Science & Environment
Oregon Department of Forestry crews work on a blaze outside Sweet Home, Ore., in 2022.
Oregon’s wildfire bill cut landowner costs, but didn’t raise funds for fighting large fires
The total wildfire budget for the next two years is less than the state spent last year alone.
Latest Stories
Federal government rescinds Oregon’s offshore wind energy area
The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, or BOEM, announced it is rescinding all designated Wind Energy Areas, including two Southern Oregon locations.
Kotek pledges to continue climate change fight as Trump seeks to rescind EPA rules
The Trump administration says it's revoking a 16-year-old policy that targeted tailpipe emissions and the fossil fuel industry. Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon will continue addressing climate change.
Q&A: Why helping juvenile salmon could muddy Salem’s drinking water
A plan to help endangered salmon could put the drinking water that close to 200,000 Salem residents and business customers rely on at risk. It could also have drastic impacts on Salem’s water filtration system and could limit firefighting resources in the region.
Volunteers rebuild historic fire lookout at Mount Rainier after vandalism
Washington’s popular High Rock Trail is closed until September as restoration crews piece a scenic lookout back together.
Where did the birds go? Why Oregon’s spring was quieter than usual
Some Oregon birdwatchers say this spring was strangely quiet – and the data backs that up.
Oregon puts the brakes on farm stand changes following public outcry
The goal was to clarify what’s allowed with so-called farm stands — usually the farms families go to to buy local fresh produce, pick berries or run through a corn maze. Conservation groups say the changes would preserve farmland. But some farmers active on social media said they would threaten aspects of their business.
A quick look: What’s allowed at Oregon farm stands
Some Oregon farms are up in arms about proposed changes to so-called farm stand rules. Gov. Tina Kotek has paused the changes for now, here’s a look at a few of the underlying issues.
Santiam Canyon state recreation areas officially open after 2020 fires
All state-run recreation sites in Oregon’s Santiam Canyon are officially open, five years after wildfires burned through much of the area east of Salem.
Oregon forestry board drills Gov. Tina Kotek’s staff on choosing next state forester
The Board of Forestry has long had the power to hire and fire the state forester. Then lawmakers passed a bill transferring that authority to the governor.
Oregon is experiencing more 90-plus degree days
Oregon is getting hotter with the number of 90 degree days on the rise in recent years. A climate science professor at Portland State University says Oregonians can expect to see that trend continue.