The latest news stories of interest in the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon from the digital home of Southern Oregon, Wynne Broadcasting’s RogueValleyMagazine.com
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Rogue Valley Weather
Severe weather has caused a Spectrum service outages again around the state. Get service updates, outage information and other helpful resources at Spectrum.net/stormcenter.
ODOT: SW OregonWinter weather causing delays and intermittent closures on Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Pass, northbound and southbound. Chains are required on all vehicles excluding four wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles, unless towing. Do not detour on secondary roads. Travel is not recommended at this time. Check TripCheck.com for updates.
Oregon Power Outage MAP: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon
Over 87,000 Oregon Residents Without Power
Over 87,000 residents of Oregon are waking up without power this morning (as of 5:00 AM PT). Unfortunately, the build-up of freezing rain and ice has led to this. Lane County, which includes Eugene, is taking the lead with over 60% of the county without power (see above). More than 11,000 Springfield residents without power since Sunday.
Ice storm warnings are in effect from Longview, WA through Salem, OR. This does include Portland, OR, as well. Traveling on I-5 and surrounding areas will be extremely dangerous. We recommend staying home this morning, if at all possible.
STAR Team Investigating Suspected DUII Head-On Collision Rollover on Butte Falls Highway, Two Patients in Hospital
BUTTE FALLS, Ore. – Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) Team is investigating a suspected DUII traffic crash that occurred this afternoon around mile marker 14 of Butte Falls Highway. At approximately 12:09 p.m., two passenger trucks collided head-on and rolled. A woman in one of the trucks was ejected and is in serious condition at a local hospital. A man in the other truck was also transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The STAR Team is investigating to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators suspect impairment to be a factor in the crash. Butte Falls Highway is open to one lane at the scene. Jackson County Roads is handling traffic control. The highway should be back open in approximately an hour.
The STAR Team consists of investigators from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Medford Police Department, and Central Point Police Department. This case is under further investigation. There is no more information available for release.
Assault Arrest Made at Designated Camping Area
On Monday, January 15, 2024, at approximately 8:35 p.m. members of the Ashland Police Department, the Talent Police Department Ashland Fire and Rescue responded to a report of an explosion and an assault at the City’s designated camping area, behind 1175 E. Main Street.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects and the hospitalization of three victims. Everyone involved was a guest at the designated camping area.
The investigation revealed that the two suspects assaulted one of the victims. During this assault one of the suspects hit a victim with a small camping butane-fed burner. This caused the butane container to break, ignite and cause a fire ball that seriously injured the original victim and two additional victims that were nearby in a tent.
All three victims were transported to area hospitals and both of the suspects were taken into custody as noted below.
The suspects are identified as Noah Brennan (AKA Nova Brennen), 19, and Jocelyn Cotner 48.
Both remain jailed at the Jackson County on charges of Assault II, Menacing and Reckless Endangerment.
Supreme Court Will Hear Grants Pass Homeless Camping Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case that originated in Grants Pass and could set a precedent for how cities around the nation are able to respond to homeless camps.
The case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, centers on a lawsuit by a group of homeless people against city restrictions on outdoor sleeping. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case wouldn’t have a major impact in Oregon, according to Ed Johnson, lead counsel at Oregon Law Center, which is representing plaintiffs in the case. That’s because Oregon passed a state law in 2021 that blocks cities from punishing people sleeping outside on public property.
Under the state law, cities are allowed to enact “objectively reasonable” restrictions on the time, place and manner of outside camps. For instance, the city of Beaverton adopted a new law allowing camping on public rights-of-way between 9 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., and Bend passed a new law banning camping in residential areas and requiring people to move locations at least 600 feet every 24 hours.
The Oregon law, championed by now-Gov. Tina Kotek during her time as speaker, was a response to an earlier decision in the Grants Pass case and the 2019 Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Martin v. Boise, which prohibited governments in the nine Western states under the court’s purview from punishing homeless people for sleeping outside when cities didn’t have adequate shelter space available.
