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News Release

Are You Ready To Vote, Lane County? - 04/15/26

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the May 19, 2026 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their party affiliation no later than April 28, 2026.

 

Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election. It is important to confirm or update your party affiliation now, but no later than April 28 if you wish to vote in a party’s closed primary.

 

“We want all people who are eligible to vote ready to participate in the May Primary election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “So, it’s really important to get registered by the April 28 deadline. For voters who are already registered it’s a good idea to confirm or update your party affiliation, as well. Primaries in Oregon are ‘closed’ and voters must be actively registered as members of a political party in order to vote on that party’s candidates in May.”

 

The voter registration deadline is April 28, 2026. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than April 28, 2026. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

 

Local ballots will be mailed starting on May 1, 2026.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

 

 

###

Are You Ready To Vote, Lane County? - 04/15/26

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the May 19, 2026 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their party affiliation no later than April 28, 2026.

 

Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election. It is important to confirm or update your party affiliation now, but no later than April 28 if you wish to vote in a party’s closed primary.

 

“We want all people who are eligible to vote ready to participate in the May Primary election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “So, it’s really important to get registered by the April 28 deadline. For voters who are already registered it’s a good idea to confirm or update your party affiliation, as well. Primaries in Oregon are ‘closed’ and voters must be actively registered as members of a political party in order to vote on that party’s candidates in May.”

 

The voter registration deadline is April 28, 2026. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than April 28, 2026. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 28, 2026.

 

Local ballots will be mailed starting on May 1, 2026.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

 

 

###

Re-Imagine Earth Day Event Coming Back For Second Year Of Community Connection - 04/14/26

Now in its second year, a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to sustainability is proud to announce Re-Imagine Earth Day, an opportunity for the community to engage, learn, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier planet.

 

Join community members on Sunday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene) for a unique celebration designed to empower individuals and communities to live more sustainably.

 

This dynamic indoor/outdoor event—sponsored in part by Bye Bye Mattress, a program of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission, Lane County Waste Management, and the City of Eugene Waste Prevention Program—will provide attendees with the chance to:

 

  • Connect with organizations, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses promoting sustainable behaviors, programs, products, and services.
  • Explore eco-friendly products and services from local vendors.
  • Discover artisans who incorporate recycled, upcycled, or sustainable materials into their work.
  • Enjoy diverse performances from local groups coordinated by MEPAA, including Eugene Bhangra, Rock Goblins, Ian W. & Friends, Ballet Folklórico Colibrí, and CSS Client Musicians.
  • Eat delicious food from local vendors, including Red Five Hot Dogs, B~Heavenly, and Mainland Malasadas.

 

Event Details

 

  • When: Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
  • Where: Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene)

 

For questions, please contact Mitra Gruwell, Community Engagement Coordinator at MECCA, at mitra@materials-exchange.org, or visit www.wastewiselane.org/earth.

 

About the Organizers:
This event is hosted by a coalition of sustainability-focused organizations, including the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County–a part of Lane County Waste Management.

Re-Imagine Earth Day Event Coming Back For Second Year Of Community Connection - 04/14/26

Now in its second year, a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to sustainability is proud to announce Re-Imagine Earth Day, an opportunity for the community to engage, learn, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier planet.

 

Join community members on Sunday, April 19, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene) for a unique celebration designed to empower individuals and communities to live more sustainably.

 

This dynamic indoor/outdoor event—sponsored in part by Bye Bye Mattress, a program of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission, Lane County Waste Management, and the City of Eugene Waste Prevention Program—will provide attendees with the chance to:

 

  • Connect with organizations, nonprofits, agencies, and businesses promoting sustainable behaviors, programs, products, and services.
  • Explore eco-friendly products and services from local vendors.
  • Discover artisans who incorporate recycled, upcycled, or sustainable materials into their work.
  • Enjoy diverse performances from local groups coordinated by MEPAA, including Eugene Bhangra, Rock Goblins, Ian W. & Friends, Ballet Folklórico Colibrí, and CSS Client Musicians.
  • Eat delicious food from local vendors, including Red Five Hot Dogs, B~Heavenly, and Mainland Malasadas.

