Out and About the Monument

LEAVE NO TRACE. Keep it natural - Leave what you find. An elaborate labyrinth has been created on the top of Grizzly Peak. It will soon be dismantled and its components returned to their natural state on the ground.  CBeekman 2017 photo

Leave What You Find. Leave No Trace principles are practiced on monument lands, so that we can minimize our impacts on the landscape. This includes "leave the things as you found them."
     Monument staff marks trails with signs and posts, and not rock cairns (or piles of rocks). If you see cairns along any trail, feel free to dismantle them and gently disperse the rocks back onto the ground.
    Remember: take only photos, leave only footprints! We can all take care of our monument's biodiversity.

Go with Interpretive Interns! Rangers Elizabeth, Becky and Morgyn continue to attract more and more CSNM visitors to the information station at the Greensprings, and to their interpretive programs. Ranger Elizabeth had 30 folks at her recent evening program. Everyone in attendance learned more about the monument's geology and how it sets the stage for its unparalleled biodiversity!  Go on guided walks or listen in at an evening program. Kids can earn Junior Explorer badges. See free program offerings for the remainder of the summer, through September 3, 2017.

Delphinium (Delphinium menziesii)            CBeekman 2017 photo

Sign in at Trailheads. CSNM's outdoor recreation planner, Kathryn Lloyd, and park ranger, Rick Bishop are installing trailhead registers at popular trails. So the next time you're starting the Grizzly Peak, Pilot Rock or Hobart Bluff trails, be sure to sign in!

Grizzly Peak trail has had a delightfully long wildflower season. Visitors on the trail constantly comment on nature's brilliant display of paintbrush, sunflowers, larkspur, and fleabane daisies, among others. 

See Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke's video tour (July 2017) of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Look for 2017 Artists-in-Residence work. Photographer Matt Witt presents an public presentation (August 18) of his work in the monument and the expansion. Read and see the photographs in Mail Tribune. In September 2017 the Group Show of Artists-in-Residence will be featured at the Ashland Art Gallery, 2nd Floor.

Report and photos by
Christine Beekman, Interpretive Specialist
Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
BLM Medford

Hidden in plain sight?

Western Sheep Moth

Monument Supporters Show Up!

US Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke (blue shirt) on Greensprings Loop with Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. WWC photo.

The Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument thank the Soda Mountain Wilderness Council and KS Wild for organizing efforts to show U. S. Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke the community’s continuing Monument support during his recent visit (July 14-16, 2017). 

When Secretary Zinke walked the Greensprings Loop on Saturday (July 15) he met many monument users, including artists, birders, equestrians, and family hikers.  

Most notably, an estimated 300 local residents showed support Sunday afternoon outside the BLM Medford office while Secretary Zinke held meetings inside. It was evident on that hot afternoon, on a parking lot no less, that our monument has abundant public support.  

Monument supporters rally in BLM Medford parking lot during Zinke meeting to review Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. WWC photo

It was unfortunate that monument supporters, especially Oregon’s Governor Brown, were afforded so little time with the secretary relative to the time he spent with Congressman Walden and other monument opponents. 

The Friends were part of a 30-minute time slot in which 20 different people spoke in support of the monument. Those invited to speak in this very brief meeting included scientists, locally elected officials, business representatives from within the monument, and others. A short meeting was also granted to the Klamath Tribes. All up, it was a very short amount of time discussing the monument with those who value and want to protect the unparalleled biodiversity found here.

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is part of BLM’s National Conservation Lands, comprising BLM’s most ecologically rich and culturally significant lands. Owned by all Americans, these are our nation’s newest collection of protected public lands—standing proudly alongside our National Parks, National Forests and National Wildlife Refuges.

We still have a few weeks before the Secretary releases his final review, scheduled for August 24. We remain hopeful that we were effective in showcasing the great importance the 113,000 acres of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument hold and why they deserve, and were granted, the highest level of protection. Of the millions of public land throughout the United States, we will continue to advocate on behalf of this monument and others. We wish to thank all those who have worked to share your voice in support of biodiversity throughout this process. Stay tuned, more to come August 24th.

Gallery: July 16, 2017 - Monument supporters rally at BLM Medford. Photos by www.dasjadolan.com

Don Gentry, Klamath Tribes

Chairman

Jeanine Moy, KS Wild

Outreach Director

Shannon Brown, Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou Nat'l Monument

Director of Community Partnerships

Pam Marsh, State Representative

House District 5

First Look into Northern California Wildflowers

We gathered round as she examined the plant protruding from the rocky substrate. Botanist Sheri Hagwood, of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, had been guiding our group of 15 aspiring naturalists through the Horseshoe Ranch Wilderness Management Area, but had now stopped as something special caught her eye. There was a small plant with green ovate leaves and a pinkish-red stem; its sepals closed tightly around its hidden flower bloom, which would open in the afternoon, giving this plant its name. We had found a rare Four o’clock flower, Mirabilis greenei, of the family Nyctaginaceae.     

