McKenzie CDC
Newsletter
June 2021
As we hit nine months since the wildfire there has been a lot of progress along the McKenzie River valley. The Post Office is back in Blue River, House Bill 2289 has been signed, loosening some planning restrictions for those rebuilding and new houses (or at least frames) are popping up all along the affected stretch of Highway 126. On top of that, hazard tree removal is progressing well and the recent wet weather and sunshine have resulted in a welcome greening up of the burn area. The first professional athletics meet is taking place at the McKenzie Community Track this week and the pandemic looks to be waning. However, there is still a lot of work to do and the McKenzie CDC is committed to helping the many that are still working hard to get back upriver and begin rebuilding their lives in any way we can.
Charitable grants and generous donations have enabled us to hire a dedicated Community Organizer to actively support survivors on the ground and a new Managing Director to oversee operations as we continue to work on many projects including supporting Oregon Senate Bills 745 & 405, which will offer communities along the valley a better chance to replace lost homes while at the same time laying down better infrastructure for future generations.
Your continued support will help us succeed as we work towards long-term recovery and support our community as we build back better. You can help us reach our goals by donating through the Big Yellow PayPal Donate button below or checks made payable to the McKenzie CDC can be mailed to PO Box 406, Walterville, OR 97489.
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News & Info.
New Holiday Farm Fire Permit Navigator Appointed to Help Survivors
Lane County’s Land Management Division has just announced that Marianne Nolte has been selected to fill Lane County’s new “Holiday Farm Fire Permit Navigator” position.
This is an important new function within the Land Management Division – and as the name implies the Permit Navigator position was created with the singular mission of assisting Holiday Farm Fire survivors as they navigate through the complexities of the permitting process.
House Bill 2289 Passed by the State
House Bill 2289 was passed by the State and became effective on June 11, 2021. It provides simplified planning and building processes for the rebuilding of nonresidential, accessory, and residential dwelling uses.
APPLICABILITY
The bill is applicable to owners of properties on which structures or uses were destroyed or interrupted by the Holiday Farm Fire. Sections of the bill are repealed on January 2, 2031.
Blue River Post Office Gets a Grand Reopening
Saturday Market at McKenzie Bridge Offers Local Delights
The first McKenzie Treasures outdoor market was a great success, with vendors reporting good sales and interest from both locals and tourists. Both of the market locations (at the pub and Iron Forest) have space for extra stalls, and they’re not charging local vendors a fee to set up shop. The idea is to boost the local economy and give everyone a chance to sell and promote their wares as we get back on our collective feet following the hardships of the pandemic and the Holiday Farm Fire.
Thank You to Melanie Stanley!
Melanie had long been known as the unofficial Mayor of Blue River, and although her own personal loss in the fire was huge – both the Meyer’s General Store which had been run by her mother Pat Stanley before her and her home, along with most of her possessions were entirely destroyed – she focused her energies on helping others. These ongoing efforts were recently recognized by the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG), who presented Melanie with the “Outstanding Citizen Award” for her work and contributions to the community.
our Recovery Partners
Temporary FEMA Trailers Coming to Rainbow
RAINBOW: Some area families should soon be able to return to living on the river again, after losing their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire last year. In an agreement between the Federal Emergency Agency and the US Basketball academy, 17 temporary trailers will be located on the eastern portion of the academy’s property. Published in McKenzie River Reflections.
Reopening Park ‘Is Going to be a Big Milestone’
The Holiday Farm Fire swept down the McKenzie River drainage and through town late last summer, driven by unusually fierce east winds. Blue River Park was lost to the flames along with much of the community. “Blue River was almost entirely destroyed, and the park was an example,” said Alice Bonsio, a member of the park board. “So to have this re-opening is going to be a big milestone. I think it will feel like coming home.” There’s an effort in progress to reopen the park soon, with plans for chainsaw artists to carve sculptures out of tree stumps – and a fundraiser for people to sponsor the sculptures and park benches.
Local & State Officials Visit Blue River
Subscribe to these Newsletters
Keep up to date on the McKenzie CDC’s work here in the valley and Subscribe to these monthly Newsletters by emailing us at mckenziecdc@gmail.com or getting in touch through our Contact Us page. A huge amount of work has been done by locals, volunteers, and organizations such as the Cascade Relief Team but to bring our beautiful valley back there remains much more to do. We would love to keep you up to date and involved so subscribe now and we will email you a fresh Newsletter every month!
Donate to Help Communities on the McKenzie Recover!
Help Us Help The McKenzie Valley
You can help us reach our recovery goals by donating through the big yellow PayPal Donate button above or mailing us at PO Box 406, Walterville, OR 97489. We hope you will continue with us on our journey to a rejuvenated and beautiful McKenzie, any support you offer is much appreciated!
