Coos Fire Protection Association Career Day
Thursday, September 29th at the Coos County Forest
Are you interested in a career in wildland fire fighting?
Would you like to receive credit through your high school and/or SWOCC for firefighter training?
If so, you’re invited to attend the CFPA Career Day!
Please contact the Tribes’ Director of Forest Management, Colin Beck, at (541) 261-3420 for more information.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Notice of Hearing for Water Quality Standards
Notice of Public Hearing
Regarding Adoption of Water Quality Standards for the Waters of the Tribe
The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) invites the public to review and comment on the Tribe’s draft Water Quality Standards (WQS). WQS are science-based criteria describing the conditions necessary to sustain healthy human and aquatic life within the Tribe’s waters. These WQS apply only to waters within the boundaries of the Tribe’s trust and reservation lands and are not applicable to public or privately owned waters of the State of Oregon.
The CTCLUSI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public hearing at 6:00 PM Pacific Time on September 21st, 2022, for the purpose of hearing comments and recommendations on the development of Tribal Water Quality Standards.
Topic: CTCLUSI Water Quality Standards Public Hearing
Time: September 21, 2022, 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Click here to Join Zoom Public Hearing
There will be time during the public hearing allocated to commenters who wish to make statements, as well as time for unscheduled comments. Written comments will be accepted until Friday, September 30, 2022. To sign up for a scheduled time to speak at the public hearing, submit written comments, or for questions, please email: WaterQualityStandards@ctclusi.org. Comments will be limited to no more than five minutes and may be less depending upon the number of speakers interested. For more information, visit ctclusi.org.
Once the comment period ends, DNR will review the comments and revise the WQS draft to create a final version. Tribal Members will then have an additional opportunity to comment when Tribal Council considers the final version for adoption into Tribal Code. The CTCLUSI DNR is conducting this hearing and accepting public comments pursuant to Tribal Council Resolution 22-084 (June 12, 2022), which directs DNR to initiate a public comment period and submit the final WQS to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review.
Section 518 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) allows federally recognized tribes to implement and administer water quality programs within tribal land in the same manner as states, provided that the tribe is first determined to be eligible by the EPA. On May 3, 2021, the EPA determined that CTCLUSI is eligible to administer a water quality certification program under CWA Section 401 and develop water quality standards in accordance with CWA Section 303(c). Furthermore, the Clean Water Act states that it is the EPA’s responsibility to review new or revised water quality standards, per CWA Section 303(c)(3). The federal regulations at 40 C.F.R. Part 25 govern the public participation requirements for CTCLUSI to meet before receiving WQS approval.
The CTCLUSI Water Quality Standards were developed using the best available science and existing EPA-approved state and Tribal water quality standards. The document contains an anti-degradation policy and implementation plan, designated use categories, and narrative and numeric water quality criteria.
The anti-degradation policy and implementation plan can be found in sections 10-1-14 and 10-1-15. Together, they are meant to ensure that Tribal water quality is maintained sufficiently to meet the needs of plants, animals, and humans that utilize the Tribe’s waters.
The designated uses of the waters of the Tribe, as defined in sections 10-1-25 and 10-1-26, describe the types of activities the Tribe’s waters are used for. Multiple designated uses often apply to a single area. For instance, Big Creek, which flows through the Tribe’s Talbot Tract, is designated for both Cultural and Ceremonial use as well as use by Resident Fish and Aquatic Life. The table of designated uses and what Tribal waterbodies they apply to can be found at 10-1-27(a).
Finally, the draft contains narrative and numeric water quality criteria. Narrative criteria uses descriptive language describing the proper conditions of the Tribe’s waters and can be found from 10-1-16 to 10-1-23. For example, the narrative criteria in section 10-1-16(a) covering floating solids, oil, and grease reads: “All waters shall be free from visible oils, scum, foam, grease, and other floating materials and suspended substances of a persistent nature resulting from other than natural causes.”