Our adventure started in the Casa Ramos parking lot in Yreka, CA. We were meeting for our first ever Hike & Learn event focused on the monument expansion into Northern California. We had a great group with many of our Ashland regulars making the trip to join some new faces from the Yreka area. As soon as we all got together and organized our carpool, we struck out for the trailhead.     

Our drive took us around Iron Gate Reservoir, to the mouth of Scotch Creek. It was to be a warm day, and the cool blue pools of the creek were already very enticing. As we made our way along, we took time to stop periodically and identify different species like white and black oak, milkweed, desert paintbrush, mock orange, and many others. Our hike along Scotch Creek was accompanied by a melody of birds including goldfinches, grosbeaks, and Lazuli’s buntings.   

Hiking along, Sheri took several opportunities to inform us about the anthropogenic uses of some of the plants. The flowers of desert paintbrush can be plucked and eaten, the bark of willows can be made into a tea to sooth headaches, and the straight branches of many trees could be used in basket weaving or to craft shafts for arrows.     

We eventually left the cool company of the creek to make our way across a grassy field, through a sea of California sunshine – Oregon sunshine if we had been a bit farther north. We then made our way up into an oak savannah. These precious habitats, important to many plant and animal species, are few and far between. They have been encroached upon for years by agriculture and western juniper trees.     

We began our way back to the trailhead, making our way along Slide Creek. Along the way we found many interesting plant species, including the rare four o’clock wildflower. Two of my personal favorites from the day were the desert sage and yellow monkey flower. Finding ourselves back where we had begun, we said our goodbyes, thanked Sheri for a wonderful hike, and made our way home.

John Ward
Hike and Learn Coordinator

Taking in the aroma of mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii) blooms

California sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum) and lupine (Lupinus argentus)

Botanist Sheri Hagood Sheri tells the group about Ocean Spray (Holodiscus discolor)

Cool waters of Scotch Creek

Yellow monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus)

Desert sage (Salvia dorrii)

Four o’clock (Mirabilis greenei)

Our group stands among the California sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)

Interpretive Rangers Lead Walks, Jr. Ranger, Evening Talks

Interpretive rangers Morgyn Ellis, Elizabeth Schyling, and Becky Yaeger are on site to help visitors learn about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  See the Interpretive Ranger Program Schedule; weekends through Labor Day 2017.    

Interpretive rangers (L - R) Elizabeth Schyling, Morgyn Ellis and Becky Yaeger at the information contact station.

“What’s the monument?” Although some know the monument and its beauty, there is still an abundance of visitors that are unaware of the land their feet have been hiking upon all day.

The rangers are at the information contact station; and they will lead guided walks and conduct roving trail interpretation. They will host junior ranger programs and evening presentations at the Hyatt Lake campground.

So far the rangers have observed that children can make a connection between their previous experiences and relate to the presentations. Kids seem to have a better concept of biodiversity than a number of adult visitors. Most folks seem to be really impressed by the diversity of the monument and how it also contributes to their enjoyment of the recreational fishing and boating at the lake.

"Interpretation is equal parts knowing your audience to discover what interests them and knowing the landscape and resources. I have enjoyed learning what gets folks excited about the monument and using that knowledge to enhance their experience," said Ranger Morgyn.

BLM Interpretive Specialist Christine Beekman, works to provide as many opportunities for Monument visitors (on-site or virtual) to make intellectual and/or emotional connections with the natural and cultural resources. Live presentations diversify the traditional on site interpretive media such as waysides, kiosks and site bulletins.

Ranger Elizabeth said, "Being on the monument as an interpretive ranger has given me new motivation to look closely at the plants all around. I've loved finding patterns in their presence and absence and thinking about how to share that with guests."

Indian Paintbrush. BLM photo

If you go now:
Hobart Bluff: See a diversity of trees, which change with elevation/slope and sunlight. Many wildflowers, such as paintbrush and red columbine. Butterflies everywhere including California sisters and swallowtails.

Swallowtail.           K Reynolds photo

Morgyn Ellis, Interpretive Ranger and Christine Beekman, BLM Interpretive Specialist contributed to this story.

Out in the Field: Artists-in-Residence

Artist-in-residence Darlene Southward conducted a plein air painting session at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  BLM photo by C Beekman,

Coming Up:
Mabrie Ormes, Artist-in-Residence, will be staying at Hyatt Lake Campground for her residency, July 17 - 31, 2017. Mabrie will be creating her works of art along the Grizzly Peak trail. if you're up in that area, you'll likely see her! 

The final artist-in-residence of 2017, Matt Witt, will be creating photographs in the Monument.  

 Look for Mabrie's and Matt's public presentations, to be scheduled on Calendar of Events.

Public Scoping Comments Due - Special Recreation Permits

Map for proposed Bike Race (Page 4 - Public Scoping publication ).

