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Flooding reported on Lower Deschutes, John Day rivers

Several campsites and recreation areas are flooded or partially flooded along the Lower Deschutes and … Read more

Oregon’s wolf population up 10 percent in 2018

Oregon’s wolf population increased by 10% in 2018, according to the most recent report from … Read more

Another irrigation district piping project coming to Bend

Arnold Irrigation District looks to pipe more than 30 miles of canals

Central Oregon residents will have a chance to weigh in later this month on a … Read more

Late snow helps Central Oregon’s rivers, but problems remain

Despite snow, drought and low reservoirs still a problem

The end of winter was one for the history books throughout Central Oregon, thanks to … Read more

Snowy winter hurts Bend area deer as they prepare for spring migration

Journey to areas in the Cascade Mountains made worse by heavy snow

The record-breaking snowfall that buffeted Central Oregon has mostly melted in Bend and other cities, … Read more

Longtime Bend conservation stalwart says goodbye

Before John Sterling took over as the executive director of the Conservation Alliance in 2004, … Read more

Rules governing weedkiller linked to Sisters tree deaths delayed

Last-minute request from pharmaceutical company surprised state agriculture officials

A statewide rule that would limit the use of a weedkiller linked to thousands of … Read more

Some ponderosa forests may not regrow after fires, study says

Central Oregon’s low-elevation areas are nearing the threshold where they may struggle to regrow

Climate change is not only making fire season hotter, drier and longer across the West, … Read more

Gray wolves confirmed in Umpqua National Forest

Three wolves caught on trail cams near Lane-Douglas county line

Gray wolves have returned to an area of Oregon’s Central Cascades where they haven’t been … Read more

Merkley tours irrigation improvements, supports ‘re-plumbing’ Central Oregon

Oregon senator helps secure funding going toward new piping

Many of the irrigation districts operating in the Deschutes Basin have worked for years to … Read more

What do Oregon’s new smoke rules mean for Deschutes County?

Rules will make it easier to complete burns near Bend, but you may see more smoke

Central Oregon fire managers are hopeful that looser statewide rules on smoke will make it … Read more

Feds may strip protections from wolves in Oregon and beyond

Proposal would remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protections nationwide

A federal proposal to strip remaining federal protections from gray wolves could change the trajectory … Read more

Trump signs bill protecting Crooked River Ranch from fire

New law allows forest managers to thin trees near the edge of the ranch

A wide-ranging public lands bill signed Tuesday by President Donald Trump includes a provision that … Read more

Oregon State University study could improve wildfire modeling

4-year study is backed by $2 million in federal funding

An Oregon State University project backed by more than $2 million in federal money could … Read more

Divisive forest plan splits environmental groups

Conservationists weigh loss of access against need to curb overuse in wilderness areas

The U.S. Forest Service proposal to curtail overuse in sensitive wilderness areas has proved divisive, … Read more

Deschutes County looks at tweaking building codes to adjust to wildfires

Changes could include a ban on new shake roofs, large repairs to existing shake roofs

The Deschutes County Commission is making headway on an effort to revamp its building codes … Read more

Unusual tubes give duck eggs a chance to hatch

Tubes elevate eggs out of the reach of predators

If you’re walking along the banks of the Deschutes River between the Old Mill District … Read more

Even after snow, Central Oregon still mired in drought

Much of Deschutes County mired in ‘extreme drought,’ among nation’s worst.

Cold, snowy storms pounded much of the Pacific Northwest, Central Oregon included, for a week, … Read more

Bend cougar sighting part of larger trend

Pressure from humans, changes to deer population driving uptick in sightings

Wildlife officials say cougars like the one shot and killed in southwest Bend last weekend … Read more

More pines than expected coming down by Sisters

Plan calls for 2,100 trees to be felled following encounter with Perspective

Many more trees than previously thought — about 2,100 — are slated for removal near … Read more

‘Green New Deal’ splits Central Oregon’s representatives

Walden acknowledges need for climate action, champions alternative approach

Central Oregon’s congressional representatives, Republican and Democrat alike, have been vocal in their support for … Read more

Government shutdown could have long-lasting impact on Central Oregon forests

Deschutes and Ochoco officials say they’re ready for fire season but are behind

While the longest government shutdown in American history came to an end more than a … Read more

State rule would limit use of chemical that killed trees near Sisters

Rule would prevent use near roads and wildlife, and prevent exposed trees from being milled

A proposed statewide rule would curb the use of a controversial weedkiller linked to the … Read more

Tree deaths near Sisters spawn state investigation

Sampling shows tree-killing compound lasts longer, travels farther than previously realized

More than a thousand dead and dying trees near Sisters have become a catalyst for … Read more

State bottle redemption rate reaches 90 percent

Amid challenges in Asia, more Oregonians recycling bottles and cans than ever

During a year clouded by disruption to Oregon’s overseas markets for its recyclables, some good … Read more

Lucky weather has led to strong snowpack despite climate change

Study co-authored by Oregon State assistant professor notes strong snowpack tied to luck

The annual snowpack in the Oregon Cascades has been remarkably resilient in the face of … Read more

Bridging the gap for Central Oregon wildlife

Advocacy groups, state agencies try to expand Oregon’s wildlife crossing program

The groups behind a Central Oregon solution for keeping drivers from hitting deer and other … Read more

Environmental groups blast ODFW over wolf plan

After stepping away from talks, conservation groups vow to continue the fight

When the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife brought in a third-party facilitator over the … Read more

Tumalo piping project takes another step forward

Piping all the irrigation canals would return more water to Tumalo and Crescent creeks

Tumalo Irrigation District is moving forward on an ambitious project to pipe its entire network … Read more

Federal ruling another setback for proposed Ochoco trail system

District Court judge affirms key provisions of ruling against 137-mile trail network

Environmental groups are celebrating after a new court ruling cemented a prior decision striking down … Read more

Imported Christmas trees bring new pest to Oregon

State forestry officials warn of invasive insects

As Oregonians begin to get rid of their Christmas trees, state officials are warning some … Read more

Understanding Oregon’s next volcanic eruption

Oregon State Science Pub to highlight possible eruptions at Mount Hood, Newberry Volcano

Central Oregon is surrounded by several of the most active volcanoes in the country, and … Read more

Why does Deschutes County recycle less than other counties?

DEQ report shows Deschutes County recycled more in 2017, but disposed even more

Despite recycling more material than ever, Deschutes County still has work to do to catch … Read more

How will climate change affect local rivers?

Changing climate could hurt late-summer flows

In addition to bringing longer wildfire seasons and warmer winters to Central Oregon, climate change … Read more

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