Truce brokered in long running battle over Columbia River water

For nearly a decade, conservationists and irrigation interests have battled at the state capitol over Columbia River water and the long-standing laws safeguarding Columbia summer flows from new appropriations. These summer flows are critical to support the Columbia River’s salmon and steelhead runs protected by the federal Endangered Species Act… Download full newsletter and read … Read moreTruce brokered in long running battle over Columbia River water

Port of Tillamook Bay wins FEMA Appeal

The Port of Tillamook Bay is now eligible to receive $4.3 million in federal funds for its flood reduction project planned northwest of the City of Tillamook. The eligibility ruling comes after two years of Port appeals within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The project, known as the Southern Flow Corridor, was developed by … Read morePort of Tillamook Bay wins FEMA Appeal

Accelerating Startups

The Apr/May issue of Open For Business magazine features the Regional Accelerator Innovation Network, or RAIN. RAIN calls for a mix of fully-equipped facilities, financing assistance and business consultation services to help emerging companies get established. Serving as anchors of the regional network, two accelerator facilities would be developed in Eugene and Corvallis near the … Read moreAccelerating Startups

Governor Kitzhaber And Oregon Solutions Taskforce Sign Eastern Oregon Water Agreement

Governor Kitzhaber joined with members of the Columbia River Umatilla Solutions Taskforce to sign Friday a Declaration of Cooperation on Columbia River-Umatilla Basin water projects. The Declaration outlines specific strategies for storing water for expanded agricultural use, increased economic activity in Eastern Oregon, and improved in-stream conditions for fish…

Juniper invasion marring Oregon’s high desert habitat

FRENCHGLEN — Rancher and outfitter John Witzel’s boots crunch through 4 inches of snow in a stand of high-desert Western juniper listed on a U.S. Bureau of Land Management cutting schedule. He wonders unhappily what effect all the chopping has on wildlife. One concern this time of year is that juniper collects snow in its … Read moreJuniper invasion marring Oregon’s high desert habitat

PSU students upgrade modular classroom for health, sustainability

What started out as an exercise at a Portland State University architecture symposium has turned into a potential game-changer in modular classroom design at a time when school districts are increasingly using the cheap alternative to new construction. PSU’s architecture program over more than a year worked closely with a modular manufacturer to balance environmental … Read morePSU students upgrade modular classroom for health, sustainability

Hope rises for irrigation deal

PORTLAND — The latest effort to develop new irrigation water for Umatilla Basin farmers could provide a breakthrough in what has been a long-standing stalemate between farmers, environmentalists and other fish interests. At a symposium on Columbia River water at the Northwest Agricultural Show Jan. 29, Craig Reeder, a Umatilla Basin farmer, said a broad … Read moreHope rises for irrigation deal