Rogue Valley News, Monday 5/12 – First Responders Participate in Mass Casualty Drill at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center, Ashland Historic Preservation Week & Other Local and Statewide News…

David Grubbs’ Murder Investigation Remains Active

 The Ashland Police Department’s investigation into the murder of David Grubbs on November 19, 2011 remains open and active. Recently two new detectives have been assigned to look into new leads that have come in.

This case remains important to David’s family, the community, and the Ashland Police Department. As detectives continue to pursue these new leads, anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Ashland Police Department at 541-488-2211. The reward for information leading to an arrest on this case remains at over $21,000.

It’s going on five years now since Fauna Frey, 45, disappeared in Josephine County on a road trip, June 29, 2020, following her brother’s death

https://original.newsbreak.com/@ada-e-1668135/3304227455096-fauna-frey-45-disappeared-in-oregon-on-a-road-trip-june-29-2020-following-her-brother-s-death

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. READ MORE HERE: https://www.newsweek.com/exclusive-what-happened-fauna-frey-new-clues-uncovered-1827197?fbclid=IwAR3Z3Glru5lIgqiYXbs_nA1Fj8JuCIzM11OHSVHfwIucfq2f_G5y9y5bnmQ 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

33 New Bills Signed Into Oregon Law Last Week

Governor Kotek signed 33 bills into law last week. Most involved amending language and the bureaucratic processes of agencies, though some update the privacy of certain people and jumpstart the movement on issues such as interstate passenger rail and permitting.

This list does not include laws filed with the Oregon Secretary of State or last year’s laws that just went into effect this month.

Here are the 33 bills Kotek signed into law:

HB 2978 – The law tells the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to create an advisory group in relation to a program to reduce cars hitting wildlife.

HB 2565 – The law allows the state to contract with some research firms that get federal grant money without having to follow state rules for contracting for goods and services. This goes into effect 91 days after the session ends.

HB 2373 – The law prohibits selling or offering for sale a timeshare without a license and establishes a real estate license for timeshare agents, directing the Real Estate Agency and Real Estate Commissioner to regulate and issue said licenses. An emergency was declared in order for this bill to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

HB 2170 – The law allows agencies State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Marine Board or the State Department of Agriculture to work with others — such as tribal government, local government or a local service district — to inspect boats for harmful animals and plants.

SB 465 – The law removes the annual cap on matching funds for individual development account (IDA holders) and creates a cap on total matching funds to account for the effects of inflation.

SB 851 – The law makes changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).

HB 2073 – The law makes technical changes to certain state tax statues and goes into effect 91 days after the session ends.

HB 3141 – The law designates October 12 of each year Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day.

HB 3021 – The law makes changes to the laws of the unemployment and paid leave programs run by the Employment Department.

HB 2922 – The law allows State Parks and Recreation employees, such as park managers and park rangers, to keep their home address private in Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) records; the employer’s address will be listed instead.

HB 3034 – The law changes the funding and use of Emergency Housing Account programs.

HB 3115 – The law specifies that a person may not buy or sell certain winning lottery tickets, and thus, can’t deduct the purchase price for state taxes. The law also allows lottery winners to remain anonymous; their name and address cannot be released without written authorization. This goes into effect 91 days after the session ends.

HB 3041 – The law modifies the source of law that establishes the Educator Advancement Council from intergovernmental agreement to state statute.

HB 2347 – The law authorizes the Department of Land Conservation and Development to help tribes with planning assistance for housing production, as well as makes various technical changes to land use laws.

HB 3385 – The law exempts public records filed with a county clerk from the fee schedule.

HB 2163 – The law amends a part of the wildlife laws to allow people with a documented intellectual or developmental disability to fish and harvest shellfish.

HB 3386 – The law allows a deputy of a county clerk to perform weddings.

HB 2248 – The law makes new laws in regard to the Bureau of Labor and Industries, such as providing exceptions to the confidentiality requirement and allowing the agency to enter into interagency agreements with state agencies to receive certain business information. It also directs the agency to provide a report, due Sept. 15, 2025.

