Oregon Beach News, Friday 8/9 – Three Rivers Casino Resort Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Wyden Town Hall in Florence Today & 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 9, 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.

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.”

Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe. 

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations. 

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.  

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

Three Rivers Casino Resort Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Three Rivers Casino Resort is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Established and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the casino thrives as an entertainment destination, significantly contributing to the local economy and charitable initiatives.

Since its opening, Three Rivers Casino Resort has remained dedicated to fostering community growth and well-being. As one of the largest employers in the region, the casino provides invaluable resources and employment opportunities.

“Three Rivers Casino is very welcoming and rewarding,” said Jesse Gardner, Director of Facilities, a 20-year employee and tribal member. “Everyone is given the opportunity to grow. My responsibilities have empowered me to become a better person and director daily.”

As part of its 20-year celebration, team members gathered for a roaring 20s celebration. “I feel like I have lifelong friends that are like family; this includes team members and guests,” said Teresa Spangler, Director of Guest Services. “Our goal is to create an environment you want to work in, and we have a lot of different areas for our team members to find their passion.” Spangler has worked with the casino since its inception and is also a member of the Confederated Tribes.

Over the last two decades, the Three Rivers Foundation has awarded millions of dollars to hundreds of non-profits in Western Oregon, including those in healthcare, education, food security and law enforcement. The foundation remains committed to its mission of community enrichment, economic growth and cultural preservation. (SOURCE)

Wyden to Host Town Hall in Florence Today

U.S. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is scheduled to hold a town hall at 10 a.m. Friday in the Florence Events Center.

Wyden typically holds an annual town hall in each Oregon county. “In the nearly 1,100 town halls I’ve held to date, I’ve gotten direct and productive feedback with ideas, questions and concerns that shape solutions we can work on together,” Wyden said in a press release.

The events center is located at 715 Quince St. in Florence. Doors opened at 9 a.m.

Oregon Invests $10 Million In Affordable Housing – Unveils Efficient ORCA Funding Process In Lincoln City and Portland

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is making strides in the struggle for affordable housing, committing $10 million to create 63 new homes within the Oregon Coast and Metro regions through an innovative funding process known as Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA). The streamlined system replaces the former Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA), allowing for more efficient and equitable access to financial resources for housing projects.

The first beneficiaries of this novel approach include Lighthouse Village Apartments in Lincoln City, and Shortstack Belmont Apartments in Portland, each set to receive an essential boost of attention and funding.

“Governor Kotek’s housing production goals are a call for action. ORCA is one way the agency is developing new ways of working to help get housing built more quickly,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell, as per the Oregon Housing and Community Services. The anticipated outcome is not merely a collection of structures but the inception of what is foreseen as a promising chapter in the narrative of affordable housing development in Oregon.

The ORCA system highlights a trio of pivotal stages: Impact Assessment, Financial Eligibility, and Commitment.

This structured, yet dynamic process ensures that projects that clear the final hurdle are ready to close financially within six months, marking a significant acceleration in the usually protracted process of housing development.

Pivotal in ORCA’s ethos is the focus on maximizing housing production resources, as well as actively supporting organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is a methodology that keeps tenant needs at the crux of building design and funding decisions. The system prizes not merely simplicity, it prizes clarity and flexibility, striving to adequately meet the variegated housing requirements of all Oregonians. (SOURCE)

LCSO Case #24-4217 – Sheriff’s Office arrests barricaded arson suspect near Florence

On the evening of August 6th, Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded with Oregon State Police to a Dispute in the 5000 block of S. Jetty Rd., Florence.

Once on scene, they learned Lindsey Abigail Williston, 39, had intentionally lit a vehicle on fire with a child inside. The child had been safely removed from the vehicle, but Williston went inside the residence with another child.

LCSO, OSP and Florence Police were able to rescue the second child through a window. Deputies attempted to de-escalate and negotiate with Williston, however she refused to comply. As deputies attempted to take her into custody, she responded by spraying a fire extinguisher at deputies and attempting to fight. Deputies were able to subdue and arrest Williston with the use of less lethal tools.

