Around Oregon and Idaho
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:41 AM PDT
Botulism blamed for killing more ducks in E. Idaho
BOISE (AP) — State wildlife biologists are pointing the finger at botulism for killing an estimated 1,100 waterfowl at the American Falls Reservoir in eastern Idaho.
It’s the second report this month of botulism being blamed for killing waterfowl in eastern Idaho. Last week, biologists suggested the toxic bacteria caused the death of 200 ducks at a sewage lagoon in Shelly.
State officials have recovered dead mallards, blue-winged teals, pintails, coots and other waterfowl from the upper end of the reservoir since Thursday. Researchers are awaiting official confirmation from toxicology tests.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is warning hunters to stay away from the upper end of the reservoir when hunting season begins later this month. Bird dogs can also contract the disease by having any contact with diseased birds.
Wash. man dies in Ore. climbing
accident
SEASIDE (AP) — The Clatsop County sheriff’s office says a Vancouver, Wash., man who vanished on a weekend hike in Oregon has been found dead.
The sheriff’s office says search and rescue teams reached the body of 18-year-old Jacob L. Gillett on Monday morning. He was found at the bottom of a steep ravine in Saddle Mountain State Park, about 27 miles east of Seaside on Oregon’s north coast.
The statement said he had been hiking with three friends Saturday afternoon when he attempted a controlled slide down a cliff face. His friends had planned to meet him down below at a parking lot. They called 911 when he didn’t show up.
Highways 138 and 38 get a scenic byway designation
ELKTON (AP) — Parked in a line outside Tomaselli’s Pastry Mill & Cafe in Elkton, the Hondas and Harley Davidsons belonging to members of the Bikers for Christ gleamed purple, blue, black and red in the sunlight as their riders spoke in equally glowing terms about the beauty of the drive from there to Sutherlin and on to Oakland along the little-traveled Highway 138.
‘‘It’s a great ride,’’ said Lori Crosby, who not long ago moved to Elkton from Cottage Grove.
Bikers aren’t the only ones who appreciate the hills, valleys and curves of the 66-mile route that for the most part follows the twists and turns of the Umpqua River as it flows west to the Pacific Ocean.
Thanks to the efforts of citizens, local governments, chambers of commerce and economic development groups, the scenic drive has received a new official name — the Umpqua River Scenic Byway — from the state Department of Transportation.
Elkton resident Tom Llewellyn was one of the first to realize the singular beauty of the roads he drives and to seek the designation.
