A significant chunk of funding to remove the Balm Grove Dam on Gales Creek was approved Tuesday after a vote of the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board awarded a $270,000 grant for the project to the Tualatin River Watershed Council.
Environment
Slide on North Fork Gales Creek may be cause of intermittent muddy waters
Late in March, residents along Gales Creek began to notice a strange pattern in the waters of the 23 and ½ mile long Tualatin River tributary. Muddy water was coming down the creek bed when it wasn’t raining, and the muddied waters seemed to pulse on and off. “The last three[Read More…]
Map shows 52 acre Metro expansion at Killin Wetlands
Following a story published March 21 about Metro’s Killin Wetlands property expanding by 52 acres, several readers reached out and asked for a map showing the new acreage. At this newspaper’s request, Metro created a map showing the expanded area recently purchased by the regional government. Located to the south[Read More…]
State takes next steps on plan to protect threatened species in western forests
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…]
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…]