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Availability of livestock vaccines: Onderstepoort Biological Products & Department briefings
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
22 February 2013
Chairperson: Mr M Johnson (ANC)
Meeting Summary
The Chairperson noted that he was only prepared to consider written apologies from Members in the future.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) briefed the Committee on the vision, mission and goals of the OBP, setting out their challenges and current situation, particularly focusing on the problems with shortage and non-performance of certain vaccines. The Chairperson also noted that they were impacted upon by climate change and poverty, and this must be taken into account. DAFF put the challenges facing OBP into context, noting that it played a significant role in preventing and controlling animal disease, which impacted on food security, human health and livelihoods of South Africans. It was regarded as a strategic national key point, must align with government priorities and plans, and remain competitive in the vaccine and animal health industry, currently worth around R1 billion. It was acknowledged that the Rift Valley Fever outbreak and Swine Flu, along with shortages of Bluetongue vaccine, and the leaking of information about OBP destroying expired stock, had affected its credibility. OBP's biggest challenge, however, was that it was operating from old premises, using some outdated equipment, and there was insufficient research and development to keep it abreast of new products. There were also challenges around the product, pricing, placement and promotion. DAFF essentially had intervened to improve governance, the institutional arrangements, and to try to update the legislation. It was seeking to sign service level agreements, establish a vaccine bank and develop a disease monitoring and response plan.
OBP outlined its history and described its vision and mission. It was emphasised from the outset that the purpose of vaccination was to prevent, not cure, disease, stressing that it was therefore proactive. The market share statistics showed that OBP was placed about 11th in terms of value sold, but around third in terms of volumes. It concentrated on the vaccine field, whereas other competitors offered a broader range of products. OBP wanted to increase its ranking and get a bigger market share. It was, however, constrained by funding, as it was noted that it was no longer getting any grants. Its facilities and equipment were outdated. OBP explained why there was an urgent need for a vaccine bank, emphasising that this essentially meant installing deep freeze facilities to enable it to build up stock. It was also working on extending the shelf life of its products.
Members noted that there was a focus on the weaknesses, but not on the strengths, which on the one hand enabled the Committee to isolate instances where OBP needed support, but on the other did not give the full picture. Several requests were made for clarity on the shortage of vaccinations, how this happened, the distribution chain and why certain vaccines were destroyed, commenting that this came at a cost. They questioned the effectiveness of vaccines, and the fact that there should be strict vaccination cycles maintained, asking how exactly DAFF and OBP ensured that they communicated effectively with farmers. The Committee noted that the full report on the Swine Flu outbreak was still awaited. Members were generally in support of OBP being recapitalised, and agreed on the importance of establishing the vaccine bank. They also asked about the extent of research and development, engagement with other companies on the distribution and called for a full breakdown on the spending.
Meeting report
Chairperson's opening remarks
The Chairperson tabled the apologies, noting that these were largely due to the meeting having been arranged for a Friday. However, he noted that of these, only two were written apologies, and in future these would be the only form of apology accepted. That would be noted also in the minutes.
He noted that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF or the Department) had been asked to give responses and reports on climate change and its work on achieving the Millennium Development Goals, particularly on poverty alleviation. Today the DAFF and Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) had been asked to speak to the current availability of livestock vaccines, and challenges around this point for the future. He noted that one of the greatest challenges with OBP was the age of its facilities and equipment.
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries briefing on the current situation at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP)
Mr Sipho Ntombela, Director General, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, outlined that the OBP played a significant role in preventing and controlling animal disease that impacted on food security, human health and livelihoods of South Africans and indeed all of Africa. OBP had a strategic position as a National Key Point and equally important therefore, was OBP's alignment to government priorities and plans. Although OBP competed in a very competitive industry of around R1 billion worth, it still maintained a wide range of product offerings and distribution footprint in the industry.
OBP's reputation had recently suffered damage, due to the Rift Valley Fever outbreak and the current shortage of the Blue Tongue vaccine. Moreover, the OBP was plagued by an identity crisis, and was hindered by outdated equipment, production processes, and insufficient innovation and research and development, leading to the production of outdated products. Finally, OBP faced market challenges around its product, pricing, placement and promotion.
The DAFF had played a central and interventionist role in trying to repair the damaged reputation of the OBP. The areas where it had intervened included governance, institutional arrangements, legislation and infrastructure. It had done so, in the governance area, to uphold the Shareholder Compact. It wanted to sign service level agreement, establish a vaccine bank and develop a disease monitoring and response plan as institutional arrangements. DAFF also wanted to review the legislation and upgrade vaccine products infrastructure facilities.
OBP briefing on Agriculture, Forestry and OBP
Dr Steve Cornelius, Chief Executive Officer, OBP, gave an introduction setting out the OBP mandate, vision and mission, and a chronological historical background (see attached presentation). He also highlighted the governance, the OBP structure, workforce profile and graphical layout. He noted that OBP's core function was to prevent and control animal diseases that impacted on food security, human health and livelihoods. It was aiming to be a global player in the biotechnical vaccine manufacturing industry. It was first established in 1908, but its dedicated vaccine facility was only established in 1968, and it was able to fund itself from its vaccine sales by 1981. OBP became a separate entity in 1992; receiving its final funding grant of R9 million from Department of Public Works in 2000. At the moment, it was not funded at all and had to find its salaries entirely from vaccines. Over the next few years, it had received an official transfer to itself of formerly state-owned land and buildings, achieved an ISO accreditation certificate, and achieved revenue milestones of up to R150 million.
The OBP was now a state-owned company, and an entity of the DAFF, operating under the OBP Act No 19 of 1999. It followed all relevant corporate governance codes and protocols. It was aligned with several programmes, including the Medium Term Strategic Frameworks, the New Growth Path, DAFF Strategic Plans, Industrial Policy Action Plan, National Development Plan and Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (point 11).
OBP had a total of six Executive Managers, 73 skilled/advanced operational and 32 basic skilled employees.
Dr Cornelius recognised that the OBP's reputation had suffered, due to the Swine Flu outbreak, Rift Valley Fever and destruction of Clone 13.
He noted that, by definition, a vaccine was a preparation of dead or weakened pathogens, or their antigenic components, which induced protective immunity against the specific pathogen, but which did not itself cause the disease. He emphasised the importance of vaccines, as protecting livestock against diseases, preventing the spread of diseases, and emphasised that the ultimate purpose of vaccination was to ensure animal health and wellbeing, thus addressing the problems of hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
Veterinary vaccines were important for protecting individual animals, controlling emerging re-emerging and exotic disease of animals and people. They reduced transmission of food borne diseases, reduced animal suffering, reduced the need for antibiotic or more costly treatment alternatives if animals became sick, controlled disease of companion animals and horses and. most importantly, ensured safety and efficiency in food production.
A food security analysis showed that the growing population in the world meant there had been a growth in the demand for food and food security, to feed the growing population. Veterinarians must play a major role in striking equilibrium between the need for efficient food production, conservation of the environment and animal welfare. For this reason, animals must be disease-free and must be vaccinated regularly. This would also prevent people contracting disease from animals. He stressed that vaccinations were not a cure, but rather a pre-emptive method of prevention.
Dr Cornelius outlined that in 2009, the South African Animal Health Market was estimated to be worth R1.633 billion. In 2012, the estimated market size was estimated to be R2.5 billion and OBP's estimated total market share was 5%. OBP used to have a bigger share in the market but this had dropped in 2012.
He reiterated that OBP, although it was a state-owned company, competed against other corporate businesses in the market. An analysis showed that OBP covered around 20% of the product range, compared to other commercial companies like Pfizer and MSD Animal Health (Design Biologics), who offered a full product range. The products in the market included antimicrobials, antihelmitics, endectocides, ectoparastic, vaccines, vitamins and minerals and others. OBP specialised in vaccines only, which explained the percentage of coverage. OBP offered bacterial vaccine products, viral vaccine products and other products such as frozen infective blood.
In the company ranking analysis, OBP was ranked number 11 amongst all companies (see attached presentation for full details). Ideally it wanted to move to the top three. Dr Cornelius said that although the ranking on this list was number 11, OBP in fact ranked in the top three for volumes sold, an indicator that its products were cost effective.
OBP distributed to co-operatives, vets, wholesalers and government. All these bodies then distributed on to farmers. OBP also collected data from its primary distribution clients in order to forecast the products that would be needed by farmers.
