Oregon Beach News, Friday 8/30 – Tips for Labor Day Weekend, The US Department of the Interior Sets Date for Floating Wind Energy Lease Auction & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Friday, August 30, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

We’re not out of the woods yet – Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

With hot, dry conditions in the forecast & increased crowds for Labor Day weekend, Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

Labor Day Weekend — Don’t Forget Why We Celebrate Labor Day

Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements in the United States.

Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters.

But the history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law legislation creating a national Labor Day holiday in early September.

In the late 1800s, at the height of the Industrial Revolution in the United States, the average American worked 12-hour days and seven-day weeks in order to eke out a basic living. Despite restrictions in some states, children as young as 5 or 6 toiled in mills, factories and mines across the country, earning a fraction of their adult counterparts’ wages.

People of all ages, particularly the very poor and recent immigrants, often faced extremely unsafe working conditions, with insufficient access to fresh air, sanitary facilities and breaks.

As manufacturing increasingly supplanted agriculture as the wellspring of American employment, labor unions, which had first appeared in the late 18th century, grew more prominent and vocal. They began organizing strikes and rallies to protest poor conditions and compel employers to renegotiate hours and pay.

In the wake of this massive unrest and in an attempt to repair ties with American workers, Congress passed an act making Labor Day a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories. On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed it into law.

Labor Day is still celebrated in cities and towns across the United States with parades, picnics, barbecues, and other public gatherings. For many Americans, particularly children and young adults, it represents the end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

AAA says travel will be busy for Labor Day Weekend – Gas Prices Lowest in Three Years

Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.

AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.

American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.

Motorists are getting a break on gasoline compared with last year. The nationwide average was recently $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago, according to AAA.

GasBuddy predicts that national average for gas on Labor Day will be $3.27 a gallon, the cheapest for the holiday since 2021. Over the weekend, Americans could spend $750 million less on gas than they did last year.

Some AAA members said they are waiting until Friday or even Saturday morning before hitting the road. For Oregonians, the Oregon coast is the top destination, followed by Central Oregon, Las Vegas, Washington, and California. 85% of people are expected to head by car to their destination.

The Oregon Coast will probably be one of the most popular destinations. If you haven’t booked a room yet, Travel Oregon communications manager Allison Keeney said you’re probably too late.

“I would suggest calling hotels directly might be the best way to snag a last-minute hotel but preferably we’ve been telling people to plan ahead, plan ahead. So hopefully most people have done that already,” said Keeney.

Some people will head to central Oregon for the long weekend break, while others are heading south to see the sites like Crater Lake.

In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts.  — ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

Labor Day is also an especially deadly time because of drunk or impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies have announced extra patrols for DUIIs.

For more information on Oregon roads, check tripcheck.com

Important Information. US 101 is closed at MP 39 (4 miles north of Manzanita) for inspection of damage to a bridge in the Oswald West State Park area. ODOT advises that if you plan to travel between Seaside and Manzanita today and not the weekend, the nearest detour will be OR 53 and Hwy 26- please refer to www.TripCheck.com for updates.

Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue —  A beautiful weekend is in store for the long weekend ahead here at the coast.

Exercise patience with added traffic on the roads, wear a life jacket when enjoying water activities and wear sunscreen. We also would like to remind folks to follow the rules/restrictions still in place for burning. For recreational fires- check out our website for specific guidelines. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend! Www.nbfrd.org

Enhanced DUII Enforcement Planned For Labor Day Weekend – Lincoln City Police 

The Lincoln City Police Department will again be utilizing grant funds to step up their enforcement efforts against drunk driving over the Labor Day weekend. This additional enforcement effort is being conducted in conjunction with national crackdown efforts that are designed to curb drunken driving, decrease crashes, reduce injuries, and save lives. During the upcoming Labor Day weekend, law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out in force looking to remove drunk and impaired drivers from the roadways.  Lincoln City Police officers will be putting extra focus on seeking out drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths throughout the nation.

The Lincoln City Police Department last used these grant funds over the Christmas / New Year’s Holiday time period. During those enforcement operations, multiple traffic stops were conducted resulting in several citations and warnings for various traffic violations, and two drivers were arrested for DUII.  

