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 BasinLife.com, KFLS News/Talk 1450AM/102.5FM, The Herald and News, and powered by Mick Insurance. Call them at 541-882-6476.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Klamath Basin Weather
Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. Overnight, cloudy, with a low around 29.
See Road Camera Views around the Klamath Basin:
Lake of the Woods
Doak Mtn.
Hiway 97 at Chemult
Hiway 140 at  Bly
Hiway 97 at GreenSprings Dr.
Hiway 97 at LaPine
Today’s Klamath Falls Headlines
Southern Oregon voters gearing up for the May 19 primary election must adhere to the state’s 21-day registration deadline, which falls on April 28.
This deadline is crucial for new residents registering to vote and for current voters wishing to change their political party affiliation. Oregon’s closed party primary system means that a voter’s registered party dictates the candidates they can choose on their primary ballot.
In this system, registered Democrats can only vote for Democratic candidates, while Republicans are limited to Republican candidates.
County Clerk Chris Walker clarified that non-affiliated voters or those from minor parties can only participate in nonpartisan races and measures during the primary, although they are not entirely excluded from the voting process.
Changing party affiliation before the April 28 deadline is a straightforward task; Oregon Representative Emily McIntire noted that the online process takes less than a minute. She advocates for this requirement, emphasizing that it fosters accountability within the electoral system.
John Watt, President and CEO of JWA Public Affairs, added that both major parties have maintained control over primary races for years and are reluctant to relinquish that power.
The Klamath Tribes are in search of a Tribal Chief of Police to act as a Guardian of the Treaty of 1864. Ideal candidates will be adept at cultivating relationships within the Indigenous community, developing effective programs, and advocating for the Tribal Police Force across various levels.
Based in Chiloquin, the Chief of Police will provide a composed and professional presence, equipped to handle multi-agency crises and manage interpersonal conflicts.
The role demands a leader capable of inspiring a team to achieve their fullest potential while elevating the police force’s service and influence. Building trust with local partners and stakeholders at state and federal levels is essential.
As the police force embodies Tribal Sovereignty as outlined in the Treaty of 1864, candidates must commit to upholding the Klamath Tribes’ constitution and prioritizing Tribal Sovereignty in their work.
Leadership will focus on the needs of the Klamath Tribes’ general council, emphasizing that the community is central to the role. For more information, please visit the Klamath Tribes’ website.
Curt Dimmick, an experienced employee of the National Park Service, has been appointed as the new superintendent of Crater Lake National Park, effective May 17.
Dimmick, who previously served as the chief ranger at Crater Lake, takes over a position that has been temporarily filled since Kevin Heatley’s resignation in June 2024. With over 30 years of federal service, Dimmick currently oversees the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon and will continue in that role until a permanent replacement is found.
His extensive background includes various leadership positions within the NPS, such as group superintendent for the Missouri National Recreational River and Niobrara National Scenic River, acting superintendent at Great Basin National Park, and chief of resource management and visitor protection at Pinnacles National Park, among others.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding political campaigns that placing signs within highway rights of way is prohibited.
ODOT regularly removes signs that are improperly positioned, as they can distract drivers, pose safety risks, and obstruct official road messages. Any campaign signs found in violation are taken down and stored at a nearby ODOT district maintenance office for a period of 30 days or until they are retrieved. While signs are permitted on private property visible from the highway, they must adhere to specific regulations, including a maximum size of 12 square feet.
Klamath Falls City Schools is proudly acknowledging its achievements in fostering stronger relationships, enhancing school culture, and promoting student success through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, receiving both statewide and national accolades.
The Klamath Learning Center has earned the prestigious title of National Showcase School from Capturing Kids’ Hearts, marking it as the first institution in Oregon to achieve this honor, which recognizes schools that have excelled in implementing CKH practices over multiple years.
Additionally, Conger Elementary School, Mills Elementary, and Pelican Elementary have been designated as Rising Star Campuses, a recognition given to schools that have shown outstanding implementation of CKH in their inaugural year.
These accolades highlight the collective efforts of the district’s staff, who, following comprehensive training in August, have diligently integrated CKH strategies into everyday practices across classrooms, offices, hallways, cafeterias, buses, and school grounds throughout the district.
