Environment

OSU: Wildfire Wednesdays – Fire Aware. Fire Prepared

ByTom Atkinson July 8, 2021July 8, 2021

Source: Extension.OregonState.edu Are you ready for the wildfire season? Last summer’s 2020 wildfire events impacted most Oregonians and we learned that EVERYONE living in Oregon should be prepared for a wildfire emergency. Oregon State University’s Forestry & Natural Resources Extension along with state and local agencies and community partners, want to help Oregonians prepare for…

Wildfire Recovery Funding is a Huge Win for the McKenzie Community

ByTom Atkinson July 6, 2021July 6, 2021

“The funding is a huge win for the work we’ve been doing. It is literally the largest fundraising win we have ever got.” Chris LaVoie, Director, McKenzie Community Development Corporation and McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce It is with great joy that we are able to share some fantastic news this week, reminding us that…

Opinion – It Seems to Me…

ByTom Atkinson July 5, 2021July 6, 2021

Source: McKenzieRiverReflectionsNewspaper.com By Tim Laue – July 1st 2021 It has been nine months since the Holiday Farm Wildfire devastated more than 170,000 acres and destroyed more than a thousand structures and five hundred homes in the McKenzie Watershed. Three seasons (Fall, Winter, and Spring) since thousands of McKenzie folk had to run for their…

Can Do Spirit

ByTom Atkinson July 2, 2021July 1, 2021

Source: EugeneWeekly.com By Henry Houston Claim 52 is raising money to support McKenzie River watershed recovery The McKenzie River is Eugene’s only water source. Without it, the area’s breweries would be missing a vital ingredient to their beverages. Claim 52 is creating a special beer that supports McKenzie River Trust’s efforts to restore the McKenzie…

Oregon Legislature approves over $600 million for wildfire recovery efforts

ByTom Atkinson June 28, 2021June 30, 2021

Source: KEZI.com SALEM, Ore.– The Oregon Legislature has approved more than $600 million to support those impacted by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Some of the highlights of the recovery funding package include: $150 million- Wildfire recovery housing supply and land acquisition $110 million- Water and sewer infrastructure projects in wildfire impacted communities $75 million-…

Excessive Heat Warning & County Advice

ByTom Atkinson June 26, 2021June 26, 2021

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…

Long Term Recovery Group Report / Findings from COAD

ByTom Atkinson June 23, 2021June 23, 2021

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…

OSU ‘After the Fire’ Webinar & Resources

ByTom Atkinson June 18, 2021June 19, 2021

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…

McKenzie River Trust Gearing up for In-Stream Restoration at Finn Rock Reach!

ByTom Atkinson June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

Source: McKenzieRiver.org We are working to improve fish and wildlife habitat on the middle-McKenzie River. In-stream restoration can look messy and is often misunderstood. McKenzie River Trust staff will be presenting on how the project has been designed, what the project will look like during restoration and the expected ecological benefits for fish and wildlife….

EWEB Commissioners to Hold Upriver Meeting June 15

ByTom Atkinson June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

Source: EWEB.org On June 15, EWEB Commissioners will host a series of presentations for McKenzie Valley customers along with a general question and answer session. The presentations will begin at 6 p.m. at the McKenzie Fire & Rescue Training Center in Leaburg. The meeting will take place rain or shine. This meeting is for the…