Numeric criteria uses numbers, measures and values to express water quality standards, and can be found in sections 10-1-28 through 10-1-32. For example, the numeric criteria addressing dissolved oxygen for areas designated as shellfish growing and harvesting says “In fresh water and estuarine water, dissolved oxygen may not be less than 8.0 mg/l as an absolute minimum. Where natural conditions of barometric pressure, altitude, and temperature preclude attainment of the 8.0 mg/l, dissolved oxygen may not be less than 90 percent of saturation.”
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day(s) with Tribal Police
The Tribal Police Department will once again be participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (NDTBD) held on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 10am – 2pm at the governmental offices at 1245 Fulton Avenue in Coos Bay. This event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and it provides the supplies to be able to collect unused or expired prescription medications to ensure that they are safely disposed of without falling into the wrong hands or unnecessarily polluting.
In order to comply with COVID restrictions, all of these events will be outside (parking lot) so that participants can just pull up and drop off their items.
After the event (on Saturday), from 2pm – 3pm, Tribal Police Officers will be available to travel within 20 miles of the governmental office to pick up any unused or expired medications from Tribal families or Tribal Elders. If you know of someone who would like to participate, but is unable to make it to any of the events, please have them contact me for scheduling at our office: 541-997-6011.
There will be no identifying information collected, and the program is anonymous. We encourage participants to remove any identifying labels from bottles prior to submission. We will be able to accept vape pens without internal batteries, controlled, non-controlled and over the counter medications with a few exceptions; Intra-venous solutions, injectables, syringes, chemotherapy medications, or medical waste WILL NOT be accepted.
If you have any questions about the program, please let me know. Our goal is to keep medications from being lost, stolen, or misused. If you would like to view information about the program from the DEA, please visit: https://takebackday.dea.gov/ . If you know someone who lives outside of the area, they can also search by zip code to find an event nearby.
In addition to the National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Tribal Police Officers will be at the Eugene outreach office on Thursday, October 27th from 11am – 2pm to accept any medications and also at the Florence outreach office on Friday, October 28th from 11am – 2pm.
Since we began partnering with the DEA in the NDTBD program in 2018, the Tribal Police Department has helped to keep over 282 pounds of medications from being misused or otherwise polluting our landfills and waterways. Anyone is welcome to participate, so feel free to share the information with your friends and family.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Proposed Code Amendments to Chapter 1-6 and Chapter 7-8
NOTICE OF CODE AMENDMENTS
The following proposed Codes was passed for First Reading by Tribal Council on August 14,2022
TITLE: 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 1-6 Public Records
TITLE: 7 ENROLLMENT. COMMI ELECTIONS AND REFERUMDUMS
Chapter 7-8 Gaming Facility Operational Review Board
The Tribal Council has determined amendments are needed for Chapter 1-6 Public Records and chapter 7-8 Gaming Facilities Operation Review Board.
Tribal Council hereby approves the amendments to both Codes for first reading and posting for a twenty-eight (28) day period.
DATE OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL MEE AT WHICH THE PROPOSED CODE IS EXPECTED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FINAL PASSAGE
October 9,2022
Please visit www.ctclusi.orq for complete draft edits to both Codes for membership to review.
The notice of the proposed amendment/creation of Code/Ordinance shall be published in the Tribal Newsletter and the text will be posted for public comment for twenty-eight (28) days in the Administration Building, Tribal Hall, Outreach Offices, on the Tribes’ website and at Three Rivers Casino (Office of the Gaming Commission). Written comments should be sent to the Tribal Council in care of Jeannie McNeil, CTCLUSI, 1245 Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay OR 97420 or email: imcneil@ctclusi.org.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Summer Adventure Photo Share
Did you camp in your backyard, go on a family trip, spend a day at the beach? Show us your summer 2022 adventure photo!
All youth (5 -18 years of age) who submit a photo to be featured in the October edition of the Voice of CLUSI Paper will receive a dry bag for more outdoor adventures!
