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Expansion of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Survives Two Legal Challenges

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The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, a remote expanse of wilderness along the California-Oregon border, will not lose any of its acreage after the US Supreme Court this week declined to take up two challenges to its expansion. According to the Oregonian, logging interests and several counties in Oregon had asked the high court to strike down a 2017 addition to the monument. Their lawsuit claimed President Barack Obama improperly made the designation because Congress had previously set aside the land for timber harvests. By gaining monument status, the area won special protections including a prohibition on logging. The challenges to the expansion raised the additional and broader question of whether the president's authority to create national monuments unilaterally under the Antiquities Act should be restricted. Critics of the 1906 law, who have commonly opposed bids for new designations, have argued it gives too much power to the executive branch. The Supreme Court decided not to address the issue. The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument was created in 2000 to protect what is considered an ecologically valuable juncture of the ancient Siskiyou Mountains and the younger volcanic Cascades. The area, because of its diversity, contains a unique mix of plants and wildlife, from cactus to old-growth fir forests and desert snakes to salamanders. The monument was expanded by about 48,000 acres seven years ago. ...Read more

Josephine County Property Owners Urged to Participate in OSFM Defensible Space Projects

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Attention Josephine County residents: Would $250 help you with completing defensible space projects around your home? Warmer and drier spring weather reminds us that wildfire season is just around the corner. There is no better time than now to get started on the projects to help keep you and your neighbors safer from fire. Property owners in the greater Grants Pass area including the New Hope and Merlin communities and beyond are eligible for financial assistance to help offset costs and promote the creation of defensible space. To learn more, visit "oregondefensiblespace.org." Once there, you can read the guidelines on which communities are eligible and the overall program details. To get started, click on the SCHEDULE NOW button. Use the search bar to enter your address, then zoom in and click on your house. Contact information on who will conduct the assessment on your property will appear. Rural Metro Fire Department is utilizing the Oregon State Fire Marshal to conduct assessments in its service area. Request an assessment by clicking on the SmartSheet link in the contact information that appears. For questions regarding the program, send an e-mail to "osfm.defensiblespace@osfm.oregon.gov." ...Read more

State Fire Marshal Requesting Nominations for 2024 Golden and Silver Sparky Awards

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The Oregon State Fire Marshal is calling on Oregonians and local fire agencies to submit their nominations for the prestigious Golden and Silver Sparky Awards. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in fire prevention and public safety education. They honor the dedication and commitment of people and organizations working to create safer communities. The Golden Sparky Award is awarded to a fire service member or agency demonstrating exemplary efforts in fire prevention or public safety education. The Silver Sparky Award recognizes the remarkable contributions of civilians or civilian agencies demonstrating exemplary efforts in fire prevention and education. Nominations for these awards are open until April 1st. To nominate deserving candidates, simply submit a nomination form along with a detailed explanation and examples showcasing the nominee's exceptional achievements. For more information and to access the nomination form, visit the OSFM Sparky Award webpage or e-mail "publicaffairs.osfm@osfm.oregon.gov." ...Read more

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