Klamath Basin News, Tuesday, 7/16/24 – Red Flag Warning in Basin; Klamath Water Users Association Sounds Alarm Regarding Waterfowl Mortality- Sends Letter To U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; Woman Killed in Auto Crash on Highway 62; Salt Creek Fire Now 58% Contained

The latest and most comprehensive coverage of local News, Sports, Business, and Community News stories in the Klamath Basin, Southern Oregon and around the state of Oregon from Wynne Broadcasting’s KFLS News/Talk 1450AM / 102.5FM, The Herald and News, and BasinLife.com, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call 541-882-6476.

 

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Klamath Basin Weather

RED FLAG WARNING IN KLAMATH COUNTY FOR TUESDAY, 12PM-11PM.

Today
Hazy, smoky skies, otherwise sunny with a high near 94. South winds 8-14 mph. Overnight, smoky skies, low of 55 degrees. Light northwest winds to 7 mph with higher gusts at times.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm winds becoming west southwest 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 94.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 94.
Saturday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
Sunday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 99.
Monday
Sunny, hot with a high near 98.

Today’s Headlines

In a letter sent to Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton, Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Klamath Water Users Association (KWUA) outlines several pressing threats to the region’s wildlife, agriculture, and overall ecosystem, urging Reclamation to implement necessary measures to prevent avoidable disasters.

“We’re sounding an alarm for action. There are solutions readily available if we can get past treating water like tug of war,” said KWUA Executive Director Paul Simmons.

KWUA expresses deep concern over the high potential for disease outbreaks and mass waterfowl mortality in the Lower Klamath and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges. Symptoms of these outbreaks are already emerging with hot and shallow water. KWUA notes that a similar situation in 2020 led to an avian botulism outbreak that killed approximately 60,000 ducks.

KWUA calls on Reclamation to confer with refuge managers and irrigation districts to provide and establish a water flow through the refuge water bodies to mitigate this risk.

With little to no water received for three years in a row, this year, over 50,000 acres of family farms in the Klamath Project are facing unnecessary curtailment of water deliveries. Warren Act irrigators have water rights to apply 3.5 acre-feet per acre and longstanding contracts for delivery of water. Instead of farming the season, producers are instructed to stop irrigation based on only 0.6 acre-feet per acre.

Further, if hot and dry conditions continue without a break, the allocated Project supply of 260,000 acre-feet will likely be exhausted sometime in September.

There is water in the system that could satisfy the irrigation needs. In the letter, KWUA states, “Just like we need to avoid disaster for the Refuges, we need to avoid disaster for agricultural communities and bring this year’s crops to full production and harvest.”

The current water temperatures in the Klamath River far exceed levels lethal for salmon and other fish. The hottest water is coming directly out of Upper Klamath Lake at 78°F and rising. The elevated water temperatures are a well-known driver of fish disease. Particularly Ich, as demonstrated by the 2002 fish die-off on the Lower Klamath River.

KWUA urges Reclamation to immediately assess the potential detrimental impacts of all stressors to aquatic species including salmon.

 

FATAL CRASH ON HIGHWAY 62 at Sun Mountain Rd in Klamath County

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 7:22 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hwy-62, at the intersection with Sun Mountain Rd (MP 91), in Klamath County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a Ford Expedition, operated by Tina Marie Wickliffe (53) of Chiloquin, was traveling southbound on Sun Mountain Road at a high rate of speed and was unable to stop at the intersection with Hwy-62. The Ford traveled through the intersection and struck the embankment on the opposite side of the highway.

The operator of the Ford (Wickliffe) was not wearing a seatbelt and was declared deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately an hour during the on-scene investigation. The primary cause of the crash is believed to be speed.

OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and ODOT.

 

A local firefighter has died in the line of duty.

6691334a9267442956b634a3 UThe Fremont-Winema National Forest Service confirmed Thursday that wildland firefighter Daniel Foley died on Tuesday after completing a routine preparedness activity. He was just 27 years old.

Public Affairs Officer Benjamin Wilson said additional information will be made public later in the day Thursday.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family, friends and wildland fire community,” Wilson said.

