OREGON COAST, Ore—Two popular coastal campgrounds will temporarily close this fall and winter for construction projects. 

Bullards Beach, two miles north of Bandon, and Beverly Beach, seven miles north of Newport, will close their campgrounds temporarily for construction projects. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department understands that it takes time to plan a trip and wanted to give potential visitors enough notice to find alternative parks for their fall and winter visits.

• Beverly Beach campgrounds will be closed Sept. 5, 2023 through May 24, 2024 to upgrade the park and campground power and water lines as part of the Go Bond projects, which include improvements at 11 parks around the state. 
• Bullards Beach campgrounds will be closed Oct. 15, 2023 through March 15, 2024 for a main sewer line upgrade. 

While the campgrounds will be closed at Bullards Beach, visitors can still enjoy the day-use area, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp, which will remain open. 

All facilities will be closed at Beverly Beach.

OPRD knows that these campgrounds are well loved places that will be missed this fall and winter season. The closures will allow crews to improve the parks for seasons to come. 

“Thank you for your patience as we make improvements to the campground that will enhance the park experience for all of our visitors,” said Bullards Beach Park Manager Nick Schoeppner.

March 21, 2023

Media contacts:

• Jonathan Modie, Oregon Health Authority, 971-246-9139, Communications@oha.oregon.gov
• Andrea Cantu-Schomus, Oregon Department of Agriculture, 503-881-9049, ea.cantu-schomus@oda.oregon.gov">andrea.cantu-schomus@oda.oregon.gov

Gresham company recalling frozen strawberry products linked to hepatitis A cases in Washington

Oregon health officials are working with federal partners to determine whether product has caused any illnesses in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore.— Scenic Fruit Company of Gresham is recalling frozen "Organic Strawberries” sold at Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood and PCC Community Markets, and frozen “Organic Tropical Fruit Blend” sold at Trader Joe’s, due to an outbreak of hepatitis A illnesses.

Five outbreak-associated cases of hepatitis A have been reported in Washington since March 13. The five cases occurred between November 11 and December 27, 2022, and two individuals required hospitalization. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone reported eating frozen organic strawberries.

Although no patients with hepatitis A in Oregon have been definitively linked to the consumption of these products, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) officials are monitoring the outbreak in Washington. In addition, OHA is interviewing persons diagnosed with hepatitis A to determine if any have consumed frozen berries.

“Since these products were available in Oregon stores, we want to let people know about them so they can take steps to protect themselves and their families,” said Ann Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., a public health physician in OHA’s Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section. “At this point, OHA is carefully investigating any new cases of hepatitis A virus to determine if they are associated with the outbreak, but we have not yet been able to link any Oregon cases to these products.”

The following products are subject to this recall:

The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company continue their investigation into what caused the problem. In addition, the company is removing all inventories of the affected lot from sale.

“The company is voluntarily recalling the affected products and cooperating with the FDA,” said Karel Smit, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Program manager. “The purpose of the recall is to remove the products from commerce and prevent the public from consuming potentially affected products.”

Although no hepatitis A virus has been found in the products, consumers should stop eating the product, and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or throw it away. Consumers with questions may contact the company at .service@scenicfruit.com">customer.service@scenicfruit.com.

Thomas said, “People who believe they’ve gotten sick from consuming frozen strawberries purchased at Costco or Trader Joe’s should contact a health care provider.”

Since 2014, Oregon has seen an average of 20 cases a year, with 2020 having the highest number at 29. Symptoms of hepatitis A infection include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (frequent watery bowel movements), dark urine, and light-colored bowel movements.

The disease varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Hepatitis A infection can result in hospitalization. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have a mild illness that can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill people can be highly infectious. People with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis should consult a physician immediately, even if symptoms are mild.

For information about the national hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen strawberries, visit the CDC website. General information about hepatitis A is available on OHA’s and CDC’s websites.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
March 21, 2023 

CONTACT INFORMATION: 
umenauer@employ.oregon.gov">Gail Krumenauer, State Employment Economist (971) 301-3771 
Video and Audio available at 10 a.m. 

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Jobs Changed Little in February 

In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment declined by 100 jobs in February, following a gain of 9,600 jobs in January. Job losses in February were largest in manufacturing (-1,300 jobs) and financial activities (-1,000). Gains were largest in construction (+1,400 jobs), private educational services (+1,000), and government (+700). 

Nondurable goods manufacturing experienced more job cuts than normal in both January and February. The industry employed 57,800 in February, which was close to its February totals of the prior two years. Food manufacturing comprises about half of nondurable goods manufacturing employment and, at 27,800 jobs in February, was close to its February totals of each of the past seven years. Meanwhile, durable goods manufacturing hasn’t gained much ground lately, as it has hovered close to 137,000 jobs during the past eight months. Recent gains in machinery manufacturing have been offset by declines in computer and electronic product manufacturing. 

Construction employment rose sharply in February, reaching another record high of 122,700. The industry added 7,500 jobs, or 6.5%, over the past 12 months. Since February 2022, all published components of construction are up between 3.8% and 9.3%. The component that grew the fastest was building equipment contractors, which added 3,000 jobs, or 9.3%, in that time. Both components within construction of buildings grew close to 4%, with residential building construction up 800 jobs, or 3.8%, and nonresidential building construction up 500 jobs, or 4.3%. 