Dr Cornelius said that he could not over-emphasise the need for vaccine banks, which would ensure that vaccines were always available when needed. This was one of the major initiatives that OBP needed, in order to strengthen itself and its offerings. The vaccine banks used deep freezers to deep freeze and then store vaccines. Some of OBP's other needs were outlined as including a small stock unit, security, facilities, to be secured from access control and organisms process and boundaries. There was a growing need for African horse vaccines as well and the OVI had started on this project.
OBP outlined its major challenges as sustainability, the need to obtain a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) accreditation, the need to fulfil expectations of shareholders, employees and clients.
Dr Cornelius stressed again that one of OBP's major challenges was that its equipment was very old, some dating back to 1968. It urgently required upgraded facilities, equipment and processes that were in line with the Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PICS) standards. He urged that government must give priority to giving it financial support, which would only benefit the entire country as it would then be able to upgrade and set up a vaccine bank. It also ideally would like to increase its product range and facilities, and offer more combination vaccines. Not only should there be upgrading but there was also a need for government to invest in upgrading and/or establishing new facilities and contingency plan for vaccine reserves. The importance of working towards a joint plan, that would involve different stakeholders, and establishing a shared vision was emphasised. OBP was, however, grateful for the grant of R500 million that it had received from the Cluster.
The Chairperson felt that the OBP presentation was rather too focused on weaknesses, and he would like also to hear about its strengths. He thought that OBP also should outline what mechanisms it had to protect its position.
The Chairperson requested clarity on the market share comments.
Ms A Steyn (DA) enquired why OBP distributed through another company.
Dr Cornelius responded that the Competition Act required OBP to use another company for distribution It was working with its present company, because Beyer did not produce vaccines in South Africa, and the companies had a complementary relationship.
Ms Steyn questioned why Bluetongue vaccines had not been available. She noted that annual vaccination programmes were set, so that farmers would vaccinate throughout the year. However, when there were no vaccines, it was impossible to vaccinate, and this disrupted the whole vaccinating cycle. She emphasised that vaccines must be available at the relevant times.
Dr Cornelius agreed that this was quite correct.
Ms Steyn asked Dr Cornelius to list the vaccines that were available, those not available and when they would be available. She noted that there was not sufficient equipment, but asked whether OBP had put something in place to ensure that in fact sufficient products were produced.
Dr Cornelius said he would provide a written answer on these points.
Ms Steyn was shocked that there was not a reserve, as she had always thought that this was being maintained. She also asked when OBP had last developed a new vaccine.
Dr Cornelius responded that OBP had in fact never had a reserve bank, and reiterated that it was seeking a freezer of below 60 degrees to maintain frozen vaccine and ensure that it would be available when farmers needed it. He explained that there was a reserve of stock not sold for certain reasons which would be destroyed.
Mr P Van Dalen (DA) said he fully supported the initiative to have a vaccine bank.
Ms Steyn noted her concerns also about the African Horses vaccine, noting that she had heard that some farmers had been vaccinating yearly but their horses still died. She wanted to know if there were any programmes to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the vaccines being used.
Dr Cornelius responded that the African horse vaccines were still relevant, and OBP had developed it but was unable to upscale it.
Ms Steyn added that the Committee was still waiting for the Rift Valley Fever report, and asked why the official responsible for this was not at this meeting.
Dr Cornelius responded that an expert, Mr Swanepoel, researched and had done an impartial report on the Rift Valley Dr Cornelius was now waiting for his signature on the report, but it was difficult to get hold of him, due to his work commitments.
Ms Steyn emphasised that the export market was dependent on the Department and the vaccine manufacturers and that until the report was submitted, there would be no trust.
The Chairperson noted that the DAFF official responsible was abroad.
Ms Steyn later asked about the 700 cattle that died in Mpumalanga, noting that the cause was apparently unknown.
Mr Ntombela said that DAFF would be drafting a full report.
Ms N Pilusa Mosoane (ANC) noted that the report did not give clarity on when the work would start, nor were there timeframes set out. The DAFF report was little more than a repetition of what this Committee had been hearing for several years, with nothing new.
Ms Pilusa Mosoane asked in which provinces OBP worked.
Dr Cornelius responded that they were working with all nine provinces, but that there had been structural challenges in Limpopo, KZN and Mpumalanga, where work was slowed.
Ms Pilusa Mosoane asked Dr Cornelius to clarify the fact that OBP was number 3 on one list and number 11 on another.
Dr Cornelius repeated that OBP listed number 11 in terms of the rand value of the sales, but number 3 in terms of the numbers of vaccines, or volume that it had sold.
Ms Pilusa Mosoane was concerned to hear of the stock that had expired and was destroyed, which seemed to indicate that it supplied more than was demanded. This had an implication on costs.
Dr Cornelius responded that unfortunately, nothing could be done with expired stock other than to destroy it. He noted that OBP was trying to prolong the life product to five years.
Ms Pilusa Mosoane asked OBP how farmers were being informed about vaccinating.
Dr Cornelius responded that OBP set up schedules with the farmers, some of this via the internet. There was also a new rural development plan and programme to teach farmers about vaccines. The sales team collected data from co-ops and information would be sent to sales manager. Suitable schedules were then worked out according the 53 products that OBP made.
Ms Steyn asked if it was necessary for OBP to produce 53 products, instead of focusing on the most relevant.
Dr Cornelius said that this was a policy decision of government and OBP could not make those decisions alone.
Mr van Dalen, commented that, in contrast to the Chairperson, he preferred to hear a focus on the challenges, so that the Committee could see where it needed to assist. He emphasised that the OBP had been neglected by government, and that more money must be injected into its projects, for betterment of livelihoods of South Africans. He recommended that OBP must be recapitalised in order to become the world leader in the vaccine market. He added that if the premises and equipment of OBP were outdated, then it was likely that their vaccines also were not the most modern.
Dr Cornelius responded that the premises and equipment were old, but the testing system and what was produced were still very much up to date.
Mr Dalen later urged that OBP must be assisted to get new equipment that was more effective.
The Chairperson agreed with Mr Van Dalen, saying that this was the spirit that the President had emphasised when saying that people had to work together.
Mr L Gaehler (UDM) also endorsed Mr Dalen's recommendation and stressed the importance of this Committee becoming part of the solution. He asked about the Swine Fever outbreak, questioning also the effectiveness of OBP's research unit. He noted that Cuba provided good examples of excellent research units. He also wanted to know what systems had been put in place to assist and inform farmers.
Mr Ntombela clarified that South Africa had Swine flu but it took the form of a strain from Europe, caused by exports and imports through the Eastern Cape.
The Chairperson also asked how much money of DAFF's budget was put into research.
A DAFF official responded that DAFF was getting assistance also from other stakeholders. DAFF mainly did research into policy, which did not involve huge amounts. However, he reminded the Committee that OBP was running like a business and not a government institution. This needed re-consideration.
Dr Cornelius responded that the OBP had released clone 13 in 2010, and it could grow it but could not upscale. He stated that OBP's part of the research mainly focused on how to commercialise vaccines, and stated that the National Research Foundation (NRF) was also helping with research. It would take a long time, but there was a need to train PhD students.
Mr Gaehler asked the specific cost of destroying Clone 13.
Dr Smith, Executive Manager, OBP responded that this comprised both the cost of making the vaccine and the opportunity lost. There had been 4 million doses manufactured, which would have sold for R60 per dose. The cost of the opportunities lost would have been higher.
The Chairperson asked how the leakage of information about the destruction of Clone 13 had happened.
Dr Cornelius responded that the information indeed was leaked incorrectly. The truth of the matter was that the vaccines had expired, and had to be destroyed in terms of the legislation.
Ms N Twala (ANC) asked about government tenders, and how the Committee could assist. She also asked OBP what they meant by the reference to obsolete products.
Ms Steyn commented that she saw the vaccine issue as a bigger problem than land ownership and said that something must be done. She also proposed that Agricultural Research Council's Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, OBP and Animal Health visions should be integrated.
Ms Steyn asked for a full budget breakdown on vaccines and asked Dr Cornelius how OBP would spend its most recent funding.
Dr Cornelius said a report would be given on how money would be spent.
Ms Steyn also argued that some provinces, particularly the Eastern Cape, did not have facilities to store the vaccines.
