbon dioxide, making it a strong contributor to the greenhouse effect .

So it can’t be denied that cattle and other livestock do contribute some to the greenhouse effect, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2013, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture accounted for approximately 9% of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and most of that 9 percent comes from soil management (crop farming). Nicolette Hahn Niman, author of Defending Beef: The Case for Sustainable Meat Production states that a Union of Concerned Scientists report concluded that about 2% of U.S. greenhouse gases can be linked

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directly to cattle, and good management would diminish it further.

As a longtime vegetarian and environmental lawyer, Niman stated in an article she wrote for the Wall Street Journal, “Actually, Raising Beef Is Good for the Planet, that she once bought into claims that cattle have an “outsize ecological footprint,” guzzling water, trampling plants and soils, and consuming grains that should be reserved for hungry humans. But now, she wrote, “After more than a decade of living and working in the business— my husband, Bill, founded Niman Ranch but left the company in 2007, and we now have a grass-fed beef company—I’ve come to the opposite view. It isn’t just that the alarm over the environmental effects of beef are overstated. It’s that raising beef cattle, especially on grass, is an environmental gain for the planet.”

Niman states that “Most of the world’s beef cattle are raised on grass. Their pruning mouths stimulate vegetative growth as their trampling hoofs and digestive tracts foster seed germination and nutrient recycling. These beneficial disturbances, like those once caused by wild grazing herds, prevent the encroachment of woody shrubs and are necessary for the functioning of grassland ecosystems.”

Now it appears domestic livestock are taking on the environmental role that was once delegated to buffalo.

In an USDA Ag Research magazine article, Dennis O’Brien, with the Agricultural Research Service information staff, report-

ed on a project where researchers planted grasses on 37 acres of rolling, eroded land in Georgia. They allowed beef cattle to graze there to assess the effects on soil quality. The cattle grazed on costal bermudagrass initially and then tall fescue when the grass was in a dormant winter stage to extend the grazing season from five to 10 months. The research team varied the number of cattle per acre, and over 12 years they assessed how the soils responded to four different scenarios:

• moderate grazing (average of 23 steers for every 10 acres)

• intensive or heavy grazing (35 steers per 10 acres)

• no grazing and letting the grass grow

• no grazing but cutting the grass for hay

O’Brien reports, “Under each scenario they looked at the amount of soil compaction that occurred, the amounts of soil organic carbon and nitrogen found in the soils, and the amounts of surface plant residues, which help prevent erosion. They also looked at the effects on the soil of three different fertilizer treatments: inorganic fertilizer, organic broiler litter, and a mix of inorganic fertilizer and organic broiler litter.”

The team found that fertilizer type made little difference, but different grazing scenarios produced dramatically different effects. “Land that was grazed produced more grass than ungrazed land, and grazing led to the most carbon and nitrogen being sequestered in soil. Sequestering carbon and nitrogen in the soil has become a major goal for agriculture because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by storing carbon to maintain a balanced carbon cycle.

The researchers found that whether grass was grazed moderately or intensely made little difference on sequestration rates.

Their conclusion, published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, demonstrated that “if growers manage cattle so that pastures are grazed moderately, they’re restoring soil quality and cutting greenhouse gases by keeping carbon in the soil as organic matter rather than releasing it into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.”

Some have argued that the solution to reducing methane gas would be to cut back on the amount of meat and animal byproducts consumed, but as you can see by this study, cattle can actually contribute to a healthier environment. Cutting down livestock numbers is also not a viable solution to reduce the percentage of greenhouse gasses because living plants also exhale methane, and as stated above, are the largest contributor of methane gas in the agriculture sector. But when you consider that agriculture contributes a small percentage to the overall greenhouse gas emis-

Page 18

Northeast Oregon Business News

CATTLE RANCHING sions and cattle an even smaller percentage, it appears there are other more relevant areas to focus on if we are to make a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation, electricity and emissions generated from industry make most of the greenhouse emissions that scientists say are contributing to global warming.

However, no matter how small the emissions are compared to other sectors, we as ranchers, need to mitigate any environmental damage that we can. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) methane emission from beef cattle can be reduced by breeding for higher feed conversion efficiency, proper nutrition and animal husbandry. In Australia they have studied the use of nutritional supplements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in beef cattle.