Government employment rebounded above to its pre-pandemic high of early 2020, as it rose to 302,100 jobs in February. Local government education rose to 139,100 jobs in February, which was 6,500 jobs above its year-ago figure, and is now nearly back to its February 2020 total of 141,900. Local government, excluding education slowly expanded over the past eight months; it employed 97,700 in February. 

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in February, little changed from 4.8% in January. Oregon’s unemployment rate averaged 4.8% over the past six months. In February, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.6%, from 3.4% in January. 

Next Press Releases 
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the February county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, March 28, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for March on Wednesday, April 19.

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On Monday, March 20, 2023, at approximately 7:45 A.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 97, near milepost 151, in Deschutes County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2005 Toyota 4Runner, operated by Leland Daniel Angier (31) of Bend, was traveling northbound on Hwy 97, near MP 151, when it lost control on icy road conditions, slid off the roadway and rolled several times before coming to a stop. The single occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene.

The roadway was impacted for approximately 4 hours during the on-scene investigation of the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Deschutes County Sheriffs' Office, Sunriver PD, Sunriver Fire, and ODOT.

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, at approximately 3:05 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 5, near milepost 210, in Linn County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a 2022 Freightliner (CMV) and trailer, operated by Branden Hamilton (50) of Buffalo (NY), went off the roadway and impacted the guardrail and bridge cement barrier on Interstate-5 southbound, near milepost 210. Hamilton was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. 

The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is unknown, however investigators believe the operator may have suffered a medical event prior to the crash.

OSP was assisted by the Halsey/Shedd Fire Department and ODOT.

March 20, 2023

Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, Oregon Health Authority, 971-246-9139, 

PHD.Communications@oha.oregon.gov

OHA issues statement on Legacy Mount Hood waiver request

PORTLAND, Ore.— Oregon Health Authority is issuing the following statement regarding Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center’s request for a waiver that would allow it to discontinue maternity services at its Family Birth Center:

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is highly concerned about reports that maternity patients at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center are being redirected to other Legacy hospitals such as Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel. OHA has not granted Legacy’s waiver and is in the process of reviewing Legacy’s responses to the many questions OHA posed to Legacy about its waiver request. OHA received Legacy’s responses late on Friday, March 17. OHA has been very clear with Legacy that it cannot cease providing required maternity services at its Family Birth Center without receiving OHA approval of a waiver.

OHA will be investigating reports that Legacy has ceased providing maternity services. 

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(SPRINGFIELD, Ore.) March 20, 2023— PacificSource Health Plans is pleased to announce a new business collaboration with Aetna Signature Administrators® that will improve access to care for PacificSource members when traveling or residing outside of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. Aetna’s preferred provider organization (PPO) network will give PacificSource members in-network access to more than 6,000 hospitals and 1.5 million participating physicians and ancillary providers. Aetna will replace First Health Network, PacificSource’s current national partner, on June 1, 2023.

Access to Aetna’s PPO network will be offered to PacificSource members covered on individual and family plans, employer group plans and student health plans. Services from Aetna PPO network providers, outside the PacificSource four-state area, will be paid as in-network. The new partnership does not include Medicare or Medicaid members.

“We are pleased to welcome Aetna as a trusted partner and have full confidence our members traveling or residing outside our four-state service area can get the care they need through their comprehensive network of providers,” said Peter McGarry, PacificSource vice president of provider network.

PacificSource in-network plan benefits remain the same for members using Aetna’s provider network outside of PacificSource’s four-state service areas of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana.  

About PacificSource Health Plans:

PacificSource Health Plans is an independent, not-for-profit community health plan serving the Northwest. Founded in 1933, PacificSource has local offices throughout Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington. The PacificSource family of companies employs more than 1,800 people and serves over 600,000 members throughout the Greater Northwest. For more information, visit PacificSource.com.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, William M. Blanscet, died the evening of March 19, 2023. Blanscet was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away in the infirmary while on hospice care. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Blanscet entered DOC custody on April 9, 2004, from Josephine County with an earliest release date of April 2, 2032. Blanscet was 53 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Clackamas, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for robbing a local pub with a gun.

Dustin Lee Henderson, 42, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on November 22, 2019, Henderson robbed the Lighthouse Pub, a public house and deli located on 82^nd Avenue in Clackamas. In video surveillance of the robbery, Henderson was seen handing the pub clerk a bag, brandishing a firearm, and taking five cartons of cigarettes. The pub’s owner chased Henderson through the parking lot when Henderson discharged a single round from his firearm, prompting the owner to stop the chase. Law enforcement later recovered a .22 caliber cartridge case near the site of the shooting.

Law enforcement later observed Henderson in a nearby mobile home lot and arrested him. Investigators executed a state search warrant on a mobile home where Henderson resided and recovered the stolen cigarette cartons, clothes worn by Henderson during the robbery, and a .22 pistol. DNA analysis later linked Henderson to the seized firearm.

On March 17, 2022, Henderson was charged by superseding indictment with interfering with commerce with threats or violence, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 

On April 27, 2022, after a three-day trial, Henderson was found guilty on all counts.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cassady Adams, Craig Gabriel, and Suzanne Miles prosecuted the case.

