Portland, Ore. – About $3 million in funding is available for natural resource projects that restore and improve public lands across western Oregon. The Bureau of Land Management encourages individuals, organizations, and local governments to submit funding applications for consideration. 

Project funding is available through Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Proposed projects should restore land health, improve water quality, or maintain existing infrastructure. Projects must benefit Oregon and California Grant (O&C) lands and resources. O&C lands are located in the 18 western Oregon counties, including: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill Counties. 

“Title II funds are used to make investments in public lands and create employment opportunities,” said Heather Whitman, Roseburg District Manager. “These projects are vital because they improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for public lands.”  

BLM officials encourage applicants to discuss their project proposals with them prior to submission. Please contact the BLM District representative where the project would be implemented:

• Coos Bay District – Stephanie Messerle, smesserl@blm.gov, (541) 751-4230
• Medford District, Roseburg District, and Klamath Falls Field Office of the Lakeview District – Christina Beslin, cbeslin@blm.gov, (541) 618-2371; or
• Northwest Oregon District – Patricia Johnston, pjohnsto@blm.gov, (541) 683-6181.

The application forms, criteria, and instructions are available through grants.gov. The grant is under the heading Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement L23AS00283 BLM OR/WA Secure Rural Schools, Title II Grants. 

Applications are due by May 15, 2023. 

Examples of previously funded projects include noxious weed treatments, trail maintenance, garbage removal, and stream restoration. 

The Western Oregon Resource Advisory Committee will review the applications at their fall 2023 meeting.

Information about the BLM’s Western Oregon Resource Advisory Committee is available at: blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/western-oregon-rac

Posey Island Recreation Site is the northwestern-most point in the lower 48 states! Posey Island is a wild and remote one-acre island in the beautiful Salish Sea. The mountains of Canada and the spectacular Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges provide scenic backdrops to this special area. Recreational activities include hiking, camping, boating, sea kayaking, watching wildlife, and viewing wildflowers along the beaches, wooded areas, and at overlooks. The BLM cooperatively manages the area with Washington State Parks. BLM photo.

What: A boat tour including views of Turn Point Light Station from the water and a stop at Posey Island (conditions permitting) in the San Juan Islands National Monument.

When: Friday, March 24, 2023  departing at 10 a.m.

Where: Roche Harbor Boat Ramp on Reuben Memorial Drive

Who: Brie Chartier, manager of the San Juan Islands National Monument, will lead the tour, discuss the community engagement that helped create the monument, and share the collaborative efforts that recently resulted in a new resource management plan. 

RSVP: Contact Sarah Bennett, public affairs officer, at spbennett@blm.gov, or 503-808-6003 by Wednesday, March 22.

Space on the boat is limited. Attendance will be confirmed by order of RSVP.

As always, know before you go. Temperatures on the water can be significantly cooler than temperatures on land. Please dress accordingly.
 

Friday Harbor, WA – March 25 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the San Juan Islands National Monument. On Friday, March 24, in advance of Saturday’s celebration, the media are invited to join monument leadership on a guided boat trip including views of Turn Point Light Station and a stop at Posey Island (conditions permitting).

With its commanding view of Haro Strait and the Canadian Gulf Islands, Turn Point offers wonderful opportunities for photographers and visitors who appreciate nature and history. Turn Point is one of the best places on BLM-managed lands to see orca whales. 

Posey Island Marine State Park is a 1-acre marine camping park with 1,000 feet of shoreline. It is located a quarter mile north of Pearl Island, near Roche Harbor, San Juan Island. Posey Island is part of the Cascadia Marine Trail.

President Barack Obama signed the proclamation on March 25, 2013, to preserve the “historical and cultural significance [of the islands] and enhance their unique and varied natural and scientific resources for the benefit of all Americans.”

Situated at the heart of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses a landscape of unmatched contrasts. Forests seem to spring from rock and distant, snow-capped peaks provide the backdrop for sandy beaches. These islands hold a variety of cultural resources, including Coast Salish sites and picturesque historic lighthouses. The diverse habitats found on these islands provide a refuge for countless species of mammals, birds, and insects.