Public comments for Special Recreation Permits for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument are due on July 13, 2017 to BLM Medford. We are now in the scoping phase of the environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The desired outcome is identification of key issues that should be considered by the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM or Monument) in regards to special recreation permits. Only a limited subset of such permits are currently under consideration. See the Publication (Public Scoping - Special Recreation Permits) and Maps. This means that any comments you choose to submit will be used to develop issues, mitigation measures, or alternatives as appropriate. Comments that clearly articulate site-specific suggestions, issues, or concerns are the most useful.

Public disclosure. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will make all submissions form organizations or businesses available for public disclosure in their entirety.

We look forward to working with you to ensure the protection of the Monument.

Comments Due Date. Please submit your comments by July 13, 2017.

Your comments should be e-mailed to Lyndsay Theurer at this email address: ltheurer@blm.gov

or mailed to:

Bureau of Land Management Medford District Office Ashland Resource Area
Attn: Lyndsay Theurer
3040 Biddle Road
Medford, OR 97504

Electronic submission of comments is strongly encouraged. Thank you ahead of time for your interest and participation.

Lyndsay Theurer
BLM Medford Office
 

When Advocacy Becomes Urgent

As far as nonprofits go, the Friends of the CSNM is not an overtly political organization and only weighs in when the board of directors feels that it is appropriate and important to the protection, restoration, and conservation of the monument.      

Our friends group generally works cooperatively with the BLM and the Department of the Interior and advocates for budgets, staffing, environmental education programs, and anything that advances monument efforts.      

For example, the Friends formally supported the expansion and felt that a larger science-based monument would better protect the “objects of biological interest” that were not well understood at the time of the original designation.        

Now the Friends stand strongly in support of the monument in light of President Trump’s effort to “review” 27 monuments, including ours, designated under the Antiquities Act.  

We ask our members and supporters to stand with us and take action by the July 10 deadline. We will have a booth at the Ashland Fourth of July Celebration and other local events and can help direct you to the many ways to help us with this effort.

Our website also has Take Action link directly to Department of Interior comment form.

Howard Hunter
Advocacy Chair, Friends of Cascade Siskiyou National Monument

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Nationally syndicated columnist Dr. Michael W. Fox (Animal Doctor) writes several compelling reasons for his support of the Cascade-National Monument expansion in his June 25, 2017 column:
     "Across the North American continent, this and other bioregions rich in biodiversity need CPR (conservation, protection and restoration). Spiritually, these places are sacred. Scientifically, they are unique habitats rich in animal and plant diversity essential to sustain our need for clean air and water and to help correct and stabilize climate change. Economically, they are a biobank for society, not only for tourism, but also for biologics and microbiota of potential medical, agricultural and other industrial use. Ethically, they are monuments of Earth's creation that society must cherish -- if not for nature's sake, then at least out of enlightened self-interest."

​Friends Hire First Staff Position

Welcome Shannon! Our new Community Partnerships Director.

In January 2017, the Friends received a major donation from the Elizabeth G. Maughan Charitable Foundation to support and develop our capacity building efforts over the next two years.  

Shannon Browne

The Friends hired Shannon Browne, a current graduate student with the SOU Environmental Education program and last year’s stellar Student Board Member, to head this effort on a half-time basis. Shannon is a Pacific Northwest native, with a major affinity for the outdoors and conservation. She comes to us with a strong professional background in marketing, interpretation, and outreach.  Previously,  she worked with the National Park Service at Crater Lake and Oregon Caves, as well as with the Sierra Club in San Francisco.

Shannon will work to build capacity with new and diverse constituents and organizations.  These efforts will play a vital role in increasing our visibility and outreach services to communities surrounding the monument.  

Join us in welcoming Shannon as she works to expand the Friends’ reach of engaging people to understand, and act to conserve, the biodiversity that makes Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument so special.

We thank the Elizabeth G. Maughan Charitable Foundation for their confidence in our mission to support the protection, restoration and conservation of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument through service, advocacy, and education.

The Science of Sketching Clouds with Sarah F. Burns

On a bright Saturday morning in May, we sixteen headed south from Hobart Bluff. Our mission: to find inspiration within the diverse bioregion that is the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. From the start, we appeared to have our work cut out for us. Most adventurers would have delighted in the clear blue skies stretching from horizon to horizon, but not we.  We were in search of clouded vistas.      

Pilot Rock view with Sarah Burns' Hike & Learn sketch group in search of clouds, on Hobart Bluff. John Ward photo, May 2017

Local artist, Sarah F. Burns, would be our guide through our artistic journey. She struck out south from the trailhead toward a rocky overlook that she had visited in the past.  She had great reason to return. After a short hike our group found itself looking out, on one side, over Pilot Rock toward Mt. Ashland and toward Mt. Shasta on the other. As we took in the scenic panorama, small patches of snow could be seen, hiding from the warm sun, in the shade of large conifers. The view was accompanied by a melody of songbirds, including at least one Olive-sided Flycatcher.      

