Category: Environment

Gov. Tina Kotek holds up a ceremonially signed copy of Senate Bill 1567 while members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Board of Trustees and elected state officials applaud on Thursday, April 25, outside of the Nixyáawii Governance Center in Mission. SB 1567 or the Walla Wall 2050 Strategic Plan calls for cooperative water management between Oregon and Washington in the Walla Walla Basin to help restore salmon. Standing from left to right are Board Member at Large Lisa Ganuelas, Rep. Bobbie Levy, Sen. Bill Hansell, Board Members at Large Steven Hart and Corinne Sams, Chairman Gary I. Burke, General Council Chairman Alan Crawford and Board Vice Chairman Aaron Ashley. LEE GAVIN | FILE PHOTO

Kotek affirms state commitments to Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative

Lisa SnellEnvironment, News

Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is directing state agencies to take all actions necessary and work cooperatively to fulfill the State of Oregon’s commitments to the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI). “The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative is the result of a historic, unified partnership with sovereign Tribal nations and the states of Oregon and Washington – and I…

The planning of a prescribed fire involves meticulous care and consideration, especially after an active wildfire season. Umatilla National Forest burns only when objectives can be met, which include creating fire-resilient landscapes and protecting values at risk, like homes, infrastructure, and drinking water. 

Umatilla National Forest prepares for fall prescribed fires

Lisa SnellEnvironment, News

PENDLETON — Fire management officials on the Umatilla National Forests are preparing to implement fall prescribed burning activities to reduce the risk of severe wildfire in the future. While we have seen our fair share of smoke and fire over the last few months, conducting prescribed fire is critical to reduce the intensity of wildfire and to help protect our communities…