Embarq (telecommunications) will be replacing overhead lines with buried telecommunication facilities along Christensen Road within Nestucca Bay NWR. Christensen Road provides the only access to the Cannery Hill Overlook. Beginning Monday, May 11 through Friday May 15, heavy equipment will be working along this road to bury the new lines along the road. Visitors wishing to access the Cannery Hill Overlook will experience delays of 15 to 30 minutes while the heavy equipment is disconnected and temporarily moved to allow vehicles to pass in both directions. The compatibility determination to allow this activity can be found at http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/nestuccabay/index.htm . If you have questions please contact Rebecca Chuck at 541-867-4550.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration is pleased to announce the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) de minimis evaluation. The proposed project includes restoration of over 400 acres of tidal salt marsh and improvements to North Bank Lane. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft Environmental Assessment available at Refuge Headquarters, public libraries in Bandon, Coos Bay, and North Bend, ODOT offices in Roseburg, and the Federal Highway Administration in Vancouver, WA. It is also available on the internet at the addresses below or by contacting the Refuge Manager at 541-347-1470.

http://www.fws.gov/oregoncoast/bandonmarsh/EA.htm
http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/oregon/bandon/ea.pdf

Mail comments to:
Bandon Marsh Environmental Assessment
Roy W. Lowe
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
2127 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR 97365

or via e-mail oregoncoast@fws.gov

Sarah Kang, a 16 year-old student who attends Westview High School in Portland received Best of Show for Oregon for the 2009 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition. Her colored pencil drawing of a pair of Barrow's Goldeneye will represent Oregon in the 2009 National Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest to be held at the National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 2009.

Sarah submitted her artwork with the support of her art instructor from Young's Art in Vancouver, WA. Sarah has been drawing since she was a little girl, but has only been attending formal art classes for about a year and this is her first win in any competition. When asked about the future, Sarah stated she very interested in Art but is also considering a career in dentistry or medicine.

For the first time ever, Oregon had a tie for Best of Show. Upon conducting a tie-breaker, Sarah's art was chosen as the overall winner. The other student who tied for Best of Show was none other than Sarah's little Sister, Esther Kang, age 12. Esther's colored pencil drawing of a Northern Shoveler won her a first place for her grade category and was stiff competition for her big sister during the Best of Show judging.

The conservation message winner for Oregon for 2009 is Sanjana Chandhok, Age 9, from Beaverton. She wrote "Conserving the environment is a priceless gift for generations to come." Sanjana will be honored along with the top 36 winners from across Oregon on April 25 during the annual Awards Ceremony in Corvallis.

The 1st place winner of the National competition will have his or her artwork portrayed on the 2009-2010 Junior Duck Stamp. With this honor, they will be awarded a $5,000 cash award and free trip to Washington, DC during the summer of 2009 to attend the First Day of Sales Ceremony, along with art teacher, one parent/guardian, and the State Coordinator.