Grizzly Peak and Cumulus Clouds. Painting by Sarah Burns

Sarah set up her easel and gave a thorough sketching demo, with tips and tricks of how to immerse oneself into the sketch without falling into common pitfalls. She discussed how to frame an image for composition, how to use an outstretched thumb to determine scale, and then keep the original idea of your sketch in mind as you work out the smaller details.      

We each then found our own inspirations and comfortable seats among the rocks, and set out on our sketching with hopes that the clouds would continue building on the horizons. It was not long before we were immersed in our processes, occasionally taking short breaks to meander about taking in views and observing our fellow hikers’ works. Our wishing and positive energy paid off as small puffs of stratocumulus clouds built up along the horizons for us to incorporate into our sketches.         

In no time at all, it was nearing time for lunch and time for us to head back down the mountain. We each made a few final touches to our sketches, snapped some reference photos for future inspiration, and began to pack our artist tools back into our daypacks. After pausing briefly for a group photo, our gathering was joined by a brightly colored crab spider for us to marvel at. We then made our way back to the trailhead and dispersed back to our individual lives, sketches in tow.  

Text and photos by John Ward, Hike and Learn Coordinator

Artist Sarah Burns (center, in white dress) and sketch group at Hobart Bluff, May 2017

Sketch group on Hobart Bluff Trail

Sarah Burns demonstrates sketch at her easel.

Sketch group at work under clear blue skies.

Our comfortable seats among the rocks

Crab Spider

Artists and Summer Interns Announced

Artists-In-Residence 2017

Artists Mabrie Ormes, Darlene Southworth and Matt Witt will each spend one to two weeks in residency creating works that represent the natural and cultural resources of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

In June, look for watercolorist Darlene Southworth; and during July, Mabrie Ormes will create a series of paintings along the Grizzly Peak trail. In August, Matt Witt photographs will increase visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the wild lands and biodiversity of the monument. 

Each artist will present a public program. Dates and venues will be posted.

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Summer Interns for Interpretive Services

Three summer interns will provide interpretive services to monument visitors. Morgyn Ellis, Elizabeth Schyling and Becky Yaeger are graduate students at Southern Oregon University's Environmental Education.

Becky worked for Cascade WILDS (Wilderness Immersion Learning Discovering Surviving) and studied to become an Oregon Master Naturalist. Elizabeth has taught and led hikes around Mount St. Helens. Morgyn served as student boardmember for the Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument; and she coordinated the Friends Research Grant for University Students and the Science Symposium. 

Read more about interns at SOU Environmental Education Current Students Cohort 2016-17

BioBlitz 2017 – Herpetology: SOU Biology Lead Citizen Scientists in the Monument

Birds called through the tall branches of Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, and ponderosa pine that lined the trails of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Their needles were warming fast, a spicy feast to the nose, as the morning of Saturday, May 20 dawned sunny and clear.

Dr. Michael Parker, SOU Biology Department Chair, demonstrates how to tie a lasso. TPD photo

Sixty (60) eager citizen scientists and eighteen (18) student leaders gathered for the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument’s third annual BioBlitz. This event was in collaboration with Southern Oregon University, led by Dr. Michael Parker, Biology Department Chair, with his SOU Biology - Herpetology class. The recently melted snow undoubtedly meant abundant snakes and lizards; frogs, toads and salamanders; and even turtles waiting to be found in the diverse habitats of the Monument.     

BioBlitz 2017 – Herpetology is the first large-scale survey of the herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles) within the Monument, where citizen scientists worked alongside SOU students to document the distribution of the many species of herps within the Monument’s recently expanded boundaries.

SOU Biology student leader catches a snake in each hand.  Shane Stiles photo.

Student leaders, distributed amongst nine sites, led participants to diverse ecosystems within the Monument. The Sampson Creek Preserve, Mayfield Gardens, Upper Parsnip Lakes, Baldy Creek, Boccard Point, Agate Flat, Shoat Springs, Box-O Ranch, Jenny Creek (upper and lower), the Oregon Gulch, and Fredenburg Meadow were all systematically surveyed for herps between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm.

Collectively, the groups observed 18 species including 5 lizards, 6 snakes, 1 turtle, 3 salamanders and 3 frogs (including one boreal toad).  By far the most widespread and frequently encountered species was the Western Fence Lizard that accounted for 76% of all observations and was found at all 9 locations. Racers, Southern Alligator Lizards and Western Skinks were also frequently encountered, occurring at 7-8 of the 9 sites surveyed.  

The three least common species encountered were the Striped Whipsnake, Western Pond Turtle and Boreal Toad, each represented by a single individual at a single site. This initial inventory that was collected at the BioBlitz now provide the basis for future surveys and focused research into biodiversity on the Monument, all of which is essential for its protection.

BioBlitz 2017 highlighted the Monument as a community and educational resource, increasing public appreciation of the uniqueness of the CSNM and providing a hands-on opportunity to learn more about it. Participants were excited to visit diverse parts of the Monument they had never been and spend the day in the company of interesting people. One participant remarked, “The event was amazing. I would always come to any of these kinds of events. It really gives folks a chance to learn and get closer to nature.”