An OBP official responded that vaccine storage in provinces would be discussed, and that each province had a coordinating team..
Mr Gaehler agreed with Ms Steyn that nothing positive was happening in some provinces. He added that some coordinating teams were ineffective and said that the Heads of provincial Departments must come up with solutions.
Ms Pilusa Mosoane asked what DAF meant by a proper financial plan, and asked if OBP was complying in full with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Mr Ntombela noted that DAFF had spoken to National Treasury around upgrading the infrastructure. There was a possibility of recapitalising the OBP, by amending the OBP legislation. The challenge would be to sustain OBP and achieve a proper balance between outside funding and business.
The Chairperson also asked OBP if it had any South African distributors, particularly black owned companies.
Dr Cornelius responded that there was engagement with Beyer, but at a different level, according to which it would be dealing with local partners/distributors, and adhere to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment protocols.
The Chairperson noted that Parliament's five year term was drawing to a close, and there needed to be more action and creative thinking. He emphasised the recommendation to recapitalise OBP and acknowledged that OBP had had three entities to focus on, but now positive actions were required. He urged that set goals and objectives be stated, so that by the end of each project, OBP and DAFF could be judged on their performance. He looked forward to receiving the new strategic plans.
The meeting was adjourned.
- Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries presentation on OBP issues and vaccines
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 10
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 9
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 8
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 7
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 6
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 5
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 4
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 3
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 2
- Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Presentation to the Portfolio Committee 1
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Otakon is proud to announce our first guest for 2019, Hirokatsu Kihara.
Formerly involved with the production desk at Studio Ghibli, Hirokatsu Kihara was involved in the hit anime Laputa: Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service. Nowadays he writes ghost stories and MCs at monster conventions. His most famous work is Tales of Terror: Haunted Apartment, and has been a crucial contributor to many other hits in this genre.
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subset: commoncrawl


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These are Keira's new best friends. She refuses to take them off, except for when she goes in the pool. Yes that means she wears them to bed. (I take them off once she is asleep. She immediately asks for them when she gets up.)
When I packed her regular shoes for Nana's, in case they go to the park, she responded with - "I wear my blip blops ok. I just not run at the park. I will walk slowly."
But Keira, you can't wear them to school, they will get dirty on the playground.
"I wear my blip blops ok. I just sit at the playground and not get them dirty."
Alrighty then.


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|B&B List Home | USA Map | California Bed and Breakfasts | Calistoga Wine Way Inn BnB
Calistoga Wine Way Inn
Wine Way Inn is the perfect place for romantic getaways, birthday, honeymoon and anniversary celebrations. We also welcome group use of the entire inn for weddings, reunions and business meetings. Gift certificates are available. Don't forget to view our Calistoga packages and book a getaway of a lifetime.
Located within walking distance of historic downtown of Calistoga, California, the inn is by the best shops, restaurants and the famous mud baths and spas. The Wine Way Inn is a perfect base for visiting Napa, Sonoma and Russian River wineries. The Pacific coast, Mendocino and the Redwood forests are all within a short drive.
Wine Way Inn features six delightful rooms all with private baths. Room rates vary depending on room choice and include our distinctive gourmet breakfast each morning, time of year, length of stay and day of week. Lowest rates are for the Napa or Rutherford rooms, midweek, low season. Highest rates are for the Calistoga Room, weekend high season. All guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated with peaceful colors and soft furnishings that complement the original turn of the century bead board walls.
Looking for the ultimate in luxury? Jacuzzi tubs, private porches, champagne breakfast, flat screen TV/DVDs and more at our new sister property, The Craftsman Inn, just a stone's throw away.
Click Here to Check on Room Availability
Culinary Artistry
With experience providing catering, hotel dining and cooking lessons in Britain, France and the USA, the innkeeper, Gillian Kite, brings a fresh approach to Bed and Breakfast food that guests adore. At the Wine Way Inn providing great food is a key part of building a lasting and enjoyable memory of your stay.
We pride ourselves on providing a fresh cooked breakfast that will delight your palate and your eye. See our sample menu.
Sample Breakfast Menu
Granola or Bircher Muesli
Fresh Juices and French Press Wine Way Inn Blend Coffee
Fresh seasonal soft fruits or poached fruits in wine
Warm from the oven muffins, scones or pastries, for example:
Main course of the day, for example:
Click to Check on Room Availability
We do not like fine print but we do want to ensure there are no surprises for you or for us.
Calistoga Wine Way Inn
Hits Since 10/10/13
|B&B List Home | USA Map | California Bed and Breakfasts | Calistoga Wine Way Inn BnB


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By Miguel Maravilla
WBC, WBA middleweight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) of Mexico returns to the ring as he takes on WBA world super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding (27-1, 15 KOs) of England. Canelo will take on Fielding this Saturday night December 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City live on DAZN.
"I'm really motivated for this fight. It's not an easy fight, and I'm preparing for the best Rocky Fielding," Canelo Alvarez said on his upcoming fight with Fielding.
In challenging Fielding, Canelo will be moving up in weight to the 168-pound limit as he attempts to join the list of Mexicans to win three world titles in three weight divisions. Mexican greats like Julio Cesar Chavez, Erik "El Terrible" Morales, Marco Antonio "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Barrera and Jorge "El Travieso" Arce.
"It's very important to be on that list of about ten Mexicans to become three-division world champions, so very important to enter history," Canelo said. "This would put me in the top 10 List of Mexican world champions, so it's very important to win this title," Canelo added.
This will be Canelo's first fight in the Big Apple and at the famed "Mecca of Boxing." The famed arena which has hosted many great memorable fights including Ali Frazier 1. Some of the greats to step foot in the ring at Madison Square Garden include Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya, Gennady Golovkin and now Canelo.
"To fight in New York is another landmark in my career and is another important story in my career. I know great fighters have fought there, like Muhammad Ali, and to mention more fighters would be unnecessary. But to be the main event there at Madison Square Garden, and if I'm not mistaken, first Mexican there in a long time, it fills me with pride," Canelo commented.
Coming off a majority decision win over previously undefeated Gennady "GGG" Golovkin in a rematch, Alvarez handed Golovkin his first defeat in exchanging with the hard hitting champion and slugger in winning the WBC, WBA, & IBO titles.
"It was a good win for me and I'm all willing to make a third fight, if we made two, I'll make a third one," Canelo on Golovkin.
With that said, Canelo wrapped up his training camp in San Diego with his trainer Eddie Reynoso and co-trainer manager Jose "Chepo" Reynoso as Canelo prepares to move up to super middleweight and take on Fielding.
"This has been a good camp. I'm taking a risk by entering into a comfort zone of a champion and his weight, that's a risk, and that risk makes it even," Canelo said.
"We'll be moving up in weight, and when a boxer does that, he's basically experimenting. We know that we have a great fighter in front of us and that Canelo will be preparing well, so height won't be a problem to us. He'll adapt," Canelo's trainer Eddie Reynoso said.
His opponent Fielding stands tall at 6'1 and is obviously much more taller than Canelo along with his 75 inch reach.
"I know that he's taller," Canelo on the height difference. "You know, it doesn't worry me, the height difference. I'm a fighter who can adapt, and that's what I'll be doing when I fight him," Canelo on the height disadvantage.
Fielding is coming off a TKO over Tyron Zeuge in winning the WBA World super middleweight title. His only defeat came to current WBA champion Callum Smith back in 2015. Since his only defeat Fielding has won six straight fights coming into this bout with Canelo.
"He's a strong fighter. He's tall and he has a lot of reach, and he's also used to receiving punches," Canelo on Fielding.
Win or lose. Where does Canelo go from here after this fight? In moving up this fight to 168 pounds it's likely that Canelo is looking to add another title to his already impressive resume. With the more lucrative fights below at middleweight, a third fight with Golovkin would make more sense.
"Right now the goal, the objective, is to fight for this world title and win on December 15 and then go back to 160 points where I do best. If we'll be moving up and down those divisions, we didn't know, but right now our goal is to get the title to middleweight," Canelo said. "I can't go down further than 160 pounds. If that fight were to take place, it would have to be at 160 pounds," Canelo added.
One fight that Canelo would definitely like, is a rematch with Floyd Mayweather. Having suffered his only loss to Mayweather, Canelo dropped a majority decision back in 2013. Alvarez has also expressed interest in a potential rematch.