SB 809 – The law clarifies that the State Department of Agriculture may inspect poultry under the state’s meat inspection program.

HB 3233 – The law tells the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to team up with the state of Washington and Vancouver, B.C., to make plans for rail, as well as tells ODOT to report every two years to the Joint Committee on Transportation about the performance of passenger rail.

SB 166 – The law changes the term “member” of the Oregon State Bar to the term “licensee” of the Oregon State Bar, as well as changes some laws about the agency.

HB 2541 – The law provides certain agricultural workers with rights to breastfeed or pump in the workplace.

HB 3020 – The law makes betting on dog races illegal, which goes into effect July 1, 2027.

HB 2130 – The law updates the responsibilities of the Oregon Insurance Guaranty Association.

HB 3328 – The law would let Grant County use road fund moneys from federal forest reserves payments to patrol roads in the county.

HB 2461- The law makes some new rules for remote location testimony.

SB 168 – The law changes some laws that apply to a person’s estate after the person dies, such as required evidence to establish parentage and court procedures involving discovery when there is a contested issue in a probate proceeding.

HB 3022 – The law allows the Department of Revenue to share information to the Employment Department for the paid family and medical leave insurance program, among other changes.

HB 2802 – The law changes when a lump sum payment for permanent partial disability has to be made, in which the worker waives reconsideration of the notice of closure, or the award has become final by operation of law.

SB 167 – The law amends portions of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs commerce among merchants, so that the law can now take account of new ways of making payments and doing business, such as with digital assets and electronic money.

SB 1189 – The law says that a treatment works can be built without a water quality permit if certain conditions are met.

SB 839 – The law modifies regulation surrounding commercial vehicles and modifies some language regarding to offenses.

SB 849 – The law changes how PERS, the state’s retirement system for public employees, uses the money in the School Districts Unfunded Liability Fund.

Travelers who do not possess a REAL ID by the approaching deadline this week will still be permitted to fly, but they should anticipate additional scrutiny, as stated by the head of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

Kristi Noem informed a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers currently hold IDs that meet the REAL ID standards. She noted that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal identification once the deadline arrives on Wednesday.

Those who do not have an identification that adheres to the REAL ID regulations may be directed to a different line and face an additional step, according to Noem. In addition to requiring a REAL ID for domestic air travel, individuals will also need one to enter certain federal buildings and facilities.

In recent weeks, Noem has been alerting the American public about the impending deadline. In a television advertisement released by Homeland Security, she emphasized the necessity of these IDs for air travel and access to public buildings, stating: ‘These IDs keep our country safe.’ A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license features a symbol (typically a star) in the upper corner of the card in most states.

Kyron Horman disappearance investigation continues 15 years later as police digitize case files

Law enforcement is scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized, 15 years after Kyron’s disappearance.

As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says its investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing, announcing that case files will be digitized.

The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized. When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, laying out the foundation “for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation,” according to MCSO.

MCSO detectives in the coming months will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team to further evaluate.

Kyron was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at a science fair at Skyline Elementary School in Portland.

Kyron’s stepmother dropped the 7-year-old off at Skyline that morning and reported that she saw him walking toward his classroom at 8:45 a.m., but he didn’t come home on the school bus. In 2012, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge referred to Kyron’s stepmother, Terri Horman, as a “prime suspect,” but she has denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed, though Kyron’s mother, Desiree Young, has accused Horman of giving multiple versions of events for the morning of Kyron’s disappearance.

Young has long campaigned to make sure the investigation keeps going, telling KGW last year, “I can’t even explain it. He’s a part of me. There’s just something in there that yearns to touch him and hold him.”

At the time, he was wearing a black T-shirt with “CSI” in green letters and a handprint graphic, along with black cargo pants, white socks and black Skechers sneakers with orange trim. He may have been wearing his glasses.

