Oregon program seeks wildfire-resistant landscapes
In an effort to increase wildfire resistance in Oregon’s forests, a state-funded program has treated more than 150,000 acres of land in recent years. About $11 million out of a total $20 million approved for the effort has been spent, helping fund projects near Sisters, Roseburg and Ashland with grants distributed by the Landscape Resiliency Program. The money helps pay for controlled burns, brush thinning and habitat restoration. “It’s not just about doing mitigation,” said Jenna Trentadue with the Oregon Department of Forestry, “but also resiliency on the landscape, so that if a fire were to come through, it would have the ability to recover quickly.” (Nathan Wilk, KLCC)
No northern giant hornets found in 2022 in Washington state
Bees in northwest Washington and nearby British Columbia apparently got a reprieve this summer and fall from the dangerous northern giant hornet. Officials say the hornets haven’t been seen this year, despite efforts to capture them. More than 1,000 northern giant hornet traps were set over the summer by Washington state residents and entomologists, with hopes of locating and destroying any nests. The hornets are considered invasive in North America for their ability to kill other bee and hornet species. Entomologists say the hornets will not be considered eradicated until Washington has gone three years with no detections. (Associated Press)
Washougal district to stock schools with opioid overdose meds
In an effort to combat youth opioid use, the Washougal School District and a local nonprofit have partnered to develop educational activities and preventative measures. In June, Margaret McCarthy with Unite! Washougal told the Washougal School Board, “This is a big problem, and big problems require big solutions.” In October, the board approved a policy that states the district will seek to obtain and maintain at least one set of opioid overdose reversal medication doses in each of its schools. Nurses have been trained on how to administer the medication, known as naloxone, and officials say other staff also will receive such training. (Doug Flanagan/Camas-Washougal Post Record)
Oregon lawmakers consider creating ‘water czar’ for high-level decisions
Oregon may have a new so-called water czar next year if lawmakers move forward with the concept. Officially called the Interagency Water Officer, the official would lead water planning efforts in the governor’s office and negotiate with federal agencies, state governments and tribes on water issues. Rep. Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, a proponent of the position, has said the czar and other concepts on water governance will be introduced next year in the Legislature. In recent years, Helm has increasingly focused on water scarcity, which he considers one of Oregon’s top five major issues. (Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press)
Central Oregon, especially in the Cascades, can expect snowy weather this weekend
No one is expecting snowmageddon, but the National Weather Service is forecasting significant snowfall in Central Oregon, especially in the Cascades, with the highest amounts expected Friday evening. The weather service issued several winter advisories Thursday, depending on elevation and location. In the Cascades, the forecast calls for 6 to 10 inches above 4,500 feet by Saturday afternoon, which could make crossing mountain passes difficult. The snowy conditions are expected to continue into Friday at lower elevations, and while the forecast is excellent news for skiers and snowboarders gearing up for the slopes at Mount Bachelor, the conditions could also complicate road conditions in Central Oregon. (Joe Siess, Bend Bulletin)
Oregon secretary of state wants more staff to handle elections complaints
Oregon’s secretary of state is asking lawmakers to fund more staff who are dedicated to investigating elections complaints. Shemia Fagan told members of the House Interim Committee on Rules that her office has received more than 300 complaints about potential election law violations this year alone. In many cases, complaints are filed against a candidate during campaign season but aren’t resolved until after the election, meaning voters can’t be sure whether or not the complaint has merit at the time they cast their ballot. Fagan said she plans to ask the Legislature during next year’s session to fund two more investigators with a goal of speeding up the process. (Chris M Lehman, KLCC)
