Oregon Beach News, Monday 8/12 – Oregon Commercial Fisheries Trending Up & 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

Monday, August 12, 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

Oregon Commercial Fisheries Trending Up

The value of Oregon commercial fishing harvest has varied considerably in recent years, driven by booms and busts in some of key fisheries. But the overall trend has been upward over the past 20 years.

That’s according to data from the Pacific Fisheries Information Network, compiled and analyzed in a new report by economist Shaun Barrick, who covers the north Oregon coast for the Oregon Employment Department.

Oregon’s commercial fishing harvest was worth $178 million last year. That’s up 31% from 2022 — an especially poor year due in part to a very late start to the crabbing season.

Commercial fishing is defined by such volatility, with terrific years sometimes followed by terrible ones.

Adjusting for inflation, though, Barrick’s data shows that over the past five years the value of Oregon’s fishing harvest has been at its highest level since the early 1990s.

That’s despite a steep decline in the number of commercial vessels. There were nearly 3,000 boats in Oregon waters during the ‘80s, but the numbers declined sharply the following decade and have remained relatively constant since then at around 1,000.

Oregon has about 1,200 people working in commercial fishing on an annual average basis, according to the employment department. Nearly half of those workers are fishing for ocean crab. Oregon’s commercial fishing industry has the equivalent of 1,200 full-time workers. A larger number work in the industry, but many are part time or seasonal.

The agency estimates the totals based on survey data because Oregon exempts most fishers from unemployment insurance, and that’s how the employment department calculates the workforce in other industries.

While the fishing sector is tiny on a statewide basis, Barrick notes that it feeds Oregon’s seafood processing industry, which employs nearly as many people as fishing does. And fishing is very meaningful in some communities — culturally and economically.

Lincoln County has the most fishers of any Oregon County, with a little more than 300 people working the boats each year. (SOURCE)

Pacific Northwest Tribes Fight to Get Money Meant To Help Them Adjust to Climate Change

 Coastal tribes in the Pacific Northwest experience some of the most severe effects of climate change — from rising seas to severe heat — but face an array of bureaucratic barriers to access government funds meant to help them adapt, a report released Monday found.

The tribes are leaders in combatting climate change in their region, but as they seek money for specific projects to address its repercussions, such as relocating a village threatened by rising waters, they often can’t provide the matching funds that many grants require or the necessary staff or struggle with stringent application requirements, according to the report by the Northwest Climate Resilience Collaborative. If they do get funding, it’s often a small amount that can only be used for very specific projects when this work is typically much more holistic, the report found.

“Trying to do projects by piecing together grants that all have different requirements and different strings attached, without staff capacity is a challenge,” Robert Knapp, environmental planning manager at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in northwest Washington, said in the report.

The collaborative, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, spent two years holding listening sessions with 13 tribes along the Pacific Coast of Oregon and Washington, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound. The communities face significant challenges from coastal flooding and erosion, rising stream temperatures, declining snowpack, severe heat events and increasing wildfire risk.

In addition to funding challenges, those interviewed also described not having enough staff to adequately respond to climate change as well as sometimes not being able to partner with state and local governments and universities in this work because of their remote locations. They also said it can be hard to explain the impact climate change is having to people who don’t live in their communities.

But as they work to restore salmon habitats affected by warming waters or move their homes, funding gaps and complications were key concerns.

A representative from one anonymous tribe in the report said it was not able to hire a grant writer and had to rely on its biology department to navigate the maze of funding applications. Another talked about depending on 15 separate funders just to build a marina.

“This is a time of historic state and federal investment in climate action, and tribal priorities really need to be considered when making decisions around how we’re going to be directing this investment,” said Meade Krosby, senior author of the report. “Hopefully this will help to inform how this work is being done, how these funds are being directed, so that they are actually responsive to the barriers that tribes are facing and helping to remove some of those barriers so the tribes can get the good work done.”