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BEND, OR — The High Desert Museum celebrates spring break with special programs and extended hours beginning Saturday, March 25 through Sunday, April 2, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Visitors pay winter rates with summer hours through Friday, March 31. It’s made possible by Oregon College Savings Plan.

The popular indoor flight demonstration Sky Hunters returns to the E.L. Wiegand Pavilion in the Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center. Visitors can experience powerful predators close up as raptors fly just overhead, showcasing the birds’ agility and grace. The program runs from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 with demonstrations daily at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Tickets are $7 and available at Admissions. Museum members receive a 20 percent discount. 

The Museum is excited to welcome special guests from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife from Thursday, March 30 – Saturday, April 1. Visitors can find them at the Autzen Otter Exhibit sharing information and biofacts about sea otters and Pacific lamprey.

Spring break visitors will also be able to experience the Museum’s temporary exhibitions. The newest original exhibition is Creations of Spirit. Native artists created artwork to be used in Native communities before arriving at the Museum, and the art will be available to Native communities for use once again after the exhibition. It features acclaimed artists Joe Feddersen (Colville), RYAN! Feddersen (Colville), Natalie Kirk (Warm Springs), H’Klumaiyat Roberta Joy Kirk (Wasco, Warm Springs, Diné), Phillip Cash Cash, Ph.D., (Cayuse, Nez Perce), Jefferson Greene (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs) and Kelli Palmer (Wasco, Warm Springs). Creations of Spirit is a one-of-a-kind, celebratory experience featuring the stories of living works of art. highdesertmuseum.org/creations-of-spirit

Other temporary exhibitions include the original effort, Under the Snow. The exhibit, offered in English and Spanish, reveals the hidden world beneath the snow, called the subnivium. In this environment, animals create a matrix of tunnels to survive the winter’s frigid temperatures and hide from the predators that lurk above. The exhibit is filled with animations of animals and immerses the visitor in the winter landscape. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/under-the-snow.

And In the Arena: Photographs from America’s Only Touring Black Rodeo, will be open through June 25. Through the lens of San Francisco Bay area photographer Gabriela Hasbun, the exhibit documents the exhilarating atmosphere of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo—the only touring Black rodeo in the country—and the showstopping style and skill of the Black cowboys and cowgirls who compete in it year after year. Learn more at highdesertmuseum.org/in-the-arena.

Living history characters in period dress will be present during spring break, as well, from Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. They will share how they lived and supported themselves in the High Desert in 1904 and offer visitors opportunities to help with chores and play games. The encounters will take place outdoors at the High Desert Ranch and Sawmill or indoors in the Spirit of the West exhibit. The location is weather-dependent, and visitors are encouraged to check with Admissions upon arrival.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy two daily talks during spring break, the Natural History Walk and Otter Encounter. Other daily programs that usually take place in the pavilion will resume on Sunday, April 2.

More information on visiting the High Desert Museum is available at highdesertmuseum.org/visit-bend-oregon.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM:

THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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PORTLAND, Ore. – March 20, 2023 – The 2023 National Earthquake Program Managers (NEPM) meeting will take place March 21-23 at the Duniway Hotel at 545 SW Taylor St. The event aims to provide information sharing and capacity-building opportunities for state, federal, non-profit and private sector members of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

This year's NEPM meeting is co-hosted by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW). OEM Geological Hazards Program Coordinator and 2023 NEPM Chair Althea Rizzo will lead the meeting, alongside 2023 NEPM Vice-Chair Scott Gauvin, who also serves as manager of strategic operations and preparedness with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

“It’s a privilege to work with people from across the country so passionate about improving earthquake safety,” said Rizzo. “Earthquake preparedness and mitigation is a vital investment in our collective resilience, safeguarding our communities and securing the future against nature's unpredictable upheavals."

The NEPM group is primarily composed of state emergency management agency representatives who actively plan and prepare to reduce earthquake-related losses in their states. While some states have a dedicated earthquake program manager, in others, the responsibility is shared. Collectively known as the National Earthquake Program Managers, the group holds annual meetings to develop programs, share best practices and foster relationships.

The NEPM group first began holding annual meetings in the early 1990s, and after a brief hiatus, resumed meeting in 2004 at the National Earthquake Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. Since then, the group has met yearly to continue building resilience against the high-consequence hazard of earthquakes.

For more information, visit EQProgram.net.

# # #

WHAT
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting its Oregon Prepared Conference for the emergency management community this week in Sunriver. The workshop provides training and information on programs, current issues, and a place to discuss lessons learned and best practices related to all phases of emergency management in Oregon. This marks the return of the event following a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

OEM will host a media availability from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on March 21. OEM Deputy Director Matt Marheine will be available for one-on-one interviews about the state of emergency management in Oregon. Visit the workshop session discussing evacuation planning for B-roll footage.

WHEN
Media Availability: 9:45-10:45 a.m. on March 21
Conference: March 21-23

WHERE
Homestead Ballroom at Sunriver Resort, 56924 Meadow Rd.

WHO
Workshop attendees (450) include tribal, county, city, special district, state and federal emergency management, public safety and health preparedness staff, DHS/FEMA preparedness grant recipients, and non-profit and private sector partners with a role in preparedness, response, recovery and resilience.

