By Don Backman Sitka Sedge State Natural Area is a relatively new State day-use area located between Sandlake and Whalen Island to the north, and Tierra Del Mar, Cape Kiwanda, and Pacific…
Category: Explore Nature
Oregon commercial crab fishery to open North of Cape Falcon February 16
OIOpublisher NEWPORT, Ore.—After a significant delay, the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open in the most northern section of Oregon’s coast as of Feb. 16, 2021. This area has remained closed to…
OUTBACK WITH BACKMAN: Rogers Peak and Blue Lake Loop hike (December 3rd, 2020)
By Don Backman My hiking buddy is into peak bagging, a fun sport that involves climbing to the top of the tallest hill around just so you can say you did it….
Hampton Lumber Research Project Centers on Improving Pollinator Habitat with Wildflower Plantings in Clearcuts
By James Billstine On the crest of a small hill in the Big Creek Unit near Valley Creek Lane in Knappa, Oregon, an even age timber harvest (clearcut) is in its fourth…
SALMONBERRY TRAIL VIRTUAL MEETING SET FOR FEB. 5
News Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept. The Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) will meet virtually to discuss the proposed Salmonberry Trail corridor 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Feb. 5. On the agenda:…
Public comment sought for Cape Falcon Marine Reserve draft management plan by Feb. 28th
NEWPORT, Ore – The public is invited to comment on a draft management plan for the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve located on Oregon’s north coast near Manzanita. The draft Cape Falcon Marine…
OUTBACK WITH BACKMAN: Wilson River trail, segment Footbridge to Lester Creek, 12/29/2020
Story, Photos & Video by Don Backman “Hey, it looks like it’s going to be nice Monday and Tuesday of next week,” my buddy said over the phone. “We need to go…
Rigorous management practices have led to successful rebuilding of several West Coast groundfish stocks
Groundfish – The Council manages a diverse array of species under the groundfish fishery management plan, including more than 65 rockfish species; flatfish, such as petrale sole and Dover sole; and roundfish,…
OUTBACK WITH BACKMAN: Winter hiking on the Oregon Coast. Why would anyone be crazy enough to do this? Some of us are, and here are some tips to help you get started.
By Don Backman This is the first article in a series about hiking. Since it is the off season, and officially winter, it seemed best to start with the obvious question: Why…
A Word From the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association: Promoting & Protecting Fishing Traditions at Cape Kiwanda
(Pacific City, Oregon) If there is one thing a fleet of over 300 fishing vessels, a 115 year-old tradition, and a small community connected to the Pacific Ocean know how to do,…