Foley began working for the U.S. Forest Service earlier this year in March, moving from New York to Bly, Ore. to fight wildfires. Foley’s father said his son “lived his dream of becoming a firefighter” in a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday morning. Prior to serving in Oregon, Foley was said to have worked as a nurse for the VA in Buffalo, New York.

In a show of solidarity, Klamath County Fire District No. 3 as well as many wildland firefighters and loved ones are displaying photos on social media of the U.S. Forest Service logo with a black bar across the center.

 

Executive staff leaders with Klamath Health Partnership (KHP) are calling for the replacement of the KHP board of directors, citing the potential cessation of federal funding due to board non-compliance.

Areas in need of correcting: financial reporting and board composition.

KHP currently operates five medical care facilities throughout Klamath County. Known better as Klamath Open Door, these facilities provide care to vulnerable populations where health and wellness provisions are limited.

Should KHP fail to reach compliance within the next 90 days, Director Amanda Blodgett said the organization stands to lose all annual federal funding by February 2025.

On July 2, Blodgett and fellow executive staff submitted a letter to the board expressing their “grave concern and desperation.”

Blodgett said in October of last year, newly appointed executive staff, including herself, discovered that KHP was “severely delinquent in federal reporting,” having neglected to follow the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or “GAAP,” standards for financial tracking and reporting.

In staff’s letter to the board, Blodgett wrote, “Instead of rallying in support of reattaining compliance … the board has instead … ignored major issues that affect the financial viability and professional reputation of our organization,” Blodgett wrote.

Upon learning of the subpar federal financial reporting last October, Blodgett said multiple board members resigned, leaving the board three members short of the mandatory minimum of nine directors.

Standards for compliance are set by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a federal administration which provides funding and other resources to underserved and vulnerable populations.

According to the HRSA compliance manual, the current KHP board of directors is also non-compliant in its composition.

To date, Blodgett said, the board has put forth little to no effort to achieve federal compliance, despite executive staff providing the board the necessary resources, including multiple trainings and a list of 10 prospective board members who meet the standards defined by the HRSA.

Blodgett said she as well as other newly appointed executive staff inherited a number other issues of non-compliance beyond the board level, all of which, she said, they are dedicated to correcting.

The board, Blodgett said, has lost the confidence of KHP staff, leading to their urgent request that current directors appoint replacements for themselves as well as fill the remaining vacancies with new appointments.

Should the board refuse, Blodgett said she and fellow staff leadership will be unable to continue to serve under the governance of this board.

 

The Klamath Community College testing center was recently approved to administer the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airman Knowledge Testing exams.

The exams assess knowledge for pilots (private, commercial and remote), maintenance personnel, dispatchers, hot air balloon pilots, parachute riggers, glider pilots, instructors (flight and ground), and small, unmanned aircraft such as small drones.

These exams will provide local access to aviation students and aid in their academic and professional success. To schedule an exam or for more information call 541-880-2334.

KCC offers fixed-wing and helicopter flight training as part of its curriculum, but until recently it did not offer the written FAA-approved tests.

The AAS Aviation Airplane and Helicopter programs train students to work as professional pilots in the air transportation industry. Career paths with this degree include: Commercial pilot, pilot for a private corporation, charter pilot and flight instructor to new student pilots.

The Redbird FMX Advanced Aviation Training Device creates hands-on training and knowledge in preparation for the real-world experience of flying. In the simulator, students receive instruction from a certified flight instructor.

The aviation program is designed to produce graduates who are prepared to enter the industry as pilots. This field offers high-wage careers that are global in scope. The AAS Aviation Airplane or Helicopter degree provides students with the mandatory flight hours along with industry-specified instruction. 

 

Thomas and Rachel Bentley are the new owners of Bentley’s Physical Therapy located in Merrill.

Thomas is a licensed physical therapist for more than 20 years. He has wanted to open his own physical therapy practice for the last 11 years, but the timing never seemed to be right, he said.

Both Thomas and Rachel have strong community ties in Klamath County.

Thomas was raised in Chiloquin and Rachel in Merrill, where they currently reside. Merrill has had limited services available; physical therapy being one of them, they said. Patients have to travel 19 miles to Klamath Falls, often twice a week for therapy. This was the perfect opportunity to provide a much-needed service in a community they live in and love, they said.