"I'm a more complete fighter now. I would be much more competitive. I have a lot more experience. I have improved a lot, so it would be different. After Mayweather, we've faced very good fighters. We fought Miguel Cotto, GGG twice. It will be different," Canelo said.
For now the focus and task will be on Fielding as Canelo looks to add another world title to his collection.
"I am preparing to make the best of it in this fight by any way, by any means necessary. I'm going to leave everything in the ring," Canelo concluded.
Follow Miguel on Twitter @MigMaravilla


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� The last time the Valenti Modified Racing Series competed at New Hampshire's Lee USA Speedway, it was for a rare Saturday afternoon event on Memorial Day weekend. First time that happened. When the checkered flag fell, Mike Douglas Jr. notched his first VMRS win. � The Douglas victory started a run of 'firsts' for [...]
The last time the Valenti Modified Racing Series competed at New Hampshire's Lee USA Speedway, it was for a rare Saturday afternoon event on Memorial Day weekend. First time that happened. When the checkered flag fell, Mike Douglas Jr. notched his first VMRS win.
The Douglas victory started a run of 'firsts' for the New Hampshire based series. It was also the first VMRS victory for Douglas' father, long-time owner/driver Mike Douglas of Auburn, New Hampshire.
Since then, veteran racer Russ Hersey of Swanzey, NH, captured his first series win at Claremont and car owner Warren Mordenti, owner of the Hersey mount, did the same earlier this month. �2015 Series Champion, Woody Pitkat, of Sturbridge, MA, won his first VMRS race of the year in the series first ever race contested at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, NH.
Another opportunity presents itself Friday night, July 21, for a first time winner to surface when the VMRS kicks off the second-half of their 2017 season at 'New Hampshire's Center of Speed.' Twin 50-lap features are on tap.
Eight out of the top-ten drivers in the series point standings, are hoping to add their name to a long list of first time winners, at the 3/8th mile oval, owned by New England Hall of Fame Promotor/Owner Red MacDonald and wife Judy.
Point leader Anthony Nocella, of Woburn, Mass, winner of three races to date, takes a 73-point lead into Lee but it's the competition behind him in the first half that has drawn attention.
Only 11-points separate Mike Willis Jr, of Grantham, NH, and second generation driver, Jeff Gallup, of Feeding Hills, MA, (2nd) place, with the �same amount (11) separating last years Rookie of the Year Colbey Fournier, of Berkley, MA, and 15-year old |Sammy Rameau, of Westminster, MA, for fourth.
A four-point gap separates Richmond, NH's Matt Mead from Donnie Lashua, Canaan, NH, and Rob Richardi, Taunton, MA.
Lee (USA) has long been labeled a tough track to win on but it's interesting to note the drivers that have found their way into the MRS records books with their first series win there.
The 'late' Jim Boniface won his first career series race at Lee in July 2004. A year later Jimmy Dolan scored his lone victory on Oktoberfest weekend.
Tony Ricci, who returned to competition at Claremont after several year's absence, and will be in the field Friday night driving the Czarnecki Brothers # 20 car, first visited the Lee/MRS winner's circle in 2006.
Louie Mechalides scored his first MRS win in 2007 at Lee, Eddie Dachenhausen did in 2008, and Jimmy Kuhn Jr. in 2009.
A field of 20-cars as of Tuesday, July 18, is expected to compete. Friday's program starts at 7:00 PM. Lee USA Speedway is located on �Route 125 Lee, NH.
Source: John Spence, Sr./VMRS PR
Note If your track, tour or event is not posted on this blog send your press releases and flyers to: email@example.com


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Janel Was Here
Monday, March 29, 2010
Quilt Top for the Church
I've only been to two church quilting meetings. They're very unstructured, you just bring your own toys and find a corner and do whatever. There's some fabric available, and I fell in love with this at the first meeting, but couldn't bear to actually take it out of the box and start cutting it up. I lacked math and bravery enough to match the amount of fabric that there was to a pattern and to a size. But after thinking about it for two months, the next time I went I brought the roses fabric home with me and just sliced it up into strips and assembled it as you see here. This was all the white roses fabric there was, but it was just enough!
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More yoga. Less waste.
Have you ever thought that the foundation of your yoga practice - your yoga mat - can contribute to the well-being of this World?
Choosing natural rubber yoga mats over PVC (plastic) yoga mats helps to reduce global plastic pollution. Natural rubber yoga mats are Environmentally friendly, perform longer and can support even the most intensive yoga practices.
Whether you are beginner or advanced yogi who is looking for the yoga mat which reflects your Mindful Lifestyle - we are confident that ZENAGOY Yoga mat will be your next favorite yoga mat!
Not many people know that our posture is the foundation for every movement that our body makes
Reminding of a slope (due to the incline) and having a prolonged tip that looks like a triangle, the OMigo meditation pillow / floor cushion is designed to support the lower part of the back by making you naturally sit in a healthy posture.


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Songs and Sparks: Praise and Glory Songbook and CD
Product Number: SN36973
In Stock (Ships within 1-2 business days)
Support faith in a simplified, yet captivating manner.
- Colorful, vivid depictions of faith, combined with the text of familiar hymns, are chosen to tap into memories through songs and reminiscing
- Lay-flat songbook contains words to a familiar hymn on one page and a corresponding symbolic image on the other
- CD includes piano accompaniment for each song
- Hymns include How Great Thou Art, Jesus Loves Me, Go Tell It On the Mountain, and more
- Also includes the Lord's Prayer
- Spiral bound
- 20 pages, 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.
- Copyright 2013
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#Silicon Valley
# silicon-valley - Friday 3 January, 2020
The government wants to make Dublin more like Boston, Barcelona and Paris
A new Trinity College campus site will serve as the centre of the 'Grand Canal Innovation District'.
# silicon-valley - Thursday 26 September, 2019
Meet the man who wants to bring Silicon Valley nous to the Irish startup scene
Returning home after working with Peter Thiel's Palantir, Eoin Hayes wants to help Irish startups grow.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 3 March, 2019
'Friend of Facebook' Enda Kenny offered to lobby on company's behalf while Taoiseach, says Observer article
The claims were contained in a Facebook memo published by The Observer.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 30 September, 2018
Elon Musk and Tesla fined €34.4 million, Musk to step down as chairman over fraud charges
The controversial founder of the electric car manufacturer will remain as chief executive however.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 22 July, 2018
Silicon Valley looks to Africa as a new tech frontier
Many African governments have given the tech titans an enthusiastic welcome.
# silicon-valley - Tuesday 3 April, 2018
Suspected gunwoman dead of self-inflicted wound after Youtube HQ shooting
Police have said at least four others have been injured in the shooting.
# silicon-valley - Tuesday 9 January, 2018
Engineer sues Google for allegedly discriminating against conservative white men
The complaint said some employees "were ostracised, belittled, and punished" for their views.
# silicon-valley - Thursday 2 November, 2017
Facebook confirms plans to create hundreds of jobs in Ireland next year
The announcement was made during Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's trip to Silicon Valley.
# silicon-valley - Friday 11 August, 2017
Google cancels meeting to discuss gender and diversity due to 'safety concerns'
Questions being posed internally by employees, along with some of their names, began appearing on outside websites.
# silicon-valley - Monday 10 July, 2017
Facebook wants to build its own town - This is what it will look like
The plan will include 15% of the housing units sold below market value.
Tottenham deny £1billion takeover from buyer backed by Facebook owner
Spurs have issued a response to speculation that a man associated with Mark Zuckerberg is interested in owning the club.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 9 July, 2017
Emails between Google and Uber show how the tech giants became enemies
Uber was suspicious that Google was going to launch a competing lift-sharing service.
# silicon-valley - Saturday 11 March, 2017
'There's talk of tech clusters in Ireland, but they're not deep enough. This isn't Silicon Valley'
One of Ireland's top VCs says our tech sector is still small compared to the likes of the US.
# silicon-valley - Wednesday 1 February, 2017
Irish tech executives say Trump's travel ban 'makes no sense morally or economically'
Stripe and Intercom are matching public donations made to the American Civil Liberties Union.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 22 January, 2017
'I knew nothing about the taxi industry and dipping my toes in there cost me dearly'
Eureka moments on Everest and hiring Sherpas has helped this businessman stay ahead.
