A plan to protect critical animal habitat in nearly 640,000 acres of western Oregon state forests is moving towards its final stages. An environmental impact review of the Western Forests Habitat Conservation Plan was released March 18, and Oregonians have 60 days to submit their thoughts and concerns to the National Oceanic[Read More…]
Environment
Balm Grove Dam removal rescheduled for summer of 2022
Plans to move the stalled Balm Grove Dam removal project forward are back, the Tualatin River Watershed Council announced Wednesday evening. In an email, TRWC Executive Director Scott McEwen said that removal of the decades-old concrete dam will begin this summer. “Removal of the structure and restoration of the site[Read More…]
Metro adds 52 acres to Killin Wetlands area between Banks and Gales Creek
The Metro-owned property between Banks and Gales Creek betwixt Highway 6 and Cedar Canyon Road grew by 52 acres, Metro said in a press release, adding to the natural area connected to a public park opened there in 2018. More than one square mile—or 640 acres—of peat soil wetlands is[Read More…]
Rabid bat found in Washington County
A map showing rabid animals in Oregon for the year through August. Multnomah County confirmed Wednesday that a rabid bat had been found in northeast Portland Sept. 11, and they’re not the only county grappling with a rabid chiropteran. In fact, they’re not even the first. “Washington County also had[Read More…]
Clean Water Services asks public to stay off Balm Grove property
The former Balm Grove Tavern on May 5, 2020. Photo: Chas Hundley Clean Water Services is asking the public to stay off the historic Balm Grove property in Gales Creek. “We know that historically this has been a popular gathering place in the community. However, the fish passage barrier poses[Read More…]
Gov. Brown declares state of emergency as heat wave builds
The Sun in Gales Creek on June 23, 2021. The Sun is a star located in the Milky Way galaxy and orbited by a number of celestial bodies, including the planet known as Earth. Photo: Chas Hundley Governor Kate Brown declared a state of emergency on Thursday in 23 of[Read More…]
Oregon’s salmon plates get a refreshed look
An example of the new design, courtesy Oregon Parks and Recreation Department A new design for Oregon salmon license plates will be available to vehicle owners September 1, 2021, and the money from plate sales will go toward salmon habitat and restoration. The salmon plate VIP list auction opens for[Read More…]
Heat wave shatters high temperature records
An image from the road camera at the Highways 6 and 8 junction showing 111 degrees on Monday, June 28. Most of Oregon grappled with an intense heatwave that broke high temperature records on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before finally cooling off to the upper 90s. In Hillsboro, the closest[Read More…]
‘Excessive Heat Watch’ issued in advance of weekend triple-digit temperatures
The Sun in Gales Creek on June 23, 2021. The Sun is a star located in the Milky Way galaxy and orbited by a number of celestial bodies, including the planet known by many of its inhabitants as the Earth. Photo: Chas Hundley It’s going to be hot this weekend,[Read More…]
Fire season, burn ban begins as triple-digit temperatures loom
The Oregon Department of Forestry stages a vehicle at the Gales Creek Fire Station on Tuesday, August 27 2019. Photo: Chas Hundley A county-wide burn ban went into effect Tuesday morning at 7 a.m., putting a halt to all backyard, agricultural, slash, and other debris burning. Still allowed are small[Read More…]