BioBlitz 2017 - Crater Renaissance Academy participants at Boccard Point, with Mt. Shasta Vies. Caroline Burdick photo.

Participants did get close to their study animals, catching lizards and snakes to identify species and sex as well as taking close-up photos of amphibian egg masses and reptile scales to identify later in the lab. The group that visited Boccard Point got to see biodiversity in action. Standing before a sweeping view of Pilot Rock, Mt. Ashland, and Mt. Shasta, Western Fence Lizards and Sagebrush Lizards lounged on neighboring rocks while Cascades’ incense cedar and white fir gave way to Great Basin sagebrush and juniper.

Undoubtedly, the vistas of the Monument, as well as its characteristic flora and fauna, serve as continual inspiration for scientists and recreational visitors alike. BioBlitzes are essential to keeping this fire of inspiration alive. As one participant so poignantly remarked, “Thanks for letting me be a part of this! If only there was more time in a day! (I didn’t want to leave ☺!)”

by Katie Boehnlein, BioBlitz 2017 Coordinator
SOU Environmental Education graduate student

Photo Gallery - BioBlitz 2017 Herpetology. To view captions, hover top right of each photo.

Alligator Lizard, Oregon Gulch. Photo by Jasmine Moreau

Western Fence Lizard, Oregon Gulch. Photo by Jasmine Moreau

Long-toed Salamander, Fredenburg Meadow. Photo by Nadine Kanim

Garter Snake, Box O Ranch. By Shane Stiles

Alligator Lizards, Box O Ranch. Photo by Neisa McMillin

Pacific Tree Frog, Oregon Gulch. Photo by Jasmine Moreau

Boccard Point. Photo by Katie Boehnlein

Christine Beekman, BLM Interpretive Specialist "wears" a live lizard. Photo by Terry Dickey

Surveying both sides of Lower Jenny Creek. Photo by Wanda Chin

BioBlitz 2017 participants of all ages got hands-on and close to nature. Katy Horman photo

Rattler, in culvert at Box O Ranch site. Shane Stiles photo

Pictures Prompt a Thousand Words In Defense of Our National Monuments

I had been asking myself what all of us could do to stop the Trump Administration’s threat to abolish or slash 27 national monuments, including our local Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, when I got an email from Kevin Ebi, a nature photographer in Seattle.

Pilot Rock in Deep Winter © Matt Witt

He said he was putting together an e-book that people would be able to view or download free online that would show photographs of each of the endangered monuments. He had been looking at images on my website of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, and wanted to know if I would be willing to contribute some of them to the e-book.

Within a few days, ten nature photographers had agreed to donate our work to the stunning new free e-book, “Land Almost Lost: A Call to Save Our National Monuments.”

Land Almost Lost: A Call to Save Our National Monuments.

Already, thousands of people have viewed it and then clicked on the links it provides to file a comment with the U.S. Interior Department and contact their members of Congress, calling for preservation of all of our monuments.

I had a big collection for Kevin to choose from, having hiked and photographed in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in every season for the past ten years. I also sent him some images from Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, a spectacular treasure where I had just gone backpacking, and he used one of a prairie hawk soaring high above a cliff at sunset.

Recently, I heard another local photographer quoting the saying, “We don’t take photographs; we are given them.” The same can be said of our public lands. They are protected only because dedicated activists, scientists, landowners, tribal leaders, hikers, hunters, birders, anglers, and other local residents organized and spoke out over many years.

If we want our national monuments and national parks to endure for ourselves, for future generations, and for the huge variety of plants and creatures that live within them, we all have to make our voices heard – today.

by Matt Witt, Photographer
Artist-in-Residence 2017, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

Matt has generously allowed the Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument to publish his photos in our e-newsletter. 

Friends Award Student Research Grants - Summer 2017

University student researchers will once again get a chance to discover and contribute to what we know about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Research grants were awarded to Southern Oregon University students Suphasiri Muttamara (Dialects of Pika) and Hope Braithwaite (Dragonflies and Damselflies); and from University of Oregon Alec Sweetland (Geologic Summer Research Investigations). 

The 2017 funding was provided by the Gwladys & John Zurlo Foundation and Friends of CSNM. You can make a donation and help support education about biodiversity in the Monument.

The Friends Research Fund provides research opportunities for university students. Projects must occur in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, and have a supervising faculty member. Topics can be in the areas of sciences, arts and humanities. 

This year’s review committee included: Morgyn Ellis, FCSNM Board Member; Dr. Stewart Janes, Professor of Biology, SOU; Kent Pressman, community member; Charlie Schelz, BLM Ecologist; and Linda Hilligoss, SOU Professor of Education.

