oregon
Newsletter
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Oregon's coastline's fate linked to 'Dune' landscape
The iconic dunes of the Oregon coast, which inspired the desert planet in 'Dune,' are now facing their own ecological crisis as invasive species and erosion reshape the landscape.
In short:
- Coastal Oregon's dunes, the inspiration for 'Dune,' face invasive species and erosion issues.
- Efforts to stabilize the dunes with non-native beachgrass have backfired, threatening local ecosystems.
- Restoring the open dunes requires balancing environmental preservation with community protection.
Key quote:
"We’re losing about five feet [1.5m] of open sand every year."
— Dina Pavlis, Author of Secrets of the Oregon Dunes
Why this matters:
Erosion on Oregon's central coast poses significant challenges to the ecosystem and the natural landscapes that define this region. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, among other dune ecosystems along the central coast, is experiencing a complex interplay of natural and human-induced factors that exacerbate erosion, leading to a range of environmental impacts.
National parks aren’t faring so well, either. Derrick Z. Jackson writes: If there is anywhere in the nation that holds the promise to inspire unified action on climate change, it is the national parks.
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Newsletter
The Oregon timber industry won huge tax cuts in the 1990s. Now it may get another break thanks to a top lawmaker
As the cost of fighting wildfires increases, state Sen. Elizabeth Steiner has proposed a bill — developed in consultation with the logging industry — that would shift millions in expenses away from the biggest landowners and onto taxpayers.
Photo by Ales Krivec on Unsplash
The Oregon timber industry won huge tax cuts in the 1990s. Now it may get another break thanks to a top lawmaker
As the cost of fighting wildfires increases, state Sen. Elizabeth Steiner has proposed a bill — developed in consultation with the logging industry — that would shift millions in expenses away from the biggest landowners and onto taxpayers.
Newsletter
Image by Harmony Lawrence from Pixabay
Climate change, drought, wildfires reduce value of private forestland in the West by billions
Oregon State University researchers said private timberland values have declined $11 billion due to the threat of drought and wildfires.
Big Stock Photo
Oregon water officials say permitting must change to keep tens of thousands of wells from going dry
The Oregon Water Resources Department must update its 68-year-old rules for permitting new wells or double down on regulating existing ones, department officials said. If it doesn’t, the growing problem of the state’s depleted groundwater reserves “is going to get very expensive,” said department director Doug Woodcock.
Newsletter
Photo by Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash
Oregon agencies support floating offshore wind project, but ask for more federal engagement
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, along with six state agencies, declared their support this week for the federal government’s proposal to allow floating offshore wind energy projects off Oregon’s south coast, despite mixed feelings from local communities, the fishing industry and Tribes.
Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash
EPA accepting applications from Northwest states, tribes for millions in grants to cut pollution
State, local and tribal governments have until spring 2024 to apply for billions available under a federal program to cut pollution.
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