Kyron has brown hair, blue eyes, wears glasses and has a distinct V-shaped strawberry birthmark on his forehead, police said.

“We have never stopped searching for Kyron,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell in a statement Friday. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring resolution to this case, for Kyron, for his family and for the community. With the support of our partners and the public, we are actively pursuing every credible investigative opportunity. Kyron and his family are at the heart of our work.”

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call MCSO’s tipline at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. (SOURCE)

State Forests Advisory Committee hosts field tour May 15, meets May 16 in Astoria

SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will host a tour of forestland in the Clatsop State Forest on May 15 and meet on May 16 in Astoria and the meeting will have a virtual option via Teams.

The public is welcome at both events. The field tour agenda and meeting agenda are posted on the SFAC webpage.

Field tour: Meets at 9 a.m. on May 15 at the Jewell Wildlife Meadows Area. RSVP is requested for the field tour so that attendees can be provided safety equipment. Tour attendees should provide their own lunch, refreshments and transportation suitable for traveling on forest roads. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 to Emily Shook at emily.j.shook@odf.oregon.gov.

SFAC meeting: The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, at the ODF Astoria District Office, 92219 Highway 202. Topics on the agenda include an update on the FY2026 Annual Operations Plans, performance measures, and financial/legislative/FMP/HCP updates. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments virtually or in person at the beginning of the meeting.

SFAC’s role – The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups as well as a representative from Oregon’s Native American tribes. The SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodation for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-983-3761.

LINCOLN COUNTY SCHOOL BUS DRIVER ARRESTED FOR LURING A MINOR

On May 8th, 2025, the Lincoln City Police Department received a report of inappropriate communications between a Lincoln County School District school bus driver and a Taft 7-12 student. An investigation began immediately and steps were taken to ensure the driver had no more contact with students.

On May 9th, Josiah Lafrenz (21) of Lincoln City was arrested and charged with Luring a Minor and 2nd Degree Online Sex Corruption of a Child. He was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail and is awaiting his arraignment on Monday, May 12th.

The LCPD notified the Lincoln County School District of the investigation and arrest. Due to the potential for additional child victims, the LCPD is urging anyone with information regarding this investigation or similar circumstances to call us at (541) 994-3636 and reference case #25-5594.

As always, the LCPD encourages parents to monitor children’s cellular communications and internet usage, as well as educate them about the dangers posed by the strangers with whom they interact.

Orca Whales Spotted off Coast

Orcas off South Point 8:35 am Depoe Bay Oregon 5/11/25 – Videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveringDepoeBayOregon

Members of the Oregon House have sent a bill back to committee that seeks to prohibit the use of recycled plastic bags.

Senate Bill 551 proposes that only paper grocery bags be distributed in retail establishments. House legislators opted to return the bill to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment for additional review.

Should the bill successfully pass through the legislative process, the Oregon Health Authority would be responsible for enforcing these regulations. Consumers would still incur a charge of 5 cents for recycled paper checkout bags, unless they present an EBT card, with this provision set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill mandates that restaurants and other businesses provide plastic utensils and single-use condiment packets only upon request, effective July 1, 2026. Drive-through establishments and those with spatial limitations that hinder employee-only access to these items would be exempt from this requirement.

If enacted, hotels, motels, and other vacation rentals would also need to adhere to the new regulations.

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is urging for federal prosecution following Credit Suisse’s settlement of 511 million dollars in a tax evasion case.

In 2023, the Senate Finance Committee examined allegations from a whistleblower that Credit Suisse Banks and Advisors concealed over 700 million dollars offshore for American clients to evade taxes. Wyden asserts that the settlement validates the foundation of their investigation and is urging the Trump Administration to pursue criminal charges against those accountable for the scheme.

Washington County sewer agency’s CEO resigns after investigation into lavish spending

An investigation by The Oregonian had found that ratepayer dollars were going toward frequent dining and Hawaiian vacations.

