Cow Creek Tribe hopes lampreys will be protected

Regarding the $27.6 million lawsuit filed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife against the Winchester Water Control District for recent repairs on Winchester Dam, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is expressing hope for justice for the estimated half-million dead Pacific lamprey in the North Umpqua River.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe hopes for improved regulations that will protect our native fish species from such devastation in the future.

Pacific lamprey are an important component of the cultural lifeways of the Cow Creek Umpqua people, who have been stewards of the North and South Umpqua rivers since time immemorial.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe believes that protection of fish, lamprey and other native species to the area is of the utmost importance, and that impacts to those sensitive populations can have a wide range of harmful effects.

Lindsay Campman, communications and marketing director, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Rule change gives boost to Red Cross blood drive

I read recently that Red Cross blood donations have been down 25% lately. My first thought was maybe they would get a few more donations if they revised their archaic donor requirements.

I tried to donate a year ago, but Red Cross required me to answer intrusive questions about sexual orientation. Since, in principle, I refused to answer, I was ineligible to donate, a waste of their and my time.

I’m happy to report that as of Aug. 7, they have changed their policy and will base eligibility on risk factors alone. This is a welcome change, and I encourage others in our community to make an appointment to give blood, as I have.

Dale Engle / Jacksonville