This Tuesday, April 21, 2026, starting at 8 a.m., maintenance crews will conduct preventative work in the vicinity of West Oregon and California Avenues.
The Water Division aims to complete all maintenance by 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026. During this period, some areas of the water system may experience reduced water pressure, but normal pressure will resume once the work is finished.
Residents may also notice temporary discoloration in their water, which is not harmful. It is advisable to check tap water for any discoloration before doing laundry; if the water appears cloudy, only cold-water faucets should be used until it clears. A map highlighting the affected areas is provided below. The Water Division appreciates the community’s patience during this maintenance period.
For further information, please contact the Water Division at (541) 883-5388 or the City Public Works Department at (541) 883-5363.
Klamath Falls City Schools District and the Klamath Falls Association of Classified Employees (KFACE) are pleased to announce that, with the help of an Employee Relations Board Mediator, they reached a tentative agreement on April 13, 2026, after engaging in constructive negotiations.
This agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to prioritize student support, staff appreciation, and the enhancement of the school community. Throughout the negotiation process, representatives from both the District and KFACE collaborated with respect, transparency, and a shared goal of developing solutions that benefit employees and the educational landscape.
In the coming days, details of the tentative agreement will be communicated to union members and district stakeholders. The agreement awaits ratification by union members and approval from the Klamath Falls City Schools Board.
NOTICE TO KLAMATH PROJECT IRRIGATORS: 2026 DROUGHT RESPONSE PROGRAM OPEN NOW!
As you are aware, irrigation water supply for the Klamath Project this year will fall well short of what is needed to sustain normal operations for family farms and ranches.
On April 6, the Bureau of Reclamation announced an initial water availability of 221,000 acre-feet from Upper Klamath Lake, representing just over half of the volume required for full Project deliveries.
This reflects a combination of very low snowpack and resulting snow drought conditions, early spring-like weather conditions, and requirements to operate under an unworkable set of regulatory requirements that can’t be changed in time for this season.
Based on these conditions, 40,000 to 50,000 acres within the Project will need to be idled during the 2026 season.
In response, the Klamath Project Drought Response Agency (KPDRA) has now opened the 2026 annual program and is accepting applications during the enrollment period of April 15 through June 15. Up to $19.1 million is available, with estimated payments ranging from $300 to $350 per acre. The program is intended to provide an option for irrigators as they make operational decisions for the coming season.
Additional information, including program details and enrollment materials, is available at www.klamathwaterbank.com. Irrigators should review the program as they evaluate their plans for 2026 and carefully review eligibility requirements. For example, to qualify for full payment, a parcel must receive no irrigation water from any source (surface or groundwater) from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. Applicants should review the program policy for additional eligibility requirements.
The KPDRA and KWUA will host workshops to assist participants with the sign-up process and to answer questions about the program. Workshop details will be shared soon.
Irrigators are encouraged to stay informed as conditions evolve and to consider available programs and tools as part of their planning for the 2026 irrigation season.
The Klamath Falls City Council is addressing community questions about the city’s Flock camera system.
Police Chief Rob Dentinger says the automated license plate readers, developed by Flock Safety, have been in use by the Klamath Falls Police Department since 2023.
Officials emphasized that, unlike traditional surveillance systems, these cameras do not record continuous video or use facial recognition. Instead, they capture specific vehicle information that can be securely accessed later to assist with investigations and crime prevention.
The system takes still images of passing vehicles and uses AI technology to read license plates. Each scan also logs the time, date, and location, along with details like the vehicle’s color, make, and model.
Law enforcement says the technology plays a key role in locating stolen vehicles, identifying cars tied to criminal investigations, and assisting in urgent cases such as missing persons and AMBER Alert.
The 107th annual Lake County Round-Up is set to take place on Saturday, September 6, at 7 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Lakeview.
Revealed as well is the headline act: Jo Dee Messina.
Renowned for her powerful vocals and impressive array of hits, Messina will be accompanied by special guest John Morgan, a Grammy-nominated artist.
