e e r
F
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Counting the Turtles
Courtesy photo from Jonathan Hakim
These Western Painted Turtles are commonly seen near bodies of water in Columbia County.
Nonprofit kicks off regional turtle survey Originally published in The Chronicle Vol. 140 April 27, 2022 ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
“Turtles are amazing creatures,” said Jonathan Hakim, turtle surveyor and co-founder of nonprofit Wild Columbia County. “They’re the only reptile in our area that spends a significant portion of its time in the water, and they’re one of the neatest-looking animals around.” Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians is a large-scale project led by Hakim and Wild Columbia County co-founder Matt D’Agrosa to document reptile and amphibian species, or “herps” across the region. The pair, in partnership with Scappoose Bay Watershed Council and Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, invites the public to join them on their turtle scouting expeditions, by land or by kayak, this spring and summer. Registration for these events are free. Volunteers will commit to visiting a potential turtle locality for 30 minutes on three different occasions during ideal conditions (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it is 65 to 75 degrees air temperature), according to the Wild Columbia County website. Waterways included in the search are Nehalem River, Rock Creek, Sauvie Island, Scappoose Bay, Deer
Island, Sandy Island, Crims Island, Wallace Island, Clatskanie River, and the sloughs of Westport. The second mandatory training session for surveyors took place Saturday, April 23, at Trojan Park in Rainier. The turtle surveys will run from April to September.
lic databases, people started telling me Columbia County doesn’t have any records,” Hakim explained, of the motivation for launching the project. In the following oneon-one interview with The Chronicle, Hakim explains the purpose and goals of the turtle survey.
Background
The Chronicle: Why survey turtles? In other words, what is their importance to Columbia County’s ecosystem?
Hakim, from St. Helens, and D’Agrosa, from Scappoose, first became interested in the world of reptiles and amphibians growing up together as children. Together, Hakim and D’Agrosa went on expeditions through the woods of Warren to observe the biodiversity around them. Later, new developments in technology presented a new way for the two to catalog their observations. “Then there was a database that we started putting our finds (in), taking pictures that would record everything,” D’Agrosa said. “As we started entering (our findings) into these pub-
Hakim: Because they move about in the water column, they (turtles) play an important role in the food chain and nutrient cycles - they eat up insects and scavenge detritus from the bottom of ponds, which cleanses the water, and then distribute it as manure in both land and water, which spurs plant growth. Studies have shown that when turtles live in a wetland, the water becomes cleaner while plants on both land and water become more nutrient-rich. Unfortunately, turtle
populations have not been healthy in Columbia County for a long time. In many parts of the county, their wetlands were drained or made impossible to inhabit. In other spots, their babies got eaten by invasive species like bullfrogs or they couldn’t dig nests anymore because of invasive plants onshore. We’re surveying turtles because we’re trying to find out where they’ve been able to hang on the best. The Chronicle: What kinds of turtles are native to Columbia County? Hakim: We have two native turtle species - the Western Pond Turtle and the Western Painted Turtle. The painted turtle is recognizable by its yellow-striped head and often has a red bottom to its shell. It is most common in sloughs and ponds close to the Columbia River. The pond turtle is a much drabber species, mostly brown. It used to live close to the river like the painted turtle and also inland through
the creeks and rivers in the interior county. However, the pond turtle is almost never seen in our county anymore. The Chronicle: How long will the survey take, and what will you do with it? Hakim: We’re planning to run surveys from April through September. If we find turtles on any property, the first thing we do is immediately share the information with the landowner. People are often excited to find out what turtles they have (if they even knew they had turtles) and often ask what they can do to ensure that the turtles can continue to lay their eggs and have babies that will survive. We’re also sharing the information with the Oregon Native Turtle Working Group, and when the project is over, we’re going to publish a report that shows how well both species of turtle are doing in Columbia County. The Chronicle: Please explain the training involved in the surveying.
