Camp Creek Watershed Cleanup
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Camp Creek Watershed Cleanup

Join us in cleaning up the beautiful Camp Creek Watershed, tributary of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. SOLVE and the Bureau of Land Management are teaming up to remove illegally dumped and littered trash from this hidden spot off of the McKenzie River Highway. Help us to cleanup this forest in your own backyard, or…

McKenzie School District Needs Your Feedback on Internet Access
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McKenzie School District Needs Your Feedback on Internet Access

McKenzie School District recently won a Project OVERCOME grant that aims to rebuild and improve internet services in the region. As part of the grant, researchers are looking to understand the positive benefits that better Internet services can have. McKenzie residents are being asked to take a short online survey to help McKenzie School District understand your interest in internet…

The Hardest Lesson I’ve Learned – Cristian A. Collazo
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The Hardest Lesson I’ve Learned – Cristian A. Collazo

Last month Janicé Myers of Iron Forest posted on Facebook a heartfelt essay on the wildfire written by her son Cristian. I have posted her Facebook message below followed by his essay as it is full of meaning for all of us who lived through the disaster. Click Janicé’s Facebook post below to visit her…

Oregon State University Wildfire Survey
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Oregon State University Wildfire Survey

The purpose of this survey from Oregon State University is to examine the individual and family responses to the 2020 wildfires and smoke hazards in Oregon. In particular, the University hopes to better understand how Oregonians received or communicated information about the fires and smoke hazards. The results of the survey will be used to make…

Long Term Recovery Group Announcement
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Long Term Recovery Group Announcement

LTRG welcomes new executive director The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group announced the hire of Devin Thompson as the Group’s new executive director. The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working to assist people and families as they recover from the Holiday…

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance
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Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is offering grants ranging from $500-$1,500 for general operation costs, small business repairs, or other business-related expenses to businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. The deadline to apply is October 11. Learn more about the grants and apply at www.springfield-chamber.org/wildfire-relief-grants/. For questions and/or a printable application, please contact:Dani Thompson at dani@springfield-chamber.org or…

Pure Water Partners Update
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Pure Water Partners Update

As soon as it was safe to enter the fire-impacted area, EWEB, McKenzie Watershed Council, McKenzie River Trust, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District and other members of Pure Water Partners banded together to work with landowners to keep toxic ash and other hazardous materials from entering the river. There were a number…

Community Mental Health Support
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Community Mental Health Support

There is help available locally if you are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or are overwhelmed.  The White Bird Crisis Line is accessible 24/7 at 541-687-4000 and 1-800-422-7558. It offers humanistic, person-centered crisis intervention.   Oregon Safe + Strong Helpline: 800-923-4357 (HELP). Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)…

Residents Recount the Terror of the Holiday Farm Fire One Year Later
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Residents Recount the Terror of the Holiday Farm Fire One Year Later

Source: OPB.org By Brian Bull KLCC At first, Labor Day 2020 felt like a typical holiday: kids swam and anglers tried their luck in the deep green waters of the McKenzie River. Locals grilled burgers and enjoyed family get-togethers under the dense canopy of pine and fir trees that blanketed the hillsides. But in a…

Are You Ready to Evacuate?
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Are You Ready to Evacuate?

Source: LaneCountyOR.gov September is National Preparedness Month. We encourage everyone in Lane County to use September to focus on preparedness and end the month more ready for an emergency or natural disaster.  Emergency Alerts Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses…