Two recent studies, created independently of each other, that examined the effects of wildfires in Oregon, Washington as well as other parts of the West, found that trees scorched by fire can continue to die for as long as five years after a wildfire.
Environment
Utility watchdog asks state to intervene on proposed double-digit electricity rate hikes
If the state’s two largest electric utilities get what they’ve asked for, their 1.5 million customers in Oregon could pay 40% more for electricity next year than they did just three years ago.
Climate change a growing public health threat in Oregon, but state adapting, report finds
More Oregonians are suffering from respiratory, heart and mental health issues caused by extreme weather events linked to climate change, and rural, elderly and minority communities are being hit the hardest, a new state report found.
Federal government acknowledges dams devastated Northwest tribes and fish stocks
The federal government this week acknowledged that the construction and operation of 11 hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers during the last century has had a devastating effect on eight Northwest tribes and more than a dozen native fish stocks, some of which have gone extinct.
No longer considered predators, Oregon beavers get new protections from state
Starting July 1, beavers will be classified solely as “furbearers,” an animal whose fur has commercial value, and no longer be classified as “predators.”
Smoke in Coast Range is a controlled burn
There is a fire, but it’s of the tame rather than the wild variety. FGF&R said a 25 acre controlled burn off Highway 26 near milepost 35 was the cause of smoke in the region.
Birds found on the Oregon Coast coated in ‘tar-like substance’
A group of state and federal agencies are responding to reports of an unknown tar-like substance washing up along Oregon’s North Coast, extending southward to areas as far as the Salishan Spit, and also along Washington’s southern coast.
Plan to reduce logging, protect habitat in Oregon’s western state forests passes on split vote
The landmark Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan will move forward following a 4-3 vote from the state Board of Forestry on Thursday.
Clean Water Services says most work at Balm Grove is complete
In a brief update issued Friday, Clean Water Services said that the bulk of their work at Balm Grove was complete, but work would continue to “ensure our engineered log jams and other project elements are working,” the agency said.
Habitat plan for western state forests could cost counties $18 million a year in timber revenue
The Oregon Department of Forestry released long-awaited revenue projections for 14 counties if a landmark conservation plan is adopted. Washington County could lose more than $5.6 million, or less than 0.3% of the county’s total $1.7 billion budget this year.
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