# silicon-valley - Thursday 1 December, 2016
'Thousands of employees, very highly trained': Kenny pays tribute to Apple
The Taoiseach is on a three-day trip to the US, where he will meet business leaders including those from Apple and Facebook.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 7 August, 2016
Inside Area 404 - Facebook's heavy-duty tech lab that Zuckerberg isn't even allowed enter
It's where all Facebook's hardware prototypes are made.
# silicon-valley - Saturday 30 April, 2016
Ireland's youngest tech billionaires are going on primetime US television
Stripe's Patrick and John Collison will be on CBS 60 Minutes.
# silicon-valley - Monday 23 November, 2015
This is how young most staff are at the world's top tech companies
It's no place for the oldies in Silicon Valley.
# silicon-valley - Tuesday 22 September, 2015
Why Europe isn't creating any Googles or Facebooks
There's a massive gulf between the US and Europe when it comes to tech success stories.
# silicon-valley - Friday 4 September, 2015
The CEO of a billion-dollar startup who quit for his family is back working in Silicon Valley
Max Schireson made headlines with his decision last year – but he's making a comeback.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 30 August, 2015
A head of diversity is the new must-have position at tech companies
The spotlight and the magnifying glass have…
# silicon-valley - Monday 17 August, 2015
An Irish DIY startup just got the attention of Silicon Valley
BonzaQuote has won a place in a top startup programme.
# silicon-valley - Saturday 8 August, 2015
The most expensive homes for sale in Silicon Valley right now
Tech millionaires do alright for themselves.
# silicon-valley - Wednesday 5 August, 2015
One of the world's top tech companies is giving staff 'unlimited' parental leave
Netflix said it made the move to hold onto its best talent.
# silicon-valley - Tuesday 28 October, 2014
# silicon-valley - Friday 11 July, 2014
You're not watching Silicon Valley? Why the hell not?
Series comes to Sky Atlantic on July 16th.
# silicon-valley - Wednesday 4 June, 2014
Enda is jetting off to sunny California to woo investors and secure jobs
The Taoiseach will be visiting several companies in both San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
# silicon-valley - Wednesday 2 April, 2014
Aer Lingus targets tech companies with San Francisco route
The new route aims to bring Irish subsidiaries closer to Silicon Valley parent companies.
# silicon-valley - Saturday 29 March, 2014
Silicon Valley has a homelessness problem...and here are the photos to prove it
San Francisco landlords are using a legal loophole to evict longtime residents. They served 1,977 eviction notices in the past year.
# silicon-valley - Friday 14 March, 2014
'Well-known' billionaire buys record-breaking €144 million life insurance policy
The payout more than doubles the previous world record, sold in 1990.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 2 March, 2014
Want to live beside Zuckerberg? Here are 15 very expensive pads for sale nearby
Unsurprisingly, Palo Alto dominates the list.
# silicon-valley - Monday 9 September, 2013
# silicon-valley - Sunday 8 September, 2013
Photos: This is what it's like to be homeless in Silicon Valley
Despite being one of the richest areas in America, the number of homeless in Silicon Valley has risen by 7% over the past two years.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 31 March, 2013
Photos: One of the largest houses in America is up for sale for €29.5 million
Let's take a look around.
# silicon-valley - Thursday 21 March, 2013
Taoiseach visiting Silicon Valley, San Francisco and Seattle as US trip continues
The west coast trip is part of his St Patrick's Day programme.
# silicon-valley - Friday 8 March, 2013
VIDEO: How Google's offices looked back in 1999
Through the eyes of an 11-year-old boy.
# silicon-valley - Sunday 3 February, 2013
Sitdown Sunday: 7 deadly reads
The very best of the week's writing from around the web.
# silicon-valley - Wednesday 5 December, 2012
Fugitive McAfee seeks asylum in Guatemala
McAfee, 67, has been identified as a "person of interest" in the killing of his neighbour in Belize.
# silicon-valley - Saturday 5 May, 2012
Column: Why does a tech startup succeed? Here's the recipe…
Did you know the most promising startup founders in the US are from Limerick? John Gleeson looks at what we can learn from them.


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News Bilateral cooperation Embassy Consular Information
Eastern Partnership
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) is the first comprehensive initiative introduced into the system of the European Union's external relations, addressed to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The Eastern Partnership is designed to help the countries of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus with their approximation to and integration with the European Union. The EaP has injected a new quality into relations between the EU and the countries covered by the initiative through their gradual integration with the European Union.
The initiative was officially launched at the first Eastern Partnership summit in Prague on May 7 2009, which adopted a Joint Declaration. It marked the successful establishment of the Partnership as an integral component of European Union foreign policy.
The fulfillment of EaP objectives is meant to bring about genuine approximation of the partner countries to the EU and, in the future, may facilitate their full integration. The Eastern Partnership is governed by the principles of shared ownership, differentiation and conditionality. Basing on Union values, standards and norms, it advances cooperation in such spheres as human rights, market economy, sustainable development, good governance, energy security and many others. The Eastern Partnership also stimulates the development and strengthening of contacts between people and of scientific and cultural cooperation.
The primary goals of the Eastern Partnership include the attainment of political association, establishment of bilateral deep and comprehensive free trade areas between the EU and partner countries, gradual steps towards visa liberalization, leading to the introduction of a visa-free regime, and the establishment of a structure of multilateral cooperation in the form of four thematic platforms (devoted, respectively, to democracy, good governance and stability; economic integration and convergence with EU policies; energy security; and contacts between people).
An example of multilateral cooperation is an ongoing project on Integrated Border Management, with a budget of EUR 50 million. Preparatory work is progressing on a program of support for small and medium-sized enterprises - SME Facility (EUR 57 million for the years 2010-2013). The implementation of the program will start with the launching of a project codenamed East-Invest (EUR 7 million), designed to improve the investment climate in partner countries and create a network of business contacts between the EU and its Eastern partners. An initiative on Prevention of, Preparedness for and Response to natural and man-made disasters (EUR 6 million) is also under way. Plans are advanced for the launching of a program on Environmental Governance (EUR 1.8 million) and EaP Culture Programme (EUR 12 million). The autumn of 2009 saw the launching of The Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P), with a budget of EUR 1.5 billion.
In line with the commitments of the EaP founding summit, the European Investment Bank set up the Eastern Partners Facility, with funds totaling EUR 1.5 billion, earmarked for the financing of investments in EaP partner countries. This has supplemented the EIB's previous external mandate for investments in Eastern Europe (EUR 3.7 billion).
The Joint Declaration has opened the Eastern Partnership to participation by a wide range of actors. In addition to government institutions, they include parliaments, international organizations, local government bodies, financial institutions, the civil society and private sector. Third states will be eligible for participation on a case-by-case basis in concrete projects, activities and meetings of the thematic platforms, where this contributes to the objectives of the Eastern Partnership.
A number of international organizations have accepted the invitation to engage in EaP cooperation. The Council of Europe wants to be involved in EaP anticorruption programs and in undertakings to improve the functioning of judiciary systems. The OSCE is planning cooperation to raise human rights protection standards. The EBRD and the OECD are involved in a program of support for small and medium-sized enterprises in Eastern partner countries. There are plans for the engagement of other international organizations and third countries in these EaP initiatives.
NGOs in EU and partner countries have displayed animated interest in the EaP. In December 2009 Brussels hosted the first session of the Civil Society Forum of the EaP, with some 200 NGOs in attendance. The Forum appointed a Steering Committee, which coordinates the relevant activities of NGOs in the EU and partner countries. The Forum has the goal of stimulating cooperation between societies and enhancing the civic aspect of the EaP. Further meetings of the Forum are scheduled in Berlin in the autumn of 2010 and - during the Polish Presidency of the EU - in Poznań in the autumn of 2011.
On the bilateral level of the EaP, involving relations between the EU and the respective partner countries, efforts are being made to put in place association agreements and establish deep and comprehensive free trade areas. Works on an association agreement between the EU and Ukraine are close to conclusion. Negotiations on a similar agreement with Moldova as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia began in 2010.
Moves are also being made to bring about gradual visa liberalization, leading to visa-free travel. Cooperation in this regard is furthest advanced with Ukraine. Both sides have developed dialog on visa issues, seeking to create conditions for the introduction of a visa-free regime. Similar dialog started with Moldova in June 2010. Negotiations on a visa-facilitation agreement with Georgia were completed in 2009 (similar agreements are already in force in relations with Ukraine and Moldova). Meanwhile, talks are underway with Armenia and Azerbaijan on possible forms of collaboration in this sphere.