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors. The DUII Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries caused by DUII crashes. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Florence Police Enforcement Campaigns

The city of Florence Police Department will be conducting a DUII Enforcement campaign.  Beginning this Friday and lasting through the 4^th of September local law enforcement along with partnering agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.  Additionally they will also be conducting another campaign on Monday August 19^th through September 1^st on the use of child restraints and safety belts in motor vehicles. 

The Oregon Department of Transportation has released data that show 37% of traffic fatalities were from the lack of seatbelt use or child restraint use. In 2021 data shows that the leading cause of death in children ages one through 12 were motor vehicle accidents.  1475 children in 2021 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes according to the data. These two campaigns are part of a national push that is funded federally.

If you aren’t traveling this weekend, there is plenty to do along the Oregon Coast!

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states–oregon/events–this-weekend/oregon-coast/?page=1

Events On The Coast – Find Events And Activities

Civil War Reenactors Prepare for Battle Over Labor Day Weekend at Clatsop County Fairgrounds

One of the Northwest’s largest Civil War reenactments is returning to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds over Labor Day weekend.

The event draws hundreds of reenactors each year from around the Northwest for live battles and demonstrations of artillery, cavalry, fashion and medicine from the 1860s.

Camps are open to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Battles are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Monday at 11 a.m. There will also be a Civil War-era church service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Fort Stevens State Park, which is home to a fort built during the Civil War to guard the Columbia River from potential Confederate and British attacks, hosted the annual reenactment for decades before it moved to the fairgrounds. Admission is $15 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. For more about the event, visit www.nwcwc.net.

The US Department of the Interior Sets Date for Floating Wind Energy Lease Auction

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has released the scheduled date for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.

The two areas have the potential to provide up to 3.1 GW of generation capacity and, if fully developed, could power approximately one million homes with clean energy, according to DOI. Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.

The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in Oregon, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, will be auctioned on 15 October 2024 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) Wind Energy Area offshore Oregon is located approximately 32 miles (approximately 55 kilometres) from shore and covers 61,203 acres (approx. 248 square kilometres).

The bigger Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567) Wind Energy Area spans 133,792 acres (approx. 541 square kilometres) and is located approximately 18 miles (approx. 29 kilometres) from shore. (READ MORE)

Coos Bay Library Events

The Coos Bay Library is kicking off fall with a plethora of events in September! Have you been to see the Native Innovations display? If not come and check it out. This is an interactive display that is interesting and fun for all ages and features some innovations by local tribes! This display will remain up until mid-September.

Did you know that Coos Bay is celebrating its 150th birthday? To help celebrate the library is hosting a scavenger hunt of current and historically famous places here in Coos Bay. Beginning September 6 and running until September 16, solve the clues and take a picture of yourself at each place to win a prize. Bonus prizes will be given to anyone who posts their pictures on social media and tags the Coos Bay Public Library.

Non-Profit Seminar in Florence

If you are on the board of a non-profit here in western Lane County there will be a one day seminar to learn about valuable tools and resources available and to interact with other community members.  The event will be at the Florence Event Center on Friday September 20^th. the sessions will total 4 ½ hours with a lunch and networking. 

Topics will cover effective board management, and a look at board governance plans and transitions.  Siuslaw residents will have a cost of $25.00 to attend.  This includes Florence, Dunes City, Mapleton, Swisshome, and Deadwood.  You can contact Siuslaw Vision as vision@siuslawvision.org for information and a discount code.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received information from the public regarding multiple scam calls.

Residents in on the Central Oregon Coast are receiving calls from subjects identifying themselves as active members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers are requesting money for a COVID small business loan. If you receive any calls from anyone identifying themselves as a police officer or Sheriff’s Deputy requesting money or anything of value please do not provide any financial information or resources.

Scammers have targeted other counties, including Lane County with similar techniques. Note the number, the name of the caller, and report the call to your local police agency. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office does not solicit donations or money over the phone or through the mail.

Rhododendron Theme Sought

The Florence Area Chamber of commerce has announced that they will be looking for the theme of the 2025 Rhododendron Festival.  Each year ideas are collected from the public with one person chosen for their creativity. 

The theme’s winner will receive a $100 prize for their submission.  Deadline for submissions is September 23^rd.