She was lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1st Degree, Reckless Burning, Reckless Endangering, Menacing, Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, and six counts of Harassment.

Road Construction in Newport

BEGINNING Aug. 6 at 7 p.m., the right northbound lane on US 101 between SW Alder St. and SW Hurbert St. will be closed on weekday evenings to allow for demolition and clean-up in City Center. The lane will reopen each morning at 6 a.m. Evening closures may take place for up to three weeks.

Detour signs will be placed in the area to continue to allow pedestrian access to businesses. Lane closures will only be during the daytime hours or on the weekends to allow for a normal flow of traffic during peak hours on US 101.

The City of Florence recently passed ordinances regulating the time place and manner in which people may “camp” overnight inside the city limits. The ordinance goes into effect soon and Police Chief John Pitcher said that from a law enforcement perspective, the ordinance gives clearer direction. 

“We are required to have an ordinance in place that establishes time, place and manner to be able to address sheltering,” he said. “With this ordinance we now have that and have a clearer course of action we can take with complaints. The ordinance addresses what is allowed and what is not allowed, which will help our officers. We have discussed the ordinance with the officers and given them a copy to review before it becomes effective.” READ MORE: https://www.thesiuslawnews.com/news/law-enforcement-and-homeless-camping/article_cf947722-4e0e-11ef-8d00-8367d5c90cd0.html

Coos County Sheriff’s Office  •••Person of Interest Sought in Connection to Homicide in Myrtle Point•••

On July 26, 2024, at about 1958 hours, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a residential fire located at 90845 Lampa Lane, Myrtle Point, Oregon. Coquille Fire Department and Deputies from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded. Upon arrival, a male who has tentatively been identified as 89 year old Frank Sherman Sr. was located inside the residence and transported to Bay Area Hospital for life threatening injuries. Based upon the circumstances surrounding the call, the Coos County Major Crime Team was called to investigate the incident.

On July 27, the male tentatively identified as Frank Sherman died of his injuries and the cause of death has been determined to be homicidal violence. As a result of the investigation, 32 year old Ian Edward Geer has been developed into a person of interest in this investigation.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying this person or, if this person is seeing this, please contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106.The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Ian Edward Geer as a person of interest in this case. If anyone knows his whereabouts he should not be contacted and may be armed. If Ian Geer is seen, or his whereabouts are otherwise known please contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at 541-396-2106. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

PSU Awarded Grant for Work Addressing Microplastic Pollution On The Oregon Coast

Portland State University (PSU) has been awarded $1,976,806 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge Award Program to lead an innovative and collaborative three-year project to address microplastic pollution on the Oregon coast.

The money will go to a collaborative three-year effort to reduce microplastic pollution with groups from a wide range of academic, community, municipal and tribal partners, and will focus on filtering microplastics primarily out of hotels, restaurants, and laundromats.

The project also includes a significant educational component, engaging middle and high school students in coastal communities to raise awareness about microplastic pollution and involve them in citizen science initiatives.

READ MORE: https://www.pdx.edu/news/psu-awarded-19m-noaa-grant-address-microplastic-pollution-coastal-communities

A popular state park on the central Oregon Coast is welcoming camping and day use visitors back, starting Thursday.

Beverly Beach State Park near Newport has been closed for nearly a year for repairs and construction. Crews moved overhead power lines underground for safety and to maintain electricity during high winds at the coast. The park also replaced its aging waterlines. You’ll notice fewer trees. Parks workers removed about 200 hazard trees for public safety.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning individuals with pets to stay away from carcasses that have ended up on beaches.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning individuals with pets to stay away from carcasses that have ended up on beaches.  According to ODFW several dogs have been sickened from salmon in the Newport area. They say that a parasitic flatworm that is often deadly to dogs is the culprit. 

Julie Burco an ODFW veterinarian says symptoms can begin to show 5-7 days after exposure and include vomiting and diarrhea.  She says the risk generally comes in late September, but can be found anytime a carcass is on the sand.  Keeping your dogs on a leash on the beach is the best way to ensure your pet does not come in contact with the parasite.

