On the heels of one of the worst wildfire seasons in state history, Sen. Jeff Golden (D-Ashland) is taking the lead this legislative session on assembling a comprehensive package to better prepare Oregon for wildfires and strengthening the collaboration needed to protect our state. “We know wildfires are growing more[Read More…]
Outdoors
Plan Now For Wildlife Habitat Improvements
If you’ve been thinking about making improvements in wildlife habitat on your property year, now’s the time to be planning for success. Even if you live in an urban or suburban area, there are little things you can do to make a big impact on helping your property become bird-[Read More…]
Oregon Fifth In Nation In Backyard Bird Count
Sightings for the Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 14-17 can be reported until March 1, but the preliminary numbers are outstanding. At least 7,931 of the world’s 11,000-plus species of birds were found in 253 countries and subregions. Birders submitted more than 284,000 eBird checklists, including more than 150,000 in[Read More…]
City ‘Scratches Surface’ Of Outdoor Burning Issue
An updated version of Chapter 8.10 of the Rogue River Municipal Code was handed out to members of the Rogue River City Council at its workshop session on Thurs., Feb. 6. That’s the city code’s chapter on open burning, which Mayor Pam VanArsdale said she would like to see the[Read More…]
Spend Some Time Near Trees This Week
Research shows that spending just 30 minutes a day near trees creates health benefits for people of all ages. Whether you do so on your own property or take a hike on public land, getting out in nature is good for you. Trees filter air, help provide fresh drinking water[Read More…]
February Is Earthquake And Tsunami Awareness Month
Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed February Tsunami and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon. In the past, Oregon has suffered considerable damage from moderate earthquake events–such as the 1993 Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes–and from a deadly tsunami that originated in Alaska in 1964. Scientific evidence indicates that the State[Read More…]
Oregon Ranked #2 In The Nation For Firewise Sites
With 298 Firewise USA sites in good standing, Oregon is again ranked number two in the nation for number of Firewise USA sites. In 2024, Oregon added 32 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities. Oregon is also honored to share the first Firewise USA site in the country that[Read More…]
Parking, Floodplain, Fire Map Issues
Tenants at rental homes or business spaces may be spared from paying a recommended $60 a month for parking if the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) allows the City of Rogue River an exemption on the concept of unbundled parking. “What it means, according to the DLCD,[Read More…]
Cash Rewards Doubled For Fishing Violation Tips
Last year, the Oregon Hunters Association awarded nearly $32,000 to reporting parties who gave information that led to a citation or arrest in cases involving fish and wildlife. Starting this year, OHA, the Coastal Conservation Association of Oregon, and the Association of Northwest Steelheaders have partnered to double rewards (to[Read More…]
Prevent Wildfire: Remember To Check Your Burn Piles
Due to the extended drying pattern we are experiencing and east winds forecasted for this weekend, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) encourages anyone who may have completed a debris or slash burn in the past few months to monitor and patrol the burn site. Embers can smolder beneath the[Read More…]