The Grants Pass case began as a challenge to a local law that prohibited homeless people from using blankets, pillows or cardboard boxes to protect themselves from the elements while sleeping outside. A three-judge panel on the Ninth Circuit concluded that punishing people who lack shelter amounts to cruel and unusual punishment and violates the Eighth Amendment.
“At its most basic level, the case is about whether cities can punish people for existing outside when they have nowhere else to go,” Johnson said.
The case coincides with rising homelessness throughout the country, particularly on the West Coast. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development last month announced that more than 650,000 people nationwide were homeless in January 2023, a 12% increase since the year prior. More than a third of the nation’s homeless population was in Washington, California and Oregon, which had more than 20,000 homeless residents at the time of the count.
Western states have far higher rates of unsheltered homelessness than other areas, with more than two-thirds of California’s homeless population and nearly two-thirds of Oregon’s lacking shelter. The 2023 data predates last year’s investments in shelters and rehousing, which added more than 1,000 new shelter beds. (SOURCE)
Crater Lake National Park has been experiencing extreme weather conditions over the past week that have resulted in failures of the park communication system.
This has significantly impacted the ability to report emergency incidents so delays in response should be expected. Due to these conditions all facilities are closed, and backcountry travel is strongly discouraged. Highway 62 through the park remains open, but because of heavy and drifting snow and poor visibility, we are asking visitors to refrain from traveling in the park.
As is typical during winter and spring, the North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are closed for the season. The road from park headquarters to Rim Village is currently closed due to the weather conditions. It is sometimes necessary throughout the course of the winter to close that section of road so the plow operators can focus on roads critical for safety access in the park. When this section of road is closed, there is no way to access a lake view by vehicle.
Updates will be provided as conditions change. Please check for alerts on the park website at www.nps.gov/crla and on the Crater Lake National Park Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064393373885. Road status is also available on www.tripcheck.com.
Asante Settled Medicare Fraud Allegations at Medford Hospital
The health system now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
The Medford hospital now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
Weeks before local police launched an investigation into reports of alleged drug diversion and potentially related patient deaths at Asante Rogue Medical Center, hospital management quietly settled litigation stemming from a federal Medicare fraud probe.
In 2022, the hospital received 57% of its revenue from government programs including Medicare and Medicaid, or $642 million in all, according to the most recent financial report submitted to state regulators. (READ MORE)
No New News as Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Investigations Continue
Reports that a nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center may have sparked fatal infections of patients by replacing fentanyl with tap water in their IV bags have sparked national attention.
For patients, the victims’ relatives, and others in Oregon health care, the reports are sparking questions as well. It now appears that the deaths linked to the Medford hospital occurred over a span of at least 12 months.
Hospital administrators and local law enforcement have not named the suspected employee and released few other details. No indictments have been filed publicly in the case.
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Medford Police have provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
Be alert for landslides across southern and western Oregon
Medford, OR—The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of south-central Oregon, including the south-central Oregon coast. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening to late Monday evening.
Abundant moisture will arrive with the next storm system coming in Friday night through Saturday night. Heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Geared Up for Winter Storms
Download Video of Search and Rescue in Snow: https://vimeo.com/890446145?share=copy
SOUTHERN OREGON – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Search and Rescue (SAR) is gearing up for a winter storm tonight, bringing the potential for heavy mountain snow and strong winds. The National Weather Service Medford has issued multiple winter storm warnings for Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. NWS Medford is calling for heavy mountain snow and strong winds brining frequent whiteout conditions. Snow levels will lower from 3000 to 200 ft. overnight. Snow may even accumulate on Rogue Valley floors during the storm.
As always, human safety is our #1 priority. We take the risk to SAR personnel into consideration during every mission, and this storm brings the considerable danger of heavy snow and fallen trees, which could further delay response times.
BE PREPARED: If you are venturing into the mountains during winter be prepared to self-rescue in the event SAR response is delayed. Make sure you have chains, warm clothes, a shovel, and a fully charged cell phone. Check the weather forecast before leaving as conditions may change quickly. Always notify someone of your travel plans, when you are expected to return, and when/where they should notify authorities to start searching.
