Fire restrictions are now in effect on BLM lands. Learn more here.

PORTLAND, Ore., KEZI – Bureau of Land Management officials announced on Tuesday that fire restrictions are now in effect for all BLM-managed public lands throughout Oregon and Washington.

The BLM said that the use of fireworks, exploding or metallic targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns are prohibited as of May 23 in order to reduce the risk of human-caused fires.

“Although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark to keep our first responders, local communities, and public lands safe from accidental wildfires,” said Anita Bilbao, BLM Oregon/Washington Associate State Director. “We are…

OSU will operate a new oceanographic research vessel based out of Newport. Learn more here.

By OSU

HOUMA, La. – The first of three new oceanographic research vessels dedicated to advancing marine science along U.S. coasts was successfully launched Thursday.

The ship, R/V Taani, is being constructed as part of a project, led by Oregon State University and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, to provide scientists with valuable new tools to study critical issues such as rapidly changing ocean conditions and human impacts on the marine environment.

The Regional Class Research Vessel project, supported by more than $390 million in grants, is charged with delivering three nearly identical ships to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The ships…

Storms brought flash-flooding in the Powell Butte area Monday evening. Learn more here.

POWELL BUTTE, Ore. (KTVZ) – A strong thunderstorm triggered a flash-flooding event in the Powell Butte area Monday evening, causing some damage to Crook County roads and “significant” damage at Brasada Ranch resort to several homes, a golf course and roads, sheriff’s deputies said Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Pendleton issued a special weather statement around 5:30 p.m. advising of a strong thunderstorm being tracked in the area, one of several such alerts as storms moved across the region.

Around 6 p.m., Crook County 911 dispatchers got a report of flooding in the 10000 block of SW Powell Butte Highway, sheriff’s Lt. Mitch Madden said.…

The weather is unseasonably warm in Oregon – some places hitting the mid-90s. Learn more here.

By OPB

Unseasonable heat continued Sunday in Oregon, with temperatures many places in the western part of the state predicted to hit the mid-90s.

Portland could reach 94 Fahrenheit and Roseburg, 98.

The National Weather Service expected temperatures in the mid- to upper-70s along the coast, and Eastern Oregon is looking at highs in the upper-70s and low 80s.

Many of Saturday’s predicted high temperatures did not come to pass. It only hit 91 in Portland, three degrees lower than weather officials had expected.

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Recreational crabbing is back open on the Oregon Coast. Learn more here.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Winchester Bay, Oregon) – As of late last week, recreational crabbing is back open along the entire Oregon coast, after being shut down for a time between Winchester Bay and Cape Blanco. Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) made the announcement, saying all bays, estuaries and the ocean can once again continue the crustacean-gathering fun. (Above: Coos Bay, courtesy Oregon’s Adventure Coast)

The shut-down on May 1 was due to high levels of domoic acid, taking place from eight miles north of (43° 47′ at Tahkenitch Creek) to Cape Blanco (42° 50′). That…

A second sinkhole forms at Cape Kiwanda. Learn more here.

PACIFIC CITY, Ore. (KTVZ) —  The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is asking visitors to use caution and to stay away from the area where a second sinkhole has formed at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area.

The second sinkhole was discovered Monday about 10 inches away from the first, which appeared in January. The new sinkhole measures about 10 feet across and about 30 feet deep and developed within the safety fence of the first sinkhole in the northwest corner of the lower dune, officials said Tuesday.

Park staff learned about the additional sinkhole late Monday evening when a photo was posted on social media. They expanded the safety…

The USDA will place a $50 million+ order for Oregon seafood. Find out more here.

by Gold Meadows/KVAL

Oregon lawmakers lead the way to the approval of $52 million to purchase Oregon seafood products.

Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden led the charge to have the products purchased by the United States Department of Agriculture for distribution to food assistance programs for its commodity purchasing programs.

In a letter sent to the USDA, Merkley and others stated that inclusion in the program would provide a boost to West Coast fishermen and seafood processors while including their products in American food assistance programs.

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

Forbes released its annual round-up of the “best places to visit in America,” and Portland made the list.

The list spanned the country – including major cities, small towns, ski destinations and natural wonders.

Here’s what the article had to say about why Portland made the list:

“’Like a phoenix from the ashes, Portland, Oregon is reemerging in 2023 with unprecedented growth in the food and beverage scene, both in quality and…