DEQ issues plan to curb Willamette Basin mercury pollution
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said Monday it has issued a pollution reduction plan for mercury in the Willamette Basin.
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Report: Clean energy jobs booming part of Ore. economy
The clean energy sector is a major jobs provider in Oregon, according to a new report.
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OSU using robot glider to measure ocean noise levels
At a time when ocean noise is receiving increased global attention, researchers at Oregon State University and NOAA have developed an effective method to use an underwater robotic glider to measure sound levels over broad areas of the ocean.
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Worthy Garden Club, partners plan to plant a million trees
The Worthy Garden Club, along with its coalition partners, on Tuesday launched “Operation Appleseed,” a campaign to plant one million trees in three years throughout the Central Oregon and coastal regions to support habitat restoration efforts and help mitigate climate change.
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OSU ecologist uses drones, GoPros to track gray whales
Using drones deployed in the air and GoPros underwater, Oregon State University marine ecologist Leigh Torres recently completed her fourth field season documenting previously unseen behaviors of gray whales – and gathering their poop – off the Oregon coast.
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OSU-Cascades professor gets grant to study relocation of ‘climate refugees’
An Oregon State University–Cascades anthropologist has been awarded $750,000 by the National Science Foundation to research issues facing coastal communities exposed to repetitive flooding, and the effectiveness of federal disaster response policies.
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Trees, plants being planted along Deschutes
The Oregon Natural Desert Association is planting some 2,000 trees and plants along the banks of the Deschutes River, including Wednesday’s work in Tumalo.
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Oregon electric car owners to pay higher registration
New Oregon vehicle registration, title and trip permit fees — including higher registration fees for electric vehicles than gas-powered ones — will take effect Jan. 1 as part of “Keep Oregon Moving,” the biggest transportation investment in state history, Oregon DMV officials said Tuesday.
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Groups applaud bill to protect Owyhee Canyonlands
A bill in Congress to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands and parts of Malheur County is being praised for the inclusive process involved in writing the legislation.
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Restoration project proposed along Paulina Creek
The Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest is seeking public comment on a proposed small aquatic restoration project along Paulina Creek, northeast of La Pine.
Continue ReadingReport: Pesticides threaten iconic Oregon species
The wide use of pesticides is pushing some species in Oregon and across the country to the brink, according to a new report from the Endangered Species Coalition that highlights 10 of the nearly 1,200 species imperiled by these chemicals. In the Northwest, pesticide runoff hampers the swimming ability of Chinook salmon. It also enters
Continue ReadingSenate OKs ag appropriations with Oregon funding
Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said the Agriculture Appropriations bill that was voted out of the full Senate Thursday will help Oregon’s rural communities–from investments in rural housing; to research into the impacts of wildfire smoke on crops; to hemp, which is becoming a major cash crop for Oregon. “Every year I visit
Continue ReadingBend business owner, student back climate change measures
Three new Oregon climate change measures, backed by a Bend business owner and several supporters, are now one step closer to being included on the 2020 ballot. Two of the measures — Initiative Petition 48 & 49 — fall under what’s called the 100% Clean Electricity ballot measure. It requires all electricity used in Oregon
Continue ReadingEx-railroad plant operator who allowed oil spill sentenced
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former wastewater plant operator for Union Pacific Railroad who allowed oil to seep from an overflowing tank into the Willamette River has been sentenced to two years of probation and a $2,500 fine. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports Robert LaRue Webb II negligently discharged oil from a storage tank at Union Pacific’s
Continue ReadingJuniper Swim & Fitness Center honored for energy-saving upgrades
The Bend Park and Recreation District has been recognized by a statewide organization for Juniper Swim & Fitness Center’s efforts to upgrade and maintain its mechanical systems. The efforts have also led to significant energy savings over the past few years. The Oregon Recreation and Parks Association ( ORPA ) announced the award at the
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Sea urchin explosion off California, Oregon decimates kelp
NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) — Tens of millions of voracious purple sea urchins that have already chomped their way through towering underwater kelp forests in California are spreading north to Oregon, sending the delicate marine ecosystem off the shore into such disarray that other critical species are starving to death. A recent count found 350 million
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Bend wants you to ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’
Could you imagine a day without water? That’s what the city of Bend wants you to think about. Bend partnered Wednesday with a nonprofit, the Value of Water, to promote the campaign ‘Imagine a Day Without Water’ and the importance and value of water resources that many people take for granted. Bend’s water utility supplies
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Experts: Holiday decor can put wildlife in danger
(Update: Adding video) With the holidays fast approaching, experts warn those getting in the holiday spirit to be mindful of where they place decorations, which can be harmful to wildlife. The items that wildlife professionals are most apprehensive about are decorative lights, artificial spider webs, and pumpkin jack-o-lanterns. A Bend man reported a deer approached
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Portland denies added pipes at Willamette River oil terminal
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The city of Portland has rejected a request from Zenith Energy to add underground pipes at its Northwest Portland oil terminal along the Willamette River. Zenith had told city officials it would promise not to pass any fossil fuels though the three pipes, only biofuels and a low-toxin chemical used to
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Oregon State announces new protections for old growth
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State University has announced plans to immediately reinstitute an abandoned 2005 management plan for its McDonald-Dunn research forest outside Corvallis, in a sign of continued fallout from criticism of the school for clear-cutting a stand of ancient trees that included a 420-year-old giant. The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the leader of the
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