 

Event Details

 

  • When: Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
  • Where: Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene)

 

For questions, please contact Mitra Gruwell, Community Engagement Coordinator at MECCA, at mitra@materials-exchange.org, or visit www.wastewiselane.org/earth.

 

About the Organizers:
This event is hosted by a coalition of sustainability-focused organizations, including the Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA), BRING, City of Eugene Waste Prevention, and Waste Wise Lane County–a part of Lane County Waste Management.

ROAD CLOSURE: OLD MILL ROAD (Office Covered Bridge, Westfir) - 04/13/26

 

Road Name:

Old Mill Road

Location:

Office Covered Bridge

Dates and times:

May 15-17, 2026

Alternate routes:

 

None.

Reason for closure:

 

 

Office Covered Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic for a private event (Yeti Gathering Oregon).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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ROAD CLOSURE: OLD MILL ROAD (Office Covered Bridge, Westfir) - 04/13/26

 

Road Name:

Old Mill Road

Location:

Office Covered Bridge

Dates and times:

May 15-17, 2026

Alternate routes:

 

None.

Reason for closure:

 

 

Office Covered Bridge is closed to vehicular traffic for a private event (Yeti Gathering Oregon).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

###

Spring Showers Bring Busy Mowers—keeping Roadsides Clear Keeps Us All Moving - 04/09/26

It’s that time of year again: as spring rains fuel rapid roadside growth, Lane County’s mowing crews are preparing to tackle tall grass and brush along rural County-maintained roads. But before the blades start spinning, crews need a clear path—free of signs, fencing, and other obstacles in the public right-of-way.

 

“Mowing helps reduce wildfire risk and ensures drivers can see clearly around curves and intersections,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “When signs, fencing, or landscaping show up in the right-of-way, it slows down our work, damages equipment, and creates avoidable safety hazards.”

 

County staff will be removing obstructions from road rights-of-way before mowing.

 

“Election season often brings a surge in illegally placed signs,” said McBride. “We’ll be conducting a cleanup sweep ahead of mowing operations to make sure signs don’t become entangled in our equipment.”

 

Here’s how you can help:

 

  • Remove signs – Political signs, business signs, or any other type of sign don’t belong in the road right-of-way. Signs placed near rural roads should be on private property and behind any utility poles, sidewalks, or other public infrastructure. Removed signs will be stored at Lane County Public Works for 30 days before disposal.
  • Clear rocks and objects – Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and fixed objects, such as decorative lights or posts, need to be cleared from the mowing area.
  • Fix or remove old fencing – Fencing that has fallen into the right-of-way can become entangled in mowing equipment or block access completely.
  • Trim or relocate plantings – Ornamental plants in the right-of-way will be mown low to keep vegetation in check.

 

By keeping roadsides clear, property owners can help reduce public costs, protect County equipment, and keep roads safer for everyone—including the crews doing the work.

In rural areas, the road right-of-way typically extends from the edge of the pavement to the property line (usually where fences are placed). In unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, it’s the area between the sidewalk and the curb.

 

And a quick reminder for drivers: Crews may begin mowing as early as 5:00 a.m. Be on the lookout for them in the early morning hours. You may pass a mower on the left when it’s safe to do so, but always yield to oncoming traffic.

 

For more information about right-of-way maintenance, contact Lane County Public Works at 541-682-6900.

 

###

Spring Showers Bring Busy Mowers—keeping Roadsides Clear Keeps Us All Moving - 04/09/26

It’s that time of year again: as spring rains fuel rapid roadside growth, Lane County’s mowing crews are preparing to tackle tall grass and brush along rural County-maintained roads. But before the blades start spinning, crews need a clear path—free of signs, fencing, and other obstacles in the public right-of-way.