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

Siuslaw Library Summer Reading Program

City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) members, Vicki Philben, Ivy Medow and City Councilor Sally Wantz, as well as Master Recycler, Britte Kirsch, are partnering with Miss Gayle at the Siuslaw Public Library in this year’s Summer Reading Program. 

Using the “Read, Renew, Repeat” curriculum, these volunteers will be hosting 5 interactive events on such topics as bugs & bees, dirt, recycling, worms, and native plants.  Children of all ages are encouraged to attend these and all the other events from June through July.  All programs are free and held at the Florence location’s Bromley Room unless otherwise specified.  For more information, call the Siuslaw Library at 541-999-3132. 

Florence Food Share Empty Bowls 2024 Call for Artists for Poster Art

We are currently making plans for Florence Food Share’s annual Empty Bowls event, which has been a successful fundraiser for 29 years. Local artists contribute handmade ceramic, wood, and fused glass bowls along with other art for sale during the first weekend of December.

For over a decade, we have featured the work of a local artist on the poster advertising the event. The art created for the event serves as the focal point for the poster and is later raffled off at the event to generate extra revenue for the Florence Food Share. In return, the artist receives recognition in local and regional publications and a tax deduction, of course.

We are searching for artwork that conveys the message of the event and the mission of Florence Food Share, which is to provide nutritious food to those in need because “no one should go hungry.” We welcome any medium, as long as it can be photographed, and the original artwork can be donated to the event. We will handle the framing, with input from the artist.

To be considered for creating the poster art for 2024, please send us your concept, including the medium and a description of the proposed image. Additionally, attach a photo of one of your previous works to give us an idea of your style. Please email your submissions to Desiree Clifton at dclifton@windemere.com by August 25, 2024. The
completed, unframed artwork should be submitted no later than September 30, 2024.

We are grateful to all the artists who have participated in Empty Bowls over the years and eagerly anticipate the participation of new artists in this year’s event. For any questions regarding submitting artwork, please reach out via email to dclifton@windemere.com. Florence Food Share Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florencefood.share/?locale=ro_RO

Lincoln County Accepting Grant Funding Applications for Share Of $398,000 in ARPA Funds for Local Water and Sewer Projects

$398,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Ac (ARPA) are set to be distributed to eligible districts in Lincoln County to invest in local water, sewer and drainage projects.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021 and provided states, cities, and counties with federal money to support pandemic recovery efforts and economic stimulus. One allowed use for ARPA dollars is to support public water, sewer and drainage projects.

Lincoln County is accepting grant funding applications from local water, sewer and drainage districts in unincorporated Lincoln County for water and sewer projects. Eligible projects must meet the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) eligible funding requirements.

Districts must be in good standing with State of Oregon financial reporting requirements and show proof of complying with public meeting law requirements. The county has a total of $398,000 to provide for eligible projects from districts. Applications will be reviewed by a committee selected by Lincoln County to look at the financial stability of the organization, the engineering feasibility of the project, and if the project meets ARPA requirements.

The county is planning to use an open grant process to award the funds. Starting June 10 applications will open, they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualifying districts and projects; applications will close once all funds have been allocated.

The county says each eligible district can ask up to $50-thousand total. Projects can be stand-alone projects or a discrete portion of a larger project. Applications will be reviewed by county administrative, legal, and engineering staff to ensure projects meet American Rescue Plan Act, legal and technical requirements. All projects must adhere to federal procurement rules and Davis-Bacon Act requirements.

County officials say they will execute contracts with awarded districts before December 31, 2024. All work on the awarded projects must be completed by subrecipients before December 2026. To apply for the Local Water, Sewer and Drainage Districts’ Grant click here.

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

Oregon National Guard Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Middle East

SALEM, Ore. – A mobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment will be held at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon at 1:00 p.m., on August 9, 2024, as Soldiers prepare for a year-long mobilization. 