In Canada, researchers say increasing the level of dietary fat by feeding a diet of crushed oilseeds (sunflower seed, canola seed or flaxseed) or dried corn distillers grain reduced the energy lost as methane by up to twenty percent. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), feed additives, including plant extracts (condensed tannins, saponins, essential oils) and rumen modifiers (yeast, bacterial direct fed microbials, and enzymes) also look promising. In a recent study, they supplemented the cattle diet with commercial active dried yeast products including a product that improves fiber digestion in the rumen. This combination was found to reduce methane by six percent.

AAFC states that “other research teams in New Zealand and in Australia are also exploring innovative ways of eliminating the microbes in the rumen that produce the methane, such as vaccines. This research is expected to lead to practical solutions that can be used to reduce methane from beef and dairy cattle in the future.”

Stonyfield Farm, a Vermont-based yogurt manufacturer, since 2008 has been successfully experimenting with adding alfalfa and flaxseed to their diary cows’ diets as a way of reducing methane. Reports indicate that their feed program has reduced enteric emissions from the cows by as much as 18 percent,

and an average of 12 percent.

Researchers have also found that garlic and cinnamon reduce methane production to some degree. Dr. Alexander Hristov, associate professor of diary science at Pennsylvania State University, has been looking at oregano as a methane reducer. In one trial, adding a pound of oregano to a cow’s daily feed reduced methane emissions by 40 percent and increased milk production by about 4 percent.

Exactly how good the long-term improvement might be is still up in the air. In a second trial emission reductions shrank to 27 percent leaving room for further study.

Scientists and researchers in agriculture, worldwide, continue to work at finding solutions to reduce methane gas emissions in livestock. Most livestock producers we know are already utilizing good management strategies, which as scientists have already discovered, can help reduce methane gas emissions in cattle and lead to more carbon and nitrogen being sequestered in soil. As the greenhouse effect progresses we will undoubtedly be looking at other ways to reduce emissions in livestock production. After all, it is to cattle producers’ advantage to protect the environment, which is their (our) livelihood. Any form of agriculture requires good stewardship, and a workable plan to preserve the land/environment for future generations is a necessity. It is a monumental challenge on a global scale to find ways to feed a growing population while reducing emissions.

Note: On researching this topic, I found numerous percentage differences in the amount of damage livestock do to the environment in terms of methane gas, but I feel confident in the EPA’s numbers.

Debby Schoeningh and her husband, Mike, live at the base of the Elkhorn Mountains in rural Eastern Oregon where they have a cow/calf operation.

Debby’s writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications including the Western Horseman, Oregon Business magazine, Beef magazine and Hay & Forage Grower. She continues to contribute to several publications including the Ruralite magazine and the Capital Press newspaper.

She has published five books to date and owns The Country Side Press where she does writing and print design as well as publishing books for others.

Debby enjoys the beauty of nature and spends her spare time photographing the ranching life and Eastern Oregon’s landscape.

The Elgin Stampede Crab Feed

The Elgin Stampeder’s Annual All You Can Eat Crab Feed February 6, 2016 at 4 p.m. at the Elgin Stampede Hall www.neobn.com

Page 19

Northeast Oregon Business News

Hawk M2M Specializes in Machine-to-Machine Technology

By Lori Kimbel

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ucked away in a modest office in the heart of Baker City is Hawk M2M, an electrical and electronic design firm owned by Baker County native Orrin Bigelow.

Shelves are lined with circuit boards and all of the intricate parts that go along with them.

A desk, free from clutter, sits along one wall and a white board with brainstorming notes grabs each visitor’s attention immediately.

I stood in the office, clueless of what all these bits and pieces of components and circuit boards could do. I soon found out these circuit boards may be small, but they were mighty.

“We specialize in custom electronics design for commercial applications,” said Bigelow.

“M2M is short for Machine-to-Machine Technology, which allows both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same type across multiple communication networks. An example would be a sensor and a valve installed in a field, mountain side, or stretch of highway. The sensor and valve communicate with the cellular network, which acts as a bridge to the Internet.

Once connected to the Internet, the sensor can provide real-time data to a user on a mobile device, or on a computer dashboard. The user can view the status of the sensor or receive alerts, while also exercising full control of the valve remotely or automatically. Hawk M2M can build the entire system, including a custom electronic device in the field.”

Bigelow received his Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic Engineering from Eastern Washington University before moving to San Diego where he worked at SeaBotix, a manufacturer of underwater robotics. It was during his time with SeaBotix that he realized he wanted to pursue electronic hardware design, so he would work his day job, then go home and teach himself how to design circuit boards. Eventually, he began moonlighting for Seabotix designing circuit boards from his home.