Hakim: The training is simple - we help people learn how to look at a site and figure out where the turtles will be, how to approach the turtles and get pictures without spooking them, and how to record the data on iNaturalist. The actual surveys begin whenever the weather warms up to 6575 degrees. Each volunteer picks out their own place to survey, and then they visit the site three times on dates of their own choosing, just so long as the temperature is in the correct range. iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature, according to iNaturalist.org. 94,676,605 observations of 344,034 species have been recorded on iNaturalist to date. See wildcolumbia.org for more information on the Columbia County Reptiles and Amphibians project. To become a volunteer, email to wildcolumbia112@gmail. com.
Advertise online and reach local readers Starting up a new business or hosting an event? Let everyone know with an online ad at: thechronicleonline.com & thechiefnews.com
The Chronicle The Chief
503-397-0116 1805 Columbia Blvd
News Advertiser Columbia County
Classifieds
Page 2
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Listings are updated daily at thechronicleonline.com and thechiefnews.com
150
312
502
502
702
702
702
750
Misc Services
Events
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Garage Sales
Garage Sales
Garage Sales
Misc for Sale
Cans and Bottles If you have cans and bottles that you would like to get rid of call Steve the Can Man at 971-813-9257. Will pick up.
throughout room. All ages welcome. Warren Community Fellowship, 56523 Columbia River Hwy., Warren, OR. Questions call 503-397-4387.
St. Helens SD is seeking applicants for the following positions: Senior Accountant, HR Assistant, Instructional Assistants, Special Education positions- teachers & IA’s, Coaches, Athletic Trainer, Social Workers, Counselors, Childcare Providers, Teachers- various levels and subjects. See district website for details & Online Application http:// www.sthelens.k12. or.us/Page/189. An equal opportunity employer.
tion can be found on the Employment page of the district website at https:// wahksd.k12.wa.us/ District/1453-Untitled. html.
Pop-Up Sale Follow signs, Hwy 30 up Nicolai Rd 2 miles to Beaver Homes Rd, 1 mile, you are there. We have toaster ovens, motorcycle bags, table saw, dishes, home made items, tie blankets and lots more! So
come and see us. May 13 & 14 from 9-4. 31340 Beaver Homes Rd.
ers, tools, yard & garden, antiques, farm, household, 9 families.
For Sale Walker new in box. $80.00. Please call 503-556-3464.
Warren Sale May 6 &7 9:004:00. 33596 Slavens Rd. Warren 97053, corner of Tarbell & Slavens. Mow-
Enormous Estate Sale May 7-8 10:005:00 Columbia City. Follow bright pink signs or see all info on estatesale finder.com.
301
502
Health & Nutrition
Help Wanted
Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org
Assistant or Associate Planner Columbia County, OR. EOE Deadline 5/25/2022 Apply at ColumbiaCoun tyOR.gov
312
Events
National Day of Prayer 2022 Thurs., May 5th. Drop in anytime between 8 am & 8 pm for quiet place to pray alone or with others. Selfguided interactive prayer stations
Immediate Opening Shipping/ Receiving/ Sewing Part time 6-Noon, M-Th. Apply in person only. 33550 SE Santosh St. Scappoose, OR 97056
Wahkiakum School District is hiring a full time District Business Manager and a full time Middle School Math Teacher. Specific job requirement informa-
For sale 15 HP Mercury motor, reconditioned, new seals and brain, $900 or OBO. (503) 3691105, leave message and phone #.
Classified Ads Deadline: Mondays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Need a job? check the classifieds online at www.thechronicleonline.com to find your perfect job offer
ASPHALT PAVING Offering Quality Asphalt Paving Services to Columbia County and surrounding areas.
FREE Estimates
VIEW OUR CURRENT RENTAL PROPERTIES AT:
www.therentalcenter.net
River City & Rentals Northwest 503-543-4440 Phone
503-543-7929 Fax
Kristie Flanagan, Licensed Property Manager 51891 Old Portland Road, Suite “A”, Scappoose OR 97056 (next to the scappoose totem pole)
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Driveways • Roadways • Subdivisions • Parking Lots • City, County, State Specification Products
Call Jim today at
(503) 509-8657
Quality Workmanship At Affordable Prices
Columbia County
BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
www.thechronicleonline.com
Waterman Garage Doors
CCB#204858
SALES, SERVICE INSTALLATION
Scott Waterman Owner
503.819.6715 St. Helens, OR 97051
YOUR AD HERE
Advertise your business in the Business & Service Directory. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Chronicle and News/Ad Classified Ad Deadline is Monday by noon
Ads received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be placed in that week’s issue. Call 503-397-0116 for more information
Get your ad in the paper and reach out to potential customers. Call 503-397-0116 to place your ad in the newspaper and online.