See photos of the San Juan Island National Monument, here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmoregon/albums/72157628515670101/with/20907430280/

More information about the San Juan Islands National Monument, here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-monuments/oregon-washington/san-juan-islands 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

HINES, Ore. – After decades of maintaining the same price, the Bureau of Land Management will increase overnight camping fees at six campgrounds in eastern Oregon.

The new rate for the Page Springs, Fish Lake, Jackman Park, South Steens Family, South Steens Equestrian, and Chickahominy Reservoir campgrounds will be $16 per night for the first vehicle and $5 per night for each additional vehicle. This change will take effect on April 1, 2023.

The BLM Burns District uses 100% of the collected fees to support recreation. Revenue will go to improved signage, campground road maintenance, site re-graveling, picnic table and fire ring replacement, trail maintenance, campground amenity improvements, sanitation services, and supporting site hosts. They will also help the BLM contribute to community partnerships and volunteer activities, which support the BLM’s local recreation program.

Those with an America the Beautiful Access or Senior Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on these overnight camping fees. These passes are available for purchase at most BLM offices. The Fish Lake and Page Springs campgrounds have electronic payment options, while the remaining campgrounds accept cash or check only. A vast majority of undeveloped BLM-administered lands in the area will continue to provide free outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and dispersed camping.

The BLM proposed these new fee rates in a publicly reviewed recreation business plan that was developed in conformance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. The business plan assessed the visitor amenities at each campground and included a regional comparative market study of fees at similar recreation sites. The full business plan is available at https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees/business-plans.

The Steens Mountain Advisory Council reviewed the proposed fee rates and the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council recommended that the BLM adopt these fees for the 2023 visitor use season.

Please contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Kyle Wanner at 541-573-4400 for additional information about the camping fees or general questions about outdoor recreation in the BLM Burns District.

-BLM -

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Friday Harbor, WA – March 25 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the San Juan Islands National Monument. President Barack Obama signed the proclamation on March 25, 2013, to preserve the “historical and cultural significance [of the islands] and enhance their unique and varied natural and scientific resources for the benefit of all Americans.”

Bureau of Land Management leadership invites the public to join the celebration at the San Juan Island Grange at 152 First St N, Friday Harbor, from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. on March 25, 2023.

“This celebration is important for so many reasons,” said Kurt Pindel, Spokane District Manager. “Not the least of which is to show appreciation for the community's efforts and engagement. Their work helped create the Monument, and they have helped us come up with a plan to ensure these scenic and recreational treasures will be protected for generations to come.”

Situated at the heart of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands National Monument encompasses a landscape of unmatched contrasts. Forests seem to spring from rock and distant, snow-capped peaks provide the backdrop for sandy beaches. These islands hold a variety of cultural resources, including Coast Salish sites and picturesque historic lighthouses. The diverse habitats found on these islands provide a refuge for countless species of mammals, birds, and insects.

The ceremony also marks the completion of the collaborative efforts resulting in a new resource management plan (RMP). The BLM’s recently approved RMP is the latest milestone to be accomplished during the Monument’s first 10 years. The plan outlines the BLM’s objectives for the Monument, which include preserving the varied cultural and historic resources; coordinating the management of these lands with Coast Salish Tribes, government agencies, and partner organizations; and providing the public with sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities.

See photos of the San Juan Island National Monument, here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blmoregon/albums/72157628515670101/with/20907430280/

More information about the San Juan Islands National Monument, here: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/national-monuments/oregon-washington/san-juan-islands 
 

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Portland, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management Oregon/Washington is asking for input on proposed aquatic and riparian restoration activities on lands east of the Cascades. The goal is to accelerate the pace and scale of the BLM’s restoration projects to improve the ecological condition of these areas and habitat for fish and wildlife species. 
 

“Public input on where restoration should occur and the way it should be conducted will help us develop meaningful projects that will benefit these important areas,” said Todd Curtis, Deputy State Director for Resources in Oregon and Washington.