After the theme is chosen the chamber will then look to the public for a design of the 119^th annual rhododendron Festival Logo.  A form is available on the Florence Chamber website http://florencechamber.com

Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED and Adult Basic Education classes fall term 2024

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED® and Adult Basic Education classes fall term 2024. These classes prepare individuals to take the GED® exam and update skills to enroll in college or career training programs. Students enrolled in these classes can build a pipeline to enter college, training programs, and jobs in high-demand career areas.

We will have three options for GED® and Adult Basic Education classes next term:

1. MorningGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 9am-11am
2. AfternoonGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 12pm-2pm
3. EveningGED®Class – Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-8pm

All classes will be live and in person on the Coos Campus. The afternoon class will also be live and in person on the Curry Campus.

For students who cannot make it to either campus, classes are offered via Zoom during all three sessions. Fall term starts September 16th and ends November 27th.

To register for orientation and classes, go to https://swoccapce.org/ and click GET STARTED. For questions, please email Adult & Pre-College Education at apce@socc.edu or call 541-888-1593.

Missing Oregon Man’s Vehicle Found Abandoned On California Logging Road

The vehicle of a man reported missing out of Tillamook County, Oregon was found abandoned on a logging road in northern California earlier this week.

According to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Gregory Alan Russell was reported missing from the Tillamook County area on August 5. However police say the initial report indicates Russell drove away from his home on August 1, but wasn’t reported as missing until four days later.

Police later learned that Russell was seen at a casino in the North Bend area prior to traveling to California. He reportedly had contact with people he knew in Trinity County, however the sheriff’s office believes none of those individuals knew Russell had been reported missing.

On Tuesday, Russell’s vehicle was found parked on a logging road in the Deerlick Springs area, however Russell was not in the area. According to the sheriff’s office, “Russell has in the past had some peculiar behaviors in regards to his actions and it is believed that he wandered from the vehicle into the woods.” The following morning, search and rescue efforts began and are currently ongoing.

Russell is described as 5 foot 10 inches and 190 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. Anyone who has seen Russell or knows his whereabouts are asked to contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

 Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival held from September 7-8.

This beloved annual event invites kite enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages to experience the magic of kites soaring against the picturesque backdrop of the Oregon coast.

The Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival, known for its kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs, will take place at the D River State Recreation Site. The festival promises a weekend filled with breathtaking kite displays, professional kite flying demonstrations, delicious food vendors and hands-on activities including a kite making workshop.

“Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival is a cherished tradition that brings together our community and visitors for a weekend of joy and creativity,” said Stephanie Hull, event and outreach coordinator for Explore Lincoln City.

“This year’s event will also host international fliers coming in from Canada, Australia and Germany so it’s sure to be an extra-special weekend filled with vibrant colors and incredible kite displays.”

The Fall Kite Festival is a free event open to the public. While attendees are allowed to bring their own kite, they will need to be flown at locations away from the festival up or down the beach to allow the professional flyers to display their talents! The event is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends on a leash to enjoy the festivities.

Parking will be available at the Lincoln City Community Center and Lincoln City Outlets. A free shuttle service will operate continuously, transporting visitors between these locations and the festival site.

Event Schedule:

Saturday:

• 10:00 am: Announcements – Festival Opening Performance
• 10:00 am – 2 pm: FREE Kite Making Workshop. Donations to benefit Family Promise of Lincoln County.
• 10:00 am – 4 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
• 4:00 pm – Festival Closes

Sunday:

• 11:00 am – 11:20 am: Kite Flier Memorial 
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Mega Fly! Enjoy watching all the fliers on the field together!
• 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
• 4:00 pm – Festival Closes 

ALL DAY: Pixie Fest Carnival Games, proceeds going to Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City

ALL DAY: Walk through the Wind Gardens

ALL DAY: BIG show kites fill the Lincoln City festival sky with color!

ALL DAY: Art Kite Display

For more information on the festival, visit here.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

OHA 2024 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency shares list of monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The 24 beaches on the list that the OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, is publishing includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon. It also includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

The following are Oregon beaches being monitored during 2024, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.

OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. These criteria include: pollution hazards present; previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-673-0400.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Crater Lake to Temporarily Reopen North Entrance for Labor Day Travel

The North Entrance will briefly reopen from 7 a.m. on Saturday through Monday, Sept. 2. — and close again starting 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. 