Most of the tribes included in the report had completed publicly available reports on the impacts of climate change, and some had developed detailed plans for relocation as rising waters threaten buildings, or even entire villages. READ MORE: https://www.newsbreak.com/the-associated-press-510077/3557946391407-pacific-northwest-tribes-are-battered-by-climate-change-but-fight-to-get-money-meant-to-help-them

High Speed Crash into Siletz Bay Park

On August 9^th 2024, members of the North Lincoln Fire Department, Lincoln City Police Department, and Pacific West Ambulance responded to the Taft area of Lincoln City on the report of two separate crashes several blocks apart, one involving a Corvette which possibly rolled over. After searching the area, the crashes were determined to be the same incident. 

Witnesses reported a red Corvette was traveling at a speed far in excess of the 30 mile-per-hour limit, swerved to avoid a vehicle while making a lane change, resulting in the Corvette striking a median, then a large rock in the median, traveling on two wheels, and crashing into the embankment of the busy Siletz Bay Park, luckily without hitting bystanders.  Witnesses also reported the driver of the Corvette exited his vehicle and concealed beer cans prior to emergency responders arriving and then got back in the driver’s seat.

The driver of the Corvette was transported to the Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. During the investigation police observed multiple indicators of intoxication on the driver and located the stashed beer can under the vehicle. The driver, 48-year-old Edrick Darell Dixon, of Lincoln City, threatened to assault police and hospital staff while at the hospital. He was cited for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.

We would like to remind the public that drugs such as alcohol impair the prefrontal cortex of the brain which controls functions such risk processing and decision making. These are very important for drivers when faced with unexpected events and deciding how to react safely. Luckily nobody was killed in this incident; however, the affects of impaired driving can devastate communities. Drive sober.

The Lincoln City Police Department plans to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Monday, August 26th, 2024, on Hwy 101 in the area between south 48^th Street and south 51^st Street.

The primary focus of this operation is to raise awareness of pedestrian safety in drivers. The use of a decoy pedestrian will allow the Lincoln City Police Department to educate and enforce pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association 3,373 pedestrians were struck and killed in the first half of 2023 along US roadways. The Lincoln City Police Department wants to keep doing its parts to reduce those tragedies.

LCPD last conducted a Pedestrian Safety Operation on July 9th, 2024. During that operation, ten citations were issued for violations of crosswalk laws (Failing to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk or Passing vehicle stopped at a crosswalk). 

Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians when approaching crosswalks while traveling through Lincoln City and ODOT has installed several safe pedestrian crossings, with lights and pedestrian refuges in the center of the roadway.  The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our roadways for all users.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through traffic safety grants provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Three Rivers Casino Resort Celebrated 20th Anniversary

Three Rivers Casino Resort celebrated 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)

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)

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

Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive

Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.

“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.

Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.

Oregon sets modern record for acres burned from wildfires

Wildfires in Oregon have burned more acres of land this year than any since reliable records began, according to data from the Northwest Interagency Center.

A total of 1,399 fires have burned 1.49 million acres or 2,200 square miles, surpassing the 2012 total of 1.2 million acres and the 2020 total of 1.14 million acres.

This year, humans have caused 976 fires that burned 900,103 acres while lightning has ignited 423 fires that burned 592,509 acres.

Gigantic grass fires on the east side of the state have defined this season, just as they did in 2012.

Much of the acres burned this season have come from megafires such as the Falls Fire (146,250 acres), Cow Valley Fire (133,490 acres), Lone Rock Fire (137,222 acres) and Battle Mountain Complex (181,941 acres).

In 2012, the Long Draw Fire, the largest fire in Oregon’s modern history, burned 557,000 acres. It was joined by the Holloway and Miller Homestead fires to combine for just under a million acres, all in southeast Oregon.

The most destructive wildfire year in Oregon’s history was 2020, when the Labor Day Fires fueled 1.14 million acres burned but destroyed 4,009 homes and killed nine people.

The largest forest fire of the modern era was the 500,000 acre Biscuit Fire, which burned in southwest Oregon in 2002. Forest fires tend to last longer and often have a greater impact overall.