The CEO of Washington County’s sewer agency has resigned after an investigation by The Oregonian revealed the agency’s lavish trips to Hawaii and big-time spending on local meals.

CEO Diane Taniguchi-Dennis announced her resignation on Wednesday, which will be effective next month. She joined Clean Water Services in 2011 as deputy general manager and was named CEO in 2018. Her last day is June 6.

“The Board expresses their gratitude to Taniguchi-Dennis for her long service to the region, ratepayers, and the Tualatin River. They wish her well and are committed to supporting the operational success of Clean Water Services and its employees without interruption,” the Clean Water Services board of directors said in a statement.

In March, Oregonian politics editor Jamie Goldberg looked into spending by agency staff, with public records confirming that hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars were going toward dining around town and annual Hawaiian vacations — all while residents were facing a rate hike.

Notably, all of the Washington County commissioners also sit on Clean Water Services’ board of directors.

Last month, Washington County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution ordering Clean Water Services to hire an independent auditor to look at their spending, as well as to review and develop written policies around “allowable travel.” However, there is no deadline for when the audit has to be finished, and agency executives will be managing the outside auditors.

The Clean Water Services’ board of directors will begin a national search for new leadership in the coming weeks. (SOURCE)

Two people and their dog were rescued Saturday evening after their sailboat capsized on Hagg Lake

Gaston Rural Fire District and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a marine rescue call at 6:58 p.m. Saturday. Dispatchers reported a boat had capsized with at least two people in the water.

Gaston fire responded with a boat and chief officer to assist the sheriff’s department. Upon arrival, responders located the boat in the middle of the lake, approximately halfway between the Eagle Point boat ramp and the dam.

“The two occupants of the boat and their dog were sitting on the overturned hull waiting for assistance,” the fire district reported.

Sheriff’s deputies reached the capsized vessel by boat and transported the occupants and their dog back to the boat ramp. The individuals were cold but unharmed.

The rescue effort then shifted to recovering the vessel, which proved challenging due to its 25-foot mast.

“Then the real work began. The craft was a sailboat with a 25′ mast which made it difficult to tow and right,” the fire district stated. “None of the personnel on scene had ever needed to right a sailboat but the owner walked us through the process and then we applied a lot of ropes and energy.”

Fire officials reported no injuries to emergency personnel and minimal damage to the boat during both the accident and retrieval operation. (SOURCE)

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FIELDS ARTIST FELLOWSHIP 

Four Oregon Artists to Receive $150,000 Each Over Two Years

— Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, is now accepting applications for the Fields Artist Fellowship, which awards $150,000 to Oregon-based artists working to address community issues through creativity and cultural expression.

The two-year fellowships will go to four artists to advance their artistic practice and honor and sustain their commitment to create social change within their community. Eight more finalists will receive a one-time award of $10,000. The 12 fellows will receive professional development, networking, and community-building opportunities throughout the program.

“As an individual artist, receiving these funds was huge in terms of interrupting and creating social change in my rural town,” says Crystal Meneses, who received one of the inaugural Fields fellowships in 2019. “It opened doors for me that would never and have never been open.”

Applications from Oregon artists will be considered between May 6, 2025 and June 13, 2025. A selection committee will review applications and award the fellowships by December 2025. The Fellowship term will begin in May 2026 and run through May 2028.

“It is an honor to recognize the power that a single artist can have in their community through this program,” says Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation. “We look forward to adding another cohort of individuals into this growing network across Oregon.”

Artists of all disciplines and artistic media are encouraged to apply, including writers, filmmakers, visual artists, multimedia artists, culture bearers, and performance artists. Eligibility requirements include the following:

• At least five years of professional practice in an artistic discipline or combination of disciplines

• At least three years of residence in Oregon (non-continuous) and the intent to reside in Oregon for the majority of the fellowship term (May 2026 to May 2028)

• Demonstrable evidence of artistic practice that can engage with community groups and organizations and/or address community concerns

Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, administers the program and convenes gatherings for the fellows. All funding is provided by the Fred W. Fields Fund of Oregon Community Foundation.