At Hawk M2M, Bigelow invented a circuit board that is installed in hotels around the world, which is an integral part in fire and smoke suppression during the event of a building fire.

The boards are assembled, tested, sold, and shipped from Boise, Idaho.

Bigelow, in collaboration with Boise State, Stanford, and the USGS, is currently working on a circuit board that wirelessly transmits data from underground wells to cre-

ate hydraulic tomography, a 3D image of groundwater movement, a necessity when dealing with environmental cleanup throughout the world.

Hawk M2M is also providing solutions on how to monitor thousands of miles of electric fence in real-time, as Orrin Bigelow Owner well as develop- of Hawk M2M ing a new RFID tracking system for very large cattle operations.

Perhaps the most exciting development at Hawk M2M, is the development of new electronics for hobby and commercial UAVs and drones. “We’re developing the world’s best electronics for a niche market in drones, and I want to manufacture them right here in Baker City.”

Hawk M2M is a creative company and ready to monitor and control the most valuable assets to an organization, or bring an entirely new invention to market.

Hawk M2M www.hawkm2m.com

Basche-Sage Place 2101 Main Street Suite 222 Baker City, OR 97814 Orrin Bigelow



208-249-7527



orrin@hawkm2m.com

Take your organization to the next level of productivity with Hawk M2M

Boardman Subway NOW OPEN 115 W Front Street 503-781-4559 Hours: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. www.neobn.com

Page 20

Northeast Oregon Business News

Hood River Distillers, Inc. Awards Donation to Wrangler® National Patriot™ Program at Pendleton Round-Up

The Pendleton Whisky 2015 Limited $90k donation resulted Edition bottle, which honors the integrifrom proceeds for 2015 ty and patriotism of Pendleton® Whisky Limited those who serve and have served, is availEdition bottle able at spirits retailers throughout the country with a retail price

Hood River Distillers, Inc., the of $26.95 (750 ml). largest and oldest importer, distiller, pro For more ducer and bottler of distilled spirits in the information about the Northwest, presented a formal donation Pendleton Whisky of $90,000 to the Wrangler® National 2015 Limited Edition Patriot™ program at the 105th Pendleton bottle, please visit Round-Up on Saturday, Sept. 19. www.pendletonwhis The donation, which resulted from ky.com. For more a portion of the proceeds of Pendleton® news from PendWhisky’s 2015 Limited Edition bottle, will leton Whisky, visit benefit Horses for Heroes – New Mexico, the brand on FaceInc.™ Cowboy Up!, a nonprofit providing book,Twitter or Instaa unique skill-set restructuring program gram. located on the Crossed Arrows Ranch in Photo courtesy of Catching Violet Photography About Pendleton Santa Fe, New Mexico which serves to Whisky Pendleton® provide veterans and active military with Whisky is imported, the company’s brands distributed across the opportunity to recuperate, recreate, and bottled and marketed by Hood River Disthe country. Hood River Distillers is a reintegrate into their communities through tillers of Hood River, Ore., and member of the Foundation the great western horse and cowboy culture is available nationwide. The oak barfor Advancing Alcohol Responsibility – supporting their journey, integrating their rel-aged whisky uses and promotes responsible drinking habits. mind, body and spirit. glacier-fed spring water For more information, visit www.hrdspir The check presenfrom Oregon’s Mt.Hood its.com. tation, prior to Saturday’s and is known for its About Wrangler® National Patriot™ grand entry, featured Ron uncommonly smooth

Founded in 2009, the Wrangler Dodge, president and taste and rich, complex National Patriot program is a year-round CEO of Hood River Disflavor. Pendleton Whiscampaign developed to help raise awaretillers; Kaycee Feild, repky is the official spirit of ness and funds to support American resenting the Wrangler the Professional Rodeo military veterans and their families and National Patriot Program; Cowboys Association to serve as inspiration for all Americans and Rick Iannucci (PRCA), and the present- to rally around each other in patriotism. and Nancy De Santis, ing sponsor of the A portion of all Wrangler National Patriot founders of Horses for All American ProRodeo apparel proceeds also benefit this cause.

Heroes - Cowboy Up!.

