Oregon
400,000 acres of public lands in Eastern Oregon get environmental protections
More than 400,000 acres of public lands in Eastern Oregon are getting extra protections after a decision announced Friday by the Bureau of Land Management.
The bureau finalized an amendment that protects sensitive areas within a broader 4.6 million acres public lands management plan that covers Oregonâs Malheur, Grant, Harney and Baker counties, including the Owyhee Canyonlands.
Leslie Gulch will receive extra wilderness protections, along with other areas of Eastern Oregon, following a decision announced Friday by the Bureau of Land Management.
Amanda Peacher / OPB
The amendment requires the bureau to protect the wilderness characteristics of 417,190 acres, including many popular recreational sites, including Jordan Craters, Three Forks, Leslie Gulch and a tributary to the Owyhee River.
The decision limits off-highway vehicle use in certain areas, and provides some guidelines on livestock grazing. It also requires the BLM to prioritize the natural characteristics of these lands when considering projects that could change the landscape, like mineral extraction or renewable energy projects.
The use of off-highway vehicles will be limited to about 40,000 acres near Keeney Pass and Bully Creek Reservoir near Vale. About 16,000 acres will remain closed to vehicles.
The bureau pursued the amendment in response to court challenges from conservation groups, including the Oregon Natural Desert Association.
The nonprofitâs executive director, Ryan Houston, said the decision creates the largest protected area in a single BLM district.
âThis reflects a conservation vision well-suited to this region known for its incredibly remote and wild landscapes,â Houston said in a statement.
ONDA is currently seeking additional protections for the Owyhee Canyonlands through a wilderness designation from Congress or a national monument designation from President Joe Biden.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Oregon Department of Forestry is asking Oregonians to be careful when disposing of yard debris this spring.
READ MORE | High pressure brings 48-hour warmup to western Oregon as temps near 90 Tuesday
“There have already been 23 escaped debris burns for a total of 83 acres reported on ODF-protected land in 2026,” the agency said.
The agency said that at this time last year, it had responded to 37 escaped burns.
“More than 70% of wildfires every year in Oregon are human-caused, with escaped debris burns topping the list,” ODF said. “With record-low snowpack and an abnormally warm winter, forecasters are anticipating a hotter and drier summer than usual.”
The Central Oregon District of ODF has already declared the start of fire season.
On May 14, fire restrictions will go into effect for all Bureau of Land Management lands in Oregon and Washington.
“We are increasingly concerned that 2026 could rival the most extreme years on record for heat and dryness in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jeff Fedrizzi, assistant chief of operations for the Pacific Northwest, U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “Every visitor must understand that even one small spark can lead to a costly and destructive fire in these high-impact conditions.”
Officials say the restrictions will help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. BLM officials say anyone who violates the prohibition could be fined up to $100,000 and/or face up to 12 months in prison.
More information on fire season is available on the ODF website.
The Bureau of Land Management website has additional information on fire restrictions and closures.
The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 10 drawing
1PM: 8-2-8-4
4PM: 5-1-2-6
7PM: 1-5-9-6
10PM: 8-6-5-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
- Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon DMV issued a warning for drivers, saying scammers are still sending out fake text messages trying to steal money from people.
State DMV officials say it is part of a nationwide scam that’s been happening for nearly two years.
The fake text messages often come from international phone numbers or non-government email addresses.
In the messages, the scammers threaten to suspend car registration or driving privileges if a person doesn’t pay.
If you get this message, the DMV asks that you don’t click on any links or respond. Simply report it to the Federal Trade Commission or delete it.
-
Minneapolis, MN4 minutes agoMinneapolis grocer charged in $1.1 million SNAP fraud scheme
-
Indianapolis, IN10 minutes agoMartindale-Brightwood neighbors sue to stall Metrobloks data center
-
Pittsburg, PA16 minutes agoDragon softball sweeps Kansas City Piper
-
Augusta, GA22 minutes agoBrent McMillian named as Augusta University’s new Athletics Director – AOL
-
Washington, D.C28 minutes agoNonprofit sues the federal government over plans to paint Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool blue
-
Cleveland, OH34 minutes agoPaint the Town: Sherwin-Williams Opens Massive 36-Story Headquarters in Cleveland – Scioto Post
-
Austin, TX40 minutes agoMan fatally shot during dog walk in Northwest Austin, neighbor arrested
-
Alaska52 minutes ago10 Reasons the 2026 Princess Cruises Season Is the Ultimate Alaska Power Move – AOL