Proposal would eliminate Oregon’s new beaver protections in exclusive farm zones
The Private Forest Accord, a compromise struck between timber and environmental groups, imposed new logging setbacks along streams and increased protections for beavers, among other provisions. However, new restrictions on killing beavers wouldn’t apply in Oregon’s exclusive farm use zones under proposed changes to a landmark timber management law passed last year. Critics say the new beaver control limits were inadvertently extended to some farmland when the agreement was incorporated into forestry statutes in 2022. (Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press)
Washington gets $9M from HUD to combat homelessness
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced on Feb. 1 that it would distribute $315 million to counties across the United States. As a part of that, Washington has received $9 million to address unsheltered and rural homelessness in the state. HUD said it awarded the grants based on the counties’ overall need, former performance in addressing homelessness, current shelter volume and care needs. (Mia Ryder-Marks/The Columbian)
Food bill would expand nutrition benefits to immigrant Oregonians
Oregon lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 610, called Food For All Oregonians, which would provide food assistance to some 62,000 Oregonians who are ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, due to their immigration status. The bill is backed by a coalition of more than 75 organizations across the state and sponsored by 17 lawmakers. “Everyone in Oregon should have access to food, no matter where they were born,” chief sponsor Sen. Wlnsvey Campos, D-Aloha, said during a Tuesday news conference. “This bill is one of the most significant opportunities this session to make concrete improvements to the lives of Oregonians.” (Shannon Sollitt/Salem Statesman Journal)
Clatsop County prepares to open new jail in Warrenton
The new Clatsop County Jail is due to open this month in what was a $27.7 million project that was financed by a $20 million bond measure passed by voters in 2018. The final piece the county was waiting on to complete the project was the delivery and implementation of an inmate communication system. The county is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the public at 1 p.m. on Friday to commemorate the completion. (Nicole Bales/The Astorian)
Putting Pendleton on Walmart walls
Flashes of color and pictures of familiar landmarks found a new place above shopping carts and entryway doors at the Pendleton Walmart. Eastern Oregon artist Markus Orman is painting two murals at the entrances to the store. The displays draw inspiration from significant locations in the city and acknowledge significant partners who collaborate with the store. “I’ve already completed one with key elements of Pendleton, and then the other one that I’m doing is more of a tribute to the police station, fire station and school district,” Orman said. (Beau Glynn/East Oregonian)