e l a S e g a r a G ! l a i c e Sp Advertise your garage sale in the paper and online for only $10 for up to 14 lines! Contact The Chronicle at chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net or 503-397-0116 or to get your garage sale in the classifieds.
News Advertiser Columbia County
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Page 3
Read. Watch. Engage. Subscribe to The Chronicle or The Chief and receive a FREE online subscription to our websites as well!
SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL COUNTY NEWSPAPER Send subscription info to PO Box 1153, St. Helens OR 97051 or call us at 503-397-0116
ONLY $60 a year!* *In Columbia County. Outside County $80.00/year Subscribe me to the:
The Chronicle
The Chief
Enclosed is my check for $60.00 Bill my VISA/Mastercard Card No. __________________________________________ Exp. Date _________________ Name ______________________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________ State ________________ Zip _____________ Phone Number ______________________________________________________________
News Advertiser Columbia County
Page 4
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Below is a list of WHERE to pick up a FREE copy of the print edition of the News-Advertiser. Also available every week at: thechronicleonline. com and at thechiefnews.com
CLATSKANIE • CLATSKANIE SAFEWAY • HI SCHOOL PHARMACY IN CLATSKANIE • CLATSKANIE MARKET SCAPPOOSE • ROAD RUNNER GAS & GROCERY • JACKPOT 76 • ENGSTROM CHEVRON • B&B MARKET • FRED MEYER • SMOKE SHOP • NELSON NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET • ACE • GROCERY OUTLET
Paintings by local Artists will be available for purchase
ST. HELENS • CHUBB’S CHEVRON • SHERLOCK’S • YANKTON STORE • ZATTERBURG’S • MARKET FRESH • WALGREENS • BEST WESTERN • MOLLY’S MARKET • WALMART • ACE • DON’S RENTAL DEER ISLAND • DEER ISLAND STORE COLUMBIA CITY • COLUMBIA CITY GROCERY & GAS RAINIER • ALSTON STORE • DOLLAR GENERAL • GROCERY OUTLET
2012 COLUMBIA BLVD, ST. HELENS MON THRU THURS 3PM - 11PM FRI & SAT 11 AM-12AM SUN 11AM-11PM
We are back! 20th annual
Scappoose Farmers’ Market
Quality Bark at Competitive Prices
BEAVER BARK
Sold by yard or Unit for pick up or Delivery • Variety of Fir & Bark Dust • Mulch & Potting Soil • Cedar Chips & Trail Mix
Clean Woodwaste Recycling Yard Debris & Woodwaste Recycling
Yard Debris & Clean Wood Waste Recycling $15 per yd. Clean = No pressure treated, paint or stain Wood Waste = Lumber, branches, small stumps and logs. We do not accept trash, plastic, dirt or sod.
$6 yard with $8 minimum charge
BEAVER BARK
We Deliver 1 Unit Minimum! Annual 20th
Saturdays May 7 through October 1 9AM - 2 PM
54000 West Lane Rd 503-543-3000 Scappoose Oregon Mon-Fri (503) 8-5 543-3000 Call for weekend deliveries
www.beaverbarkllc.com 54000 West Lane Rd. Scappoosethru Friday 8am to 4pm Open Monday
ONLY 30 MINUTES FROM PORTLAND ON SCENIC HWY 30 NEXT TO HERITAGE PARK HOME OF THE POPULAR MICHAEL CURRY ROTARY CHILDREN’S FOUNTAIN BEHIND CITY HALL.
Read the news online
The Chief Keep up with local news online at: www.thechiefnews.com
Starting a local business? Get the word out in the paper and online by advertising with The Chronicle.
Call us at 503-397-0116 or email chronicleads@countrymedia.net