A late-night plan to trap and kill parakeets that have been nesting on power poles in Yacolt was largely unsuccessful Nov. 26 when only three of an estimated 20 parakeets were captured.
Crews working for Clark Public Utilities removed all five nests in town, leaving the colorful birds to roost on wires.
Volunteer organizations have taken over the effort and hope to entice the parakeets into warm, nesting boxes, then adopt them out.
Utility officials, working with Wildlife Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a private contractor, attempted to net the monk parakeets sometime after midnight Nov. 26.
Utility spokesman Mick Shutt said the plan was to turn off power to the transformers on which the birds had built nests, then capture the birds in butterfly nets as they emerged. Those that escaped the nets would be shot with guns, said Shutt. Those that were netted would be euthanized.
Utility spokesperson Lena Wittler said the three captured parakeets were placed in a chamber with carbon dioxide and killed.
Wittler said Nov. 28 that the utility has no plan to attempt another extermination.
Shutt said the five monk parakeet nests in Yacolt posed a safety problem. One nest can weigh up to 2,400 pounds and house as many as 40 birds. “This represents a serious threat to the electric system as well as to the health and safety of people on the ground and utility workers who must work on the equipment,” said Shutt.
Shutt said the parakeets had built nests around electrical transformers because of the warmth. As the nests get larger, they completely surround the transformer and can cause short circuits that result in power outages and possibly fires. The weight of the nest may be enough to cause the transformer to fall, said Shutt.
In addition, said Shutt, parakeet feces may contain diseases that are hazardous to humans.
Shutt said four years ago, there were two monk parakeets and no nests in Yacolt. About two years ago, he said, two nests were constructed on utility transformers. Crews removed the nests at that time, said Shutt, but the birds rebuilt.
Shutt said utility officials have researched problems with monk parakeets elsewhere in the country and concluded that “the only responsible solution is the removal of the nests and the birds.”
Shutt said monk parakeets are believed to be “imprinters,” that is if they are reared on a pole with a transformer, they will have a strong desire to always live on a pole with a transformer. If nests are removed, the birds will come back and build a new nest on the same transformer, or will build on other poles with transformers, but not likely move to a tree or other structure.
Shutt said officials picked this time of year for the parakeet removal in part because there were no young birds or eggs in the nests. The birds leave their nests during the day and return in the evening, he said, making the late night effort the best chance of capturing the largest number of birds.
Shutt said monk parakeets have a life span of 15-30 years. Each pair can produce 5-12 eggs annually. A population of monk parakeets can double in number every 2-5 years. If left alone, said Shutt, the parakeets could spread to other areas of Clark County.
Officials had estimated the parakeet population in Yacolt at 30-50, but revised that number to less than 20 following the Nov. 26 round-up effort.
Monk parakeets are native to South America and were introduced into North America in 1960. The birds in Yacolt were likely either intentionally or accidentally released by someone who had them as pets, said Shutt.
Some people not happy
Wittler said that by Nov. 29, she had received 83 phone calls and 106 emails about the parakeet matter, not counting calls from the media. Most of those contacting her objected to the attempted extermination, she said.
Yacolt resident Joy Tindall acknowledged that one of the parakeet nests had grown to completely cover the transformer, but she thought Clark Public Utilities could have taken action sooner to control the problem rather than attempting to kill all the birds.
“It didn’t have to come to this,” said Tindall.
Tindall said the nests could have been reduced in size over time rather than attempting to kill all the birds now.
Julia Heldman was critical of the utility’s “swat team” approach to dealing with the parakeet problem. “I would say the overwhelming opinion of the citizens is to just let them (the birds) live.”
Heldman said two of the nests were located near her street corner. When she came home from work about 1 a.m. Nov. 27, the parakeet round up program was beginning. Her husband, Jerome, took photos.
Heldman said several large trucks were in the streets, and floodlights illuminated the area.
“The way they went about this felt really eerie,” said Heldman. “They went after two nests simultaneously. “The feeling in our little community is of helplessness and dread.”
Heldman described the scene as “something like a movie set.”
Heldman said she had heard all kinds of rumors, some involving various means attempted at extermination. “People feel so bad,” said Heldman. “The parakeets had become an integral part of the community.”
Heldman said the parakeets eat worms and bugs, improving the quality of her nearby apple crop. She also said they are clean birds, with no signs of feces on sidewalks.
Wittler said a Nov. 25 power outage was due to sticks placed by the parakeets interfering with the transformer. She said a stick placed by the birds touched both a wire and the transformer, cutting off power to one home for about 45 minutes.
