Posted 3:45 p.m., July 23, 2024: Multiple fire related area closures are in effect for the Umatilla National Forest including areas on the Heppner, North Fork John Day, and Pomeroy Ranger District. Closure descriptions and maps are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768. Pomeroy Ranger District: Due to fire growth, extreme fire behavior, unfavorable weather conditions, and concern for public and fire fighter safety, forest officials on the Umatilla…
Year: 2024
All open fires are prohibited, including agricultural burns, campfires, cooking pits and warming fires. Ceremonial burns are not prohibited but will need prior UTFD approval, dependent on fire resources and weather conditions.
Increased fire dangers prompt restrictions on reservation lands
MISSION – Due to current weather conditions and ever-increasing fire danger, the Umatilla Tribal Fire Department (UTFD) has implemented the following public use restrictions on all lands within the Umatilla Indian Reservation: For questions regarding public use restrictions, call the UTFD at 541-276-2126 or email UTFD Chief James Hall at jameshall@ctuir.org.
With concern for public safety and the increased potential for human caused wildfires, officials remind forest visitors to use extreme caution when visiting the forest; under current conditions, even a spark can rapidly become a large wildfire.
Umatilla National Forest moves to Phase C public use restrictions
Campfires and chainsaw use prohibited PENDLETON — Due to continued hot temperatures, lack of moisture and extreme fire danger, Umatilla National Forest officials have announced that effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, the Umatilla National Forest will move to Phase C of public use restrictions (PURs). With concern for public safety and the increased potential for human caused wildfires,…
The Johnson Creek wildfire is just one of many – like the one that ignited Wednesday afternoon and charred about 20,000 acres south of Pilot Rock – that have kept firefighters busy.
Tribe works to put out small wildfire, braces for more
By CHRIS AADLAND, CUJ MISSION – The tribe has been working to put out a small wildfire in an isolated area of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Johnson Creek Restoration area on Thursday and is monitoring for others that may emerge throughout the day. Earlier Thursday morning, the fire was estimated to have burned less than an acre near Johnson…
Although hemp and marijuana plants are the same species of cannabis plant and resemble each other, they differ in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, which is primarily responsible for producing the intoxicating effect of marijuana. Hemp contains such a low amount of THC compared to marijuana that it is unlikely to get someone high.
Tribal leaders shelve plans for hemp, marijuana businesses
By CHRIS AADLAND, CUJ MISSION – Tribal leaders have abandoned pursuing hemp cultivation and a marijuana retail business after studies showed neither venture would lead to substantial profits for the tribe. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s (CTUIR) Board of Trustees (Board) on July 15 voted against a resolution to pursue cannabis related businesses by a 5-0 vote,…
With fire season underway, hunters and other outdoor recreationists are reminded to check for access and fire restrictions before heading out.
Manulife (formerly Hancock) Forest Management Lands in northeast Oregon close due to extreme fire danger
LA GRANDE – All Manulife Forest Management lands in northeast Oregon are now closed to public access due to extreme fire danger. The restrictions impact Manulife Forest Management properties in the Shamrock, Whiskey Cr, Noregaard, Little Catherine Cr, Meacham Travel Management Areas and any other Manulife properties enrolled in the Access and Habitat program throughout northeast Oregon. With fire season underway, hunters…
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland at the Interior Department’s press conference on its federal boarding school investigation in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. JOURDAN BENNETT-BEGAYE | INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY PHOTO
Federal action on U.S. boarding schools inches forward
Legislation is moving through Congress to create a Truth and Healing Commission. Meanwhile, Catholic bishops issued an apology for boarding schools run by the church. By MARY ANNETTE PEMBER, ICT The U.S. is beginning to face its Indian boarding school history. Both the U.S. Congress and the Catholic Church took visible steps forward last week in officially taking action on…
Mark Duffy, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, stands on a picnic table while showing kids how to spearfish at a family and youth spearfishing event on Namekagon Lake, Friday, April 12, 2024, near Cable, Wis. JOHN LOCHER | AP PHOTO
Behind Upper Midwest tribal spearfishing is a long and violent history of denied treaty rights
By MELINA WALLING and JOHN LOCHER, Associated Press HAYWARD, Wis. (AP) — On a twilight so calm the red and white pines are reflected in the waters of northern Wisconsin’s Chippewa Flowage, John Baker plans to go spearfishing — a traditional Ojibwe method of harvesting walleye. But before he sets out, he detours his boat to land on a sandy…
Kim Kaufman, USA, is one of the current Epson Tour leaders that will play at the Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic in August. EPSON TOUR COURTESY PHOTO
Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic tees off Aug. 16
Future Stars of the LPGA Tour Return to Pendleton this Summer as they ‘Race for the Card’ PENDLETON – Wildhorse Resort & Casino announced today the 2024 Wildhorse Ladies Golf Classic, an Epson Tour – Road to the LPGA event, will return to Pendleton, Oregon from August 16-18. The annual event is part of the Epson Tour, the official qualifying…
Renewable energy concept Earth Day or environment protection Hands protect forests that grow on the ground and help save the world.
Amazon Web Services accepting applications for community grant program through Aug. 15
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced that applications are now open for the AWS InCommunities Eastern Oregon Fund, a community grant program that supports local initiatives in Morrow and Umatilla counties. AWS has committed $350,000to the fund, which is open to individuals, local community groups, schools, non-profits, and other organizations. This is the third consecutive year AWS is sponsoring the program to support…