INFORMATION
Oregon Emergency Preparedness Workshop

RSVP
Please contact Chris Crabb, OEM Public Affairs Officer, at 971-719-0089 or is.crabb@oem.oregon.gov">chris.crabb@oem.oregon.gov in advance to make arrangements.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Richard Donald Mortimore, died the morning of March 18, 2023. Mortimore was incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla and passed away in the infirmary. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified.

Mortimore entered DOC custody on January 16, 2020, Marion County with an earliest release date of August 6, 2029. Mortimore was 73 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

TRCI is a multi-custody prison in Umatilla that houses approximately 1,800 adults in custody. TRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including institution and industrial laundry, mattress manufacturing, and sewing. Other institution work programs include reparation and cleaning of irrigation ditches, maintenance of local baseball fields, and work with local cities and the Hermiston School District. The facility provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, religious services, and behavioral health services. TRCI opened in 2000.

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An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Donald Dale Johnson, died the afternoon of March 17, 2023. Johnson was incarcerated at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) in Ontario and passed away at a local hospital. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified. 

Johnson entered DOC custody on July 14, 2016, from Linn County with an earliest release date of October 28, 2028. Johnson was 73 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 individuals who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

SRCI is a multi-custody prison in Ontario that houses approximately 3,000 adults in custody. SRCI has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, intensive management, infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care, and an administrative segregation unit. SRCI participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including a contact center, laundry, and sign shop. SRCI specializes in incentive housing, specialized housing, individuals with mental health/medical vulnerabilities, education and trades programs, cognitive and parenting programs, and institution work programs. SRCI opened in 1991 and is the largest correctional institution in the state.

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PORTLAND, Ore.—A Clackamas, Oregon man appeared in federal court today after he was arrested on child pornography charges less than three months after completing a federal prison sentence for similar conduct.

Nicholas James Stacy, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with transporting and possessing child pornography.

According to the complaint, in March 2023, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were contacted by Portland Police Bureau detectives investigating multiple CyberTipline reports they had received regarding Stacy’s alleged use of Facebook, Dropbox, and other web services to possess and distribute child pornography.

Stacy was released from federal custody in December 2022 after serving a 60-month sentence on a previous child pornography conviction. While on post-prison supervision, Stacy was prohibited from possessing a computer or other electronic devices or accessing the internet for any reason without permission from his probation officer.

On March 16, 2023, investigators executed federal search warrants on Stacy’s person, residence, and his mother’s residence. Agents seized multiple electronic devices Stacy possessed in violation of his terms of supervision and placed him under arrest.

Stacy made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.

This case was investigated by HSI, the Portland Police Bureau, and U.S. Probation Office. It is being prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

# # #

SALEM, Ore. — The Committee for Family Forestlands will meet virtually on Thursday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. 

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Forest Resources Division update
• Private Forest Accord Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) update
• Legislative update
• Forest legacy update 
• Board of Forestry update including Forestry Plan for Oregon (FPFO)
• Discuss procedure and topics for CFF annual report
• CFF members and succession
• Round table discussion

The meeting is open to the public to attend online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 24 hours before the meeting by emailing estlands@odf.oregon.gov">committee.of.family.forestlands@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee researches policies that affect family forests, natural resources and forestry benefits. Based on its findings, the committee recommends actions to the Oregon Board of Forestry and the State Forester. View more information on the CFF webpage.

The Marine Board wants to hear from boaters about its Cycle One grant applications and how the boating dollars are invested. The deadline to review applications and provide comments is April 17, 2023. 

The Marine Board’s Boating Facility Program received 10 grant applications for its Cycle One funding opportunity, requesting $5.4 million in needs, with a total application value of $9.6 million in motorized and nonmotorized funding. These grants are for the improvement or development of motorized and nonmotorized boating facilities, education, and on-water boating experiences for people in underserved communities. 

The Marine Board anticipates having $2.2 million in state funding available in its Cycle One grants for motorized and nonmotorized projects. Applicants are requesting nearly double the amount of funding available, so competition is high. 

Public comments are an important part of the grant application evaluation process and will be provided to the Marine Board prior to its June 28 Board meeting to consider the applications. 

Applications for Cycle One motorized and nonmotorized funding closed on March 13. The Boating Facility Program conducts two additional grant funding opportunities during the two-year budget cycle. If you did not see an application for your favorite boating facility, we encourage you to contact the facility owner, share your ideas, and ask how you can help support any future grant requests. 

Visit the Boating Facility Grant Application Comment Page to view the project applications and provide feedback.

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Portland, OR — The Oregon Historical Society has nominated Megan Kruer, a 7th/8th grade language and literature teacher at Seven Peaks School in Bend, Oregon, for the Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year Award for her work with students on Oregon History Day (OHD), an affiliate of the National History Day® (NHD) program. 

Each of the 58 NHD affiliates may nominate one middle school teacher for the Patricia Behring Award annually. Nominees for the $10,000 award demonstrate a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the NHD contests. Each nominee receives $500 as a result of their nomination. 

The Behring Award is sponsored this year by Patricia Behring’s family in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. The national winner will be selected by a committee of experienced teachers and historians and announced at the National History Day contest awards ceremony in June.