Heldman questioned the cost of the parakeet removal effort. She suggested that nest trimming and occasional removal might cause the birds to put more energy into nest building than into reproduction. Wittler said the round-up effort cost the utility about $6,000.
Signs critical of the parakeet removal program appeared in Yacolt Nov. 27. One sign read, “Thank PUD for killing our parrots,” and another read, “RIP Yacolt Parrots.”
Shutt recognized that public opinion did not support the bird removal effort. “It’s not anything that you want to do,” said Shutt. “We can’t trim the nests back. It doesn’t work. I know there are people out there who think they’re beautiful birds.”
The utility had advised area residents that power would be off during the removal program, starting after 9 p.m. The utility had advised the Yacolt town council about the planned parakeet eradication one week prior to the event.
Yacolt mayor Joe Warren said utility officials advised the town of their plan to capture the parakeets during a Nov. 19 council meeting. Warren said it was his idea to keep the plan under wraps until it was carried out.
“I already knew this could be unpopular,” said Warren. “I asked the council to keep it as quiet as possible.”
Warren said utility officials asked for the town’s cooperation, but did not specifically ask that the matter be withheld from the public.
Warren said that his decision to contain publicity about the pending round-up may not have been the best option. “Whether it was the right thing to do, I don’t know,” said Warren. “That’s the decision I made. Maybe that wasn’t the right way to handle it.”
Warren said that when the utility attempted a similar parakeet round-up years earlier, news vans parked next to power poles made the work difficult to do.
“The PUD is finding that it is a very unpopular thing to do,” said Warren.
Nesting boxes placed in trees
Christopher Driggins with Northwest Bird Rescue and Adoption Orphanage said he built six nesting boxes which utility crews helped install. The boxes have a heating pad inside and are waterproof. Seed was placed on the ground below the nesting boxes.
As parakeets are trapped in the nesting boxes, they will be offered for adoption, said Driggins.
Driggins said his organization was assisted in the effort by S&D Bird Rescue.
Driggins can be reached at (360) 247-3626.
Rides aboard the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad leaving the Yacolt station for visits with Santa and the purchase of Christmas trees are filling up fast.
Bryan Baker with the volunteer Battle Ground, Yacolt and Chelatchie Prairie Railroad group, said three rides are offered both Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 16.
All rides conducted Dec. 1-2 were sold out in advance. Reservations remain for seats aboard the 9:30 a.m. ride on Sun., Dec. 9; otherwise all rides on Dec. 8-9 are sold out.
At last report, reservations were available for inside seating for rides on Sat.-Sun., Dec. 15-16. Rides are offered at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m.
Baker said walk-on space for people without reservations could be available for those willing to remain in an open car.
The train is pulled by a huffing, puffing and whistling steam locomotive from yesteryear.
Riders will find Christmas trees, refreshments and Santa Claus anxious to meet and talk with children at the Moulton Falls stop. Cameras are encouraged.
Baker said Nov. 27 that 40 reservations representing 143 people did not want to acquire a tree, but rather were taking the ride for enjoyment and to meet Santa.
The family package rate for four people, which includes a six-foot Noble fir tree, is $75. The family package for four, including a six-foot Douglas fir tree, is $55. Fares for individuals who just want to enjoy the sights and meet Santa are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for children ages 5-12, $8 for children ages 2-4, and free for children under age 2. Extra trees are priced at $27 for Douglas firs and $50 for Noble firs.
More information, including help with reservations or special event planning, can be obtained at 686-3559. Reservations may be made on line at www.bycx.com.
Bill Myers
staff reporter
The commissioners of Clark and Cowlitz counties appointed Ridgefield Republican Jaime Herrera Nov. 29 to fill an unexpired term of just over one year left by former 18th District state representative Richard Curtis.
Herrera, 29, was sworn in the same day and drove immediately to Olympia to participate in a special legislative session.
Curtis resigned his post after allegations surrounding an encounter in Spokane with what Spokane police described as a male prostitute.
“Today has been an amazing experience,” said Herrera. “It’s truly an honor to represent my friends and neighbors in the 18th District and I’m looking forward to working on the issues that are important to our communities.”
Cowlitz County auditor Kris Swanson administered the oath of office to Herrera immediately following the commissioners’ 4-2 vote. She was the first choice of Republican Party precinct committee officers who met Nov. 17. Commissioners also interviewed second and third choices Scott Higgins and Ann Rivers.
The candidates found themselves in a grueling interview process. The interviews started at 9:30 a.m., and a final decision by the commissioners (five democrats and one republican) didn’t come until almost 4 p.m.