SHARE MY TRIP: To best notify SAR of your potential location during a rescue, JCSO offers the Sheriff’s App “Share My Trip” feature. JCSO developed this feature with the understanding that response time is crucial in search and rescue operations. The information you provide in this form will help our Search and Rescue personnel make more informed decisions which will result in quicker, more effective responses. Download the App here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a72997501.
MISSING PERSON – ATTEMPT TO LOCATE
CASE:24-00114
NAME: PAIGE F. LEIGHTON
AGE: 33
SEX: FEMALE
RACE: WHITE
HEIGHT: 5’6″
WEIGHT: 190LBS
HAIR: BROWN (BLONDE IN THE PICTURE PROVIDED)
EYES: BLUE
INFORMATION:
Paige F. Leighton was last contacted by family members on December 1st, 2023. Leighton was homeless in the Merlin area prior to going missing. Leighton is believed to be either in the Southern Oregon or San Francisco area.
PLEASE CONTACT THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WITH ANY INFORMATION 541-474-5123.
5 things to know about Medford hospital employee’s alleged fentanyl diversion
PART 2 – Newsweek Podcast Focusing on The Disappearance of Fauna Frey From Lane County
Here One Minute, Gone the Next —– PART 2 – Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel joins investigative journalist Alex Rogue to speak with Here One Minute, Gone the Next about the disappearance of Fauna Frey, the growing friction between citizen investigators and law enforcement, and the lack of resources in missing persons cases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disappearance-of-fauna-frey-pt2-feat-sheriff/id1707094441?i=1000630100040
PART 1 – John Frey joins Newsweek to discuss exclusive details about the case of his missing daughter that until now have been unavailable to the general public.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Fauna Frey, call the anonymous tip line at 541-539-5638 or email FindFaunaFrey@gmail.com.
Help Find Fauna Frey #FindFaunaFrey FACEBOOK GROUP
Governor Kotek Orders More Resources To Help With Winter Storm Aftermath
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Tuesday evening ordered more resources to help in the aftermath of two back-to-back winter storms that have had devastating effects on the western side of the state this week.
Kotek announced that she has directed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resiliency and Emergency Management (ODHS-OREM) to employ additional resources.
“Over the last few days, state employees and countless local responders have worked around the clock and volunteered their time to support their fellow Oregonians in need as frigid temperatures and winter storm conditions left thousands without power and at risk for medical emergencies,” Governor Kotek said. “I want to thank everyone across the state who continue to help those in need. In times of crisis, I’m always inspired by how Oregonians step up to take care of one another.”
A winter storm over the weekend accompanied by subfreezing temperatures and high winds resulted in hundreds of trees falling across the Portland metro with over 160,000 people left in the dark without power or heat.
“As severe winter weather conditions and the potential for long-term power outages continue, my office and state agencies will continue to support local jurisdictions and provide updates and resources to keep individuals and families safe. If you don’t feel safe at home or need to know where your nearest warming center is, please call 211. They will help get you the information you need to reach a safe place to stay warm,” wrote Kotek.
Governor Kotek has also directed the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division to deploy SERV-OR volunteers to provide medical care in warming shelters across the state. SERV-OR is OHA’s statewide roster of licensed physicians, nurses, pharmacists, emergency medical technicians, and others who have registered to volunteer in response to public health emergencies. SERV-OR volunteers help to take pressure off the health care delivery system. It is estimated nearly 200 medical professionals have expressed interest in volunteering at warming shelters around the state during the winter storm.
Kotek’s office said, over the past weekend, ODHS-OREM coordinated a hotline that connected state employees with nearby warming shelters in need of support. So far, more than 170 state employees have volunteered to serve Oregonians in shelters across the state, and 112 have been assigned to open shelters across 19 counties.