The unit will be mobilizing as part of Task Force DEFENDER, and will be conducting rocket, artillery, mortar and unmanned drone defense operations in the Middle East. Prior to departing overseas, they will first undergo training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to enhance their proficiencies on the equipment and systems that they will operate as the primary air defenders that American and Coalition partners rely on for force protection.

Upon completing their training, Task Force DEFENDER will be assigned to Iraq and Syria in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE, whose mission is to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements across the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

“The Oregon National Guard continues its legacy of simultaneously serving Oregonians with domestic operations here at home while also answering the call for federal mobilizations supporting the United States, said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon.  “This is what makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.”

Attendance for this event is reserved for service members, their families and invited guests.  The public can watch the ceremony via live streamed and can be viewed at:  www.pacificu.edu/mvs-218

It will also be live streamed on the 41st Infantry Division Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1658604261564488/

Firefighters injured in Single-vehicle Conflagration Response Accident

Press Release from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office via Marion County Fire District No. 1:

Today, while on the way to the Town Gulch Fire, a Type 6 apparatus from the Marion County Fire District #1 on the Clackamas County task force rolled over. Two firefighters sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for evaluation. An Oregon State Fire Marshal agency representative is with the firefighters and Marion County Fire District #1 Chief Kyle McMann is on the way to support. The cause of the rollover is under investigation. Our thoughts are with the injured firefighters.

The Town Gulch Fire, located east of Baker City, grew several thousand acres last night, threatening hundreds of homes. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act and the OSFM Blue Incident Management Team mobilized with four task forces.

Thank you to the those representing Marion County who are responding to help these communities in need. We remain committed to the safety of our personnel, both at home and when responding to help those threatened by wildfire throughout the state.

Oregon leaders call for federal aid for farmers and ranchers impacted by summer wildfires

A helicopter drops flame retardant on the Cow Valley Fire in eastern Oregon on July 12, 2024. (Matt Fisher of Umatilla Task Force/Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)

Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking federal relief for farmers and ranchers in two-thirds of Oregon counties impacted by wildfires and smoke this summer, with the potential to add more counties to the list.

Kotek first wrote to Tom Vilsack, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on July 31, asking for support for crop and livestock farmers who are grappling with the effects of dozens of fires that have burned more than 1.3 million acres this summer. In the days following, Oregon’s congressional delegation and Oregon House Republicans also wrote to Vilsack backing up the Democratic governor’s requests.

“Oregon is currently grappling with severe wildfires that have ravaged our communities, working lands and natural resources. The scale and intensity of these fires demand immediate federal intervention to aid in our state’s recovery efforts,” Oregon’s House Republicans wrote.

Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture did not respond to questions and requests for comment Tuesday.

In her letter, Kotek asked Vilsack for three things. First, to declare a disaster for 23 of Oregon’s 36 counties, allowing farmers and ranchers to apply for special USDA loans and financial assistance programs. Next, she asked for Vilsack to coordinate with the head of the U.S. Forest Service, Randy Moore, to authorize emergency leniency on federal grazing areas, allowing ranchers flexibility about where and when they can graze to accommodate disruptions from wildfires.

Matt McElligott, president of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, asked Kotek to further extend her request for aid to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the Bureau of Land Management. He asked that she request the agency open up any vacant or retired grazing permits so ranchers can move some of their cattle onto the public land. Kotek wrote to the agency’s leader, Deb Haaland, requesting assistance Tuesday.

“You know, there’s over a million acres that have burned, and much of it is rangeland. So those cattle that made it through the fire and got moved off have to have a place to go,” he said

McElligott said he spoke with a rancher who sold off most of his cattle due to the wildfires.

“When you lose all of your grazing ground, you’ve got to find other grazing ground or sell your cattle,” he said. “This isn’t just a right-now problem. When all of your grazing ground burns up, you have no fall feed, you have no winter feed, and you really don’t have any spring feed, because you have to let that grass regrow its roots.”

The last request from Kotek was for Vilsack and Moore to waive rules that require ranchers supply certified weed free hay and feed crops for their animals. Feed crops must still be weed free, according to Kotek’s letter, but waiving the requirement that the feed be certified weed-free will ensure animals are fed and that ranchers don’t turn instead to grazing them on forage that should be kept on the landscape.

