Two recent studies, created independently of each other, that examined the effects of wildfires in Oregon, Washington as well as other parts of the West, found that trees scorched by fire can continue to die for as long as five years after a wildfire.
Environment
Utility watchdog asks state to intervene on proposed double-digit electricity rate hikes
If the state’s two largest electric utilities get what they’ve asked for, their 1.5 million customers in Oregon could pay 40% more for electricity next year than they did just three years ago.
Climate change a growing public health threat in Oregon, but state adapting, report finds
More Oregonians are suffering from respiratory, heart and mental health issues caused by extreme weather events linked to climate change, and rural, elderly and minority communities are being hit the hardest, a new state report found.
Federal government acknowledges dams devastated Northwest tribes and fish stocks
The federal government this week acknowledged that the construction and operation of 11 hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers during the last century has had a devastating effect on eight Northwest tribes and more than a dozen native fish stocks, some of which have gone extinct.
Smoke in Coast Range is a controlled burn
There is a fire, but it’s of the tame rather than the wild variety. FGF&R said a 25 acre controlled burn off Highway 26 near milepost 35 was the cause of smoke in the region.
Birds found on the Oregon Coast coated in ‘tar-like substance’
A group of state and federal agencies are responding to reports of an unknown tar-like substance washing up along Oregon’s North Coast, extending southward to areas as far as the Salishan Spit, and also along Washington’s southern coast.
Plan to reduce logging, protect habitat in Oregon’s western state forests passes on split vote
The landmark Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan will move forward following a 4-3 vote from the state Board of Forestry on Thursday.
COLUMN | Protecting Floodplains on the Tualatin River
“Flooding is a normal part of our waterways,” writes TSWCD Education & Outreach Specialist Adriana Lovell. “When houses and things that are meant to stay dry are built too close to these seasonally wet places, trouble abounds.”
Washington County offers cash incentive for old wood stoves
Seven spots remained Monday morning for the county’s cash for woodstoves program.
Funding flows to fish passage restoration projects
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife to distribute almost $10 million to rebuild or remove culvert bridges and dams in Oregon.
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