Medford BLM District Shuts Down Rogue River National Trail Due to Significant Landslide

Due to a significant landslide caused by heavy rains, the Medford District of the Bureau of Land Management is closing the Rogue River Trail. BLM recreation staff were finally able to access the Rogue River Trail on Thursday after flood waters receded. Less than half-a-mile from the Grave Creek Boat Ramp, crews found a large landslide that blocked the trail. Officials said there may be other storm-related impacts that haven’t been assessed by BLM staff yet. The trail is on a steep hillside and the damage creates significant safety issues for the public. The closure order covers the BLM-managed portion of the Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Marial. Members of the public may not enter closed areas and all uses -- including hiking, hunting and dispersed camping -- are prohibited. Due to storm damage, the BLM has also closed the Rainie Falls Trail on the south side of the Rogue River. Last weekend's heavy rainfall caused significant flooding, landslides, fallen trees and damage to facilities across the Medford District. Crews are out in the field conducting damage assessments and prioritizing repairs. ...Read more

Illinois Valley SWCD Launches Kerby Fuels Reduction Project with Wildfire Defense Grant

The Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) has announced the commencement of the Kerby Fuels Reduction Project, which is being funded by the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) initiative. This critical effort will address wildfire risk in the northern Illinois Valley by creating an 80-acre strategic wildfire fuels break through thinning, hand-piling and burning activities. The $113,744 project is a collaboration between the IV SWCD, Grayback Forestry and key partners including the Illinois Valley Watershed Council and the Illinois Valley Fire Resiliency Oversight Group. Work will take place on 14 private properties in the Kerby area, with Grayback Forestry leading the effort. This initiative is an integral component of the North Illinois Valley Strategic Implementation Area (SIA), spearheaded by the IV SWCD in partnership with the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The SIA will focus on restoration project work in the Kerby and Selma areas over the next four years. ...Read more

Southern Oregon Roller Derby Event to Help Support Local Food & Friends Program

Southern Oregon Roller Derby is holding its second bout of the 2025 season on Saturday at the Medford Armory against California's Shasta Roller Derby. Southern Oregon Derby will have concessions and team merchandise available at the game. In addition, there will be a bake sale and silent auction with proceeds going to their service partner Food & Friends. Food & Friends is the "Meals on Wheels" and Senior Meals Program for Jackson and Josephine counties. They deliver meals to the homes of older adults who are unable to shop or prepare meals due to illness, injury or disability. Each month, their volunteers deliver more than 21,000 meals to seniors and serve over 3,000 meals at their 10 congregate senior dining centers in Southern Oregon. In 2024, the program served over 288,000 meals to over 3,000 people in Jackson and Josephine counties. For more information about Food & Friends, please visit "rvcog.org" and follow them on Facebook at "Food & Friends of Southern Oregon." ...Read more