“Teachers are among the greatest resources children have to develop the skills necessary to become critical thinkers,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “Each nominee for the Behring Award shows a dedication to teaching that goes beyond the classroom.”

Oregon History Day — facilitated by the Oregon Historical Society — is a student-directed, project-based, interdisciplinary learning program. Open to all middle and high school students, this culturally responsive program invites students to interpret a historical event that connects to the annual theme by creating a website, paper, performance, exhibit, or documentary. Over half a million students from every state in the nation participate in the National History Day program at the local, state, or national contest levels. 

“Because [Seven Peaks is] an IB school, students are quite skilled at pursuing inquiry independently. However, for Oregon History Day, the challenge is to help them take their inquiry to the next level. This is what I think the NHD theme helps students achieve. I spend significant time with students as a group and individually unpacking the nuances of the theme and investigating angles they might take on topics in light of the theme. Students have almost complete freedom when selecting their topics; this certainly helps them take ownership of their research,” said Kruer.

Kruer competed in National History Day as a middle school student in Ohio, when she interviewed her grandmother and great-grandmother for her projects on women’s roles in World War II and the polio vaccine. As a teacher today, Kruer uses this adaptable program to implement Oregon’s state standards and student learning goals. Working with her partner teacher, Patrick O’Brien, Kruer continuously improves her lesson plans from previous years to better support her students as they move through the program.

“I actually redesigned my entire first unit to better prepare students to use primary sources,” Kruer continues. “The summative project for that unit is called ‘Documenting Your Life,’ and students are asked to mine their personal archives to find primary sources from their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. They then compile these ‘artifacts’ or primary sources into a project (using the same format options as NHD). This project helps students appreciate how a story can emerge through a deep engagement with an archive (personal in this case) while developing the skills they need to compete in the Oregon History Day contest!”

Students share their research in two ways at Seven Peaks School. First, the young historians present their projects to the entire Pre-K to 8th grade student body during a special event during school hours. Later, Kruer and the Seven Peaks staff host a community “Celebration of History” night where students share their projects with local judges. This gives students a chance to present their work and answer questions about their research process and refine their projects before competing at the Oregon History Day contest. 

The annual theme for the 2023 National History Day contest is Frontiers in History: People, Places, Ideas. The 2023 Oregon History Day contest will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 8am to 5:30pm in Salem, Oregon, at Willamette University. The National History Day contest is scheduled to take place in mid-June at the University of Maryland, College Park.

To learn more about how to get involved with Oregon History Day, contact OHD coordinator Katie Pearson at son@ohs.org">Katie.Pearson@ohs.org.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

Salem, Ore. – It’s time to check your tickets - Oregon’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Raffle numbers have been drawn. 

Winning $1 Million Top Prize Number: 195243

Prizes for the St. Patrick’s Day Raffle include:

• One $1 million top prize
• 300 prizes of $500
• 1,500 prizes of $100

To check the winning Raffle numbers for all 1,801 prizes, players can use the Lottery’s smart phone app, go to www.oregonlottery.org or visit a participating Oregon Lottery retail location.

The $500 and $100 prize winners can claim their prizes at any Oregon Lottery retail location. In addition, players can claim their prize by mail – visit oregonlottery.org/about/claim-prizes for instructions. The $1 million Raffle prize winner will need to make an appointment with the Oregon Lottery office in Salem or Wilsonville. Please call 503-540-1000 for assistance.

The Raffle offers the best odds of any Oregon Lottery game of winning $1 million – 1 in 250,000. Overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 138.8. The Oregon Lottery’s Raffle game went on sale January 1, 2023 with 250,000 tickets available, and all tickets were sold out by March 9, 2023. This was the 22^nd time a Raffle was offered by the Oregon Lottery. 

The Oregon Lottery reminds players to always sign the back of their Lottery tickets, regardless of the game. In the event of winning a jackpot, they should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at approximately 3:28 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy-101, near milepost 152, in Lincoln County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Subaru Impreza WRX, operated by Ashlee Christine Hayden (32) of Tidewater, was southbound when, for an unknown reason, it crossed into the northbound lane and struck a white Chevy box truck, operated by Victor Loreza (40) of Salem, head on. 

The operator of the Subaru was declared deceased at the scene.

The Chevy box truck operator and two passengers, Jose Soto Hernandez (38) of Salem and Jesus Vargas Gerardo (40) of Salem, were all transported to hospitals with serious injuries.

The highway was closed for approximately 5 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted.

OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Central Coast Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire Department, ODOT and Life Flight.

SALEM, Ore. — The Adaptive Management Program Committee will hold a hybrid meeting Monday, March 27, at noon. To join virtually, please use the Zoom video conference information found on the agenda. To attend in-person, go to the ODF Headquarters, Building D, Santiam Conference Room, 2600 State Street, Salem.

The committee’s agenda includes:

• Elect co-chairs
• Finalize Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) nominees
• Finalize AMPC charter

The meeting is open to the public to attend in person and online via Zoom. Public comments will be accepted near the start of the meeting. Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours before the meeting by emailing ogram@odf.oregon.gov">adaptivemanagementprogram@odf.oregon.gov.

