Updates to Cleanup Progress Tracking Tools
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Updates to Cleanup Progress Tracking Tools

As of last week, it is estimated that debris removal for the Holiday Farm Fire is 80 percent complete and hazard tree removal is 70 percent complete.  Recently, the Debris Management Task Force made changes to the way it collects and presents data as it learns more about on-the-ground realities in the field. Updates will…

FEMA Awards ODOT Over $34 Million for Debris Removal in Wildfire Affected Counties
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FEMA Awards ODOT Over $34 Million for Debris Removal in Wildfire Affected Counties

Salem, Ore. – FEMA has approved $34,488,250 for the State of Oregon to defray the costs of debris removal throughout Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln and Marion counties from 2020’s devastating wildfires under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA). FEMA funds will reimburse the Oregon Department of Transportation for the collection, removal and disposal of debris from destroyed structures throughout…

Re-Marking of Hazard Trees Underway Soon
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Re-Marking of Hazard Trees Underway Soon

When hazard trees were originally marked – between January and April of this year – several hundred trees statewide showed signs that they had at least a slim chance of survival. Trees may have demonstrated a greenery crown scorch right at the minimum threshold or a bark char marginal enough to give it a possibility of…

Debris Cleanup Weekly Update
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Debris Cleanup Weekly Update

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com The State of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have expectations that the work associated with hazard tree cutting and removal and private property debris cleanup will be completed by later this year. When comparing Beachie Creek and Riverside prime contractor Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECCs) performance to others, we determined…

Debris Management Task Force Update
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Debris Management Task Force Update

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com General Operation Updates As work continues to help keep wildfire-impacted communities safe, the independent arborist hired to review the state-led hazard tree process found that the operation is sound. The independent arborist contractor, Galen Wright, brought more than thirty years of Pacific Northwest arboriculture and forestry experience to his review, including expertise in…

Independent Arborist Completes Review of State Hazard Tree Removal Program
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Independent Arborist Completes Review of State Hazard Tree Removal Program

An independent arborist has reviewed Oregon’s hazard tree removal program and found a sound operation underway, plus provided helpful context for future work Press release issued by the Oregon Debris Management Task Force on June 7, 2021 (Link) In response to calls for an investigation and as part of the unprecedented effort to remove fire-damaged…

Wildfire Debris Cleanup Update
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Wildfire Debris Cleanup Update

Source: Oregon.gov Community air monitoring Community air monitoring is set to begin in the Holiday Farm fire area. This monitoring is in addition to the dust control and air quality monitoring that has been part of the cleanup process at each ash and debris removal site. Protecting air quality is a priority for all fire-affected sites….

State-Led Cleanup Update + ROE Deadline is June 1st
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State-Led Cleanup Update + ROE Deadline is June 1st

Source: McKenzieRebuilds.org Debris removal and hazard tree operations are nearly 40 percent complete and crews continue to make significant progress. Hazard tree marking and tagging continues between mileposts 30-36 and 40-43. Hazard tree removal is underway at mileposts 33-35 and at local and county parks—including at Blue River Park—to help these areas reopen sooner. The…

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

**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…

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

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….