Merkley Applauds Forest Service Action on “Next Generation” Airtankers

New planes will help combat wildfires in Oregon forests

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Forest Service announced it would award operating contracts for “Next Generation” airtankers to be used in wildfire suppression:
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Willamette National Forest Biologists Win Award

Much to their surprise, Willamette National Forest employees who were staffing the Forest Service booth at the National Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) event in Las Vegas, were asked to attend the Conservation Partners Reception. Upon their arrival, they received the prestigious Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Elk Country Award for their sustained efforts in wildlife habitat management.
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Groups put Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussel Response Plan to the Test in Oregon

Prineville, Ore.— The discovery of invasive quagga or zebra mussels in an Oregon waterbody would trigger a rapid response plan involving a number of agencies and stakeholders that would come together to evaluate and contain the situation. To test and improve Oregon’s response plan, a number of groups met in Prineville on April 2 and 3 in a simulated exercise.
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Volunteers Needed for National Forest Advisory Committee

The Willamette and Mt. Hood National Forests are seeking to fill recently vacated positions on the Hood/Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).  Committee members work with the Forest Service and partners to improve conditions on both national forests via projects that provide local jobs, restore landscapes, enhance recreation, combat invasive species, and engage youth.  Project proponents apply for funding and the RAC reviews and recommends projects through a collaborative process.   The nomination period for this worthwhile and important volunteer opportunity ends on May 7.
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Lost Skier Found Submerged in Creek West of Ski Bowl Resort

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is sad to report at approximately 7:15 pm the body of a male skier believed to be the subject we have been looking for was located.  The subject was found submerged in a creek near Highway 26 west of the Ski Bowl Resort.
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Mary Owen Found on Mt. Hood

Owen Rescue

Today at 10:02 am, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office’s rescue efforts were successful in locating Mary Owen.  Ms. Owen was spotted by a helicopter flown by the Oregon National Guard that joined the search this morning.  Ms. Owen was hoisted into the helicopter and due to her injuries she was taken directly to Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, OR.  Ms. Owen was alert but had frostbite and a possible fratured ankle.
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Most Woody Debris on Oregon’s Beaches can be Left Alone

Sample of a wooden beam found on the coast. No need to report this.

Part of a special free-standing arch called a torii washed up in Oceanside on March 22 (Debris Found on Oregon Beach Could Have Cultural Significance in Japan). Since then, other pieces of wood have washed ashore that have prompted more than a dozen reports to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department coast staff. These pieces of normal woody debris do not have to be reported.
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McKenzie River Ranger Station Receives LEED Certification

Jon Price, Contracting Officer Representative, and Terry Baker, McKenzie River District Ranger, in the general meeting room of the Ranger District

Recently, the McKenzie River Ranger Station was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver from the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED is a program that provides a third party verification of green buildings and rates them on a scale from Certified, Silver, Gold to Platinum.  The Ranger Station scored 59 points, one point below Gold.
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