Rebuilding & Reimagining a Community Space
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Rebuilding & Reimagining a Community Space

ByTom Atkinson

**Please note: At this time, the park remains indefinitely closed** However, significant progress has been made in this complex process. For many months the Blue River Park Board has been liaising with multiple agencies to save as many trees as possible while working towards making the park safe again and ensuring we have the best…

Help Needed to Clean-up the Track This Weekend!
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Help Needed to Clean-up the Track This Weekend!

ByTom Atkinson

McKENZIE COMMUNITY TRACK SPRING CLEAN-UP – SAT. MAY 15 @9am The McKenzie Community Track and Field in Blue River is making an appeal for people power to help with a spring clean-up!  The track was fortunate and received only minimal damage during the wildfire. Valiant efforts by firefighters spared the AMJ Building and several lives were…

Get Involved – House Special Committee On Wildfire Recovery – May 21st
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Get Involved – House Special Committee On Wildfire Recovery – May 21st

ByTom Atkinson

We hope you took the opportunity to get your voices heard at the last Public Hearing on May 7th which covered Senate Bill 745 & Blue River’s ability to form a Sanitary District. The next chance for McKenzie River residents to participate in the House Special Committee On Wildfire Recovery is May 21st at 10am….

Deadline to Rebuild Non-Conforming Use Structures Extended to Sept. 25, 2025!
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Deadline to Rebuild Non-Conforming Use Structures Extended to Sept. 25, 2025!

ByTom Atkinson

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org We have an important update regarding NON-CONFORMING USE properties/structures. Senate Bill 405 has been approved by the Oregon Legislature and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.  The bill extends the deadline to rebuild non-conforming use structures to Sept. 25, 2025. State law had previously only allowed 12 months for property owners to rebuild….

Virtual Q&A Sessions with Lane County Land Management
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Virtual Q&A Sessions with Lane County Land Management

ByTom Atkinson

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org We have two upcoming virtual Q&A sessions with Lane County Land Management. We will be able provide information and answer questions about the land use and building permit process for Holiday Farm Fire survivors. SESSION 1 WHEN: Wednesday, May 12, 6:00-7:30 PM WHERE: Online – you must register in advance REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2868653739440229643 SESSION 2…

Recovery At A Glance – Lane County Apr. 2021
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Recovery At A Glance – Lane County Apr. 2021

ByTom Atkinson

Source: FEMA–DR 4562-OR–Fact Sheet #149 | Apr. 28, 2021 (As of Apr. 26, 2021, unless otherwise noted) 386 individuals and households have been approved for more than $2.5 million in federal grants through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. More than $6.4 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 53…

Senator Merkley: Wildfire Damage Rapid Relief Program
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Senator Merkley: Wildfire Damage Rapid Relief Program

ByTom Atkinson

It’s been almost eight months since last year’s unprecedented wildfires broke out over Labor Day weekend — claiming nine lives, leveling entire communities, and costing families their homes and livelihoods. While we’ve made a lot of progress in helping to rebuild and recover, much work remains to be done to help Oregonians affected by these…

Hazard Tree Removal Update
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Hazard Tree Removal Update

ByTom Atkinson

The State’s Debris Management Task Force published an article earlier this month to share more information about how the hazard tree marking and removal process works.  Distinct, separate duties between those marking the trees and those who remove them helps ensure accountability and quality. The arborist/forester assessment and evaluation process happen separately from the tree…

Goodpasture Covered Bridge delays next week
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Goodpasture Covered Bridge delays next week

ByTom Atkinson

Lane County Public Works’ Bridge Crew will be replacing damaged deck boards on Goodpasture Covered Bridge from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. starting next Monday, May 3 through Thursday, May 6. The bridge will remain open, but drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes.  Replacing the damaged boards is necessary due to the…

EWEB Introduces Program to Fund Wildfire Restoration in the McKenzie Watershed
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EWEB Introduces Program to Fund Wildfire Restoration in the McKenzie Watershed

ByTom Atkinson

Source: EWEB.org As we have for decades, EWEB is taking a leadership role in protecting the McKenzie River, our community’s source of drinking water. Work to protect drinking water quality began as soon as we could safely enter fire-impacted areas and restoration efforts continue to support long-term recovery. Working with our Pure Water Partners, including…