 

“Mowing helps reduce wildfire risk and ensures drivers can see clearly around curves and intersections,” said Chad McBride, Lane County vegetation supervisor. “When signs, fencing, or landscaping show up in the right-of-way, it slows down our work, damages equipment, and creates avoidable safety hazards.”

 

County staff will be removing obstructions from road rights-of-way before mowing.

 

“Election season often brings a surge in illegally placed signs,” said McBride. “We’ll be conducting a cleanup sweep ahead of mowing operations to make sure signs don’t become entangled in our equipment.”

 

Here’s how you can help:

 

  • Remove signs – Political signs, business signs, or any other type of sign don’t belong in the road right-of-way. Signs placed near rural roads should be on private property and behind any utility poles, sidewalks, or other public infrastructure. Removed signs will be stored at Lane County Public Works for 30 days before disposal.
  • Clear rocks and objects – Rocks over 3 inches in diameter and fixed objects, such as decorative lights or posts, need to be cleared from the mowing area.
  • Fix or remove old fencing – Fencing that has fallen into the right-of-way can become entangled in mowing equipment or block access completely.
  • Trim or relocate plantings – Ornamental plants in the right-of-way will be mown low to keep vegetation in check.

 

By keeping roadsides clear, property owners can help reduce public costs, protect County equipment, and keep roads safer for everyone—including the crews doing the work.

In rural areas, the road right-of-way typically extends from the edge of the pavement to the property line (usually where fences are placed). In unincorporated parts of Eugene or Springfield, it’s the area between the sidewalk and the curb.

 

And a quick reminder for drivers: Crews may begin mowing as early as 5:00 a.m. Be on the lookout for them in the early morning hours. You may pass a mower on the left when it’s safe to do so, but always yield to oncoming traffic.

 

For more information about right-of-way maintenance, contact Lane County Public Works at 541-682-6900.

 

###

April Is National Alcohol Awareness Month And Distracted Driving Awareness Month - 04/08/26

Impaired and distracted driving is contributing to an increase in fatal and serious injury crashes in Lane County. In the span of five years (2018 – 2022), 220 people were killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes on rural Lane County roads. The most common type of crash was roadway departure, which likely involves a distracted driver. The top contributing factor in all serious crashes was alcohol impairment.

 

To help keep our roads and communities safe, Lane County reminds everyone that April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

 

“Cell phone use and any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from safe driving are distracted driving behaviors,” said Becky Taylor, Lane County senior transportation planner. “Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road including other drivers and passengers, and people walking or biking.”

 

“Each year, more than 2,500 people in Oregon die from excessive drinking, raising questions about how alcohol became so embedded in everyday life and what steps we can take to protect our health,” said Luis Pimentel-Mendia, Lane County alcohol and drug prevention coordinator. “With one in five Oregon adults drinking excessively, this month offers an opportunity for people in Lane County to rethink their relationship with alcohol and consider ways to support those who want to drink less.”

 

Lane County recognizes these public health issues and prioritizes preventing fatal and serious injury crashes. With spring upon us, there are a number of occasions such as weddings, concerts, holiday gatherings, and sporting events that may make it easier to binge drink this season.

 

Rethink the Drink. Plan ahead when attending events where alcohol may be present. There are many ways people can still have fun while keeping our roads safe:

  • If you intend to drink at an event, have a designated driver lined up or plan on taking a taxi or rideshare service.
  • Set a limit and count your drinks.
  • Swap every other drink with water or another alcohol-free beverage.
  • Eat food while drinking.
  • Connect with a friend or loved one for support and accountability.
  • Avoid certain people or places that may trigger you to drink more than planned.

 

Eyes Forward. Safe driving requires focused attention. Adopting these phone-free driving habits is key to creating a safe driving environment for everyone on the road:

  • Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
  • Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
  • Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
  • Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
  • Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.

 

More resources are available at www.rethinkthedrink.com.

 

For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DistractedDriving.