They reached out to the Klamath Community College Small Business Development Center for help. An advisor set them set a path toward their goal. That included applying for and obtaining a Klamath County Economic Development Grant. This additional funding for start-up costs helped tremendously, the Bentleys said.

They found a vacant building and worked with the owners to get it ready. Everything fell into place and on June 18, Thomas began seeing patients.

They anticipated seeing three patients per day on average, but were quickly overwhelmed, they said. The first three days they saw nearly 30 local patients. They also praised the support of the Merrill community.

Bentley Physical Therapy, 415 N. Main St., is open 5 days a week offering services to all of Klamath County. Call 541-880-3586 or visit bentleyphysicaltherapy.com

 

Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services (KCDDS) is pitching in to support local arts with a $15,000 donation to the Ross Ragland Theater.

A news release from the Ross Ragland Theater announced the summable gift last month as a contribution during the Dancing with your Klamath Stars campaign.

“The donation from KCDDS played a pivotal role in making this year’s (event) fundraising a record-breaking success,” the release said.

In total, the campaign broke the theater campaign record with $40,646 in donations overall.

The release said $10,000 of the KCDDS donations is to be allocated for purchasing new assistive listening systems for the theater.

“This investment will significantly enhance the theater experience for patrons with hearing impairments, ensuring that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the magic of live performances,” the release said.

Ross Ragland Theater Executive Director Curtis Peoples thanked KCDDS for their sizable contribution to the local theater.

“Their support not only helps us in creating a more inclusive and accessible space but also reinforces the transformative power of the arts in our community,” Peoples said in the release.

 

Anticipated by the young and young at heart, Moore Park’s new playground attraction is now open.

Measuring 18,000 square feet, the park’s new playground is ADA accessible and features elements that reflect Klamath County’s history and culture, such as a Klamath tule hut and Crater Lake-themed surfacing.

During the playground’s grand opening, Healthy Klamath and Sky Lakes Foundation Director Merritt Driscoll said, “Thank you to all. Thanks to our donors, volunteers and the entire community for supporting and making this project a reality.”

Started by speaking with local elementary school students on what their ideal park would look like, since 2019, Healthy Klamath, Sky Lakes Medical Center, the city of Klamath Falls and other community partners have been working together to bring the playground to life. The project was financially supported entirely by donations from 24 local businesses, 67 individuals and five grants, and was built with assistance from 250 community volunteers.

A few of the playground’s highlights are the separate sections divided by recommended age groups. A zip-line, a trampoline, a four-person teeter totter and a Liberty Swing — the world’s safest and most recognized swing for children and adults in wheelchairs.

Moore Park’s new playground is open every day during normal park operating hours.

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Around the State of Oregon

Elected officials in Oregon are calling for an end to violence around political campaigns following the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

Governor Tina Kotek says violence is not what democracy is about and it’s not acceptable in the U.S. Republican House Leader Jeff Helfrich said disputes are settled with votes and not violence. Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz said the country must do more to protect candidates, supporters and spectators from such heinous and horrific behavior.

 

(Salem) – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, is thankful for the community support to find Marianna Bahena. She is a 2-year-old child who was last seen in Portland on July 11. She was found July 15.

Sometimes when a child is missing they may be in significant danger and ODHS may need to locate them to assess and support their safety. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and assess their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

 

A man accused of shooting and injuring a woman in the Fern Ridge area as been arrested according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Officers says the woman was shot in the arm and shoulder area and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

LCSO officials said the shooting happened originally on the 25000 block of Hunter Avenue in Veneta. The victim was then transported to Perkins Peninsula Park by witnesses.

LCSO said that deputies responded at about 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 14 to a report of a woman who had been shot at Perkins Peninsula Park. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with a non-life-threatening injury to the arm and shoulder area, sheriff’s officials said.

Authorities said that an investigation culminated in the arrest of Timothy Earl Shaw, 33, who was transported to the Lane County Jail where he faces charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Another person, identified as Hannah Fetko, 32, was also arrested and jailed on an existing warrant, sheriff’s officials said.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141.