Project Descriptions 2017 funded by Friends Research Fund 

Dragonflies and Damselflies of CSNM - $ 1,472
Hope Braithwaite, Graduate Student, SOU Environmental Education
My main objective in conducting this research is to quantify dragonfly and damselfly species distribution and abundance within and among a diversity of aquatic habitats in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  (Michael Parker, SOU Professor of Biology)

Dialects of Pika (Ochotona princeps) in Southwestern Oregon - $ 580.
Suphasiri Muttamara, Graduate Student, SOU Environmental Education
The project is a study a distinct population of pika in the CSNM using call dialects. Separated populations of this species have different call dialects due to geographic variation and isolation. My hypothesis is that differences in call dialects will reflect the degree of isolation and divergence among populations. This project will be part of my master thesis project. The specific objectives include: 1) Determine differences in call dialects among pika populations from the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Crater Lake National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument. 2) Compare differences to determine the amount of isolation among these populations. (Stewart Janes, SOU Professor of Biology)

Geologic Summer Research Investigations in CSNM - $ 673.
Alec Sweetland, Senior, University of Oregon
Research will include detailed mapping of rock units and contacts found in the High Cascade and Western Cascade volcanic deposits, and investigation into the geohydrology of the spring systems located in the area by measure discharge rates and mapping spring locations. The goal of these projects is to develop a richer knowledge of the geologic history of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.  (SOU Emeritus Professor Jad D’Allura, Geology)

Your gift will support education programs about the biodiversity of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Thank you!

Friends Response to Executive Order

President Trump has signed an executive order requiring the Department of Interior to review all designations of land under the Antiquities Act that fit the category of being designated after 1996 and having over 100,000 acres of land. The Antiquities Act was signed by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906 to safeguard and preserve federal lands, objects of scientific interest, and cultural and historical sites for all Americans to enjoy.

No President has ever revoked a national monument and for good reason: such an attack on our nation’s public lands and heritage is deeply unpopular and likely illegal. The Trump administration’s Executive Order to review national monuments could threaten dozens of national monuments including the Grand Staircase-­‐Escalante National Monument, the Bears Ears National Monument, and our own Cascade-­‐Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM).

The CSNM was designated in June 2000 by presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act. The monument is home to thousands of species, including a few threatened and endangered, such as the Oregon Spotted Frog and Gentner’s fritillary.

Pilot Rock, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The only monument designated for its biodiversity, established in 2000. Monument boundaries were expanded in 2017.

“The monument was proclaimed because it’s a place where there’s exceptional biodiversity. The idea that there is a place in the world that has 135 species of butterflies is just magical!,” says Michael Parker, Professor of Biology at Southern Oregon University.

The Cascade-­‐Siskiyou National Monument connects the distinct Oregon ecosystems of the Cascade, Klamath, and Siskiyou mountain ranges into one unique biological corridor that contains species from east and west of the Cascades. The monument offers unrivaled vistas, access to the Pacific Crest Trail, protection for cultural sites, learning opportunities for youth, and year-­‐round outdoor recreation.

National parks, public lands and waters are a critical part of the nation’s economy – especially for rural and Western communities that benefit from the tourism, outdoor recreation and quality of life associated with healthy public lands. They also define who we are as a nation and help to shape a better future by connecting our landscapes to our cultural past.

The Friends of Cascade-­‐Siskiyou National Monument is a non-­‐profit organization that promotes the protection, restoration, and conservation of the Cascade-­‐Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM). The Friends is opposed to any action to revoke or reduce the protections the monument provides to this valuable community asset.

Terry Dickey, Chair
Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

Teacher on Public Lands at Monument

The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was selected to host a Teacher on Public Lands (TPL) intern this summer. Our Washington Office Division of Education, Interpretation and Partnerships supports the placement of 20 classroom teachers as interns at selected sites. Teachers earn university credit from the University of Colorado Denver and receive a professional development stipend upon completion of a mutually beneficial project that supports Junior Ranger education and youth engagement efforts.  

Tara O'Malley, appointed Teacher on Public Lands at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument during summer 2017. 

TPL teachers spend up to 30 percent of their time learning about public lands and resources, experiencing the day-to-day operations of the BLM, and working with the public. When teachers return to school in the fall, they are expected to spend part of their classroom time-sharing their TPL projects with their own students and other appropriate audiences.

We are pleased to announce our CSNM TPL intern is Tara O'Malley, a 3rd grade teacher at Table Rock Elementary School in White City, OR. She earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education at Southern Oregon University and is a Portland OR native. While interning at CSNM this summer, Tara will complete lesson plan activities that she can field-test on young monument visitors this summer, and then bring back with her to Table Rock elementary this fall. Come up to the monument this summer and meet Tara!

Christine Beekman, BLM Interpretive Specialist

Recap: Research in Monument

The Friends envision a healthy and vibrant Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument for present and future generations. We manifest this vision by supporting students in their path towards careers in the sciences and arts that contribute to conservation efforts. In just three years, the Friends Research Grant has become one of our standout programs: awarding individual grants ranging from $250-$1,500 to undergraduate and graduate students that enhance the understanding, appreciation, preservation, and protection of the CSNM.