With nine No. 1 singles and 16 songs reaching the Top 40, Messina has received numerous accolades from country music organizations, as well as Billboard and Grammy Awards. Notably, she made history as the first female country artist to achieve three consecutive multi-week chart-topping songs.
Celebrated for her pivotal role in the resurgence of country music in the 1990s, her digital streams and YouTube views have surpassed the billions and continue to grow.
Student teams are gearing up to ignite the grills for the Klamath County School District’s second annual Iron Chef: Battle of the Schools on May 1st.
This barbecue competition will be held in Linman Hall at the Klamath County Fairgrounds, starting at 8 a.m., with teams setting up their barbecue stations outdoors.
Participants will demonstrate their culinary talents by preparing beef short ribs for the main course and pork tenderloin for the appetizer, with both meats generously supplied by Diamond S. For the first time, the event will open its doors to the public, allowing attendees to purchase tickets at the entrance and indulge in a complete tasting experience featuring appetizers, entrées with two sides, and desserts—all crafted by the student chefs.
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nificant renovations are on the horizon for The Ross Ragland Theater, particularly concerning parking.
This summer, the theater will undergo a complete reconstruction of the parking area, which includes replacing the asphalt, curbing, and sidewalks.
The project is scheduled to take place from May through September.
As a result of these essential upgrades, our summer programming will be adjusted. Instead of hosting the much-anticipated Summer Musical, we are excited to announce a spectacular event in the fall: The 85th Musical Theater Celebration.
This special performance will feature an array of musical theater favorites, showcasing talented soloists, a full choir, dancers, and a live band. With beloved songs and dances, this family-friendly show promises to be a memorable experience.
Mark your calendars for August 21 and 22 at 7:00 PM, and August 23 at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at ragland.org or by calling 541-884-LIVE.
Abbey Road Brings Iconic Beatles Tribute Band to Klamath Falls for One-Night-Only Performance
Experience the timeless sound of the world’s most legendary band when Abbey Road – Number Ones and More arrives at the Ross Ragland Theatre on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm.
This nationally celebrated Beatles tribute show promises an unforgettable evening of music, memories, and meticulously crafted performance.
From the moment the lights go down, audiences are transported across the Beatles’ evolution — from the early Ed Sullivan broadcasts to the technicolor dream of Sgt. Pepper and the introspective artistry of Abbey Road. With three full costume changes, authentic vintage instruments, and note-perfect renditions, Abbey Road recreates the Beatles’ most iconic eras with uncanny precision.
The setlist features a powerhouse collection of the Beatles’ biggest chart-toppers from both sides of the Atlantic — including classics like Hey Jude, Come Together, Can’t Buy Me Love, and Eleanor Rigby. Plus, die-hard fans will be delighted by a few unexpected deep cuts that rarely surface in tribute shows.
Having performed over 2,200 shows worldwide, Abbey Road has earned critical acclaim for its musical accuracy and captivating stage presence. The Los Angeles Times calls it “a show that delivers,” while the O.C. Register praises it as “smart and loads of fun.”
“Every night feels like a homecoming,” shares Chris Paul Overall, who steps into the shoes of Paul McCartney. “There’s an energy in the crowd — people singing, dancing, dressed up — it’s a full-on celebration of everything the Beatles stood for.”
This family-friendly performance is suitable for all ages and is expected to sell out quickly. Beatles fans, don’t miss your chance to relive the magic — one night only in Klamath Falls
Abbey Road- Tribute to the Beatles comes to the Ross Ragland Theatre on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $30- $45 and may be purchased by phone at 541.884.5483, at the Theatre Box Office or online at www.ragland.org. The Ross Ragland Theatre is located at 218 North 7th Street in Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Discounts for military and students. The show is appropriate for all ages.Â
The Ross Ragland Theatre is located at 218 North 7th Street in Klamath Falls, OR 97601. Discounts for military and students. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Around the State of Oregon
President Trump has issued a Disaster Declaration for the severe storms that struck Oregon in December.
These storms brought unprecedented rainfall and strong winds, leading to extensive flooding, landslides, and mudslides across the state.
At the height of the crisis, over 300,000 residents were left without electricity, numerous highways and interstates were shut down, and a fatality was reported in Yamhill County.