The BLM is considering: 

(1) Plantings and vegetation treatments, including conifer and juniper thinning where encroachment is impacting the riparian area hydrology. 
 

(2) Improving water developments such as springs and reservoirs. 
 

(3) In-stream, pond, lake, wetland, and floodplain enhancements, including the addition of large woody debris and other in-stream structures, streambank stabilization, berm removals, head-cut restoration, and channel relocations. 
 

(4) Culvert and fish screen installation, repair, and replacement.
 

(5) Road erosion control measures and road decommissioning.

The BLM is seeking input on how those actions could be implemented, additional approaches that should be considered, and potential environmental issues or concerns. Officials are also looking for any advice on areas the BLM should consider prioritizing and/or excluding for restoration actions. In the programmatic National Environmental Policy Act document, BLM experts will analyze a collection of aquatic and riparian habitat restoration activities on BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington east of the Cascade Mountains.
 

Please provide your feedback to the BLM by April 14, 2023. Comments can be submitted via email: BLM_East_ORWA_Aquatic_EA@blm.gov or mail to BLM, Eastside Aquatic Restoration EA, ATTN: OR 932, 1220 SW 3rd Ave., Portland, Oregon 97204. Information regarding this project will be posted at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2023454/510.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Diverse activities authorized on these lands generated $96 billion in sales of goods and services throughout the American economy in fiscal year 2017. These activities supported more than 468,000 jobs.
 

WHAT: A demonstration using a CharBoss Air Curtain Incinerator to burn woody debris left over from hazard tree logging efforts in the Holiday Farm burn area will be followed by brief remarks and time for 1-on-1 interviews.
 

WHEN: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 10 a.m.
 

WHERE: Goodpasture Road outside of Springfield, Ore. About 1 mile past the covered bridge.
*More specific information will be provided to those who RSVP.
 

WHO

• Dennis Teitzel, BLM Northwest Oregon District Manager, will discuss the partnership with the USDA Forest Service that made this work possible and the potential for biochar to be incorporated into future land management. 
• Jonas Parker, soil scientist and project lead, will speak about the mechanics of the overall project, subsequent study plots looking at soil moisture retention and seedling growth in a post-fire environment, other potential applications for biochar in the BLM, and the benefits to water quality.
• The burnboss (fire manager) will be onsite to talk about the safety benefits of burning in a controlled environment and the importance of preemptively burning this fuel.

EUGENE, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management will be turning woody debris from the Holiday Farm Fire into useable “biochar.” More than two years after the Labor Day megafires, piles of slash still need to be burned. Slash is the woody debris left over from timber operations (in this case, fire recovery work). If it is not burned, the debris could become fuel for the next wildfire.

For a sneak peek at the operations, visit our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CpTNhttJAiN/

The BLM has partnered with the USDA Forest Service in developing the CharBoss as a cleaner and safer way to burn this woody waste material. Traditionally, piles of debris are burned in the open. Weather conditions need to be just right. If the area is too dry, the fire risks spreading. If the area is too windy, smoke could blow into nearby communities. These limitations make it hard to find a good time to burn.

The CharBoss burns the debris in a controlled environment. It produces less smoke and captures more carbon than traditional open pile burning. The resulting biochar (basically charcoal) can then be added to soil to improve its quality and productivity, leading to a more successful replanting process. Biochar can also be used as a water quality filter, a means to retain moisture on the landscape, and in a variety of agricultural uses.

After brief remarks, BLM personnel will be available for 1-on-1 interviews.

RSVP: Contact Sarah Bennett, public affairs officer, at spbennett@blm.gov, or 503-808-6003.

NOTE: As always, know before you go: Check the weather and dress accordingly. The area will be muddy, so sturdy boots are recommended.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in the 11 Western states and Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In fiscal year 2018, the diverse activities authorized on BLM-managed lands generated $105 billion in economic output across the country. This economic activity supported 471,000 jobs and contributed substantial revenue to the U.S. Treasury and state governments, mostly through royalties on minerals.