 

May be an image of craterContainment is now 58% on the Salt Creek Fire, ODF Southwest Oregon District said in a news release received today. 

The Salt Fire is approximately 10 miles east of Eagle Point and burning on private and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.

“The northern portion of the fire has 300 feet of cold black adjacent to the fireline in most areas, and crews are beginning to remove hose and other equipment from the fire while patrolling and monitoring the fire. Firefighters in other areas of the fire continue to locate hot spots and mop up fuels, like burning roots and down material,” the release said.Report Image

“Crews are conducting repair activities, such as minimizing soil erosion and protecting water quality, across the fire area. On steep slopes, water bars will be placed on control lines and roads to divert water to areas with natural vegetation, minimizing soil disturbance. Crews began dispersing berms made from soil displaced from fireline construction. Removing berms allows for natural water drainage. A red flag warning is in effect today for abundant lightning and isolated to scattered thunderstorms across the region. Dry fuels and strong, erratic winds could cause rapid growth for any new fires. Resources from the Salt Creek Fire are ready to support initial attack for any new starts. More than 1,000 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 41 20-person crews, 30 engines, 19 water tenders, seven tree fallers and seven dozers. Released resources may return to their home units or reassigned to other incidents across the state.”

Yesterday, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency because of the imminent threat of wildfire beginning now and continuing through October 1, 2024.

“Wildfires are active across Oregon and are growing at a concerning pace. Hot and windy conditions this weekend, including forecasted lightning in some areas, are threatening even larger wildfires,” Governor Kotek said in a statement, addring, “I am declaring a State of Emergency to access state resources for communities across Oregon as we respond to this year’s escalating wildfire season.

“Throughout the summer, it will inevitably get hotter and drier, presenting an even greater risk of catastrophic wildfires. The best way to limit wildfire impacts on our communities, natural areas, and first responders is to be aware of the conditions and prevent wildfires from starting. I urge all Oregonians to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”

The state has experienced wildfires this season resulting in three state conflagration declarations and two federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) declarations, several community evacuations, threatened and damaged structures, and critical infrastructure.

Oregon’s neighboring states of California, Idaho, and Washington continue to experience similar fires and weather. The extended weather forecast for Oregon predicts ongoing warm and dry conditions, creating an imminent fire threat across a large portion of the state.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to support access to and use of personnel and equipment of all state agencies necessary to assess, alleviate, respond to, lessen, or recover from conditions caused by this emergency and to meet requests by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and/or county and tribal emergency management to support response needs to respond to or lessen the effects of, the wildfire emergency as described in the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.

The Oregon National Guard will deploy, and redeploy, firefighting resources as needed and following Operations Plan Smokey 2024 throughout the remainder of the fire season based on need.

Those who believe they have been charged excessively high prices for essential consumer goods during this emergency are encouraged to report violations to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, which has the authority to investigate unlawful trade practices.

 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry are bringing in out-of-state firefighters and equipment to fight several wildfires impacting communities and resources across the state.

On Sunday night, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two task forces from Washington to add structural firefighter capacity. The two task forces are from Snohomish, Thurston, and Grays Harbor counties with 29 firefighters, eight engines, and two water tenders. The task forces are assigned to the Falls Fire in Harney County.

“We are bringing in additional support from the Washington fire service for the Falls Fire, the severe drawdown of Oregon resources, and the anticipated weather conditions,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Our strong relationship with the Washington fire service is invaluable, especially during their responses to Oregon in 2017 and 2020. We have a robust response system that transcends borders and supports our mutual missions. I can’t thank the Washington fire service enough for their quick and reliable response to Oregon’s needs.”

The OSFM works with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to mobilize these resources through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a national interstate mutual aid agreement that allows states to share resources during times of disaster.

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) received more than 58 resources from New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, and Florida to assist with the Salt Creek and Larch Creek fires. The agency will receive 13 more firefighters from Florida in the coming days to assist the agency’s Incident Management Team 3 and wildfires.