Clark County commissioners Betty Sue Morris and Marc Boldt joined Cowlitz County commissioners George Raiter and Axel Swanson in voting for Herrera. Clark County commissioner Steve Stuart voted for Higgins, and Cowlitz County commissioner Kathleen Johnson favored Rivers.
All candidates responded to questions on subjects such as most pressing issues and what to do about them, impact fees, growth management, plans for a Columbia River crossing. abortion, simple vs. super majorities and more.
Herrera said the most pressing issues are methamphetamine use, which will require more community education and extended rehabilitation, and growth, which will require the accumulation of enough resources to handle it.
Late in the interview, the questions drifted to other issues.
“Do you support parental notifications for abortions?” Herrera, after citing discussions with women who have had abortions, said she believes parents should be notified. Morris said she too believes that parents of pregnant children should be notified.
In response to another question, Herrera said she supports traditional marriages and is not a supporter of domestic partnerships.
“How many cities are in the 18th District?” asked Morris. As Herrera began to name them, Morris said it was apparent she could count them if she could name them.
Stuart asked, “If a tiger and falcon are in a fight, who wins?”
“The falcon,” said Herrera.
“What will you be doing during the first 100 days,” asked Raiter.
Herrera said she would spend much of her time introducing herself to constituents.
“Nobody has all the answers,” said Herrera. She said she would keep her ears and heart open to positions of both political parties.
Near the close of an inquiry that lasted almost 90 minutes, Morris said to candidate Herrera, “You are a great interview!”
Herrera arrived in Olympia in time to vote “no” on a program that she said would be a tax increase on low-income families. House Bill 2417 creates a property tax deferral option for families that make $57,000 or less and charges them 7 percent interest until the time their home is sold. The measure passed and is expected to be signed by the governor.
“I listened closely to the debate and voted the way I thought was best for the people I represent,” said Herrera. “It’s very clear that charging a family 7 percent interest on their deferred property taxes, with the bill due when their home is eventually sold, is going to create more debt for them. I think this is irresponsible and there are better ways to help taxpayers.”
Herrera voted in support of an alternative tax relief bill that would have provided a $400 rebate check to all Washingtonians who paid property taxes on their primary residence in 2007. The motion to bring the bill to the House floor failed.
She also voted in support of a measure that would have required taxing districts to seek voter approval before using their “banked capacity” to raise property taxes. That motion also failed.
Herrera, a graduate of Prairie High School, recently served as a senior legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position she held since 2005. She is a 2004 graduate of the University of Washington with majors in communications and political science. She served as an intern for state senator Joe Zarelli in 2004, and coordinated fundraising for the reelection of President Bush and other republican candidates.
The trees are decorated, the garlands hung and the house is spotless from top to bottom.
The Hulda Klager home is ready for Christmas visitors.
The Woodland home in the lilac gardens at 115 S. Pekin Road will be open Fri., Dec. 7, 2-7:30 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 8, 4-7:30 p.m. Cost is $2. Guides will tell the story of Hulda Klager, her gardens and the house during the tours.
Each room, including the conservatory where Hulda Klager started her plants, contains a Christmas tree. The largest tree stands in the living room, decorated in red and gold, while the conservatory tree features white lights, glistening snowflakes and ribbons.
Garlands hang from molding and shelves are filled with carved Santas and a manger scene. The dining table is laid in brilliant red, green and gold floral china.
The staircase railing is hung with garlands decorated in ornaments and ribbons. The exterior also is flooded with lights and a large wreath hangs at the front.
Upstairs, at the foot of the little girl’s bed hangs a stocking, ready to be filled on Christmas eve. The little girl’s bedroom features a tree decorated with Teddy bears, while the tree in the little boys room is full of ornaments in the shape of wagons, soldiers and other toys loved by all children.
Decorating the home for Christmas is a “big job, but it’s a fun job, said Karen Eddy, a volunteer at the lilac gardens.
“The house lends itself to Christmas decorations,” she said.
Refreshments will be served during the open houses and Southwest Washington musical groups will perform.
Members of the Woodland Lilac Society and other volunteers work to dress the house for Christmas and they open the house and gardens to the public every spring during lilac season.
For information call the lilac gardens at 360-225-8996.
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
A representative from the Army Corps of Engineers fielded tough and even hostile questions from a Woodland audience Nov. 27, but the Corps did not waver in its plan to move the Woodland dike.