Anyone who wants to volunteer at a local warming shelter can use this link to sign up. Additionally, ODHS-OREM activated 211info to begin 24/7 operations to support warming center efforts statewide. (SOURCE)
Ice and Snow and Freezing Temperatures — ODOT traffic alert. Road conditions remain challenging statewide
The Pacific Northwest is expected to see freezing temperatures and maybe even lowland snow this week as part of the polar vortex blasts southward from the Arctic. ODOT is alerting travelers during the extended holiday weekend for Martin Luther King Say that road conditions remain challenging statewide as freezing temperatures span across much of the northern part of Oregon.
Here is the full announcement from ODOT:
In the Portland Metro area, ice and strong winds are toppling trees and bringing down powerlines. Widespread power outages mean that many electronic road signs and traffic lights may be out. Treat traffic signals that aren’t working like a four-way stop. Never drive over downed power lines.
The Willamette Valley and central Coast areas are experiencing icy roads and freezing temperatures. Expect long highway closures as crews work to remove hundreds of downed trees, and repair powerlines and network cables.
Temperatures across these areas are not forecast to be above freezing for the next few days. There is a strong possibility we could see more freezing rain on Tuesday.
Warming temperatures in southwest Oregon could lead to flooding. Watch for high water and debris on the roadway, especially on valley and coastal routes. Delays and closures are likely on mountain highways as crews work to remove snow and downed trees.
The safest place to be during winter road conditions is at home. Our crews want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who decided not to travel this weekend. Staying off the roads gives our crews and emergency responders the space to get where they need to go.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly and make travel difficult or impossible. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
If you must travel, be prepared – Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.
Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.
For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.
To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Oregon Secretary Of State Releases Primary Candidate Names Though Subject To Change
Oregon’s secretary of state released an initial list of candidates who will appear on the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries — including former President Donald Trump, whose ballot status is before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tuesday’s announcement comes a day after Trump swept the Iowa caucuses, the first such vote this year. Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade said it’s standard policy to release candidate names at this point in the election process. Oregon’s primary is May 21.
“The 2024 primary election is just four months away,” Griffin-Valade said. Registration
Oregonians who’ve moved, changed their names or want to check their registration status can go to Oregonvotes.gov. The state’s motor voter law automatically registers residents through the Department of Motor Vehicles. But they have to designate affiliation with a party to vote in the primaries. Voters have to register by April 30 either electronically, through a postmark or in person. The primary is May 21.
She said the preliminary Democratic candidates are President Joe Biden, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota and self-help author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson.
The Republican candidates are Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
Following Monday’s vote in Iowa, Ohio businessman Vivek Ramaswamy dropped out of the race, as did former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie also dropped out last week. New Hampshire will hold its primary next Tuesday
Groups trying to oust Trump from ballots across the country asked the Oregon secretary of state last year to take him off the Oregon primary ballot under the 14th Amendment. It bars anyone from holding office who “engaged in insurrection” after previously swearing to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Griffin-Valade said in November she lacked the authority to do that, based on advice from the Oregon Department of Justice. In December, a group of Oregon voters asked the Oregon Supreme Court to remove Trump, but the court has deferred to the U.S. Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on Feb. 8 in an appeal of a decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to remove Trump from the ballot.
Griffin-Valade indicated in her release that the candidates on the ballot could change. She said she will issue a final list after Oregon’s filing deadline has passed on March 12.
“Names will be removed from the list if a candidate suspends their campaign or otherwise publicly announces that they are no longer running for president in the 2024 election,” Griffin-Valade said.
She has the sole authority to decide who’s on the ballot based on whether candidates are legitimate and covered by the media.
“To decide if candidates meet the statutory criteria, the secretary is relying on national polls and including all candidates who have the support of a minimum of 1% of party voters,” Griffin-Valade said.