The 13-member committee The Adaptive Management Program Committee helps determine if forest practices are meeting their goals to protect natural resources through a science-based and transparent process. The committee sets the research agenda that the Independent Research and Science Team (IRST) implements. View more information on the AMPC webpage.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Keith Edward Wild, passed away March 15, 2023. Wild was incarcerated at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) in Pendleton and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death. 

Wild entered DOC custody on May 12, 2020, from Jackson County, with an earliest release date July 12, 2026. Wild was 55 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

EOCI is a multi-custody prison located in Pendleton that houses over 1,550 adults in custody. The institution is known for its Oregon Corrections Enterprises industries, including a garment factory that produces Prison Blues©, whose products are sold in and outside the United States. Other industries are its embroidery and laundry facilities. EOCI provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, religious services, and work crews. The buildings that make up EOCI were constructed in 1912 and 1913 and were originally used as a state mental hospital. After two years of renovation, EOCI received its first occupants in June 1985.

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Released By: Sergeant Jason Wall 

Release Date: March 16, 2023 

Location: Paulina Peak, Newberry National Volcanic Monument 

Snowboarder #1: Hefflefinger, Erik Maxim 33-year-old male, Bend Oregon, deceased. 

Skier #1: Minsker, Ian, 44-year-old male, Bend, Oregon 

Skier #2: Delashmutt, Ari, 34-year-old male, Bend, Oregon 

Narrative: 

On March 15, 2023, at 12:48 pm, The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) unit was dispatched to a report of an avalanche at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Paulina Peak.  

The reporting party, the International Emergency Coordination Response Center (IERCC) advised Deschutes County 911 they had received an SOS alarm from a device and provided GPS coordinates for the location of the device.  

The IERCC coordinates search and rescue services initiated by SOS alerts received from a supported device with an active satellite, cellular or other communication network service plan. 

At 12:54 pm, the IERCC received a second message from the device stating there had been an avalanche, a subject was not breathing, and that CPR was in progress. 

The subject caught in the avalanche was later determined to be Erik Hefflefinger, a Bend resident. According to the friends/skiers on scene they witnessed the avalanche from below and saw Hefflefinger being carried over a cliff band by the avalanche debris. Hefflefinger was located by his friends who was not buried by the avalanche, and immediately started lifesaving efforts. 

The Oregon State Police responded to the area, however, were not able to make it to the scene due to snow conditions. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SAR volunteers were transported by Airlink to the area and reached Hefflefinger at 4:00 pm. The 3 SAR volunteers, 2 of which are Advanced Life Support trained, began life saving measures after discovering a faint pulse on Hefflefinger. 

At 5:00 pm, life saving measures were discontinued as it was determined Hefflefinger was beyond help. SAR volunteers assisted with the transportation of Hefflefinger to the 10-mile snow park, where he was released to the funeral home.  

All 3 subjects were equipped with the proper safety equipment to include avalanche safety equipment. 

As a result of the investigation, it was determined Hefflefinger possibly hit a tree while caught in the avalanche debris. The 3 subjects had utilized snowmobiles to approach the area below the visitors center and made a final approach on skis/snowboard.  

Both Delashmutt and Minsker had already began their decent when Hefflefinger was caught up in the avalanche. Delashmutt and Minsker traversed the slope to “skiers right” and Hefflefinger traversed the slope to “skiers left”. It is not believed the avalanche was trigger by the first two subjects down the slope. 

In 2023, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has responded to two avalanche fatalities, prior to these tragedies it has been 9 years since a fatality has been recorded directly due to an avalanche (information from avalanche.org). 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone recreating in the backcountry to ensure that you have the proper equipment and training. 

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Street Crimes, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves 210,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 265 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 195 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County. 

MADRAS, Ore. – Madras and Bend mark significant milestones as Tree City USA communities this year.  ODF administers the Tree City USA program in Oregon for the national Arbor Day Foundation. ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford explains that cities and towns need to meet four criteria to become a Tree City USA: 

1. Maintain a tree board or department 
2. Have a community tree ordinance 
3. Spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry 
4. Celebrate Arbor Day 

Madras has maintained its designation for 30 years, according to Oxford. “Right behind them is Bend, which has now had Tree City USA status for 20 years. Bend is also one of three dozen Oregon cities that has planted a peace tree, one grown from the seeds of a ginkgo tree that survived the atom bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.”

Oxford said cities benefit from sustained support of their urban forestry programs. “Trees are a long-term investment. Keeping engaged with maintenance and replacement tree plantings can help a community increase its tree canopy and keep that  urban forest healthy, helping make  that community more climate resilient,” she said.

Other cities marking milestone years include:

• Rogue River – 40 years
• Grants Pass – 35 years
• Coburg, Seaside and Wilsonville – 25 years
• Klamath Falls – 20 years
• Cannon Beach, Dallas, Gresham and Lincoln City – 15 years
• Central Point – 10 years
• Hillsboro and Umatilla – 5 years

“Although it’s only been a Tree City for five years, Hillsboro has already earned two growth awards for improving and enlarging their urban forestry program, including one this year,” said Oxford. 

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HINES, Ore. – After decades of maintaining the same price, the Bureau of Land Management will increase overnight camping fees at six campgrounds in eastern Oregon.