 

For more information about the Lane County Transportation Safety Action Plan, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/TowardZeroDeaths

 

###

April Is National Alcohol Awareness Month And Distracted Driving Awareness Month - 04/08/26

Impaired and distracted driving is contributing to an increase in fatal and serious injury crashes in Lane County. In the span of five years (2018 – 2022), 220 people were killed or seriously injured in traffic crashes on rural Lane County roads. The most common type of crash was roadway departure, which likely involves a distracted driver. The top contributing factor in all serious crashes was alcohol impairment.

 

To help keep our roads and communities safe, Lane County reminds everyone that April is National Alcohol Awareness Month and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

 

“Cell phone use and any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from safe driving are distracted driving behaviors,” said Becky Taylor, Lane County senior transportation planner. “Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road including other drivers and passengers, and people walking or biking.”

 

“Each year, more than 2,500 people in Oregon die from excessive drinking, raising questions about how alcohol became so embedded in everyday life and what steps we can take to protect our health,” said Luis Pimentel-Mendia, Lane County alcohol and drug prevention coordinator. “With one in five Oregon adults drinking excessively, this month offers an opportunity for people in Lane County to rethink their relationship with alcohol and consider ways to support those who want to drink less.”

 

Lane County recognizes these public health issues and prioritizes preventing fatal and serious injury crashes. With spring upon us, there are a number of occasions such as weddings, concerts, holiday gatherings, and sporting events that may make it easier to binge drink this season.

 

Rethink the Drink. Plan ahead when attending events where alcohol may be present. There are many ways people can still have fun while keeping our roads safe:

  • If you intend to drink at an event, have a designated driver lined up or plan on taking a taxi or rideshare service.
  • Set a limit and count your drinks.
  • Swap every other drink with water or another alcohol-free beverage.
  • Eat food while drinking.
  • Connect with a friend or loved one for support and accountability.
  • Avoid certain people or places that may trigger you to drink more than planned.

 

Eyes Forward. Safe driving requires focused attention. Adopting these phone-free driving habits is key to creating a safe driving environment for everyone on the road:

  • Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
  • Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
  • Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
  • Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
  • Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.

 

More resources are available at www.rethinkthedrink.com.

 

For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DistractedDriving.

 

For more information about the Lane County Transportation Safety Action Plan, visit LaneCountyOR.gov/TowardZeroDeaths

 

###

School Electronic Recycling Competition Wrapping Up On April 24 - 04/07/26

The 2026 Electronics Recycling Competition is ending soon, but there is still time for schools to join the effort and make a difference before April 24.

 

The competition—a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management—officially started on January 6 and will conclude on April 24, during Earth Week.

 

Schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.

 

While NextStep Recycling will pick up most electronics from schools via truck, anyone can also donate directly by bringing their electronics to the nonprofit’s donation center.

 

“Teachers, administrators, students, parents, or anyone wanting to support a school can drop off electronics at the NextStep Donation Center at any time during the competition,” said NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz. “When dropping off electronics, let NextStep staff know the name of the school you wish to support. This ensures the school receives proper weight credit, which increases its chances of winning prizes and recognition. Every contribution counts!”

 

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

 

During the 2025 competition, a record 48 schools collected 41,491 lbs. of e-waste. School totals for 2026 will be available by late May.

 

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

 

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

 

About NextStep Recycling

NextStep Recycling offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste. The NextStep Donation Center is located at  245 Jackson Street, Eugene. Learn more at nextsteprecycling.org.

School Electronic Recycling Competition Wrapping Up On April 24 - 04/07/26

The 2026 Electronics Recycling Competition is ending soon, but there is still time for schools to join the effort and make a difference before April 24.

 

The competition—a joint effort between Lane County schools, NextStep Recycling, and Waste Wise Lane County, a part of Lane County Waste Management—officially started on January 6 and will conclude on April 24, during Earth Week.

 

Schools that recycle the most “e-waste” will win grants of up to $500 from Lane County Waste Management, a NextStep Reuse Store gift certificate, and a special recognition award.