“Our communities look to us for leadership and action in times of need,” Kotek wrote to Vilsack. “The timely review and approval of our request will provide critical support to the affected farmers and ranchers, helping them recover and rebuild.”

Counties seeking emergency declarations from wildfire: Baker, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler (SOURCE)

Most fires are human-caused and accidental. The most common fire causes we respond to are everyday activities that ODF regulates in the summer in an effort to cut down on these types of fire starts. Help prevent wildfires and Keep Oregon Green by following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires

– The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as the number of acres burned reaches 1.2 million.

At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. As many as 1,261 fires have burned across the state with more than 100 still active.  

Five megafires, fires that exceed 100,000 acres, are still burning in Eastern Oregon: The Battle Mountain Complex, Lone Rock, Durkee, Cow Valley and Falls fires. These megafires are now between 19% and 99% contained.

Residents in these communities have been deeply affected by the wildfires. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response to date with more than 8,000 still under some type of evacuation warning.  

The full scale of the loss will not be clear for a few months at least. Initial reports show that dozens of people have been injured, and there was at least one wildfire-related death. An air tanker pilot named James Bailey Maxwell, 74, who died in a crash while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire, north of Burns, on July 25, 2024. 

Initial reports show fires have destroyed as many as 28 homes and 73 structures. Much of the damage has been to grazing land and livestock, heavily impacting the ranching community in eastern Oregon.  

More than 10,000 people are involved in the response including 261 fire crews, 483 engines and 31 helicopters. Local and statewide emergency response departments and agencies are working around the clock to contain the remaining wildfires.

Several organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff have gathered a list and made it available at Wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Some resources include:

• The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau are collecting monetary donations.  
• Oregon State University is collecting monetary donations, pledges of any in-kind, and donations of hay, feed and transportation.  
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation supports firefighters on the frontlines who have been injured and families of those killed in the line of duty.

OEM and agency partners want to caution the public to beware of scams when donating, and only give to trusted organizations. Scammers often contact their possible victims by telephone, social media, email or in person so be suspicious of direct asks. Also, be cautious if the person asking for donations creates a sense of urgency and won’t let you think about it or donate later. If you want to donate money to support the wildfire recovery effort, it’s best to donate to the organization directly.

OEM has compiled a library of additional recovery resources with information from multiple agencies to help residents during and after of a fire. 

This library includes but is not limited to:

• Basic needs support: List of shelters, food pantries, replace SNAP benefits, medical equipment replacement and vital document replacement
• Stay informed: Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to stay tuned for updates and additional resources.
• Returning home: Assess damages to home, vehicles and property, report damages to local county emergency management office, file an insurance claim. Follow guidelines for safe cleanup because ash contains hazardous materials. How to avoid scams when rebuilding.
• Mental Health: Help is available 24/7 to anyone who is struggling or experiencing a crisis. Call 988 for support statewide or visit Lines for Life. AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
• Agriculture resources:  
  • OSU Extension Service’s list of resources for those impacted by wildfires in Oregon.
  • Livestock wildfire resources on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website.  
  • Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund Donations page.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality wildfire resource page.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs and Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance fact sheet.
  • USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool. 

For additional information about current wildfires, response and recovery, go to Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery. Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

---

It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.  

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

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	6 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	1447 Acres	1 minute 16 seconds ago
Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	5 minutes 7 seconds ago
Porcupine Fire – ORBUD	Wildfire	Oregon	6491 Acres	5 minutes 48 seconds ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	182766 Acres	8 minutes 6 seconds ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	12 minutes 9 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	15 minutes 45 seconds ago
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon		16 minutes 31 seconds ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	2221 Acres	17 minutes 10 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	4012 Acres	19 minutes 11 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	7629 Acres	19 minutes 12 seconds ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	32 minutes 27 seconds ago
Warner Peak – ORFWF	Wildfire	Oregon	22974 Acres	40 minutes 57 seconds ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	19251 Acres	44 minutes 30 seconds ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	15830 Acres	48 minutes 33 seconds ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	530 Acres	1 hour 10 minutes ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	53765 Acres	1 hour 25 minutes ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	147789 Acres	1 hour 26 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	79971 Acres	1 hour 27 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	3384 Acres	12 hours 12 minutes ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	385 Acres	13 hours 33 minutes ago
Winding Waters Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	752 Acres	22 hours 37 minutes ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	294265 Acres	1 day 21 hours ago
Adam Mountain – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	12645 Acres	3 days 13 hours ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	3 days 14 hours ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	1 week 1 day ago