On March 23, over sixty Friends’ supporters and scientists gathered to hear about the research by four students and scientists who have endeavored research in the Monument boundaries in 2016. It was an opportunity for students to present their research in a professional context and for the rest of us to learn about the current status of critical species and landscapes in the CSNM.

L to R: Martin Harris and Kieran McCann (University of Oregon, BS Earth Sciences), Charles Schelz (BLM Ecologist), and Emily Burke (Southern Oregon University, Environmental Education) K Boehnlein photo

Martin Harris (University of Oregon, BS Earth Sciences), Kieran McCann (University of Oregon, BS Earth Sciences), and Kendra Madaras-Kelly (Southern Oregon University, BS Chemistry) all worked with Emeritus Professor Jad D’Allura on geoscience projects. Martin furthered existing GIS mapping data for the High Cascades and Western Cascades regions of the Parker Mountain region, noting the differences in rock type between each formation. Kieran focused on hydrology, attempting to answer the question, “How does geology affect stream flow?” He found that the High Cascades, being more porous, allow water to flow into groundwater more readily (see Kieran's photos). Consequently, the High Cascades retain less water throughout the season, whereas streams in the Western Cascades (more eroded and protected) retain more surface water. Kendra is the first researcher to attempt water chemistry analysis in Monument waterways, analyzing eleven water samples from various locations for presence of trace elements. Luckily, she found that the eight creeks are all safe to drink from, and she discovered that the concentration of elements increased as the stream length increased, most likely due to influx from various tributaries. 

Emily Burke (Southern Oregon University, MS Environmental Education) presented information about her Master’s Thesis project on Great Grey Owl (GGO) and Barred Owl (BO) competition on the Dead Indian Plateau (See Emily's photos) . Emily’s research furthers existing widespread research on competition between native Northern Spotted Owls and invasive Barred Owls. Her project attempted to parce out the differences between GGO and BO habitat and pinpoint the main variables that define each species’ individual habitats. Her findings suggest that the habitats of GGO (less dense forests) and BO (dense, shorter forests) are different enough that they don’t seem to be posing much of a threat to competition. This is great news for the Monument, as a majority of the GGO nests discovered by the BLM in the last five years are in the expanded Monument area. Emily’s research suggests that conserving Great Grey Owl habitat into the future, especially with increased Monument acreage, may be a low concern. 

Chris Volpe talks about the current status of the Jenny Creek sucker. K Boehnlein photo

Chris Volpe (BLM fish biologist) and Scot Loring (mycologist and Friends’ board member) also offered insights into recent studies on the Monument. Chris summarized Jenny Creek sucker surveys from 1981 to the present, reassuring us that research is still active on behalf of this special species. Biologists like Chris continue to monitor and locate priority spawning sites, paying particular attention to tagged individuals’ tendency to return to their birth streams to spawn. Scot summarized the 2016 Fungi BioBlitz findings, highlighting six rare or sensitive species that were found among the total 114 species catalogued. Out of this total, 99 new species were also recorded for the CSNM lists, increasing the total number of fungi species documented within Monument boundaries from 47 to 146!

Michael Parker (SOU Biology Chair, aquatic ecologist, and herpetologist) closed the evening’s event with poignant comments about future research opportunities in the Monument. He reminded us that the Friends Research Grant was born over three years ago at the end of a hike that he led in the Monument for Friends’ supporters. At the conclusion of the hike, participants wondered about more opportunities for research in the Monument, and offered bills or checks for the creation of a fund for students.

Today, we have an expanded Monument just out our backdoor, and a myriad of potential research opportunities. We know that biodiversity is abundant in the CSNM and that connectivity between habitats is necessary for species to thrive, but little is known about the social & cultural aspects of the Monument. For instance, what are the recreational and economic implications of the CSNM to neighboring communities? Or, why are national monuments important for our aesthetic, spiritual, and educational well-being? The answers to these questions, and more, are endless. Here’s to another successful year for students and career scientists attempting to answer the most creative questions they can muster!

Katie Boehnlein, Coordinator
Friends of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument
 

Rocks, Owls, Student Research

Friends Research Funds provided grants during 2016 to student researchers:  Here are selections from their journal entries about their field work in the Monument.

Invasive Barred Owl and the Native and Threatened Great Gray Owl
by Emily Burke, SOU Environmental Education
Faculty: Dr. Stewart Janes, SOU Biology

During my time assessing the potential for competition between the invasive barred owl and the native and threatened great gray owl in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, I spent the majority of my research hours in the monument at night, calling and listening for owls. Prior to this project, I had spent a fair bit of daylight time in the monument, witnessing it mostly through sight, but researching owls in the CSNM allowed me to experience it in a completely novel way, a way that most people probably don’t experience the monument; the sweeping vistas of the day give way at night to common poor-wills whistling rhythmically, the wings of bats skirting my cheeks, and tree frogs chorusing in unison. And occasionally, the eight-note call of a barred owl winding through the midnight firs.