“The date for reopening is not known at this time,” the National Park Service said. “All other park roads will remain open, except for construction closures on East Rim Drive.”

Afterwards, the only way to get into the park will be from the South and West Entrances on Highway 62, which are typically open year-round. Visitors can easily reach those entrances from Medford and Klamath Falls. 

Though, travelers coming from the north in Portland will have to take the longer scenic route through either Eugene to Highway 58 or through Bend to Highway 97.

The National Park Service closed the entrance to allow firefighters to prepare control lines for the Middle Fork Fire burning in the northwest corner of the park. As of Thursday morning, the fire is estimated to be around 5,280 acres and is 37% contained.

Firefighters from Australia, New Zealand, and the United States are joining forces in a collaborative effort to combat the Middle Fork Fire in Crater Lake National Park. This international teamwork brings together a diverse range of expertise and resources to address the complex challenges of the fire.

The combined experience and skills of these dedicated professionals are crucial in managing the incident, while safeguarding the park’s unique environment, and ensuring the safety of the visitors, park staff, and residents. Their coordinated efforts exemplify a strong commitment to effective fire management and global cooperation in the face of environmental incidents. Crater Lake National Park – South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMP

Oregon State Fair Runs Through September 2nd

185 Acres of Amazing Things to Explore!!! https://oregonstatefair.org/

If you missed out on pre-fair deals , there are still ways to save on specific days. — Admission on opening day is $5 courtesy of sponsor Mattress Firm. The $5 tickets can only be purchased that day at the gates and is a half-price or better deal on regular admission for children 6-12 ($10) and adults 13-64 ($12). Fair admission is $3 for seniors (65 or better) and free for children 5 and under.

“Share at the Fair Day” is Wednesday, Aug. 28, with $2 off admission when you donate two cans of food. The deal cannont be combined with any other offer. The National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of nearly 10,000 cans of beans. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the sculpture and donate the cans to Marion Polk Food Share.

Free admission for children ages 6-12 is Thursday, Aug. 29, saving families $10 a kid. Ages 5 and younger are free every day during the fair.

“Heroes Day” is Monday, Sept. 2, with free admission for military, first responders, teachers, health care workers and their families.

Free parking passes are available with purchase at Oregon Wilco stores through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. The limit is one per purchase, with no minimum dollar amount required. Wilco locations include Salem, Silverton and Stayton. MORE INFO: https://oregonstatefair.org and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oregonstatefair

Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly​.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 8/30/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	10 minutes 38 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2085 Acres	11 minutes 38 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4487 Acres	29 minutes 56 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5281 Acres	43 minutes 38 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11152 Acres	1 hour 17 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25267 Acres	10 hours 58 minutes ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13091 Acres	11 hours 36 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	14 hours 35 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5910 Acres	15 hours 36 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	755 Acres	21 hours 7 minutes ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	3 days 15 hours ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	6 days 20 hours ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	1 week ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	1 week ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	1 week 2 days ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	1 week 3 days ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18220 Acres	1 week 6 days ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest.  Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.

“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service.  He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position.  Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.

“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.”  — Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.

Oregon Farm Bureau — Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/

Oregon’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect This Weekend

“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.

The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.

“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.

Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.

Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.

“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”

The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)

The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts next week

The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources

Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state. 

Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession. 

Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time. 

The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court. 

So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show. 

The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment. 

The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services. 

In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found in Jackson County

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health Division have confirmed the identification of Aedes aegypti (Ae. Aegypti) mosquitoes in the county – the first time the mosquito species has been found in Oregon.

Jackson County Vector Control identified the Ae. aegypti mosquito as part of its routine mosquito surveillance, which monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus. Mosquito surveillance provides Jackson County Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent disease spread.

Adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes most likely originated in Africa. Since then, the species has been transported globally throughout tropical and subtropical regions, and parts of the temperate world, through global trade and shipping activities. Ae. aegypti cannot fly far, only about 500 feet. These mosquitoes prefer warm and wet weather, and to live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. Changes in climate are allowing Ae. aegypti mosquitoes to expand their range to the western United States. 

“Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever,” said Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., state public health veterinarian based at OHA’s Public Health Division.