Proposals must be submitted by June 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The application portal and full request for proposals can be found here.

Find more information here. An informational webinar will be held on May 22, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sign-up to attend using this link. A recording will be posted on this page after the webinar date. For questions, contact Program Administrator Aimee Craig.

About Oregon Community Foundation  – Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org.

About Oregon Humanities – Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change. More information about our programs and publications—which include Consider This, Conversation Project, Humanity in Perspective, The Detour podcast, Facilitation Training, and Oregon Humanities magazine—can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust.

Cape Lookout State Park gets national shout-out among top US campsites with best view

Matador Network and The Dyrt collaborated to name the ’60 Campsites with the Best Views Across the United States,’ with three in Washington and two in Oregon.

With five miles of beachfront and a whole lot of charm, Cape Lookout State Park is turning heads — including those of travel experts.

The coastal gem was just named one of the “60 Campsites with the Best Views Across the U.S.” by travel website Matador Network in collaboration with camping website The Dyrt. The list breaks the country into six regions with 10 standout sites in each. Cape Lookout was one of only two campsites in Oregon to make the cut, joining the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness in the West Region.

Park Ranger Supervisor Travis Korbe has worked at Cape Lookout for 17 years for Oregon State Parks — and he’s not surprised by the recognition.

“Unlike a lot of the other places on the Oregon Coast, you don’t get the hustle and bustle of (highway) 101 here,” he said. “You really get to kind of recenter yourself from the hectic day-to-day life that you may have. It’s a chance to let go of those stresses that you have at home or at work and reconnect with nature.”

For those hoping to spend the night, the campground features 229 sites — everything from forested tent pads and wide-open grassy sites near the beach to yurts, cabins and full hook-up RV options.

Nick, a visitor from Portland, said it’s the peace and quiet that brought him in.

“It’s kind of off the beaten path,” he said. “It’s nice and quiet here… and the ocean — it’s great.”

But if you’re hoping to score a site during peak season, don’t wait. Reservations at Oregon State Parks open on a rolling six-month window and fill up fast — especially at Cape Lookout.

“There is hope, even if you haven’t made your reservations yet,” Korbe said. “But I strongly encourage people to get those reservations.”

Even if you can’t stay overnight, a day trip to the park is well worth it. Cape Lookout offers beach access, picnic areas and the iconic Cape Trail — a rugged hike through old-growth forest with sweeping Pacific views.

“Whether it’s a walk in Forest Park or coming out here to Cape Lookout or going out to the Cascades, wherever you can find nature, it’s just important to get out there and enjoy it,” Korbe said. https://matadornetwork.com/read/west-coast-camp-sites-best-camping-sites-in-the-us/

Oregon Declares May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week in Recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the Mount St. Helens Eruption

SALEM, Ore. – On May 18, 1980, the ground shook, the sky turned black, and Mount St. Helens exploded in what remains the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. Fifty-seven lives were lost, thousands of animals perished, entire forests were flattened, and over 200 homes were destroyed. The eruption caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The eruption reshaped landscapes sparked years of scientific study and reinforced the importance of disaster readiness.

Now, 45 years later, Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek is commemorating this significant event by proclaiming May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week — a time not only for remembrance, but for readiness.

Led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the proclamation seeks to educate residents and visitors about volcanic hazards and preparedness efforts across the state and serves as a crucial reminder: the Pacific Northwest is still very much an active volcanic zone.

“Oregon is home to several active volcanoes, and awareness is key to protecting communities and ensuring public safety,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “Volcano Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to learn about preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies while recognizing the ongoing monitoring efforts that keep people informed.”

Living in a Land of Fire: Understanding Oregon’s Volcanic Risks

The Cascade Range — the snow-capped mountains many Oregonians and Washingtonians know and love — is part of a 1,300 km (800 mile) chain of volcanoes stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. These dramatic peaks, formed by the slow collision and subduction of tectonic plates, include some of the most well-known and still-active volcanoes in the country.