During a Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting, Laura Hicks, project manager for the Corps, indicated that the decision had been made to buy farmland from the Colf family and move the existing Woodland dike southwest of its existing location.
After giving an overview of a Columbia River dredging project that has created excess sand and a loss of wetlands, Hicks took questions. Most questions were statements of opposition to the Corps’ plan, and one audience member accused the federal government of stealing constitutional rights from Woodland area residents.
Hicks said 200 acres of farmland would be needed to mitigate for wetlands lost. About 90 percent of the land to be taken for wetlands lies in Washington. As much as 80 percent of that land lies in Woodland Bottoms, according to some figures.
Sixteen acres of wetlands will be lost to dredging, and the Corps will mitigate 12 times that amount. When questioned about the 12-to-1 ratio, Hicks said, “It worked out to be 12-to-1 based on habitat units. It’s not required to be 12-to-1.”
Chamber members challenged Hicks’s statement that the Corps sponsored a public meeting with the Woodland diking district to consider two options, breaching the dike or containing the dike. She said the decision was reached to breach the dike, build a new structure, and create a wetlands behind the new dike.
“I go to a lot of meetings, and I did not hear about those meetings,” said Darlene Johnson. “It would be more fair to spread the land. We don’t want 80 percent.”
Hicks said efforts have already been made to reduce the amount of Woodland property that would be needed for wetlands.
Audience members said that Oregon should share in the loss of private land. The Corps did not consider which state was losing private land, Hicks said, because the concept of building the best areas for wildlife habitat has driven the Corps’ decision to move the dike and buy the Colf’s farmland.
“The Corps is looking at the best gain for habitat,” she said. “We’re not doing a balancing act between the two states.”
Hicks said that breaching the dike will benefit water fowl and fish, but Erin Thoeny, who farms in the Woodland area, challenged Hicks that geese would benefit from wetlands.
“Keeping the land in agriculture is better for geese,” Thoeny said. “It’s better than wetlands.”
Robert Colf told Hicks that his family is not interested in selling the land. He pointed out that his family had bought land originally offered to the Corps after the Corps declined to purchase it.
“The government did not buy from Thomas. Why not?” he asked. “We don’t want to sell at any price.”
Earlier in November, Jim Donald of the Woodland Consolidated Diking and Improvement District told the Chamber that the diking district is opposed to moving the existing dike. He said that the plan is to build a new dike southwest of the existing structure and 12 square miles of farmland would be converted to wetlands.
The Corps is dredging the Columbia River to a depth of 43 feet along the reach from the mouth to Portland. The Corps has said the dredging is necessary to accommodate the larger cargo ships that cross the Pacific Ocean.
Officials in the ports of Portland and Vancouver fear that if the river is not deepened, the ports will lose import business.
Alice Perry Linker
staff reporter
Woodland’s committee studying a proposed new building for the police and fire departments wants to know what residents think about the idea.
To spur conversation and comments, council member Marilee McCall presented several alternatives to the city council Nov. 5. She did not present any cost estimates for constructing the building, but she said that any public construction bond would need to be between $10 and $15 million.
About two years ago, the city purchased land on East Scott Avenue and received preliminary drawings for a building. Since then, the idea of building has languished.
More recently, the fire department discussed applying for a federal grant to move the Lewis River Fire Station 2 from the flood plain, but the department did not apply for the grant.
The two departments now share the City Hall on Davidson Avenue, while other city offices are located in the City Hall Annex two blocks away.
McCall said the city could consider renting space for the police department, but she said the space must meet police requirements such as a secure room to hold and question suspects.
Renting a building would “quickly fill the need for additional space requirements without new construction,” she said.
Two types of construction could be considered, McCall said, but both would require voter passage of a bond issue.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has recommended that the Lewis River station be moved from the flood plain. McCall said construction of a new station on the East Scott Avenue property would address only the fire department and would not cover police needs.
A new, smaller building could provide a starting plan to phase in additional structures at a later date. McCall cautioned, however, that construction costs go up every year and delays will mean increases in the costs.
The Woodland School District plans to ask voters sometime next year to approve a bond to build a new high school, but the school board has not yet determined the amount of the bond.
A city bond proposal “would go to the voters after the high school bond request and could result in denial,” McCall said.
A $5 million bond proposal for a new building was rejected by Woodland voters about three years ago.
McCall did not recommend any of the suggestions to the council, and she said that before any decision is made, a survey of the residents is needed. She said after the meeting that surveys could be conducted online or town hall meetings.
Council member Erica Rainford asked if the committee considered the idea of selling the property, and McCall said that idea has not been discussed.