 

While NextStep Recycling will pick up most electronics from schools via truck, anyone can also donate directly by bringing their electronics to the nonprofit’s donation center.

 

“Teachers, administrators, students, parents, or anyone wanting to support a school can drop off electronics at the NextStep Donation Center at any time during the competition,” said NextStep Recycling Executive Director Jessica Ahrenholtz. “When dropping off electronics, let NextStep staff know the name of the school you wish to support. This ensures the school receives proper weight credit, which increases its chances of winning prizes and recognition. Every contribution counts!”

 

Eligible e-waste includes microwaves, TVs, printers, cords, cables, cell phones, computers, computer accessories (monitors, keyboards, mice, computer speakers, etc., whether in working condition or not), tablets, old or broken game consoles, remotes, and AV equipment (i.e., stereos, speakers, DVD players, etc.). But no plastic, non-electronic items (i.e., toys, vacuums, etc.).

 

During the 2025 competition, a record 48 schools collected 41,491 lbs. of e-waste. School totals for 2026 will be available by late May.

 

Learn more at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

 

About Waste Wise Lane County

Waste Wise Lane County—a part of Lane County Waste Management—offers education, tools, and resources that residents, schools, and businesses can use to reduce waste, conserve resources, and live more sustainably. Learn more at lanecountyor.gov/wastewise.

 

About NextStep Recycling

NextStep Recycling offers education, job training, and placement programs for youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker family members, and underfunded schools and nonprofits. Its mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults with barriers to employment and education while protecting the environment and community from hazardous waste. The NextStep Donation Center is located at  245 Jackson Street, Eugene. Learn more at nextsteprecycling.org.

Lane County Housing And Community Action Launches 2026 Community Needs Survey - 03/31/26

 

 

 

Community members are invited to share feedback on essential services provided by Lane County Housing and Community Action (HACA) programs such as housing, shelter, basic needs, education, employment, transportation, and health. As a Community Action Agency tasked with the goal of supporting low-income families out of poverty, Lane County is required to conduct a survey and assessment every three years to identify gaps in services and create system improvements and better programming for participants.
 

The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and asks participants to identify the service areas most important to them and provide feedback on their experiences. We are especially interested in hearing from low-income community members who have accessed these services as they have firsthand knowledge in these essential services. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through May 16th, 2026.

 

The survey can be completed by visiting:https://laneco.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cI0obhzfVaToCvY 

 

Lane County Housing And Community Action Launches 2026 Community Needs Survey - 03/31/26

 

 

 

Community members are invited to share feedback on essential services provided by Lane County Housing and Community Action (HACA) programs such as housing, shelter, basic needs, education, employment, transportation, and health. As a Community Action Agency tasked with the goal of supporting low-income families out of poverty, Lane County is required to conduct a survey and assessment every three years to identify gaps in services and create system improvements and better programming for participants.
 

The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and asks participants to identify the service areas most important to them and provide feedback on their experiences. We are especially interested in hearing from low-income community members who have accessed these services as they have firsthand knowledge in these essential services. The survey is available in English and Spanish and will be open through May 16th, 2026.

 

The survey can be completed by visiting:https://laneco.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cI0obhzfVaToCvY 

 

ROAD CLOSURE: OLD MILL ROAD (Office Covered Bridge) - 03/25/26

Road Name: Old Mill Road

 

Location: Office Covered Bridge

 

Dates and Times: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

 

Alternate Routes: None

 

Reason for Closure: The Office Covered Bridge will be closed to vehicles for the annual City of Westfir Easter Egg Hunt

 

 

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ROAD CLOSURE: OLD MILL ROAD (Office Covered Bridge) - 03/25/26

Road Name: Old Mill Road

 

Location: Office Covered Bridge

 

Dates and Times: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

 

Alternate Routes: None

 

Reason for Closure: The Office Covered Bridge will be closed to vehicles for the annual City of Westfir Easter Egg Hunt

 

 

###

Concerning Visitor And Animal Behavior Requires Lane County Parks To Remove Some Coyotes From Mt. Pisgah - 03/18/26

Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah) welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  The safety of park visitors and wildlife is a top priority for Lane County Parks.