The new rate for the Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, South Steens Family, South Steens Equestrian, and Chickahominy Reservoir campgrounds will be $16 per night for the first vehicle and $5 per night for each additional vehicle. This change will take effect on April 1, 2023.

The BLM Burns District uses 100% of the collected fees to support recreation. Revenue will go to improved signage, campground road maintenance, site re-graveling, picnic table and fire ring replacement, trail maintenance, campground amenity improvements, sanitation services, and supporting site hosts. They will also help the BLM contribute to community partnerships and volunteer activities, which support the BLM’s local recreation program.

Those with an America the Beautiful Access or Senior Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on these overnight camping fees. These passes are available for purchase at most BLM offices. The Fish Lake and Page Springs campgrounds have electronic payment options, while the remaining campgrounds accept cash or check only. A vast majority of undeveloped BLM-administered lands in the area will continue to provide free outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and dispersed camping.

The BLM proposed these new fee rates in a publicly reviewed recreation business plan that was developed in conformance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The business plan assessed the visitor amenities at each campground and included a regional comparative market study of fees at similar recreation sites. The full business plan is available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council reviewed the proposed fee rates and the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council recommended that the BLM adopt these fees for the 2023 visitor use season.

Please contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Kyle Wanner at 541-573-4400 for additional information about the camping fees or general questions about outdoor recreation in the BLM Burns District.

-BLM -

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Download images for press at bit.ly/motownpresskit.

Portland, OR — There “ain’t no mountain high enough” that should keep you from visiting Motown: The Sound of Young America before it closes on March 26! Curated by the GRAMMY Museum, this fun and dynamic exhibition shares the story of the famed record company and the artists who collectively changed the musical direction of the nation. An interactive experience where visitors can dance with the Temptations and sing with the Supremes, this traveling exhibition has been popular with locals and tourists alike. 


The 1960s was one of the most musically diverse decades in American history. While The Beatles and Bob Dylan topped the charts, a unique sound out of Detroit also shaped the musical landscape. It originated on the city’s streets and in its housing projects, reflecting seismic shifts in not just pop music, but in racial attitudes and youth culture. 

Berry Gordy, Jr., was the visionary behind both the music and the Black-owned record company he named Motown. A former prizefighter and songwriter, he believed that talent could be found on nearly every Detroit streetcorner. This blend of gospel, blues, and pop quickly became “The Sound of Young America,” crashing the American pop charts and challenging the British Invasion. From Motown came the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, and others. 

Motown: The Sound of Young America features stage outfits from many of the label’s top performers, interviews with Motown legends, and opportunities for visitors to get deep inside the creative process perfected at Motown. 

“One of my favorite parts of the exhibition is a jukebox where visitors can play their favorite Motown hits in the gallery,” said OHS Boyle Family Executive Director Kerry Tymchuk. “While this exhibition provides important context on a pivotal period in American pop culture history, it also engages visitors in fun interactive experiences that will provide a sense of nostalgia for many.”

Some of the iconic pieces on display in the exhibition include:

• The iconic “Butterfly” gowns worn by the Supremes
• A harmonica and keyboard played by Stevie Wonder
• Ray Parker, Jr.’s, Gretsch guitar
• A full set of Jackson 5 outfits
• Jackets worn by Boyz II Men 
• An outfit worn by a member of the Temptations

The Oregon Historical Society’s museum is open seven days a week, Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday 12pm–5pm. Admission is $10, with discounts for students, seniors, teachers, and youth. Admission is free every day for OHS members and Multnomah County residents. Learn more and plan your visit at ohs.org/motown.

About the Oregon Historical Society

For more than a century, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and rich as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view. 

Date: March 15, 2023

Case #: 2023-00013242

Incident: Gun recovered, Bend man arrested after theft from vehicle

Date / Time of incident: March 14, 2023 / 1:13 p.m.

Victim: 49-year-old La Pine resident

Arrested: Dakota Jess Tittle, 27-year-old Bend resident

Charges: Theft I, Theft II, Unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, Felon in possession of a firearm

On March 7, Bend Police responded to a report of a vehicle break-in at the Bottle Drop in the 700 block of NE Second Street. 

The vehicle, a Ford Ranger pickup, was unlocked in the parking lot of the Bottle Drop. The vehicle’s owner reported that a variety of items, including a flashlight and a fully loaded 9mm pistol, had been stolen from the truck. 

Officers were able to review surveillance footage and identify a suspect who first entered the Bottle Drop, then entered the Ford Ranger through the driver’s side door and took items before leaving the area in a mid-2000s red Kia Spectra. 

An investigation determined that the suspect in the theft was Dakota Jess Tittle, a 27-year-old Bend resident. Tittle is a convicted felon who is not allowed to possess or own a firearm. 

At approximately 1:13 p.m. on March 14, officers saw Tittle’s car in the parking lot of the Westside Tavern in the 900 block of NW Galveston Avenue. As Tittle drove the car out of the parking lot, officers blocked it in and conducted a high-risk traffic stop. Tittle was arrested without incident or injury. 

A firearm believed to be the one stolen from the pickup was found in a backpack in Tittle’s car. Its serial number was scratched off and it had been repainted. The stolen flashlight was also located in the backpack.  