Candidates can also access the ballot through a nominating petition, which requires the support of 6,000 valid signatures from active members of a candidate’s party. They have to be submitted by Feb. 27. (SOURCE)
Registration
Oregonians who’ve moved, changed their names or want to check their registration status can go to Oregonvotes.gov. The state’s motor voter law automatically registers residents through the Department of Motor Vehicles. But they have to designate affiliation with a party to vote in the primaries. Voters have to register by April 30 either electronically, through a postmark or in person. The primary is May 21.
State, IRS to start processing tax returns January 29th
The Oregon Department of Revenue will begin processing e-filed 2023 state income tax returns on January 29, 2024, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns. Paper filed returns will be processed starting in mid-February.
E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2023 tax return easier in 2024.
Oregon Free File opens today
Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of Oregon’s free file options. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
Free and low-cost tax help
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Use Revenue Online to verify payments
Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.
Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.
To check the status of your refund after February 15, or make payments, visit Revenue’s website . You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. (SOURCE)
Timber Industry Tied To Proposal Shifting Wildfire Protection Costs From Landowners To Public
Timber companies appear to have played an influential role in a new legislative proposal to find sustainable funding for fighting wildfires. If passed, it could save the industry millions of dollars in fees they now pay to the state for fire protection and shift more of the cost to all Oregon property owners.
Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, will present the proposal on Wednesday morning to the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee for consideration during the session. It would impose a $10 fee on all property holders in Oregon to pay for fighting wildfires, raising an estimated $20 million a year, about 15% of the projected total cost for wildfire protection in 2024. The proposal would reduce the per-acre fees that private and public forest and range landowners now pay to the Oregon Department of Forestry for protection.
Fighting wildfires has grown significantly more expensive in the last few years, and the state’s general fund has absorbed much of the excess cost, along with landowners who’ve seen their fees to the forestry department rise. State leaders such as Steiner, who is now running for treasurer, are trying to find new sources of wildfire money to relieve pressure on private landowners – primarily east Oregon ranchers without billions in timber holdings – and the general fund, which pays for other major state investments in mental health, addiction and housing. A proposal by another lawmaker, Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, would tax timber harvests.
Critics of Steiner’s proposal say it shifts the costs of protecting billions of dollars in private timber assets away from the companies that own much of the land at risk to average Oregonians. They’re also concerned about the membership of a secretive workgroup Steiner convened to help develop the proposal and a lack of transparency around who was allowed to participate in discussions and planning.
Three of the 11 members of the workgroup – whose names Steiner’s office provided after multiple requests from the Capital Chronicle – are employed by industrial timber companies, including one of the world’s largest, Weyerhaeuser. A fourth participant works for the state’s largest timber industry association: the Oregon Forest Industries Council.
A document outlining the proposal from Steiner’s office indicated it was written by a Weyerhaeuser lobbyist: Her name was shown as the author in the file’s metadata, which includes basic information about the history of a document. That lobbyist, Betsy Earls, told the Capital Chronicle she only edited it. She said she copied a document written by Gov. Tina Kotek’s wildfire advisor, Doug Grafe, and edited parts to make it understandable to an audience without a forestry background. Steiner also said Grafe was the key author.
State Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, will also be proposing wildfire funding legislation to take some financial pressure off of east Oregon ranchers and the state’s general fund. But instead of turning to the public to make up the difference, Golden wants industrial timber companies to pick up a larger share of the costs.
He’ll propose that lawmakers approve a ballot measure to go to Oregon voters. If passed, it would impose a tax on the value of timber harvested on private land, much like the former timber severance tax that was removed in the early 1990s. The tax would be higher depending on the acreage that each company holds, so a small timber operation wouldn’t pay the same rate as a company like Weyerhaeuser.
Golden previously told the Capital Chronicle that imposing a timber value tax could bring the forestry department and local fire districts tens of millions of dollars annually for wildfire prevention, response and responding to threats from climate change.
“There is a segment of the timber industry that’s more than able to shoulder more of the load, and when we think about the protection that they get from ODF, they should be picking up more of the baggage here,” Golden said. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/01/10/timber-industry-tied-to-proposal-shifting-wildfire-protection-costs-from-landowners-to-public/