This declaration enables Public Assistance funding for nine counties, allowing them to address eligible expenses related to damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure.
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A federal judge in Eugene has ruled in favor of Oregon Right To Life, determining that the nonprofit is not subject to the state’s Reproductive Health Equity Act under the First Amendment.
Governor Tina Kotek criticized the ruling, asserting that the 2017 law is fundamental to Oregon’s commitment to providing access to reproductive healthcare.
Oregon’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield noted that the full implications of the ruling remain uncertain until the written opinion is released, although he believes its effects may be confined to a religious exemption claim made by a single organization.
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Recent sightings of gray wolves in areas such as Butte Valley, parts of Modoc and Siskiyou counties, and various national wildlife refuges have prompted the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office to advocate for revisions to both California and national wolf management policies.
Currently, gray wolves are classified as an endangered species at both the federal level and in Oregon and California, which imposes significant penalties, including potential jail time and hefty fines, on individuals, particularly ranchers, who kill a wolf.
Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue has called for these reclassifications following a rise in reports of gray wolves near residential areas. For instance, a resident in Butte Valley recently reported seeing two adult gray wolves approximately 80 feet from their home during the day, noting that the animals did not immediately retreat from human presence and appeared to be stalking the family’s dogs.
Oregon is exploring innovative technology to monitor endangered bird species in its state forests, shifting from traditional nighttime surveys that require biologists to navigate challenging terrain in darkness.
The Oregon Department of Forestry has implemented Autonomous Recording Units to track northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets, allowing for the automatic recording of bird calls over extended periods without the need for human presence in the forest.
In contrast, conventional surveys are conducted only once per site at night, necessitating biologists to drive along unlit gravel roads and hike into dense, trail-less forests, often enduring hours of difficult conditions, including rain.
This outdated approach is becoming increasingly ineffective as barred owls encroach on the habitat of spotted owls, which are now found at higher elevations and are less likely to respond to calls, as doing so risks revealing their location to the competing species.
Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in February
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in both February and January. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in February and 4.3% in January.
In February, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 5,400 jobs, following a gain of 1,600 jobs, as revised, in January. February’s gains were largest in financial activities (+800 jobs). Losses were largest in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-1,500); and professional and business services (-1,300).
Financial activities added 800 jobs in February, which was a rare monthly gain for the industry after persistent declines over the past three years. It employed 99,800 in February, which was down 1,100 jobs, or -1.1%, since February 2025.
Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment was choppy in recent months, cutting 1,600 jobs in February following a gain of 1,500 in January. It employed 78,400 in February, which was 400 jobs, or 0.5%, above its year-ago level and close to its average employment throughout much of the past five years.
Leisure and hospitality cut 1,500 jobs in February following a gain of 1,200 in January. During the prior three years, it was remarkably steady, averaging just over 207,000 jobs.
Professional and business services continued its downtrend of the past three years, cutting 1,300 jobs in February and another 2,000 jobs in January. In the most recent 12 months, it cut 8,700 jobs, or 3.4%. Since February 2025, each of its three component industries contracted by more than 2%: administrative and waste services (-4,200 jobs, or -4.3%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,300 jobs, or -2.7%).
The U.S. Forest Service announced yesterday that it will allocate $248 million in Secure Rural Schools payments for 2025, providing essential funding to states and counties with National Forest System lands.
This financial support is vital for sustaining public education, maintaining local infrastructure, enhancing wildfire preparedness, and facilitating other critical services in rural areas.
The 2025 payments encompass Title I, Title III, and 1908 Act allocations, which are instrumental in funding education, transportation, and community services.
Additionally, these funds bolster local wildfire readiness by supporting Firewise Communities programs, reimbursing counties for emergency services related to national forests, and aiding the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans, thereby improving safety and coordination with Forest Service wildfire response initiatives.
OSP makes arrest in multi-agency Internet Crimes Against Children operation
CLACKAMAS COUNTY, Ore. (17 April 2026) – An Oregon State Police Internet Crimes Against Children operation recently led to the arrest of a Clackamas County man.