In Oregon alone, we have five potentially active volcanoes: 

• Mount Hood
• Mount Jefferson
• Newberry Volcano
• Three Sisters
• Crater Lake (Mount Mazama)

They are among the ten active Cascade volcanoes monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Volcano Early Warning System — a program designed to detect and alert officials to signs of volcanic unrest before an eruption occurs.

DOGAMI, in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, plays a critical role in providing scientific data to support disaster preparedness. “Oregon’s rocks record a long-lived legacy of volcanism. Volcanoes offer stunning beauty, but also present potential risks to nearby communities”, said DOGAMI Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason McClaughry. “Creating detailed geologic and hazard maps combined with data from modern monitoring tools allows both DOGAMI and CVO to understand the volcanic history of Oregon and to help communities prepare for future volcanic hazards.”

Why Volcano Awareness Week Matters

This week is a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and partners like the USGS and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Together, they’re working to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards — and more importantly, how Oregonians can prepare for them.

OEM and DOGAMI, in collaboration with local governments and scientific organizations, will conduct public outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives throughout the week, including:

• Understanding volcanic hazards such as ashfall, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
• Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency response plans (visit TripCheck.com)
• Monitoring volcanic activity through USGS alerts and OR-Alerts.
• Preparing emergency kits with food, water, respiratory protection, and communication devices.

Upcoming Anniversary Related events: 

• Wednesday, May 7 | 6:30 p.m.
  45th Eruptiversary Views & Brews: Voices of the Volcano (In-Person AND Virtual)
• Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Cascades Volcano Observatory Open House
• Thursday May 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington
• Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  45th Anniversary Event with USFS at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center
• Saturday, May 24 | 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  OPB Event at OMSI – Sharing of OPB Field Guide episode and panel discussion
• The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also back online, with its power restored for the first time in a nearly two years.
• See more historic photos of the eruption on the US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s Flcker page.

Even though volcanic eruptions are rare, their impacts can be swift and widespread. Awareness and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and calm in the face of an eruption.

“Preparedness saves lives,” McMahon added. “By learning about volcanic hazards and response measures, Oregonians can help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

Be 2 Weeks Ready

Emergency preparedness starts at home. OEM encourages all residents to Be2WeeksReady — a campaign that promotes having enough supplies, water, food, and critical items to survive on your own for two weeks after a disaster. This is especially important during volcanic events, when roads may be impassable and air quality may be hazardous.

Here are some key preparedness tips for volcanic hazards:

• Know your local hazards. If you live near any of Oregon’s volcanoes, understand what type of hazards might affect your area. DOGAMI and OEM offer resources and maps to help you assess risk.
• Stay informed. Sign up for USGS volcano notifications sign-up for OR-Alerts, and make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.
• Follow evacuation levels. Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:
  • Level 1: Be Ready – Stay aware and prepare to leave.
  • Level 2: Be Set – Be packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
  • Level 3: Go Now! – Leave immediately for your safety.
• Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and how you’ll communicate with loved ones if you become separated. Learn more with OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit.
• Help others. Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance.

​For more details on how to prepare for volcanic hazards, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards page. Residents are encouraged to follow OEM and DOGAMIonline for up-to-date information, safety resources, and emergency alerts.

Explore More:

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program
• National Volcano Early Warning System
• DOGAMI – Oregon Geologic Hazard Resources
• OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit
• Make Preparedness Fun: Engaging Kids in Emergency Readiness
• Making Preparedness Fun: Explaining Volcano Evacuations to Kids
• Kids Volcano Activity Guide
• Social Media Toolkit
• US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s historic photos

# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licInfo@oem.oregon.gov” target=”_blank” title=”Email OEM Public Affairs”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.

OPRD launched anonline surveythis month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.

The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.

Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:

• May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
• May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.

Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group:https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may