The elaboration and implementation of Comprehensive Institution Building Programs will provide practical support to partner countries. The Programs have the goal of bolstering those institutions in the partner countries that are crucial for the implementation of the association and free-trade agreements. Resources totaling EUR 173 million have been allocated to these programs and several EU Member States, including Poland, will provide assistance in their fulfillment. In May 2010 Moldova became the first EaP country to sign a memorandum of understanding with the European Commission, earmarking over EUR 40 million for implementation of CIB programme in Moldova.
The conference in Sopot was the first informal meeting of EaP foreign ministers organized together by Poland and the Spanish Presidency. On the first anniversary of the EaP, foreign ministers from 33 countries and the Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy focused on the practical implementation of the Partnership, including European Commission plans and actions, the financing principles, the calendar and methods of implementing the respective stages of the initiative, and the possibilities of participation by Member States and partner countries in designing and implementing activities and projects. The partner countries presented their expectations connected with the deepening of relations with the European Union and the realization of concrete programs and projects. A key topic, discussed at the meeting, was the establishment of a Group of Friends of the Eastern Partnership, an informal forum of cooperation with non-EU countries, interested in supporting Eastern Partnership goals.


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Sports News of Friday, 1 September 2017
Source: Ghana Crusader
The Black Stars will host the Red Devils at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a World Cup qualifier.
The West African giants have picked one point after two games and they need the three points badly following Uganda's 1-0 win over Egypt last Thursday.
That win by the Cranes has thrown the group wide, and ahead of the game, Palmer says the Black Stars will beat Congo massively.
"We will beat Congo massively, I'm very optimistic about it," Palmer told GTV Sports Plus.
"I will not give out the scoreline but we will beat Congo massively."


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Conservative Republicans Ally With Vaccine Skeptics
Elsewhere, The Washington Post factchecks some assertions that illegal immigration is to blame for the recent measles outbreak. And, new vaccine legislation is considered in California and other states.
The Associated Press:
Vaccine Skeptics Find Unexpected Allies In Conservative GOP
As vaccine skeptics fight laws that would force more parents to inoculate their kids, they are finding unexpected allies in conservative Republicans. Though the stereotype of a vaccine skeptic is a coastal, back-to-the-land type, it's generally been Democratic-controlled states that have tightened vaccination laws. This week, Democrats in two of those states — California, where a measles outbreak was traced to Disneyland, and Washington state — proposed eliminating laws that allow parents to opt out of vaccination for personal reasons. (Riccardi, 2/6)
The Washington Post's Fact Checker:
Is There A Link Between The Measles Outbreak And Illegal Immigration?
One of our colleagues noticed that virtually every Washington Post article concerning the measles outbreak is followed by comments that link the outbreak to illegal immigration. As it turned out, a number of prominent politicians have suggested that there might be a link — or that a link cannot be ruled out. (LePage did not mention measles, but suggested there could be in "uptick" in other diseases.) Our friends at PundiFact noted that Rush Limbaugh flat-out declared the outbreak was linked to "our immigration policy," earning the commentator a "Pants on Fire." But the politicians' statements were much more nuanced and careful. What kind of evidence do they have? (Kessler, 2/6)
The Hill:
California Bill Would Require Parents To Vaccinate Children
Five California state senators want to eliminate waivers that allow parents to opt their children out of vaccinations for personal or religious beliefs, arguing such a step could have prevented the state's recent measles outbreak. The lawmakers announced their bill late Wednesday, which would require all children to be vaccinated before attending public school, unless they have a medical condition that prevents it. Schools would also be required to make their vaccination rates public. (Ferris, 2/5)
The Associated Press:
A Look At Some Vaccine-Related Legislation In Several States
Several state legislatures are debating vaccine-related measures as dozens of people have fallen ill from a measles outbreak that started at Disneyland in December and spread beyond the theme park. Here is a look at some of the legislation around the country. (2/6)
And five infants in Chicago are infected with measles --
The Washington Post:
Five Infants In Chicago Area Diagnosed With Measles
Five infants in the Chicago area have been diagnosed with measles, a situation that highlights the dangers posed by the current measles outbreak, public health officials said Thursday. This is the second time this week that a measles case infecting an infant has potentially exposed other very young children to the virus. ... These situations point to the dangers posed by the current measles outbreak, which has largely centered on California and has sparked renewed focus on the people who do not vaccinate their children. (Officials say that so far, it does not appear that the Illinois cases are linked to the outbreak that began at Disneyland.) (Berman, 2/5)


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By Emily Davis
What do you think of when you hear the word 'engineer'? For many, the term conjures an image of activity, of working hard to build or change something. An ecosystem engineer is a living thing that dramatically changes its surrounding environment, influencing habitat for many other critters along the way. Beavers are a classic example of an ecosystem engineer. Their dam-building floods valleys, transforming running streams into deep, still ponds and wetlands, often creating lush oases in the middle of otherwise arid lands. River restoration practitioners applaud beavers because they save us a lot of work.
But what if a plant—a sedentary being— could be an engineer? The humble torrent sedge (Carex nudata), a water-loving plant native to many rivers in Oregon and California, may be just such an unsung hero. In the Middle Fork John Day River, the torrent sedge has been quietly changing its landscape just as much as any busy beaver, but without all the hustle and bustle and fanfare.
Since the 1990s, the Middle Fork has been the focus of enormous and complex restoration efforts to repair the damage done by previous logging, gold dredging, and cattle grazing. In 2001, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs acquired the Forrest and Oxbow Conservation Areas on the Middle Fork, and promptly built fences to exclude cows from the river. Simply as a result of removing cattle grazing from the riverbanks, torrent sedge exploded across the landscape. And when that happened, it didn't escape the notice of Dr. Patricia McDowell, from the University of Oregon's Department of Geography.
McDowell, a geomorphologist, had been working on the Middle Fork for awhile, and had her eye on torrent sedge the whole time. For years, she wondered about its potential role in restoration. When PhD student Matthew Goslin expressed an interest in torrent sedge, a long-awaited research project was finally able to begin.
"The first time I saw torrent sedge in the Middle Fork, I just thought it was an incredibly beautiful plant, and I wanted to learn more about it," says Goslin. "Lots of researchers focus on problems, on negative issues or what's going wrong. I was really drawn to the idea of learning about this plant that seemed to be doing positive things [in the river]."
Until recently, fluvial geomorphology—the study of rivers, their shape and how they change—focused on physical processes like the movement of water and sediment. Plants were more or less ignored as agents of change. But that line of thinking is beginning to change. These days, researchers acknowledge plants as playing a role in changing river shapes, flow, erosion and sedimentation in complex ways. Goslin's research aims to advance this idea that the plant-river relationship is reciprocal: that plants can alter the shape of the river just as the shape of the river can influence plant communities.
When it comes to standing up to the power of the river, torrent sedge is tough. The plants build small, impenetrable fortresses, called 'tussocks,' with their dense root systems. These root balls are so tenacious that McDowell and Goslin began imagining them as 'organic boulders.' These 'organic boulders' are immobile objects in the river that can withstand fast currents and redirect flows; but that also grow and reproduce, building islands as they do so. As a result, torrent sedge appears to be changing the shape of the river from a simple, single-thread channel to a complex multi-threaded channel, creating a rich diversity of habitat for fish and other creatures.
River restoration practitioners, like those working on the Oxbow Conservation Area, increasingly think of the unassuming torrent sedge as a positive contributor to the river landscape. Torrent sedge is now being transplanted into restoration projects, but with only a vague understanding of its potential function. Understanding how exactly it may change the river is essential for using it effectively in restoration work.
To do the very same channel-shaping work as this modest plant, human engineers require heavy machinery like excavators, hundreds of thousands of dollars, dozens of meetings, and detailed blueprints of how to reconfigure the river. But all the torrent sedge needs is time.
And, bonus feature: It does its work for free.
By Emily Davis
If you live on or near the Middle Fork John Day River (Middle Fork), you know that the amount of water in the river fluctuates widely throughout the year—from the roar of spring runoff to the quieter trickle of late summer. But did you know that measuring river flow is an important piece in the puzzle of salmon restoration? High flow measurements are key to understanding how restoration actions in the Middle Fork are affecting fish habitat, so being able to keep track of flow is important.