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Sign Up Has Ended
Eligible students will receive a $35 gift card for either Amazon or Walmart
Kindergarten through Seniors in High School are able to apply
Please reach out to the Education Department
if your have questions or need assistance.
Eriq Acosta— Education Specialist— eacosta@ctclusi.org 541-888-1318
Hope you all have a great first week back at school and for those already started, we hope your year has started off great!
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
CTCLUSI Hazard Mitigation Plan
In response to the increasing risks posed by a number of natural hazards, Tribal Council – in agreement with Planning Staff recommendations – selected the consulting team WSP in Portland to lead the effort in creating an updated Hazard Mitigation Plan for CTCLUSI in late 2019. This process included multiple workshops with Tribal Leadership and Staff, and a thorough analysis of the natural hazard threats the Tribe and its members face. Additionally, the Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies goals and strategies to avoid and reduce negative outcomes from identified threats.
In mid-2022, the Hazard Mitigation Plan was submitted to CTCLUSI Staff and is currently available for public review and comment prior to finalization in August 2022.
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Hazard Mitigation Plan
Click Here to submit comments
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Planning Department webpage
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan
In response to the rapidly evolving economic environment, Tribal Council – in agreement with Planning Staff recommendations – selected the consulting team Blue Stone Strategy Group to lead the effort in creating an updated Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for CTCLUSI in 2021. This process included multiple meetings with Leadership, Staff, and community members; as well as a comprehensive survey of member preferences. These efforts culminated in the CEDS plan that provides a thorough analysis of the Tribe’s Strengths and Weaknesses, the identified Tribal economic goals and strategies; and the associated milestones to evaluate progress.
In mid-2022, the CEDS Plan was submitted to CTCLUSI Staff and is currently available for public review and comment prior to finalization in August 2022.
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI CEDS Plan
Click Here to submit comments
Click Here to view the CTCLUSI Planning Department webpage
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Tribal Youth Pre-college OSU Summer Camp
August 22-25, 2022
New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS) Presents
Tribal Youth Pre-college OSU Summer Camp
August 22-25, 2022
Designed for CTCLUSI, Coquille, Grand Ronde, Siletz, and other Oregon Tribal Youth entering 9th – 12th grades
Learn about going to college and how to get help with financial aid, scholarships, and explore majors!
Explore SWOCC and OSU campuses and visit cultural centers including the OSU Ina Haws Longhouse.
Hands-on FUN field trips about environmental science and careers. Meet science professionals and college students.
Other activities include:
• Sleep in the dorms at OSU
• Snorkeling in the Santiam River with scientists
• Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport
• Visit ecological and cultural restoration sites
• Canoe trip to Waite Ranch on the Siuslaw
Youth will come home having experienced life on the OSU college campus and a packet for how to get help with entering college/community college and the Native American cultural support resources on campus.
A range of environmental sciences and careers are explored but not a required interest for youth.
Camp participation and all meals are FREE.
Campers will be supervised 24 hours per day.
All Covid-19 safety measures in place at the time for CTCLUSI and OSU will be carefully followed.
Last day to sign up August 7th
This event is also co-sponsored by the OSU Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences, and Oregon Sea Grant.
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News
Culture Camp 2022
Culture Camp 2022 is being held this year from August 8-12th at the Mapleton School in Mapleton, Oregon. Camp this year is in-person and is available to K-12th graders of CTCLUSI families and Administration Staff. Kindergarten and 1st graders are welcome to attend during the day, while 2nd -12th graders can stay and camp overnight.
Transportation is available from 3 locations this year: Tribal Administration in Coos Bay, the Florence Outreach Office, and the Springfield Outreach Office. Daily Transportation for Kindergarten and 1st graders is limited and available upon request.
Deadline to sign up for camp is July 31st. Upon sign up, you and your youth will receive an email confirmation and a list of suggested items to bring to camp. No later than one week before camp, you and your youth will receive a camp agenda via email.
For more information, please contact Jesse Beers @ 541-297-0748 or Ashley Russell @ 541 888-7511
- Published in Public Notices, Tribal Event, Tribal News