The modern era is considered to have begun in 1992. There were plenty of large wildfires before that, but tracking total acres burned was difficult statewide, officials have said.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County

– On Saturday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Tiller Trail Fire in Douglas County. The fire sparked Saturday around 3 p.m. and is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 acres in size. The Oregon State Fire Marshal has activated its Green Incident Management Team and three structural task forces. 

On Saturday afternoon, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized a structural task force from the Rogue Valley through Immediate Response.

“Over the last few days, we saw several fires spark on the west side of the Cascades. The fire danger across Oregon is extremely concerning. We are bringing in the full force of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to help protect homes and critical infrastructure near the Tiller Trail Fire,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple Said. “Historically, August has been a challenging month in terms of wildfire, and this one is shaping up to be no different. I am calling on all Oregonians and visitors to do everything they can to prevent sparking another wildfire.” 

According to the Douglas County Sheriff, there are levels 1, 2, and 3 evacuation notices in place. Please follow the Douglas County Sheriff for the latest evacuation information.

The OSFM Green Team will be briefed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will be in unified command with an Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team. 

About the Emergency Conflagration Act
The Emergency Conflagration Act is invoked by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, allowing the state fire marshal to mobilize state resources to wildfires to protect life and property.

The conflagration act is invoked following ORS 476.510-476.610 when Governor Kotek determines threats to life, safety, and property exist because of the fire, and the threats exceed the capabilities of local firefighting personnel and equipment.

8/12 – Mon @ 7:30am #updateoregonfires202492 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON2 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss. Good job Firefighters #ActiveFires#lanecountyoregonareaupdates#lookupthefireCLICK HERE link below to see location of fires’shttps://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/CHECK YOUR EVACUATION RISK

CLICK the Wildfire Dashboard link below – click the map tab and then put in your address. #checkfirerisk#checkevacuation#oregonfires#LaneCountyFires#firesafety#evacuationzones#OregonFires2024WILDFIRE DASHBOARD https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

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/

Crater Lake National Park closes north entrance due to Middle Fork Fire

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed beginning Tuesday to allow firefighters on the Middle Fork Fire to prepare control lines along the road.

The move will likely slow entrance into the park, officials said, and will add extra time to the drive from the Willamette Valley. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.

Organizers of the 2024 Crater Lake Rim Runs say their concern for participants and heavy wildfire smoke caused cancellation of the event that was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024.

Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters, tout arrival of New Zealand fire crews

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, both Oregon Democrats, said they were working to improve catering at fire camps and make permanent firefighter pay increases at a news conference Friday.

“It’s pretty hard to fight fires if you can’t feed your firefighters,” Wyden said. He said the issue had been fixed.

In addition, Wyden touted the arrival of a fire crew from New Zealand to help on wildfire burning in Lane County, he said.

Hoyle said once Congress reconvened, she would push for a raise for firefighters, approved after the pandemic, to be made permanent. Hoyle stressed that fires in Oregon are likely to get worse before they get better.

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 – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon 8/12/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	1323 Acres	4 minutes 6 seconds ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	2576 Acres	6 minutes 43 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	3640 Acres	7 minutes 23 seconds ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	182858 Acres	25 minutes 26 seconds ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	21658 Acres	30 minutes 19 seconds ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	33 minutes 38 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	4929 Acres	43 minutes 44 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	8466 Acres	43 minutes 45 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	602 Acres	51 minutes 16 seconds ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	585 Acres	51 minutes 48 seconds ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18552 Acres	52 minutes 24 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	11875 Acres	54 minutes 22 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	1751 Acres	56 minutes 23 seconds ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	56 minutes 32 seconds ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	53989 Acres	1 hour 7 minutes ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	150941 Acres	1 hour 7 minutes ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1395 Acres	1 hour 40 minutes ago
Warner Peak – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	52650 Acres	2 hours 30 minutes ago
Warner Peak – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	52650 Acres	2 hours 30 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	4151 Acres	3 hours 5 minutes ago
Porcupine Fire – ORBUD	Wildfire	Oregon	6491 Acres	20 hours 17 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	82279 Acres	23 hours 36 minutes ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	1 day 21 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 days 12 hours ago
Winding Waters Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	752 Acres	3 days 23 hours ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	294265 Acres	4 days 22 hours ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	1 week 4 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. 