Series, which includes For more information, visit www.wranThe donation will be 400-plus PRCA rodeos. glernationalpatriot.com. used to support HorsAbout Hood River Dis- About Horses for Heroes es for Heroes’ Cowboy tillers

Horses for Heroes – New Mexico, Up! Program, which Founded in 1934 and Inc.™ Cowboy Up!, a nonprofit located in helps post 9/11 veterans and active miliheadquartered in Hood River, Ore., Hood New Mexico, provides veterans and active tary members, especially those who have River Distillers is the Northwest’s largest military members with the opportunity to sustained physical or mental injuries in the and oldest importer, producer, bottler, and recuperate, recreate and reintegrate into line of duty. “The Pendleton Round-Up marketer of distilled spirits. Pendleton® their communities through the greatest served as the perfect venue to highlight Whisky, Pendleton Midnight Whisky, Western horse and cowboy culture – supthe significant efforts of both the Wrangler Pendleton®1910 Rye Whisky, Broker’s® porting their journey, integrating their National Patriot program and Horses for London Dry Gin, Sinfire® Cinnamon mind, body and spirit. Horses for Heroes Heroes - Cowboy Up!,” said Tia Bledsoe, Whisky, Yazi® Ginger Vodka, ULLR® Cowboy Up! is a partner organization with senior brand manager, Hood River DistillNordic Libation, HRD® Vodka, Lucid® the Wrangler National Patriot Program. For ers. “We are honored to be able to support Absinthe Supérieure, the complete line of more information, visit www.horsesforhemeaningful causes that recognize and saMonarch® distilled spirits and the Clear lute deserving citizens and organizations.” roes.org.

Creek Distillery portfolio are just a few of

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Northeast Oregon Business News

LET ‘ER BUCK

Trevor Brazile Wins Record 4th Consecutive Title Texan Trevor Brazile wins record 4th consecutive title at the 105th Round-Up, NE Oregon’s Signature Event

T

exan Trevor Brazile surprised no one by winning a record fourth consecutive All-Around title at the 105th Pendleton Round-Up, following Saturday’s championship rounds.

Brazile, 38, often referred to as the King of the Cowboys, has won every major award in rodeo numerous times since becoming a professional rodeo competitor in 1996.

His record prize money winnings of over $5.5 million may represent an insurmountable hurdle for future competitors to top for decades.

He has won 21 world championships in the

PRCA, qualified for the WNFR 45 times and won nearly 20 rodeo All-Around titles this year alone. He hosts regular high-end horse training workshops at his Texas ranch, sponsors all sorts of products, produces his own line of clothing and horse and rodeo gear. He is often described in glowing articles as America’s richest ever cowboy.

The Round-Up is a sanctioned rodeo of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, PRCA, which stages the annual Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (WNFR) in Las Vegas, rodeo’s national championship event.

The Round-Up is a four-day event, Wednesday-Saturday, with awards given in each of eight events as well as an All-Around award for the cowboy winning the most money over multiple events. Fans were watching in anticipation as the world’s most successful rodeo competitor, Texan Trevor Brazile, was in position to capture a fourth consecutive Pendleton Round-Up All-Around award when he returned to the competition on Saturday.

Final results for the eight Round-Up events: Bareback

Ty Breuer, Mandan, ND, continued his comeback from injuries with the title in the bareback event at today’s Pendleton RoundUp, his eighth title in rodeo competition this

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year. The 25-year-old Breuer took a score of 84, which, with his earlier score of 86, ensured his top position and giving him $5,066 as his share of the championship purse. The 2014 world champion in the event, Kaycee Feild, Spanish Fork, UT, posted the top score Saturday, 85, but had only an 80 going into today’s competition, to finish with a combined 185 and 4th place. The championship title is based on the total of the two rides.

Richmond Champion, The Woodlands, TX, took second in the combined scores, with 167 to Breuer’s 170, for $3,884 for the day.

Tying Breuer today with 84 was local favorite R.C. Landingham, Pendleton, OR, who came into the finals with an 82 for a combined 166 to take third place in the finals and $2,871 in prize money.

Breuer qualified for his first Wrangler NFR in 2013 but was injured during the event, underwent surgery and missed the beginning of last year’s rodeo season.

He competed against his younger brother, Casey, who finished down the list on Saturday, with a combined 157.

Tie-down roping

J.C. Malone, Hooper, UT, caught his calf in 10.6 seconds Saturday to take home the championship award and $5,254 in prize money in the Pendleton Round-Up’s tie-down roping event on a time of 9.4 for the average of three events. He was followed by Shane Hanchey, Sulphur, LA, with a time of 9.7 Saturday and an average of 9.9 for second place and $4,569, and in third by Randall Carlisle, with Saturday’s best time of 9.2 and a 10.2 second average for $3,883.43.