A total of 71 resources are coming to Oregon through state-to-state mutual aid agreements and the Northwest Compact. The compact was created to facilitate assistance in wildland fire pre-suppression and suppression efforts between member agencies, which include Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

With high heat and extreme wildfire risk brings high chances and increased sensitivity to power outages.

While the heightened sensitivity and automatic shutoff of power lines is to keep the community safe, the experience of a loss of power can affect those who rely on private well water differently.

“I have a lot of anxiety when it’s fire season, because I know the electricity is going to be shut down,” Said Kate Monen, a Central Point resident who relies on well water.

The power in her home has turned off multiple times this summer alone, sometimes during heats well into the triple digits.

Monen is one of the approximately one million Oregonians the Oregon Health Authority say rely on private wells to get their water.

When the power goes out in her home, so does the pump that pushes water from the well into her pipes.

With high heat causing power outages, many Oregonians without air conditioning or fan access turn to water to cool down.

Monen said her power has been out for up to three days at a time, leaving her to purchase hundreds of gallons of water for her, her husband and her farm animals to drink. She brought up fears she has if fire were to be close to her home.

 

14 Deaths in Oregon Linked to Heat Wave

Since a wave of excessive heat began late last week, 14 people in Oregon have died from suspected heat-related causes.

The Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office announced that four more deaths were reported on Wednesday last week.

Suspected heat-related deaths have now been reported in Coos, Jackson, Klamath, Linn, Multnomah, and Washington counties since last Friday.

One person, a 33-year-old man from Clackamas County, died after being taken to a Portland hospital.

The names of the 14 people have not been released. The medical examiner said the designation of these deaths is preliminary.

The actual cause of death in each case may take months to determine, the examiner’s office said, and may be unrelated to hyperthermia.

 

SALEM, Ore. — As global tensions rise and military recruitment faces challenges, the Oregon National Guard is playing a vital role in supporting the Selective Service System, ensuring the state remains prepared for potential national emergencies.

The Selective Service System, an independent agency within the executive branch, is responsible for rapidly providing personnel to the military in a fair and equitable manner if the President and Congress authorize conscription. While the United States has maintained an all-volunteer force for decades, the system remains a crucial component of national defense readiness.

“The Selective Service is a vital pillar in our national defense posture,” said Michael Kalberg, Oregon’s State Director for the Selective Service System. “Even though it may be overlooked by some, it’s an important component of our government.”

In Oregon, the Selective Service State Headquarters is located at the Salem Armory on 17th St. The state’s mission includes maintaining staffing for local draft boards, preparing to activate a fully operational state headquarters if needed, and supporting the ongoing registration of 18-year-old males.

Lt. Col. Robert Earhart, the Selective Service Reserve Service Member for Oregon, explained the system’s role: “Most people are familiar with the draft during World War Two through Vietnam. It’s been a volunteer force for the past several decades, so the draft has not been going on. But every state needs to have an apparatus in place in case the President and Congress reinitiate conscription.”

The Oregon National Guard provides critical support to the Selective Service mission. This partnership includes sharing facilities, logistical support, and personnel. In addition to occupying space at the Salem Armory, National Guard Armory facilities and administrative equipment would be made available for temporary operations in the event of activation.

“We’ve had a lot of success in Oregon over the last 50 years, and this office has been functional,” Earhart said. “A lot of great people have come through, and a lot of great volunteers helping us along the way.”

However, the system faces challenges, particularly in rural areas. Oregon is divided into 18 local boards, with nine single-county boards and nine multi-county boards. As of July 2024, five boards are inoperable due to volunteer board member vacancies across 14 counties.

“We have vacancies quite a few vacancies around the state,” Earhart noted. To reach board capacity, “I could probably fill another 30 slots.”

These local boards play a crucial role in the Selective Service process. In the event of a draft, board members would review and decide on draftee claims for exemptions, postponements, or deferments from military service.

“It’s a big responsibility because you hold someone’s future in your hands,” Earhart explained. “It’s a matter of trust, logic, and an understanding of the story being told to you.”

The time commitment for board members is minimal during peacetime — approximately five hours in the first year and two hours annually thereafter. However, their role becomes expanded and critical if a draft is reinstated.