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.

UPDATE: Missing Medford Man Located Deceased by Sheriff’s Search & Rescue

JCSO Case 23-3573 RURAL EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) located a crashed vehicle and skeletal remains Tuesday, August 6, in steep, forested terrain on the side of Highway 140 outside of Eagle Point. On Thursday the remains were scientifically identified as Graham Case, of Medford, missing since June 22, 2023.

On Tuesday afternoon, SAR personnel responded to an unrelated call and were conducting a drone search in the area. This tip led SAR to search a broader area and ultimately find what appeared to be a crashed white Mercedes SUV in steep and densely forested terrain alongside Hwy 140. JCSO detectives responded to the scene, located human remains, and confirmed the vehicle as belonging to Case. A Central Point Police Department Medical Examiner arrived on scene and collected the remains with assistance from JCSO and SAR Tactical Rope Rescue Team personnel.

Our condolences go out to Graham Case’s family and friends. Thank you to the responding SAR volunteers, the Medford residents who provided Tuesday’s tip, Dr. Pearson from East Main Dental Center in Medford, and everyone over the past year who participated in the search.

Klamath County Major Crime Team Investigating Third Homicide Since End Of June

Another homicide investigation is underway in Klamath Falls following the shooting of an unknown victim Thursday morning.

A news release from Klamath Falls Police Department (KFPD) said there was a report of a shooting at 10:03 a.m. at 3201 Quarry St.

“KFPD responded to … a welfare check on the the resident after receiving a third-party report that the resident had been shot,” the release read. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the victim was deceased.

KFPD Captain Rob Reynolds said the victim has been identified as Timothy Allen Ayers, 72, who was the current resident of the home.

The Klamath County major crime team was activated for a homicide investigation.

As of Friday afternoon, no suspects have been identified. “We do have some people of interest,” Reynolds said. “But we are soliciting the community’s help. Any information to assist in this investigation is crucial.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Snyder at (541) 883-5336, or call the anonymous tip line at (541) 883-5334.

The shooting on Quarry Street is the third incident of suspected homicide since late June, following the murder of two teenage sisters earlier this summer.

It is also the fourth incident of a shooting that comes just one week after a man was shot near Klamath Union High School during a youth soccer camp on Aug. 1. Authorities are still searching for suspect Andrew Wyatt Gregory.

Oregon National Guard Unit Mobilization Ceremony Before Deployment To Middle East

About 230 members of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment, accompanied by many family and friends, were formally recognized during their mobilization ceremony held at Pacific University on Friday as they prepared for a year-long mobilization in the Middle East.

Prior to departing overseas, they will 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, the Oregon Military Department said.

After completing their training the service members 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 218th Field Artillery has an exceptionally rich unit history and lineage in which you now are part of,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard during his remarks to the soldiers and family members in attendance. “You will now be task organized as Task Force Defender, for the mission to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Remember the heavy responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders.”

As part of Task Force Defender, the Oregon Citizen-Soldiers will be conducting rocket, artillery, mortar and unmanned drone defense operations in the Middle East.

Winning Mega Millions Lottery Tickets Sold in Oregon

There were no tickets sold with all six numbers in the latest drawing of the multi-state Mega Millions lottery, pushing the estimated jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing to $435 million.

One ticket each with five numbers, but missing the Mega number, was sold in Oregon and Tennessee. They are each worth $1 million, lottery officials said.

The numbers drawn Friday were 12, 32, 38, 40, 57 and the Mega number was 21. The estimated jackpot was $405 million.

The Mega Millions game is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands. https://www.oregonlottery.org//

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. 

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