April Ehrlich
April Ehrlich is a reporter covering lands and environmental policies in Oregon and Southwest Washington at OPB, after joining as a breaking news editor in November 2021. She previously worked at Jefferson Public Radio in Southern Oregon, where she was a reporter, show producer, and radio host. While there, she focused much of her reporting on wildfire coverage, including an investigation with NPR into federal disaster assistance programs and how they routinely fail people in marginalized groups.
April’s reporting has won numerous Public Media Journalists Association awards and regional Edward R. Murrow awards, as well as a national Murrow.
Latest Stories
Crater Lake superintendent resigns, citing staff shortages
Since he started at Crater Lake in January, Kevin Heatley has seen Crater Lake’s permanent workforce cut in half, and onboarding seasonal staff was delayed by a month. "Things are not OK," he said.
Northwest wildfire outlook is grim, even as hiring has ramped up
But there was a glimmer of hope: Federal firefighting managers said their workforce is about where it needs to be for the fire season ahead, despite the Trump administration’s efforts.
An unusual pairing of geese draws a gaggle of Portland-area birders
An unusual couple of nesters has attracted the attention of Portland-area birders drawn to a story about the peculiarities of nature.
Chuck Sams to help spend Oregon’s Monsanto settlement funds on restoration projects
Sams was the first Native American to lead the National Park Service.
How to visit Multnomah Falls this summer, with or without timed permits
The summertime permitting system is meant to ease crowding at Oregon's tallest waterfall. But the permits can be a little confusing for new visitors.
OSU acquires land outside Portland for research, recreation
Oregon State University announced Friday that it’s finalizing its purchase of land northwest of Portland's Forest Park, above the Tualatin Mountains.
Oregon’s in store for a bad wildfire season. But state officials aren’t worried about federal staffing
While there may be chilly days ahead this spring, Kotek warned: “Fire season is here.”
Chinese mitten crab could be trouble for Oregon, Washington, if there are more
Wildlife officials are asking the public to report sightings of this long-legged, furry-clawed crustacean, after one was caught along the Lower Columbia River near Astoria.
Here’s what we know about the DEQ cyberattack so far
Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality recently survived a massive cyber attack. Here's what OPB has learned about what happened, how DEQ responded, and why cyber attacks could become more common.
DEQ’s statewide email included ‘dangerous link’ — but it didn’t warn the public
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality internally warned its staff about a 'dangerous link' in its statewide press release. The message came ahead of the agency's public announcement about a massive cyberattack.