These viruses spread to humans through the bite of an infected Ae. aegypti mosquito. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite and feed on someone who is infected with the virus. These mosquitos primarily feed in the daytime and prefer to feed on humans.

“The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” DeBess said. He added there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses from Ae. aegypti mosquitoes within Oregon.

John Mahan, M.D., chief medical officer of Jackson County Health & Human Services, said, “Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health are working closely with OHA and vector-borne disease specialists regarding control of these mosquitoes and risk-reduction approaches.”

Invasive Ae. aegypti mosquitoes need only a quarter inch of water to complete their life cycle. The key to preventing these mosquitoes from becoming an established vector in Jackson County will be to eliminate standing water, even small amounts, and moisture from yards and gardens. Common mosquito breeding sources include flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, rooted plants in water, containers/buckets, and pet water bowls.

“Many prevention methods that work for other types of mosquitoes apply to Aedes aegypti,” said Geoff Taylor, manager of Jackson County Vector Control.

Those methods include:

• Dumping or draining any standing water around the home.
• Removing containers or objects that can hold water from your yard, such as water saucers from under plants, old tires, tarps, buckets, containers, toys, and other equipment.
• Repairing leaky outdoor faucets.
• Keeping rain gutters cleared.
• Covering, screening, or removing rain barrels, trashcans, bins, buckets, or tubs.
• Wearing mosquito repellent outside. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some lemon eucalyptus, and para-menthane-diol products are most effective at preventing mosquito bites.
• Sleeping under a mosquito net when outside or in a room without screens.

“Discovery of Aedes aegypti underscores the importance of our mosquito trapping system,” DeBess said. “Tracking and monitoring the types of mosquitoes that exist in Oregon communities is critical. This, in turn, helps us identify potential public health implications and implement measures to reduce risk.”

For more information:

• Aedes aegypti, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/life-cycle-of-aedes-mosquitoes.html
• Potential range of Aedes mosquitoes, CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/php/toolkit/potential-range-of-aedes.html
• Aedes aegypti in California: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/pages/Aedes-aegypti-and-Aedes-albopictus-mosquitoes.aspx
• Jackson County Vector Control District: https://jcvcd.org/
• JCVCD’s Aedes aegypti page: https://jcvcd.org/mosquito/aedes-aegypti/

Oregon joins federal antitrust lawsuit over rental pricing software

The lawsuit, joined by eight states and Washington D.C., alleges that RealPage’s software helps landlords keep rental prices high, even in a down market

Oregon’s attorney general has joined other states, the District of Columbia and federal government in an antitrust lawsuit against a company selling property management software that recommends rental prices to landlords.

The lawsuit against Texas-based RealPage accused the company of gathering confidential rental data from more than 16 million units nationwide to create software that enables landlords to coordinate prices rather than compete. It said that RealPage has a monopoly in the rental management software, controlling at least 80% of that market.

“Its dominant position is protected by substantial data advantages due to its massive reservoir of ill-gotten competitively sensitive information from competing landlords,” the lawsuit said. “RealPage replaces competition with coordination. It substitutes unity for rivalry. It subverts competition and the competitive process. It does so openly and directly – and American renters are left paying the price.”

Filed Friday in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, the lawsuit comes at a time of soaring rents in Oregon, especially in the Portland area. Under normal market conditions, renters would benefit from competition among landlords, who would limit hikes when the economy is booming and reduce rents when the economy is tight to make housing more affordable, the lawsuit said. But it said RealPage’s software stymies competition, something that Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said was against the law. 

“RealPage’s use of its AI pricing algorithm effectively acts as a hub for property managers and landlords to share confidential, competitively sensitive information and to engage in a pricing alignment scheme to avoid competition,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “It undermines a fair rental market and constitutes a violation of Oregon and federal antitrust laws (the Sherman Act).”

Jennifer Bowcock, a RealPage spokesperson, said in a statement that the company would “vigorously” defend itself against the allegations. She said its revenue management software was built to be “legally compliant” and that the company had worked “constructively” with the Department of Justice for years and that in 2017, the agency had reviewed its software and not found anything objectionable.

“We believe the claims brought by DOJ are devoid of merit and will do nothing to make housing more affordable,” Bowcock said.