The North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC) routinely takes river and stream flow measurements in the Middle Fork. NFJDWC staff usually take these flows during times of the year when it's easy to wade in the river, such as the low-flow season of early fall. Because of the dangers of trying to wade the river when the water is high, the NFJDWC crew was unable to collect data during these times in the past. But why bother with taking flow measurements during high water, if we already have measurements during low water? Without these measurements year-round, we're only seeing part of the picture of what river scientists call the 'hydrograph', the story of what a river does over the course of a year. It's like putting together a quarter of a jigsaw puzzle and trying to infer what you might see on the rest of the puzzle, based on the corner you have in front of you.
Now, for the first time, the NFJDWC is able to get flow measurements during dangerous high-water events, and start putting together the rest of the puzzle. Using specialized equipment, and working with partners from the Bureau of Reclamation and the Malheur National Forest, NFJDWC staff successfully measured stream discharge this winter at flows that would have almost certainly knocked someone trying to use the traditional method right off their feet. The traditional method is simple: a researcher wades across the channel with a current velocity and depth meter, taking measurements every few feet. In the Middle Fork, at twenty cfs (cubic feet per second), the river slides lazily by and the water comes up to a researcher's ankles; at seventy cfs, it becomes difficult to stay on your feet; and at several hundred cfs even the hardiest hydrologist would avoid stepping foot in the channel.
The new method follows the same principles. It takes a little more time, but is much safer at high water. Flows are measured with a sounding reel from a bridge near the usual flow measurement site. A sounding reel is a specialized cable on a winch with a crank. Weights are put on the end of the cable to keep it steady in the current; the cable can then be lowered into the water to measure depth. A current velocity meter can also be attached to the cable and used to measure velocity from the safety of the bridge.
The additional high flow measurements create a more complete picture of year-round flow in the Middle Fork. By understanding the changes the river undergoes during all seasons, we can get one step closer to understanding how to improve watershed health and support thriving fish populations.
North Fork John Day Watershed Council, Bureau of Reclamation, and Malheur National Forest staff
using a sounding reel to measure high flows in the Middle Fork John Day River
Prairie City students learn about fish, habitat and conservation on the Middle Fork John Day River
By Emily Davis
On September 4th 2014, a giggly and squirmy group of twenty-five 2nd and 3rd grade students from Prairie City loaded into a school bus and made the journey over Dixie Summit into the Middle Fork John Day Basin. There, Jeff Neal at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Kristen Coles at Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs led the kids on a Tour de Middle Fork, including a fish ladder at Bates State Park, a fish screen and a pool of adult Chinook salmon on the Middle Fork Forrest Conservation Area (MFFCA) and the newly completed Phase 3 Tailings Restoration Project on the Oxbow Conservation Area (OCA).
"The kids loved being outside," said Coles. "They were really interested in the Chinook redds we saw when we walked down to the river. And of course they all wanted to play in the water and on the logs."
Neal told the kids that they were seeing the project from the beginning, and they could come back in ten years when they are teenagers and see how much bigger the plantings had grown and how much more the river would be shaded.
"In fifteen or twenty years, the management of the Middle Fork will be in the hands of these kids, so it's important that we give them the chance to build a connection to this place now," explained Emily Davis, current Monitoring Biologist for the Forrest and Oxbow Conservation Areas. "Even if they don't understand every detail of the science or the restoration project, we can help nurture their curiosity by letting them explore."
Researchers use low-cost techniques to produce high-resolution images of new river channel construction in the Oxbow Conservation Area
By Emily Davis
Aug 24, 2015
Researchers use low-cost techniques to produce high-resolution images of new river channel construction in the Oxbow Conservation Area
The Oxbow Conservation Area (OCA) on the Middle Fork John Day River (Middle Fork) has been the site of some ambitious and impressive river channel restoration projects in the last few years. The big question on everyone's mind is: How can we monitor our restoration projects to see what kind of change takes place over time, and hopefully connect that to changes we see in fish populations? And how can we do it effectively, without expending too much money or time? Researchers at the University of Oregon think they may have the answer to this riddle. Using a creative approach and a unique assortment of tools, scientists from the McDowell Geomorphology Lab are using a technique that, in just an afternoon, can collect more data than an army of students could collect in a whole summer.
Decades of gold dredging and other channel straightening activities made this reach of the Middle Fork an unfriendly place for fish. The channel reconstruction project on the OCA took a straight, relatively uniform stretch of river and turned it into a more natural meandering channel with more deep pools. The hope of the channel reconstruction project was to provide the nooks, crannies, and diversity of habitat types that fish—especially juvenile salmon— need to rest, feed, and hide from predators.
So how has the river channel changed since the project was implemented? To find out, UO graduate students working in the McDowell Lab attached an ordinary digital camera to a heli-kite flown over a portion of the reconstructed channel during the course of an afternoon. A heli-kite is a deceptively simple device: just a small helium balloon with two ropes attached and a place to attach the digital camera. It can be easily operated by two people. With one person standing on either side of the river channel, each holding a rope attached to the heli-kite, and the helium balloon holding the camera overhead in the middle, the crew then walks down the stretch of river they are interested in analyzing. As the camera passes overhead of the channel, it snaps a multitude of overlapping images, about one every second. The images are later analyzed using special computer software that matches up the overlapping photos, creating a digital image of the structure of the riverbed. In essence, the software creates a 3-D 'tour' of the channel shape using the photos. "It's analogous to what you might see if you went to a realtor's website and got a 3-D tour of the inside of a house for sale," says project leader Dr. Pat McDowell. "Just way more precise, of course."
What can an interested researcher do with this 3-D tour of the riverbed? For one, it allows restoration practitioners to more easily track how their projects are changing the physical landscape over time. Such monitoring has historically relied on very time-intensive field methods, requiring lots of personnel and money to complete. Initial results from 2014 (photo 3) show increased channel bed complexityextensive restoration project. More channel bed complexity could mean improved aquatic habitat for fish and other critters in the Middle Fork. The heli-kite method is unique and simple—and it means monitoring the success trajectory of restoration at the Oxbow Conservation Area and elsewhere on the Middle Fork could get a whole lot easier in the future.
One of the most popular methods to measure salmon numbers in a watershed is to monitor spawning adults and their redds (nests). Mature Chinook salmon return each year to the Middle Fork John Day River during May and June. They spend the summer months seeking cool water while holding in deep pools. When the weather starts to cool in September they begin spawning by digging redds and laying their eggs in the gravel. These redds are easily observed and are a common method to measure the abundance of spawning salmon. Each year Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) fish biologists walk the Middle Fork John Day River to count redds to estimate the number of spawning adults (for details, see Bare et al. 2014).
Redd counts for the 2014 spawning season were impressive. ODFW biologists estimated that > 500 redds were constructed within the Middle Fork IMW area during 2014. This is a 350% increase from 2013 counts and the highest on record since 2000. Redd counts throughout the John Day River basin were similarly high.
The detection of this high abundance of redds demonstrate the potential for salmon in the Middle Fork John Day River. However, our previous data has shown that high abundance of redds does not directly translate into more juvenile offspring, suggesting that the freshwater environment in the Middle Fork is limiting the potential for increasing the salmon population. Summer water temperatures in the Middle Fork have also killed many adult salmon in 2007 and 2013 resulting in very low redd counts for those years. The inability of the freshwater environment to produce more offspring despite high numbers of spawning adults and their deposited eggs is a central reason for continued restoration actions within the Middle Fork IMW.
LONG CREEK, OR. – The North Fork John Day Watershed Council's (NFJDWSC) intensive monitoring efforts on the Middle Fork of the John Day River have collected an invasive species, previously un-recorded in eastern Oregon or the John Day River system. The "European ear snail" was collected by NFJDWC Project Coordinator, Valeen Madden, on September 24, 2014 in a drift net during regular macroinvertebrate monitoring activities on the Middle Fork John Day River. The European ear snail was positively identified in the drift net sample by Rithron Laboratories of Missoula, MT.