On March 31, 2026, an Oregon State Police detective portraying a 16-year-old female was contacted through an online application by Levi F. Wallace (44). Wallace carried on a weeklong sexually explicit conversation with the detective and sent sexually explicit photos.
On April 16, 2026, with the help of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Portland Police Bureau, Molalla Police Department, and Milwaukie Police Department, Wallace was arrested at his home in Colton.
Wallace was lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on four felony warrants, including child luring, online sexual corruption of a minor, and encouraging child sex abuse in the second degree for a similar operation that occurred in 2024. Wallace was also lodged in Clackamas County on additional charges for the current case of luring a minor, online sexual corruption of a minor in the second degree, and failing to register as a sex offender. Â
Police Operation Raid Nets Meth, Cocaine, Guns, and Cash
GRANTS PASS, Ore– On Friday, April 10, 2026, members of the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Medford, Oregon State Police (SWAT, Patrol and Major Crimes), Grants Pass Police Department (SWAT), Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol (Northern Division) concluded a six-week-long drug investigation in Oregon and California by executing three residential search warrants in Wolf Creek, Oregon. Also investigated was one residential search warrant in Corning, California.
During the investigation, RADE and the DEA identified a drug trafficking organization operating out of Wolf Creek that was being supplied with methamphetamine from Corning.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the investigation led to a traffic stop on Marshall Clifford De La Garza (39), who was found to be transporting approximately 90 pounds of methamphetamine destined for Josephine County, Oregon, from Corning, California.
The three residential search warrants executed in Wolf Creek led to the seizure of multiple firearms and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Three individuals were arrested: Johnny Dean Davis Jr. (43), Daniel Cody Green (44), and Stephen Ray Higgins (56).
Davis, Green, and Higgins were all lodged at the Josephine County Jail and charged with multiple crimes, including racketeering, delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine.
Additionally, Jesus Fernando Vega (53) was arrested and booked in Corning, California, by the CHP. The search warrant executed at Vega’s residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 58 pounds of methamphetamine, 6 kilograms of cocaine, $227,752, a stolen pistol, a revolver, a hunting rifle, and a MAC-10–style machine gun.
The RADE team is a multijurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts and dismantles local, multistate and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multiagency, prosecutor-supported approach. RADE is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), composed of members from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Community Corrections, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)-sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives, including RADE.
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Joint Task Force, Eagle Point Police Serves Child Sexual Abuse Material Search Warrant in Eagle Point, Or.
EAGLE POINT, Ore. – The Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET) along with Eagle Point Police Department (EPPD) and the Oregon Department of Justice’s (ODOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forceserved a search warrant this morning in Eagle Point.
Investigators served the search warrant after discovering Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) images were uploaded from the address. Investigators interviewed possible witnesses and involved parties, and investigations are ongoing.
SOCET served the search warrant Tuesday, April 14 at a residence on Chantrell Court in Eagle Point. SOCET and EPPD began their investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children which led to subpoenas, followed by the search warrant at the residence.
SOCET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Medford Police Department (MPD), ODOJ ICAC, EPPD, and the Southern Oregon High Tech Crimes Task Force (SOHTCTF). During the warrant, investigators seized digital devices which will be forensically examined by SOHTCTF for further evidence of child exploitation.
SOCET is a joint inter-agency task force that started in June of 2020 to combat child exploitation. The task force consists of investigators from JCSO, MPD, ODOJ ICAC, and HSI, as well as prosecutors from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in Jackson County. SOHTCTF is a joint inter-agency task force that consists of investigators from JCSO, HSI, and MPD.
Investigators continue to examine seized devices and interview witnesses as the investigation moves forward. No further details will be released at this time.
Grants Pass, Oregon –On February 6, 2026, the Oregon State Police initiated an investigation into Joseph Deley, a 64-year-old educational assistant at Highland Elementary School, regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving a female student.
This inquiry uncovered three additional victims from the school years 2018, 2022, and 2024, bringing the total number of identified victims to four. The case was subsequently forwarded to the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, leading to Deley’s indictment on April 9, 2026, on six counts of first-degree sexual abuse by a grand jury.