The lawsuit names areas in 24 states – Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington –  where at least 30% of property managers use RealPage’s software. In Oregon, they include 54,000 units in the Aloha-Beaverton area and in central Portland, where a one-bedroom, one-bath unit can cost more than $2,200 a month.

“Americans should not have to pay more in rent because a company has found a new way to scheme with landlords to break the law,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. 

Rosenblum added that housing is a major concern in Oregon, where rents have soared in recent years. 

“At a time when housing affordability is a top concern for Oregonians – and for countless Americans beyond our state’s borders – the issues of fairness and competition could not be more critical,” she said.

Besides Oregon, attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington joined the lawsuit.

The U.S. Department of Justice – joined by Oregon and other states – has also filed antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, and Meta, Facebook’s owner. In December, Google agreed to pay $700 million to resolve an antitrust suit involving its Play Store, and in March, the U.S. Department of Justice, Oregon and other states sued Apple, also claiming monopolistic behavior to stem competition. (SOURCE)

Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators’ objections

Kroger and Albertsons will defend their plan to merge – and try to overcome the U.S. government’s objections – in a federal court hearing scheduled to begin Monday in Oregon.

The two companies proposed what would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in October 2022. They say joining together would help them rein in costs and better compete with big rivals like Walmart and Costco.

But the Federal Trade Commission sued to try to block the deal, saying it would eliminate competition and raise grocery prices in a time of already high food price inflation. The commission also alleged that quality would suffer and workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer competed with each other.

The FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge. In a three-week hearing set to begin Monday, U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the injunction.

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side.

Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people. (SOURCE)

Oregon Consumer Nonprofit Rolls Out New Legal Services To Help Scam Victims

The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice is rolling out new legal services to help people who have fallen victim to illegal scams.

OCJ was established in 2015. Until now, it has been focused on changing public policy in the Oregon Legislature. Now it’s hiring attorneys and opening to the public.

“We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” OCJ Executive Director Jagjit Nagra explained.

“We’re also looking at debt,” he said. “Whether you’re talking about credit card debt, medical debt, or student loan debt – or you owe money to the government. And finally, we’re looking at insurance.”

Unlike most legal aid organizations, OCJ does not have income requirements. “Our doors are open to anyone and everyone,” Nagra said.

The nonprofit has two lawyers: a paralegal and a researcher. “So we have four people on our legal team,” said Nagra. “That legal team will be growing over the next year or two. I would venture to say maybe doubling in size.”

While that’s good news for struggling consumers, it is not expected to be enough to help everyone who contacts OCJ. “The need in the consumer space is so large that, quite frankly, even if I had 100 lawyers it would be nearly impossible,” Nagra said.

The nonprofit is funded by money that remains unclaimed in class action lawsuits, as well as donations. It recently published a free comic book to help consumers avoid some of the pitfalls involved in buying a used car. (SOURCE)

Oregon is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.

This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization.  House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse.  Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.

Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.

Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.

Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.

Missing Texas Woman Found in Klamath Falls

Morgan Guidry Arrest / Missing Person: Brenna Swindell located —- At approximately 12:32 a.m., patrol officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department had received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) alert regarding a vehicle flagged as stolen out of Texas in our area. The patrol officers searched the area and located the vehicle near South 6th St and Klamath Avenue. The officer continued to follow the vehicle and waited for an additional patrol unit before attempting to make a traffic stop.

While waiting for the additional unit, the officers were notified the vehicle was associated to Brenna K. Swindell, who is listed as a missing / endangered woman out of Travis County, Texas. They also learned she may be with her estranged boyfriend, 36 years old Morgan Guidry, who had a felony arrest warrant for family violence.

Once the additional patrol unit arrived to assist, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted and both Mr. Guidry and Ms. Swindell were located inside the vehicle. Mr. Guidry was taken into custody without further incident, transported to the Klamath County Jail, and lodged on the felony warrant out of Texas. Ms. Swindell was found unharmed and was able to call her parents in Texas to make travel arrangements to return to Texas.

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits – Deadline is 9/2/2024

(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.” 

Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht

Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”

Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams

Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents

You can use  Double Up  dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.

Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.

The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.

Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.

For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.

Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill

This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.

“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator.

If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing.

Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer.

To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com