Excessive Heat Warning & County Advice
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Excessive Heat Warning & County Advice

ByTom Atkinson

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY FAQ This weekend we are under an excessive heat warning, with temperatures projected to be over 100 degrees.  Please help spread the word about these cooling center options in the Eugene/Springfield area. Updates will be posted on the Lane County’s website. To address families and individuals who may need a place to…

Guide to insurance and debris removal cleanup costs
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Guide to insurance and debris removal cleanup costs

ByTom Atkinson

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com With debris removal work completed on more properties every day, the next question for many property owners is: do I need to pay for this, either directly or through my insurance?  The short answer is no, not up front. The State of Oregon is covering all up-front costs of debris removal cleanup. In…

Task Force Collaborations Helping Reopen Parks for Summer
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Task Force Collaborations Helping Reopen Parks for Summer

ByTom Atkinson

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com With pandemic-related travel restrictions beginning to lift and the summer vacation season officially underway, Oregonians are justifiably eager to get back to their favorite recreation spots. Travelers need to be prepared for changes to many of the state’s iconic scenic areas and waterways that were severely damaged by last year’s wildfires. While many…

Governor Announces Updates to County Risk Levels
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Governor Announces Updates to County Risk Levels

ByTom Atkinson

Source: Oregon.gov Polk County approved to move down to Lower Risk, Jefferson, Klamath, and Marion approved to move down to Moderate Risk Salem, OR—Final county movements announced this week Governor Kate Brown today announced updates to county risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. A complete…

Long Term Recovery Group Report / Findings from COAD
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Long Term Recovery Group Report / Findings from COAD

ByTom Atkinson

A team of grad students from the University of Oregon produced this report for our “COAD” – Community Organizations Active in Disaster – focusing on gaps and assets that showed up in the Holiday Farm Fire response. In some communities, LTRGs transition to a COAD structure once disaster recovery cases are closed. You can see…

O’Brien Memorial Temp. Library Opening Hours
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O’Brien Memorial Temp. Library Opening Hours

ByTom Atkinson

While the long and complex process of fundraising and scoping out the location for the new O’Brien Memorial Library continues, great progress has been made towards setting up a temporary library at the Upper McKenzie Community Center in Rainbow and we can now announce that they will officially open for business on July 5th!  The UMCC…

House Bill 2289 Passed by the State
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House Bill 2289 Passed by the State

ByTom Atkinson

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. APPLICABILITYThe bill is applicable to owners of properties on which structures or uses were destroyed or interrupted by the Holiday Farm Fire. Sections…

Saturday Market at McKenzie Bridge Offers Local Delights
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Saturday Market at McKenzie Bridge Offers Local Delights

ByTom Atkinson

The first McKenzie Treasures outdoor market was a great success, with vendors reporting good sales and interest from both locals and tourists. On a beautifully sunny Saturday, we took some time to check out the several stalls setup next to the McKenzie Station Pub (just across the road from the General Store and Obsidian Grill)…

OSU ‘After the Fire’ Webinar & Resources
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OSU ‘After the Fire’ Webinar & Resources

ByTom Atkinson

Over 700 people attended the After the fire webinar hosted by Oregon State University, Forestry & Natural Resources Extension’s Fire Programon June 16, 2021. If you were not able to join us, please watch the recording on our YouTube below: This webinar focused on factors authorities are using to determine when it is safe to return, what to…

Reopening park in Oregon town devastated by wildfire ‘is going to be a big milestone’
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Reopening park in Oregon town devastated by wildfire ‘is going to be a big milestone’

ByTom Atkinson

Source: NBC16.com BLUE RIVER, Ore. – 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. NBC-16 visited Blue River and interviewed Park Board member Alice Bonasio. “Blue River…