News Briefs

Oregon State University researchers have found that U.S. adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less confident when it comes to other extreme weather events like hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes.

Looking at extreme weather events across the board, 83% of survey respondents said there is some link between these events and anthropogenic, or human-caused, climate change. About 17% thought climate change had nothing to do with extreme weather.

Researchers found that more than 47% of people were “very” or “extremely confident” in linking increased wildfires to climate change, and roughly 42% of people were very confident linking extreme heat to climate change.

The study also reported how closely the general public is more likely to consider all the hot, dry conditions that contribute to worsening wildfires amid climate change.

“Good Neighbor”

The U.S. Forest Service has announced an investment of over $2.88 million to fund five “Good Neighbor Authority” (GNA) projects in the Pacific Northwest for fiscal year 2024. This funding is part of a larger $12 million national investment in GNA projects for the same period.

These projects aim to enhance watersheds, restore forest health, and reduce wildfire risks in Washington and Oregon.

The funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allows the Forest Service to partner directly with state agencies to support watershed restoration, improve forest health, and reduce wildfire risks through state-implemented projects.

Pacific Northwest Region projects for fiscal year 2024 include:

Oregon Department of Transportation: Received $485,000 to mitigate hazard trees along forest roads and state highways crossing Forest Service lands, improving access and safety.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s Federal Forest Restoration Program received $1 million to support forest restoration on federal lands, providing NEPA planning, commercial timber sale implementation, and restoration services.

D&D Camp

Do you have a 3rd-12th grade Eagle interested in the fantastical world of Dungeons & Dragons? Look no further than the McKenzie Community School’s D & D/Board Games camp.

It’s set to run from July 8th to 11th from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where students will use their imagination and quick thinking to create characters and react to the fantasy world around them. They’ll also have the opportunity to learn the basics of Chess and have time to play other board games, too—no experience necessary.

Transportation from home to school will be provided daily, and breakfast and lunch will also be served.

Space is limited to 18 students, so secure your spot with Lacey Joy at [email protected] or Lindsie Cline at [email protected]. For additional information, call (541) 822-3315.

Registration closes July 1st. All can’t wait to see you at camp.