European ear snails (Radix auricularia) are in the family of lymnaeid snails which are scrapers and gatherers. They are native to both Europe and Asia. The species generally grow to about 15 mm in height and 13 mm in width. The mantle has dark spots along its edge and 4 to 5 whorls in the shell. The snails generally prefer fresh water lakes and slow moving rivers. Ear snails feed on detritus, algae, and sand. Their common name is derived from the "ear" shaped shell in which they live.
The European ear snail is not considered a "noxious" species, only an invasive species. That indicates that the snail is exotic to North America, and it is increasing its population density, but it is not outcompeting or having any detrimental effect on native species in the lakes and rivers where it is found. The nearest prior discovery to the west was in Lake Billy Chinook in central Oregon and to the east in Idaho's Snake River and Owyhee drainages. Significant populations occur in southwestern Oregon.
The NFJDWC will seek additional funding to search upstream and downstream from the capture site to determine the level of prevalence of the population. Additional investigation by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Invasive species coordinator will seek to determine the source of the new species. Elaine Eisenbraun, Executive Director of the NFJDWSC, stated, "Rivers are such a dynamic element of our environment. It is important to keep an eye on the changes that take place naturally and as a result of human activity. Our staff is working diligently to gather relevant information about the health and constant changes in the waterways that we monitor. It is a tribute to the diligent work of our monitoring staff that their efforts revealed a critical change in the system biota."
For more information:
Elaine Eisenbraun, Executive Director
North Fork John Day Watershed Council
(cell) 541-620-2389
For more information about the European ear snail, visit:
Additional links about European ear snail discovery:
Since 2010 samples of insects living in the water (aquatic macroinvertebrates) have been collected at 15 locations in the Middle Fork John Day IMW by the North Fork John Day Watershed Council. Sample locations include sites that have had active restoration and locations that have not had any restoration activity. After collection, samples are sent to a lab where macroinvertebrates are identified and classified. Certain macroinvertebrates are only found in extremely healthy streams, while others are signs of poor water quality or disturbance. This data can be used to assess the "biotic integrity," or health, of the stream ecosystem.
In 2014, Washington State University Tri-Cities graduate student Robin Henderson began analyzing three years of macroinvertebrate data from the Middle Fork John Day River IMW and the South Fork John Day River. Robin tested different models of biotic integrity for accuracy in prediction and then used those results to assess if restoration has improved the health in the Middle Fork John Day River. Robin's initial analysis produced a highly accurate predictive model of biotic integrity. Her modeling results indicate macroinvertebrates respond to variables related to forest health and integrity, land use, habitat fragmentation and the riparian buffer zone, confirming that restoration activities implemented in the Middle Fork John Day river affect the biotic integrity of the watershed, at least in the short term. Supplementary data collection and additional analysis is needed to understand the longer term biological response.
Macroinvertebrate collection will continue for several years and Robin's model will be used again to determine if restoration activities have increased biotic integrity. Further research has also been proposed to characterize between-year variability of biotic integrity and to determine the regional climate drivers which may impact the biotic integrity of regional streams.
For more detailed information on Robin's research refer to the following resources…
Henderson, Robin M. Measuring the Biotic Integrity of Stream Ecosystems with Restoration. MS Thesis. Washington State University, Richland. 2014.
Henderson, Robin M. and James R. Pratt. Measuring the Biotic Integrity of Stream Ecosystems with Restoration. Washington State University Academic Showcase. 2014.
A total of 95 temperature data loggers were deployed in the Middle Fork John Day River IMW area in 2014. The North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC) (http://nfjdwc.org/) deploys and maintains 43 of the loggers and the remainder are deployed and maintained by various IMW partners, including the Warm Springs Tribe and The Nature Conservancy. All temperature logger data is shared with and managed by the NFJDWC.
Water temperature is measured every hour from approximately late April through November. The goal of collecting water temperature data is to identify tributaries that are water temperature limited and may be candidates for restoration activities.
In addition, the NFJDWC deploys 10 "level loggers" which, in addition to measuring temperature, measure water pressure above the logger. Water pressure measurements, coupled with flow measurements taken at each "level logger" site, and further analysis, allow the NFJDWC to identify how each tributary contributes to the river system in both volume and water quality/temperature.
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) is monitoring fish population metrics for wild summer steelhead and wild spring Chinook salmon to evaluate population level fish responses to restoration activities. As part of this monitoring juvenile steelhead and spring Chinook salmon are tagged using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags at various locations throughout the Middle Fork John Day Intensively Monitored Watershed (MFJD IMW). Among other applications, PIT tag detections are used in the MFJD IMW to estimate juvenile survival and productivity, and to detect adult returns (from fish that were tagged as juveniles). PIT-tagged fish can be detected in the MFJD at an array of antennas located near the mouth of Mosquito Creek.
This winter, ODFW brought the Middle Fork PIT-tag antennae array on-line through PTAGIS, a regional data storage/sharing system for PIT-tag associated data in the Columbia River Basin. By querying the PTAGIS website (http://www.ptagis.org/home) IMW investigators, other PIT-tagging programs in the Columbia River Basin, and interested public can view all detections at the Middle Fork PIT-tag array, referenced as detection site MJ1. Eleven adult steelhead and 28 adult spring Chinook were detected at the Middle Fork array during the 2013 spawning season.
The figure below is a map showing the location and arrangement of antenna at the Middle Fork John Day Array, as well as the location of two more antenna located in Bates State Park.
Oregon State University professor and IMW investigator, John Selker, and his students are using state-of-the-art temperature monitoring techniques on restoration properties in the Middle Fork John Day River. From August 1-8, 2013, a section of river on the Warm Springs Tribes' Oxbow Conservation Area was monitored using a large-scale DTS (distributed temperature sensing) installation. The DTS installation consisted of fiber optic cables placed in the thalweg (deepest part of the riverbed) through which high-resolution temperature data was recorded at precise temporal and spatial scales.
Preliminary results from DTS temperature monitoring on the Oxbow Conservation Area reveal an observable sustained drop in stream temperature downstream of the Granite Boulder Creek redirection and stream channel reconstruction restoration area. This temperature drop was apparent throughout the day, although it was most pronounced during peak midday stream temperatures
The following figure shows the change in watertemperature over time and distance for a section of the Middle Fork John Day River on the Oxbow Conservation Area.
IMW News Updates
June 2019


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Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Cluster Headaches in Marysville
Marysville chiropractor, Dr. Robert Clarke, understands just how frustrating headaches can be. In addition to being painful, headaches can also impair your ability to read and perform many other work and household-related tasks. Fortunately, the Blair upper cervical technique utilized in his practice is highly effective for relieving pain from many different types of headaches, including cluster headaches. Read on to learn more.
What Are Cluster Headaches?
According to the American Migraine Foundation, cluster headaches typically last anywhere from 15 to 180 minutes and occur in "clusters" of time ranging from every other day to several times per day during a 4-6 week period. This period is followed by a "remission" of symptoms for approximately 6-12 months.
Pain from cluster headaches is described as severe, often "like a hot poker in the eye." It seems to occur on one side of the head, and most commonly affects men between the ages of 20-40. Additional symptoms may include eyelid swelling or drooping, congestion, and restlessness.
How Does The Blair Upper Cervical Technique Help Relieve Headache Pain?
Research suggests that cluster headaches are related to dysfunction of the fifth cranial nerve, which exits the spine in the cervical region. This disruption is often caused or exacerbated by a misalignment in the first two bones of the spine, called the atlas and axis. Such misalignments (also known as vertebral subluxations) can lead to pressure and strain on the brain stem, cranial nerves, and other nearby tissue, which may contribute to cluster headache symptoms.
Since the Blair upper cervical technique focuses exclusively on realigning these bones, an upper cervical chiropractor is able to address the root of the problem by relieving pressure on the fifth cranial nerve and allowing the delicate nervous system to heal and resume normal function. The specific adjustment techniques used with the Blair protocol can help reduce the frequency and severity cluster headache symptoms, giving you much needed pain relief that can last long after an adjustment.
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Parent involvement in their child's education is encouraged. This may take many forms. All parents are members of the Parents and Friends and parents may elect to be part of the School Board.
On a day to day basis parents are welcome to assist in the classroom and come on excursions under the guidance of the teacher. If you are interested in pursuing either, please talk to your child's teacher.
Parents & Friends
All parents by virtue of their child's enrolment are members of the Parents and Friends (P&F). The P&F meets each month during school term time. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings and to be involved in all Parents and Friends activities whether they are of a social or fundraising nature.