Malone, 30, bested the man he describes as his rodeo idol, Trevor Brazile, Decatur, TX. Malone joined the PRCA in 2004, eight years after the 38-year-old Brazile and after Malone had won the Utah high school championships in 2001-03 in both tie-down roping and steer wrestling. This year he has won six rodeos, including this Round-Up. Trevor Brazile, vying for a record 4th consecutive All-Around title at the Pendleton RoundUp, finished 4th in tie-down roping with a 10.23 average and $3,198.

Saddle bronc

Last year’s world champion in the saddle bronc event won the Pendleton Round-Up Saturday. Spencer Wright, Milford, UT, one of six highly accomplished brothers in rodeo, took a the top score of 87 on Saturday for a best combined score of 169 in two events, accomplishing the feat by beating two of his own brothers and a nephew. In second, with a Saturday score of 84 and a combined 166 was Jacobs Crawley, Boerne, TX, followed by a tie at a combined 164 for CoBurn Bradshaw,

Beaver, UT, and Clay Elliott, Nanton, AB. Wright won $4,284 for Saturday, while Crawley took home $3,284. Bradshaw and Elliott each received $1,999.

All residing in Milford, UT, Cody, Spencer and Jake as well as Cody’s 19-yearold son, Rusty, now in his second year of professional competition after winning the national high school championship in this event in 2012 and 2013, competed on Saturday.

Spencer, 24, was the 2014 world champion in the event, while Cody, 38, won the national title in 2008 and 2010 and has won six rodeos this year. 2010 was also the year Cody won at the centennial Pendleton Round-Up. Jake, 26, has won a dozen rodeos this year after finishing fifth in the world standings at the 2014 WNFR and also won in Pendleton in 2013, the year he finished second in the world standings.

A documentary of the Wrights was filmed after four of the brothers (including Jesse) qualified last year for the WNFR, a first for the event.

Crawley also travels with a rodeoing brother, Sterling, who won Resistol’s PRCA Saddle Bronc rookie award in 2011. Jacobs Crawley has won 15 rodeos this year, placed 7th in the world in this event last year, and currently stands at #4 in the world. He has yet to win at Pendleton.

Steer wrestling

Hunter Cure, Holliday, TX, took his first place finish on Friday and held on to it

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LET ‘ER BUCK to win the steer wrestling championship at the 105th Pendleton Round-Up on Saturday for prize money of $5,282. With a combined time of 16.6 seconds for three events, today’s and two earlier in the week, Cure edged out Casey Martin, Sulphur, LA, who finished with 17.3 and $4,593, just ahead of Jason Thomas, Benton, AR, at 18.6 with $3,904. Martin had Saturday’s best time, 5.1 seconds, just ahead of Baylor Roche, Tremonton, UT, with 5.5. Roche finished 4th with an aggregate of

18.9 and $3,215.

The 31-year-old Cure won the WNFR world championship in 2013, five years after joining the PRCA and four years after his first qualification for the WNFR. Like so many of the competitors here, he works and raises cattle, even supplying steer wrestling stock to rodeos in Texas and Oklahoma. He was ranked 4th in the world standings coming into the Round-Up with nearly $80,000 in winnings for the year. Martin is ranked 17th in world standings but finished 6th last year, including winning this event at the Pendleton Round-Up. Team Roping

Rodeo is an individual accomplishment except for this one event, where two cowboys burst from their chutes on horseback to pursue and rope a steer with a head start. The “header” first ropes the steer’s head, while the “heeler” then ropes the steer’s hind legs. There is a five second penalty for roping only one leg and a 10 second penalty if the team breaks the chute barrier before the steer is out.

Local favorites Jake Stanley, Hermiston, OR, and Bucky Campbell, Benton City, WA, managed the day’s best time of 5.9 seconds for roping their steer but the championship for the event, based on aggregate scores

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accumulated in multiple events over the four-day rodeo, ended in a tie. With aggregate times of 20.0 seconds the title was shared by the teams of Clay Tryan, Billings, MT/Jade Corkill/Fallon, NV and Trevor Brazile, Decatur, TX/Patrick Smith, Lipan, TX, with each of these finalists receiving $5,677 for the aggregate and additional prize money for their Saturday scores.