Bend Police would like to remind the public to never leave a parked vehicle unlocked. When parking their vehicles, people should HIDE their belongings, LOCK their vehicles and TAKE their keys with them. 

Date: March 15, 2023

Case #: 2023-00014825

Incident: Bend woman arrested for stealing car, driving under the influence

Date / Time of incident: March 14, 2023 / 11:03 p.m. 

Victim: 31-year-old Terrebonne resident

Arrested: Maritza Ivy Gomez, 34-year-old Bend resident

Charges: DUII – drugs, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance – methamphetamine (violation)

At approximately 11:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, Bend Police were dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of Burger King North in the 3000 block of North Highway 97. 

Officers who arrived interviewed multiple witnesses who had seen a woman acting erratically in the area of Chevron and Burger King in the moments before the vehicle was taken. One of the witnesses had taken a video of the suspect. The vehicle’s owner had been warming up the purple 2008 Hyundai Elantra. The car was unlocked and keys were in the ignition. 

Officers recognized the suspect, 34-year-old Maritza Ivy Gomez, as having been trespassed earlier in the night from Best Western in the 20000 block of Grandview Drive. Officers located the vehicle and Gomez in the parking lot of the Best Western. The vehicle was released to the victim at the scene. 

Gomez was arrested for DUII – drugs and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. She was also cited for a violation for possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine. She was lodged at the Deschutes County Jail. 

The Bend Police Department would like to remind members of our community to never leave a car running and unattended. Remember when you park your vehicle to HIDE your belongings, LOCK your vehicle and TAKE your keys with you. 

Funding helps organizations deliver creative education and enrichment in the local community

BEND, Ore. (March 15, 2023) — Arts and cultural organizations play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient communities. To support their vital work, the Pacific Power Foundation is donating more than $164,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves. 

The grants will help fund projects ranging from Shakespeare performances with American Sign Language interpretation to free music events, and from programming that engages diverse youth in public art projects to museums that share regional cultural history.

“These groups foster creative expression, inspire young minds, nurture well-being, and help us look at the world in new ways,” said Matt Chancellor, Pacific Power regional business manager. “We’re honored to support the incredible work they are doing.” 

This recent round of grants focused on art and culture is one of the foundation’s four annual grant cycles. 

The following four grants totaling $13,000 were given to local organizations supporting communities in Central Oregon: 

Deschutes Public Library Foundation for its A Novel Idea literary celebration that includes author appearances, programs and workshops.

High Desert Chamber Music for free pop-up concerts that bring classical music to the public in unique outdoor settings. 

High Desert Museum to address K-12 education disparities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, by expanding access to engaging STEM educational experiences for rural students and students from families experiencing low incomes. 

Redmond Senior Center for website improvements that include offering information in Spanish and allowing electronic signup for Meals-on-Wheels and other services. 

About the Pacific Power Foundation:

The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 2 million customers in six Western states as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since its establishment in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.

OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week in person along the Oregon Coast Tuesday, March 28 through Sunday, April 2.

Every year thousands of gray whales pass through Oregon’s waters in the spring on their journey home from the calving lagoons in Mexico, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites visitors to the coast to see them. 

Trained volunteers will be stationed at 17 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast. 

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and the weather is a little warmer for visitors,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

An estimated 18,000 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late March through June as part of their annual migration back toward Alaska. The end of March is the beginning of this migration and timed perfectly for spring break. 

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Media Resources: photos available at this link.

Tillamook State Forest, Ore. – The Tillamook Forest Center is re-opening to the public starting March 17, offering opportunities to connect with and learn about Oregon’s fascinating state forests.

Located in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest along Highway 6, the Tillamook Forest Center has been closed for about three years starting with the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Initial limited hours will be Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., then expanding to a five-days a week summer schedule starting May 3.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming visitors back to the Tillamook Forest Center and to share our passion and knowledge about Oregon’s forests once again,” Interim Center Director Denise Berkshire said.

In addition to regular programming, for the next six months, the Tillamook Forest Center is hosting a traveling exhibit in partnership with the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center titled, Timber Culture. The exhibit transports you to 1920’s eastern Oregon and tells the story of multicultural loggers, and their families, who traveled to Oregon during the Great Migration. In sharing and discussing the history of the segregated logging community of Maxville, Oregon, the exhibit examines issues of race and social justice through the lens of Oregon’s history.  Bringing this exhibit to the Tillamook Forest Center was made possible with the support of the non-profit State Forests Trust of Oregon. 

For a full calendar of events and to learn how you can visit or volunteer at the Center, visit tillamookforestcenter.com.  To make a donation in support of private/public partnerships that goes toward enhancing recreation, education and interpretation activities on Oregon’s state forest lands visit the Trust’s website.

About the Tillamook Forest Center: Nestled in the heart of the Tillamook State Forest, the Tillamook Forest Center is the region’s largest forest-based interpretive and educational center, located 50 miles west of Portland and 22 miles east of Tillamook at 45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook, Ore.  It is a special place to develop a deeper connection with Oregon’s forests through experience and exploration. Spring hours for the Center are Friday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with expanded hours starting May 3. A $5 donation is suggested. 

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