By Kiera Morgan

A group of Forest Service permit holders who gather forest products such as mushrooms and Sal-al took time out from their foraging last weekend and worked together to clean up the forest where they work. According to State Police litter and vandalism in forested areas around Lincoln County was becoming a big problem and was the number one complaint to state police from hunters. This group of foragers recognized the problem and spent their weekend helping to clean up in the Siuslaw National Forest. Lisa Ramono with the Siuslaw National Forest said littler especially food waste left in the forest has become a big issue.

“Crows, Jays and Ravens are opportunistic feeders and when these birds once they are attracted to an area will then start to feed on the eggs of other birds such as Marbled Murrletts and Snowy Plovers, which are endangered species.” She said “The Siuslaw is starting to look at their overall trash management practices. We they are looking at our campgrounds and recreation areas to see how we can prevent trash from attracting these predator birds like the crows and jays.” She recommends that any forest users, recreational, gatherers, hunters and hikers should pack out all of their trash to better protect the forest and unintentionally harming wildlife.