Large Fires in Oregon 8/9/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

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. 

Klamath County Announces Grant Program to Help Farmers Battle Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Infestations

— Klamath County is facing a significant challenge as grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have wreaked havoc on crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. These pesky invaders are threatening the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem.

In response, the Oregon Legislature has acted by passing SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), along with a Temporary Administrative Order. These measures provide financial assistance for pest management efforts aimed at reducing the impact of these insects on agricultural crops. Klamath County has been granted $100,000 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help tackle the problem.

To distribute these funds, the County has set up a reimbursement grant program. A special grant committee has been formed, including representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. This committee will review applications from affected farmers and ranchers and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for these grants from August 15 to October 31, with the application window closing at 5:00 PM on October 31. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to review the applications and provide their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners who will make the final determinations for payment.

The application can be found online on the Klamath County Grants Website.

While the County recognizes that $100,000 won’t cover all the damage caused by these infestations, they are grateful to be able offer some help to those who need it most.

For more information, please contact the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-2264

As new school year looms, health officials urge measles vaccination

Highly effective MMR vaccine the best way to prevent highly infectious virus

PORTLAND, Ore. — With the start of the new school year around the corner – and as a measles outbreak continues in three Oregon counties – health officials are urging parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated against the highly infectious virus before classes begin.

A total of 25 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in Clackamas, Marion and Multnomah counties, all among unvaccinated individuals. Two people have been hospitalized, and there have been no deaths. Ten of the cases are 9 and younger; 10 cases are ages 10 to 19; and five cases are 20 and older.

Marion County has the most cases with 16, followed by Clackamas County with eight and Multnomah County with one.

Paul Cieslak, M.D., OHA medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations, joined Clackamas County Health Officer Sarah Present, M.D., for a media briefing this morning to give an update on the outbreak. A recording of the media briefing is available on OHA’s YouTube channel at this link.

Cieslak said state and county epidemiologists have seen several waves of measles cases since mid-June, “so now about two months of sustained transmission of measles.” It’s the largest measles outbreak the state has seen since 2019, when Oregon experienced 28 cases that were linked to a much larger outbreak in Clark County, Wash.

“Before 2019, you have to go all the way back to the early 1990s to see case counts this high,” Cieslak said. “The reason is we maintained very high vaccination rates and very high population levels of immunity. Unfortunately, we’ve seen an erosion in the percentage of people who are getting vaccinated against measles.”

Since about 2000, an increasing number of parents have chosen nonmedical exemptions from state school vaccination requirements for their children. Before that year, only about 1% of kindergarteners had vaccination exemptions; since then, the number has risen steadily, and during the 2023-2024 school year, the exemption rate reached 8.8%.

“In Clackamas County, as in other Oregon counties, pockets of unvaccinated people raise risk of infection in communities where they live,” Present said. “That’s why the counties reach out to every case that’s been identified and try to determine exactly where they’ve been while infectious.”

Someone with measles can spread the virus up to four days before the tell-tale rash appears, and their symptoms may be mild during that time. As a result, the counties and OHA have been sharing information about specific locations that cases are known to have visited, so “we can let members of the public know they may have been exposed to measles,” Present said.

She noted that since measles is so contagious, an estimated 95% of a population needs to have received two doses of measles vaccine to be able to protect the most vulnerable members of the community via community or “herd” immunity.