Emily Burke uses a BLM map and a GPS to navigate to the night’s first owl calling station on Soda Mountain Road near Hobart Bluff.  

Playing barred owl vocalizations from a call box (on ground) just after sunset near Greensprings Mountain.  Photo by Andrew Moore.

Laying out a survey plot to collect habitat data at the midpoint of a barred owl pair’s territory.  Photo by Andrew Moore.

Identifying a Douglas fir tree and measuring its DBH as part of characterizing the habitat used by a barred owl pair.  Photo by Andrew Moore.

Geology in the Field
By Kieran McCann, University of Oregon
Faculty: Dr. Jad D'Allura, SOU professor of geology (retired)

This summer working in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was an extremely rewarding experience that gave me insight into the day to day life of a working field geologist. Going back to the basics of geology and getting my nose on the rocks reminded me of why I chose this science in the first place. I was able to make my own interpretations and put my knowledge to the test in an applied setting. Though definitely challenging physically and puzzling geologically, this opportunity has solidified many lessons I learned in the classroom and trained me in many invaluable skills I can use in my future career.

One of the most challenging locations in our field area was Agate Flat because it is so isolated and had only one access road. We had to be especially aware of timing and water supplies because of the high summer heat. Despite the difficulties associated with reaching this area, it proved to be the most rewarding when tackling the geology. The remoteness and stillness of the area really allows one to appreciate the monument in its rawest form.

Dr. Jad D’Allura, geologist, takes the strike and dip of a dike found in the Agate Flat area. Photo by Kieran McCann

Kieran McCann stands next to a dike formation found near Mt. Rosebud. Photo by Jad D’Allura

Kieran McCann plots location on map using a GPS unit. Photo by Jad D’Allura

Kieran McCann using a flow meter to measure the stream discharge of Johnson Creek Photo by Jad D’Allura

Defend Monument Action

The expansion of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument continues to draw legal actions. Lawsuits challenging the Monument expansion have been filed by the Western Oregon counties and the timber industry.

Listen to the discussion by Dave Willis from the Soda Mountain Wilderness Council and Susan Jane Brown of the Western Environmental Law Center discuss the issue. Show your support to Oregon Wild, the Wilderness Society, the Soda Mountain Wilderness Council and others for their actions to protect the Monument.

Keep on top of the pertinent details by reading our synopsis.

February 16, 2017 Oregon Courthouse News: Counties Fight Monument Expansion

February 27, 2017. Mark Freeman / Medford Mail Tribune: Environmental groups to defend monument expansion

March 14, 2017. Brandi Buchman / Courthouse News Service: Timber Industry Says Cascade-Siskiyou Protections Threaten Loggers

March 15, 2017. Conrad Wilson / Oregon Public Broadcasting: Judge rules groups can intervene in Cascade-Siskiyou lawsuit

Monument Science Symposium

Charles Schelz, an ecologist for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, hosts the fifth Monument Science Symposium*.

Emily Burke, SOU ornithology student, presents her research findings on the habitats of native and invasive owls.

University of Oregon geology students Kieran McCann and Martin Harris and SOU student Kendra Madaras-Kelly discuss their work mapping geological faults, contacts between the Western and High Cascades, and geohydrology of the Jenny Creek area.

BLM biologist Chris Volpe gives the status of the Jenny Creek sucker, an isolated population in the eastern part of the monument.

Scot Loring gives a brief summary of Friends 2016 Bioblitz: Fungi, and Michael Parker, chairman of the SOU Biology Department, will update attendees on how the monument expansion increases research opportunities for students and professionals.

If you go: Get the Free Parking Code to park on SOU Campus.

*Formerly titled Community Science Forum. This event is sponsored by Friends of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Seeking Artists In Residency in the Monument

2017 is the first year Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument (CSNM) is participating in the Bureau of Land Management Artist In Residence (AiR) program. AiR provides artistic and educational opportunities that promote deeper understanding and dialogue about the natural, cultural, and historic resources on public lands. They can provide new ways to look at and appreciate public lands managed by the BLM.

Seeking Visual Artists only. Artistic expertise, professionalism, and creative uses of artistic media are encouraged. Selected artists receive a one to two-week residency at CSNM facilities during the summer. Professional visual artists only may apply in the pilot year 2017. Painters, photographers, printmakers, illustrators and graphic artists will be given equal consideration.

Other requirements of the residency include the artist donation to the BLM the use of of an original piece of artwork from their residency in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. During their stay, artists share their vision in one 45-minute public presentation. Read all details in the application.

Completed Applications Due By: March 31, 2017.
Download Application and details.

Contact Cascade-Siskiyou AiR program coordinator:
Email: Christine Beekman, BLM
Tel: 541-618-2320. 

The Artist-in Residence in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument drew national media attention after a tweet from former President Clinton.