A warrant for his arrest was issued, and he was taken into custody without incident at the Josephine County Jail. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to reach out to the OSP Southern Command Center dispatch at (541) 664-4600 or by dialing *OSP (*677) from a mobile device.
OHA adds date to Centennial Middle School measles exposure list
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Multnomah County public health officials have identified another date on which people may have been exposed to measles at Centennial Middle School in southeast Portland.
People might have been exposed to measles if they were at Centennial Middle School, 17650 SE Brooklyn St., Portland, between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, April 3. Public health officials are urging people to talk to a health care provider about their risks if they believe they were exposed.
The other exposures at Centennial Middle School occurred between 9:20 a.m. and 6 p.m. on the following dates, as OHA reported earlier today:
- Wednesday, April 1.
- Monday, April 6.
- Tuesday, April 7.
- Wednesday, April 8.
- Thursday, April 9.
- Friday, April 10.
People who were at this location during these dates and time periods should immediately contact your health care provider and let them know they may have been exposed to someone who has measles. The health care provider can determine whether you are immune to measles based on your vaccination record, age, or laboratory evidence of prior infection.
Families without a primary care provider can establish care at any of Multnomah County’s seven primary care clinics or nine student health centers (based at high schools but open to anyone ages 5-18) by calling 503-988-5558 to make a new patient appointment.
Learn more about measles at https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/Pages/measles.aspx.
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Oregon’s federal delegation has announced a significant federal investment exceeding $27 million for infrastructure enhancements at over 25 regional airports throughout the state.
Among these, Rogue Valley International Airport in Medford is set to benefit from a $2 million grant aimed at upgrading apron pavement and other facilities.
Grants Pass Airport in Southern Oregon also stands out, receiving the largest allocation of $2.67 million, which will fund the installation of new guidance signs, taxiway edge lighting, and an extension of its paved runway by more than 13,000 feet, along with other improvements.
Brookings Airport and Southwest Oregon Regional Airport in North Bend will also receive substantial support, each obtaining over $750,000 for various enhancements.
The Oregon DMV has halted the issuance and renewal of limited-term commercial driver’s licenses and learner’s permits for non-domiciled temporary residents, effective March 16.
This decision follows a final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which restricts eligibility for these temporary commercial licenses to foreign nationals with specific work visas, such as those for temporary agricultural workers.
The suspension was prompted by a warning from the FMCSA in January regarding significant noncompliance with federal regulations, which could jeopardize federal highway funding and the certification of Oregon’s commercial driving program. Chris Crabb from the Oregon DMV clarified that limited-term licenses are intended for foreign citizens who are legally present in the U.S. on a temporary basis.
New technology helps improve threatened species surveys in state forests
Tillamook State Forest, Ore.—Oregon’s state forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife including two threatened bird species, the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. As part of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) compliance with the federal and state endangered species acts, ODF surveys where these species are and develops a plan to protect and enhance their habitat.
“Right now, we use call-back surveys to determine where spotted owls are,” said Mike Davis, an ODF state forest biologist. “As the name implies, we go out in the forest and broadcast owl calls and wait for them to respond, following a protocol accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).” The USFWS administers the Endangered Species Act and monitors compliance with it.
Most of the field call-back survey work is done by contract biologists and has some limitations.
“For owls, the surveys are conducted at night and typically for just that one night at each location,” said Davis. “There are safety concerns too: driving dark gravel forest roads, hiking into the mature forest stands where owls typically are without any trails, and traversing steep, rugged terrain. Then standing or hiking for hours, oftentimes in the rain. It is not easy work nor a fun experience some nights.”
Another recent concern that limits the effectiveness of call-back surveys is the encroachment of the invasive barred owl into traditional spotted owl areas.
“The barred owls are basically bullying the northern spotted owls out of their preferred habitat,” said Davis. “We are seeing spotted owls at atypical higher elevations now and calling back less and less because that call alerts barred owls to their location.”
This makes the call-back protocols less effective and had ODF looking for better methods to survey the birds.
“In 2022 we started experimenting with Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs),” said Davis.Â
ARUs are devices that automatically record environmental sounds such as bird calls, frog choruses, or other wildlife vocalizations over extended periods without the need to have a human present.