Getting the MMR vaccine can also help families avoid the burden of having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. According to state law, an unvaccinated person exposed to the virus must be excluded from school or child care during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. And this exclusion can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

“It’s really an important time to make sure students and their families are up to date on vaccinations as we go into the new school year,” Present explained.

Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.

OHA releases annual report on performance of Medicaid care networks

Coordinated care organizations (CCOs) continued to improve access to care for Oregon Health Plan members in 2023

Salem, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released the state’s 2023 annual report on the performance of coordinated care organizations (CCOs), local health networks that administer coverage to Oregon Health Plan (OHP / Medicaid) members. The report found that CCOs generally improved their performance in most categories statewide from 2022 to 2023.

Oregon is unique in providing Medicaid benefits through a coordinated care model, which is designed to deliver local and regional solutions to primary care. Through this design, CCOs receive monetary incentives in exchange for improving their performance on the quality measures outlined in the annual report.

The 2023 CCO performance report included the following findings:

• For children preparing for kindergarten, dental and oral health services rose above pre-pandemic rates. Dental and oral health services were some of the measures most negatively affected by the pandemic. After falling 27% in 2020, CCO statewide performance on preventive dental or oral health services for children ages 1-5 gradually improved each year.
• CCOs mostly improved on behavioral health care measures. Among behavioral health measures, CCOs improved most on age-appropriate screening for alcohol or other substance use, as well as depression screening and follow-up.
• Disruptions in care during the pandemic continued to affect immunization measures. Immunizations for children and adolescents largely held steady in 2023 and have not yet recovered from the pandemic. Evidence shows that vaccine hesitancy grew during the pandemic, which may have contributed to lower immunization rates.
• CCOs increased capacity to address social determinants of health (SDOH). In 2023, OHA’s CCO Quality Incentive Program launched a SDOH screening and referral measure, which aims to ensure that member’s social needs are acknowledged and addressed. CCO statewide performance also improved on the health equity measure related to meaningful language access, which tracks the percent of health care visits where a qualified and certified interpreter was provided. From 2022 to 2023, this percentage increased from 5.6% to 10.7%.

Last year, CCOs earned $326 million for meeting established performance metrics through the CCO Quality Incentive program.

Access the full report here.

The 47th annual Crater Lake Rim Runs are happening this weekend

Join us in the running of the 47th Annual Crater Lake Rim Runs and Marathon held in beautiful Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, on Saturday, August 10th, 2024 starting at 7:30am. Choose between runs of 6.7, 13.0 miles and The Marathon, or if you are a walker, the 6.7 mile walk. All courses are along the very rim of Majestic Crater Lake and are at altitudes ranging from 5,980 to 7,850 feet above sea level. Be challenged by rugged mountains and breathtaking views.

Runners will make their start at Watchman Overlook on West Rim Drive and run clockwise around Crater Lake on Saturday.

For anyone planning a visit to the park, this means there will be some disruptions to the normal flow of traffic until about 1:30 p.m. Due to road construction on East Rim Drive between Cloudcap Overlook and Phantom Ship Overlook, that section of the road will remain closed to all vehicles.

More information about the event can be found on the Crater Lake Rim Runs website.

Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls

SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls. 

In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.

The opportunity includes:

• Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen. 
• South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking. 
• The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings. 

OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.

Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026. 

The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge. 

Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.

Photos of the properties are available for download. 

Oregon lottery winner purchased $1 million ticket with dead mother-in-law’s credit card

Christina Goodenow’s millionaire prospects were tarnished after police learned she used her dead mother-in-law’s credit card to buy a $1 million ticket

An Oregon woman may be stripped of her $1 million lottery ticket after police discovered she allegedly used her dead-mother-in-law’s credit card to buy it.

White City resident Christina Goodenow, 38, may have purchased a winning ticket, but she allegedly did so through illegal means—stealing her deceased relative’s credit card. The winner now faces multiple theft charges along with forgery and possession of methamphetamines, said Oregon law enforcement officials who conducted a search of her home Thursday.

