Weekday Wrap: Program aims to bolster Oregon’s wildfire resistance, no giant hornets trapped this year in Washington

Oregon program seeks wildfire-resistant landscapes

In an effort to extend wildfire resistance in Oregon’s forests, a state-funded program has handled greater than 150,000 acres of land in recent times. About $11 million out of a complete $20 million permitted for the trouble has been spent, serving to fund tasks close to Sisters, Roseburg and Ashland with grants distributed by the Panorama Resiliency Program. The cash helps pay for managed burns, brush thinning and habitat restoration. “It’s not nearly doing mitigation,” mentioned Jenna Trentadue with the Oregon Division of Forestry, “but additionally resiliency on the panorama, in order that if a fireplace had been to return by means of, it could have the power to get well shortly.” (Nathan Wilk, KLCC)

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No northern big hornets present in 2022 in Washington state

Bees in northwest Washington and close by British Columbia apparently received a reprieve this summer time and fall from the harmful northern big hornet. Officers say the hornets haven’t been seen this yr, regardless of efforts to seize them. Greater than 1,000 northern big hornet traps had been set over the summer time by Washington state residents and entomologists, with hopes of finding and destroying any nests. The hornets are thought-about invasive in North America for his or her capacity to kill different bee and hornet species. Entomologists say the hornets is not going to be thought-about eradicated till Washington has gone three years with no detections. (Related Press)

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Washougal district to inventory faculties with opioid overdose meds

In an effort to fight youth opioid use, the Washougal Faculty District and an area nonprofit have partnered to develop instructional actions and preventative measures. In June, Margaret McCarthy with Unite! Washougal advised the Washougal Faculty Board, “This can be a massive drawback, and large issues require massive options.” In October, the board permitted a coverage that states the district will search to acquire and preserve at the least one set of opioid overdose reversal remedy doses in every of its faculties. Nurses have been educated on how one can administer the remedy, generally known as naloxone, and officers say different workers additionally will obtain such coaching. (Doug Flanagan/Camas-Washougal Submit Report)

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Oregon lawmakers contemplate creating ‘water czar’ for high-level selections

Oregon could have a brand new so-called water czar subsequent yr if lawmakers transfer ahead with the idea. Formally known as the Interagency Water Officer, the official would lead water planning efforts within the governor’s workplace and negotiate with federal businesses, state governments and tribes on water points. Rep. Ken Helm, D-Beaverton, a proponent of the place, has mentioned the czar and different ideas on water governance can be launched subsequent yr within the Legislature. In recent times, Helm has more and more centered on water shortage, which he considers certainly one of Oregon’s high 5 main points. (Mateusz Perkowski/Capital Press)

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Central Oregon, particularly within the Cascades, can anticipate snowy climate this weekend

Nobody is anticipating snowmageddon, however the Nationwide Climate Service is forecasting vital snowfall in Central Oregon, particularly within the Cascades, with the very best quantities anticipated Friday night. The climate service issued a number of winter advisories Thursday, relying on elevation and placement. Within the Cascades, the forecast calls for six to 10 inches above 4,500 toes by Saturday afternoon, which may make crossing mountain passes tough. The snowy circumstances are anticipated to proceed into Friday at decrease elevations, and whereas the forecast is good news for skiers and snowboarders gearing up for the slopes at Mount Bachelor, the circumstances may additionally complicate street circumstances in Central Oregon. (Joe Siess, Bend Bulletin)

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Oregon secretary of state needs extra workers to deal with elections complaints

Oregon’s secretary of state is asking lawmakers to fund extra workers who’re devoted to investigating elections complaints. Shemia Fagan advised members of the Home Interim Committee on Guidelines that her workplace has obtained greater than 300 complaints about potential election regulation violations this yr alone. In lots of instances, complaints are filed towards a candidate throughout marketing campaign season however aren’t resolved till after the election, that means voters can’t ensure whether or not or not the criticism has benefit on the time they forged their poll. Fagan mentioned she plans to ask the Legislature throughout subsequent yr’s session to fund two extra investigators with a objective of rushing up the method. (Chris M Lehman, KLCC)

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