Kalberg emphasized the unique challenges Oregon faces in maintaining the Selective Service System. “Oregon is not a high-visibility military state. We don’t have a lot of military footprint [in Oregon],” he said. For that reason, probably in particular, Oregonians have never had a history of high registration compliance when young men turn 18.”

Despite these challenges, recent efforts to bolster the system have shown promise. Earhart has been conducting outreach with agency partners, the governor’s office, county commissioners, and service organizations like the VFW and American Legion, which has resulted in several new volunteers in the pipeline.

The Selective Service is also adapting to potential changes on the national level. Congress is considering bills that could expand registration requirements, such as the automatic registration of 18-year-old males and including women in the draft. If passed, these changes would significantly increase the workload for local boards.

“If mandated, it’ll be an interesting reaction,” Kalberg said. “We’re not worried about it, but we do need to get the numbers on the paper, get [board members] trained, and get them ready.”

As geopolitical pressures mount and military recruiting struggles to meet its quotas, the importance of the Selective Service System has been identified as a backstop for national defense. Dr. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense, recently stated, “I don’t want people to think the all-volunteer force is sort of alone when the United States must make major decisions. They do not stand alone.”

The Oregon National Guard and Selective Service System are actively seeking volunteers to serve on local boards, particularly in rural areas. Interested citizens can apply online at sss.gov/volunteers to “Get Involved.” Eligible individuals must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and willing to undergo training and dedicate time to this crucial role in national preparedness.

“We’re looking for dedicated individuals who want to serve their community and country in this important capacity,” Earhart said. “It’s a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our national defense structure.”

For more information on volunteering or the Selective Service System in Oregon, you can contact Lt. Col. Robert Earhart, SSS Reserve Service Member, at 503-779-9473 orearhart@sss.gov.

 

Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley’s bill to prevent stillbirths has been signed into law.

Under the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, federal funds will be allowed to be used for stillbirth prevention research and other activities. According to the CDC, one out of 175 babies delivered in the U.S. are stillborn. Recent research shows at least 25% are potentially preventable.

 

Oregon seeks public comment on large-scale farming regulations

Oregonians have until July 22 to submit comments on the implementation of new environmental restrictions for the state’s largest farms.

When the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 85 last year, regulations were signed into law for Confined Animal Feeding Operations. Now, the Oregon Department of Agriculture is working to implement them.

Brian Posewitz, staff attorney for the group WaterWatch of Oregon, said the new rules will help protect one of Oregon’s most important natural resources.

“All Oregonians should care about that, because all Oregonians should care about our water supplies, both in the streams and rivers as well as in the groundwater,” Posewitz emphasized. “Because those water supplies are precious to everybody.”

The regulations mean more closely monitoring the amount of water used by the large farms and considering the placement of the operations to reduce nitrate contamination in groundwater caused by manure. The move to protect Oregon’s water supply coincides with an increase in demand for water as the state reenters its wildfire season.

As important as Oregon’s water is, regulations often come with a price tag. Large ag operations could be more limited in their site selection, disposal of waste and use of water. The Oregon Farm Bureau predicted tougher rules will affect people’s trips to the grocery store.

Lauren Poor, vice president of government and legal affairs for the bureau, thinks the new rules will make it harder to buy local, and wonders if the changes are justified.

“There wasn’t a clear indication that there needed to be changes to this program to protect Oregon’s waterways or Oregon’s water supply,” Poor contended.

According to Poor, the previous regulations were working, and continuously changing them can be difficult for producers. The deadline is July 22 to submit public comments to the Oregon Department of Agriculture before the regulations are finalized the end of this summer.

 

Good Samaritans rescued two people in the Columbia River bar on Saturday after their 26-foot pleasure boat capsized, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

An additional person pulled from the water by other boaters died at a hospital, and two other missing people are presumed dead, according to Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter.

The unidentified rescuers swooped in around 10:30 a.m. Saturday, and Coast Guard rescuers joined them by sea and air shortly after, Carter said. But the search was called off just after 9 p.m. The Daily Astorian newspaper identified the missing people as a 54-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy.

It was not immediately clear what caused the boat to capsize, and the names of the people aboard it have not been released publicly.

 

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