“ARUs have many advantages,” said Davis. “They can be left out in the field several weeks or more, set up and retrieved from the field anytime, record multiple species, and can be analyzed back in the office.”
The units are designed similar to a trail camera, but instead of a camera they have a microphone. They also run on batteries and have removable memory cards.
 “We bring the cards back to our office and run specialized software that processes the audio recordings,” said Davis. “It converts the sound waves into spectrograms, which are visual representations of frequency over time. Each species’ calls produce distinct patterns on these images, allowing software to identify and differentiate vocalizations.”
ODF is optimistic ARUs could save on survey costs too.
“We spend roughly $2 million a year on northern spotted owl surveys and another $500,000 on marbled murrelets,” said Corey Grinnell, Biological Support Unit Manager for ODF’s State Forest Division. “ARUs with rechargeable batteries, memory cards and the software costs are coming in the $600-$700 range per device.”
ODF currently has 23 ARUs but plans to deploy more and move away from sole reliance on call-back surveys.
“We are waiting for the USFWS to approve a final protocol for using ARUs,” said Grinnell. “Once that happens, we can integrate them more into our management plans.”
Another big change for the biologists will be state forests moving to a new Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that is expected to be approved by the USFWS and NOAA Fisheries later this year after a several years-long development and approval process. The HCP will give ODF 70 years of certainty in how ODF manages for 17 terrestrial and aquatic species, including northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets, as it manages state forests.
“The entire point of the HCP is to keep this working forest working,” said Grinnell.
The HCP combined with improving technology has the potential to give managers better data to better manage the forests. State forests by law must provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to Oregonians.
“Our goal is to create healthy productive forests, high-quality habitat for native fish and wildlife, clear cool water, benefits and revenues to rural communities and timber related economies, as well as recreation and educational opportunities,” said Grinnell. “To do that we embrace cutting edge technology to improve our data in the most cost-effective way. “ARUs are one tool to do that. We are always on the lookout for better, faster, cheaper ways to get biological data to help us make the best management decisions.”
For more on Oregon’s state forests see: Oregon Department of Forestry : State forests : Forest resources : State of Oregon
Scammers are targeting individuals with deceptive text messages claiming they owe money to the Oregon Department of Transportation or DMV, and these messages are not harmless jokes.
These fraudulent texts often mention unpaid tolls, license suspensions, or traffic violations and include links to counterfeit websites designed to capture your personal and financial information. It is important to remember that ODOT and DMV will never request payment via text, email, phone call, or third-party sites.
Scammers aim to create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action, so it is crucial not to respond, click on any links, or share personal details. Instead, block the number and delete the message.
Such scam texts frequently use alarming phrases like “urgent notice” or “final enforcement,” warning of potential license suspensions or increased fines if immediate payment is not made
Outdoor debris burning, commonly referred to as backyard debris burning, is the primary cause of human-induced wildland fires in Oregon.
The Oregon Department of Forestry typically responds to approximately 225 fires annually that stem from uncontrolled debris burns.
To mitigate this risk, all residents are urged to utilize the new statewide Before You Burn website or mobile application before igniting any debris, whether it involves a small pile or a burn barrel. The Before You Burn platform offers straightforward guidance on burning regulations and safety measures tailored to individual locations.
Oregonians can easily sign up for free by downloading the Before You Burn app, available on both Apple and Android devices, or by visiting the beforeyouburn.net website.
Once on the platform, users are prompted to input their address, which allows them to quickly determine if burning is permitted in their area. If it is allowed, they will receive detailed instructions regarding local regulations, including the need to register a burn or obtain a permit.
Oregonians have a wide array of choices when it comes to license plates. Options range from elephant-themed plates to those featuring the Ducks or Beavers, as well as designs showcasing bees and Smokey Bear.
Each of these unique plates comes with an additional fee, with proceeds supporting various causes such as zoos, colleges, and forest conservation.
Now, for the first time, golf enthusiasts in Oregon will have the opportunity to express their passion through a dedicated license plate. This new design will be available for order from the Department of Motor Vehicles starting Tuesday, April 28.
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