“I’ll be fascinated to see how this shakes out,” Lottery spokesman Chuck Baumann said. “In my 12 years with the Oregon Lottery, this is the first time I’ve encountered something like this.” The suspect is said to have bought the winning ticket Oct. 9 using a credit card that once belonged to her late mother-in-law who died more than a year ago.

The woman traveled to Oregon Lottery headquarters in Salem a few days later on Oct. 12 to accept the prize, opting for the reoccurring payments of $33,500. This was projected to pay out the $1 million grand prize over the course of 20 years. Investigators began their probe in Goodenow’s finances once they learned she’d allegedly used the stolen credit card to buy several other items beside the ticket.

On Thursday, police were said to have found methamphetamine inside the woman’s home but very little money, George said. “Our investigation is still trying to determine what happened to the $33,500,” George said.

If convicted of the charges, Goodenow’s lottery win becomes null and void, police Lt. Tim George said. State lottery officials did not divulge further details because the investigation is ongoing. (SOURCE)

Wyden, Jayapal Support Effort to Block Kroger-Albertsons Merger

Washington, DC  – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) are leading more than 25 Members of Congress in filing an amicus brief urging the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon to grant the Federal Trade Commission’s request for a preliminary injunction in the Kroger-Albertson’s merger case. The brief outlines three major concerns with the merger: harm to consumers, harm to workers, and the growing consolidation of grocery chains leading to monopolistic practices.

“A Kroger and Albertsons merger will mean higher prices and an even tougher time finding a pharmacy,” said Wyden, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. “Every measure should be taken to ensure Oregonians can still fill their prescriptions and put food on the table. Blocking this merger would give mom-and-pop shops a strong line of defense against corporate giants—all while protecting our rural communities.”

“In Washington State alone, 124 grocery stores will be sold off if this merger goes through – including nearly 70 in the greater Seattle area,” said Jayapal, a Member of the House Antitrust Subcommittee. “There are many questions about what this merger could mean for store closures, or their quality if they remain. There is no doubt that this merger would mean fewer options, and it will likely lead to higher prices, more food deserts, and layoffs of hardworking, union employees. Greater competition, not increased consolidation is better for our economy, consumers, and workers.”

The FTC’s current challenge to the Kroger-Albertson’s merger, which threatens 617 stores nationwide, charges that the proposed deal will eliminate competition, leading to higher prices and lower quality products at stores. These negative impacts were seen in 2015 when Albertsons merged with Safeway resulting in store closures and higher consumer costs. 

A potential Kroger-Albertson’s merger would also limit employment competition, reducing workers’ ability to negotiate higher wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions. For that reason, the FTC has focused this case on the likely harm to nearly 100,000 unionized grocery workers. Federal legislation protects workers from mergers that negatively impact employment, especially for unionized workers. 

Finally, the merger is part of a larger trend toward consolidation in the supermarket industry. The U.S. has one-third fewer grocery stores than 25 years ago. Aside from the direct threats this poses to consumers and workers, it gives large grocery chains monopoly power to disadvantage smaller, independent grocers and farms. 

This case is being heard by the Federal District Court for the District of Oregon where the FTC has requested a preliminary injunction. 

The brief was also signed by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-01),  Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Cori Bush (MO-01), Greg Casar (TX-35), Jesus G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Summer Lee (PA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Mary Sattler Peltola (AK-At Large),  Katherine Porter (CA-47), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam B. Schiff (CA-30), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05) and Senators Maria Cantwell (WA), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Elizabeth Warren (MA). —— The full brief can be read here.

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits

(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

Campfires temporarily banned at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions, nearby wildfires

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state. 

Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.

“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.

Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages. 

OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:

• Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
• Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
• Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions

For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx. 

For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

Campfires prohibited across BLM’s Northwest Oregon District

– Starting July 23, campfires will be prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as hotter, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to fires and campfires, the stronger restrictions also prohibit smoking in vegetated areas; using vehicles in unmanaged vegetated areas; operating a chainsaw; welding, cutting or grinding; or using an internal combustion engine without a spark arrestor. These prohibitions will stay in effect until rescinded.

These level II fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. They build on the BLM’s statewide fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns, which went effect May 24.

Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com