Crook County has declared a state of drought emergency for the fourth consecutive year. The measure was taken so that its residents can tap into state funds to alleviate the financial burden brought on by the exceptionally dry conditions.
In the Media
The Bulletin – U.S. Fish and Wildlife could face lawsuit over spotted frog protections
A plan to protect the Oregon spotted frog in the Upper Deschutes River lacks teeth to be sufficiently effective.
The Bulletin – North Unit modernization project promises water saving for farmers, rivers
A long-awaited modernization project in the North Unit Irrigation District received approval last week from federal regulators, a positive step for district patrons who have faced multiple years of water shortages.
East Oregonian – Projects in Umatilla, Morrow counties to get $11M funding boost
More than $11 million in federal funding is coming for six projects in Umatilla and Morrow counties, including $1.7 million to address drinking water contamination of private wells.
Bend Bulletin – No evidence of mass die-off from reduced water levels in Crooked River, biologist says
Fish stranded in the Crooked River during a reduction in water flow in September were easy meals for predators, but concerns that a mass fish die-off would occur were not observed.
The Oregonian – Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, OSU scientist says. What should gardeners use instead?
The harvesting of peat moss used by gardeners and the nursery industry to improve drainage and retain water in soil contributes to climate change, according to an Oregon State University Extension Service soil scientist.
Bend Bulletin – Small-scale farms in Oregon receive $1.5 million in disaster assistance
$1.5 million was also allocated to the nonprofit Oregon Community Food Systems Network to assist small-scale farmers who were ineligible for ODAP.
Oregon Capital Chronicle – Some Oregon trout withstand rising water temperatures, study finds
Oregon State University scientists who had been studying the fish for years figured the loss of tree cover would mean warmer stream temperatures that would stress, and ultimately kill, many of the fish.
Instead, the researchers found that by the end of the summer the following year, trout populations were not only unimpacted but had grown in some areas.
Bend Bulletin – Central Oregon cold weather snap bucks trend for recent Decembers
Temperatures in December have averaged 27.9 degrees this month, well-below average, but cold snaps are becoming less common.