Pet Behavior Study
State of the Port
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2022
VOL. 131, NO. 24 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Wildlife collisions rise in Oregon during fall, winter wildlife collisions by building wildlife crossings. The crossings allow wildlife to safely follow their migration patterns over or under a road. Data shows wildlife crossings on Hwy 97 near Sunriver have reduced vehicle-wildlife collisions by nearly 90 percent. The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 is providing $350 million in competitive grants to the states for wildlife crossings and other mitigation. ODFW, ODOT and other partners will be working to secure grants for projects. Oregon drivers can also show their support by purchasing a Watch for Wildlife license plate. The revenue generated from license plate sales will benefit projects that help wildlife move within their range and between habitat patches. Originally developed by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, the license plate is now available at the DMV.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
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ncounters between drivers in Oregon and wildlife often cause human injuries and even death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports 24 people in Oregon died in vehicle collisions with animals between 2011 and 2020. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) documents an average of more than 6,000 vehicle collisions with deer and elk each year. The actual number of collisions is likely higher, as many are not reported if there is minimal damage or no human injuries. The vehicle collisions peak in October and November, when migration and breeding (the “rut”) puts the deer and elk on the move, making them more likely to be crossing roads. Fewer daylight hours and rainy weather also reduce drivers’ visibility, increasing the danger of collision. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and ODOT are urging Oregonians to Watch out for Wildlife this time of year and follow these tips:
Drivers are urged to watch for close encounters with wildlife along roads and highways.
• Be careful when driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible presence of wildlife. These signs are posted for a reason. • Be alert in areas with dense vegetation along the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road
may not be visible. • If you see one animal, stay alert. There may be others nearby. • If you see wildlife on or near the road, slow down and stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers losing control as they
swerve to avoid wildlife. The same advice applies for smaller wildlife like raccoons; try to stay in your lane and do not swerve for these animals. They are less dangerous to vehicles than big game animals, and maintaining
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Roadkill salvagers: CWD testing is mandatory
control of your vehicle is most important. • Always wear your seat belt. Even a minor collision could result in serious injuries. ODFW, ODOT and partner organizations are working to reduce the risk of vehicle-
As wildlife-vehicle collisions peak, so does participation in ODFW’s roadkill salvage program. Since 2019, See COLLISIONS Page A6
Columbia County tax statements coming STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
As summer turns to fall, the leaves change color, temperatures cool and Columbia County sends out tax statements. The following is from the Columbia County Finance and Taxation Department. The Columbia County Finance and Taxation Department will begin mailing taxpayers the county’s annual statements on Oct. 21. Payments are due by Nov.15. Property taxes pay for a number of critical services including public safety (law enforcement, fire, and emergency services), parks, schools, public transportation, public defense, elections, community justice, and a host of other vital public services according to a statement from the county department. Columbia County will collect $93,852,753 in taxes from businesses and private landowners this year. But most of that amount does not get added to the county budget; only 9.44 percent, or roughly $8.9 million, goes into the county’s general fund. An additional 3.89 percent, or $3.6 million, goes to the Jail Operation Fund from the local option levy approved by county voters. Tax dollars disbursed to the general fund largely pay for county law enforcement and public safety, including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, jail operations,
and the district attorney’s office. The remainder pays for general county administration, including the assessor’s office, land development services, juvenile services, and the county commission. More than 85 percent of property tax funds collected are distributed to local schools, cities, and special districts, such as those that manage 911 services or soil and water conservation. The fire districts that protect the entire county, from Vernonia to Clatskanie to Scappoose,
receive more than 19 percent of the total. But the vast majority of taxes (47 percent) go towards education, including five school districts, one educational service district, and Portland Community College. Here’s the breakdown:
• City Governments: $9,001,087 – 10 percent • Special Districts: $6,831,596 – 7 percent • Urban Renewal: $1,729,950 – 2 percent • Drainage/Special Assessments: $1,562,306 – 2 percent Total: $93,852,753
• Schools: $44,623,284 – 47 percent • Fire Districts: $17,594,630 – 19 percent • Columbia County Government: $12,509,900 – 13 percent
Columbia County has 91 tax code areas that are comprised of various combinations of taxing districts that See TAXES Page A4
Where the money goes.
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