Organizations move to intervene in federal lawsuit involving 21-inch diameter tree harvest rule
The American Forest Resource Council and the Eastern Oregon Counties Association have moved to intervene in a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s “Eastside Screens” Amendment that affects forest management on six national forests in Eastern Oregon. The resource council contends that if the lawsuit is successful, it may halt several forest projects that would conduct hazardous fuel reduction on at least 209,000 acres of land that are vulnerable to severe fire. (Jason Chaney, Central Oregonian)
Three neighboring properties busted, with combined 113 cannabis greenhouses
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office busted three illegal cannabis grows at three neighboring properties in rural Rogue River, all belonging to different individuals. The three grows combined contained 113 greenhouses with approximately 8,675 black-market plants, 7,155 pounds of illegal cannabis and $46,000 in cash. The investigation is ongoing. (Staff, Klamath Falls Herald & News)
State of The Birds report shows decline in Western forest birds
A nationwide coalition has released the State of The Birds report, a study released every few years detailing the continued decline in many bird populations. The report shows forests across southern and eastern Oregon and Washington are in desperate need of restoration to return them to a more natural state. The decline in western bird populations can be traced to a century of poor forest management, resulting in extreme wildfires and drought. (Roman Battaglia, Jefferson Public Radio)
Umatilla County commissioner candidates call for ending Measure 110
Umatilla County commissioner candidates were united recently in their assessment that Oregon’s recent law decriminalizing small quantities of drugs is wreaking havoc in the county. But no one presented a plan for how the county should deal with what one candidate called Measure 110′s “unintentional consequences.” (Phil Wright, Hermiston Herald)
Coos Bay dissolves homeless work group
Assistant City Manager Nichole Rutherford told the council that a homeless work group played a large role in recent council decisions, such as the development of a community resource officer, as well as new city regulations for towing, camping and parking rules. Rutherford said Coos County will take the lead on the issue following a $1 million grant from the state Legislature. (David Rupkalvis, The Bandon Western World)