The Tryan/Corkill team won last year’s world championship at the WNFR in this event—for the second consecutive year. While Brazile is currently #1 in the All-Around world standings, thanks to his adeptness in all roping events, Tryan is ranked the #1 team roping header to Brazile’s #4 and Corkill is the #1 heeler to Smith’s #4.

Bull riding

Bull riding is a tough sport. Consider Dylan Vick, Escalon, CA, a Hollywood stuntman who was thrown on Saturday from Buck’er Sox Off, which then proceeded to stomp on him.

No sooner had Vick limped from the field then the next rider, Jared Parsonage, Maple Creek, SK, got to do the dance with the bull that results when a rider leaves the bull but can’t get his tightly wrapped hand loose. As he danced with the bull the bullfighters attempted to distract the bull while eventually helping the rider free his hand. As he attempted to move away from the bull, Western Hauler, Parsonage was tossed to the ground by the bull’s horns and then run over.

That’s certainly why you don’t see bull riders much past 25.

Today’s champion at the Pendleton Round-Up, Sage Steele Kimzey, Strong City, OK, last year won the national championship in bull riding at the WNFR at 20, becoming only the second rookie bull rider to win a gold buckle in 52 years. His WNFR winnings total of $175,466 was the highest of any competitor at the WNFR in 2014, giving him the RAM Truck Top Gun award.

His younger brother, Trey, is also a bull rider.

Today, at 21, he topped the field with a score of 86, just beating Dustin Bowen, 24, at 85.

Steele had an aggregate score of

170 for two events to win $4,241 in aggregate prize money, while Bowen finished with 169 and $3,251. They won additional money for their Saturday wins.

Probably still nursing an aching hand and more, Parsonage, 22, took third place in the aggregate Saturday with 161, for $2,403 in prize money.

Parsonage beat Kimzey in a match last year at the annual College National Finals Rodeo, finishing first ahead of Kimzey’s third in bull riding. In second at that CNFR was Joe Frost, who also competed in this Pendleton Round-Up. Parsonage won the title at a PBR competition in June, presented by the Ponoka Stampede, Ponoka, AB. Steer roping

Steer ropers had a good day Saturday, with seven of the 12 finalists catching their steer, although all of the times were in the triple digits, not usually winning territory.

Brent Lewis, Pinon, NM, didn’t have the best time on Saturday, 14.4 seconds, but it gave him a winning aggregate of 41.4 over three events and the championship title with $5,640 in prize money.

Lewis came into the Round-Up ranked #18 in this event but the win should move him up. Lewis, 45, has qualified for the WNFR 11 times beginning in 1991 but last made an appearance there in 2004, after winning the event title in 2000. He has won just one rodeo per year since 2012, after taking a break from the professional competition 20052010. But this is the fourth rodeo he’s won this year so rodeo’s obviously playing a bigger role in his life these days.

Behind Lewis was a local favorite from nearby Boardman, OR, Joe Bartlett, with a 43.1 aggregate time and $4,904 in prize money.

Will McBride, Ogallala, NE, took the third spot with his time of 44.6 and $4,168.

Barlett, 53, and McBride, 50, demonstrate the point that ropers have much longer careers than rough stock riders.

Bartlett joined the PRCA in

1987 after qualifying for the College NFR in 1981-82 and has competed ever since at a moderate level.

McBride has also competed at a moderate level, winning a rodeo every couple of years and is ranked #44 in current world standings in

steer roping.

Barrel racing

Kimmie, Wall, Roosevelt, UT, who was #20 in world standings last year, won the barrel racing title at the Pendleton Round-Up Saturday with an aggregate time of 57.33 seconds in two events for $4,558 in prize money. Right behind her at 57.76 was Tobi Richardson, Craigmont, ID in second for $3,907, and at 57.82, Pamela Capper in third for $3,256. Capper had the best time on Saturday, 28.43 seconds.

Christy Loflin, who won consecutive titles at the last three Round-Ups, finished 8th, with a time of 58.42. Earlier Loflin appeared to have a strong opportunity to repeat, after winning the Thursday event. But six of the 12 competitors on Saturday broke the stiff 29-second barrier on rodeo’s longest barrel racing track while Loflin finished at 29.34, pushing her down the list.

Of all these winners, coming into this Round-Up Capper was ranked highest in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association standings, at #25, followed by Wall at #27, although these positions should switch after today’s results.

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