 

Over the past two months, the frequency of coyote sightings in the park has increased dramatically with more than 30 sightings reported in January alone. The nature of the sightings has also changed. Coyotes are reported to follow people and dogs, to not show fear when people attempt to chase them off, and to approach people and vehicles in a way that suggests begging for food.

 

Lane County Parks compared coyote sighting locations over the past 10 years with the reports made in early 2026 and found a clear change in the areas coyotes are observed. Between 2015 and 2025 coyote sightings were spread throughout the park with most occurring away from parking lots and the busiest areas. In 2026 the sightings have been almost exclusively around parking lots and the areas most frequented by people. 

 

Multiple consultations with wildlife biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) have helped assess coyote behavior and safety risks. Coyote scat examined by wildlife biologists appeared to include pet food. This observation supported claims from park visitors that people were feeding the coyotes, which is against the law, and creates a safety risk for people and animals. Coyotes have also been observed taking food that is not properly disposed of in garbage cans, which reinforces their association of people with food.

 

“The removal of one and possibly more coyotes from the park was a difficult and heart-breaking decision to make,” said Parks Manager Brett Henry. “But we have to consider the safety of park visitors and, unfortunately, the choice some visitors have made to feed these wild animals and encourage them to see people as a source of food created a dangerous and untenable situation.”

 

The frequency and nature of the coyote sightings, observed coyote behavior, and the likelihood of increasingly aggressive encounters prompted Lane County Parks – in consultation with ODFW – to coordinate with wildlife management professionals to euthanize habituated coyotes found to frequent the park’s parking lots and trailheads. One coyote has been euthanized and Lane County Parks is working closely with ODFW to evaluate continued habituated behavior in other coyotes. Euthanization of more coyotes is possible if the animals continue to approach people and a risk of injury to park visitors persists.

 

Non-lethal options were considered; however, habituated coyotes do not respond to hazing. Instead, they may learn to ignore hazing or return to their concerning behavior once the active hazing stops. Guidance from ODFW prohibits the relocation of coyotes in Oregon and makes it clear relocation of coyotes does not have good outcomes and is generally considered inhumane. Coyotes are territorial and when a coyote is relocated, it is often killed by the existing coyotes in an area. Relocated animals are also more likely to die of diseases, starvation, or be struck by a vehicle in the place they are released.

 

Feeding coyotes and some other wildlife is prohibited by state law. Park visitors are encouraged to document and report anyone spotted feeding wildlife, leaving food for wildlife, or encouraging wildlife to approach people or pets to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or to Oregon State Police.

 

Learn more about living with coyotes from ODFW.

 

A security camera video is available for use as b-roll. The video was pulled from a security camera after visitors reported seeing a person feeding a coyote on the main road of the park. The feeding took place off camera, but the video shows the coyote remaining alongside the road and approaching a vehicle and the vehicle stopping to encourage the coyote to approach. There is no indication the people in this video were the same people seen feeding the coyote. The video can be downloaded at https://vimeo.com/1174813270/7ae9be4a31?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.

 

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Concerning Visitor And Animal Behavior Requires Lane County Parks To Remove Some Coyotes From Mt. Pisgah - 03/18/26

Howard Buford Recreation Area (Mt. Pisgah) welcomes more than 600,000 visitors each year and is home to a wide variety of wildlife.  The safety of park visitors and wildlife is a top priority for Lane County Parks.

 

Over the past two months, the frequency of coyote sightings in the park has increased dramatically with more than 30 sightings reported in January alone. The nature of the sightings has also changed. Coyotes are reported to follow people and dogs, to not show fear when people attempt to chase them off, and to approach people and vehicles in a way that suggests begging for food.

 

Lane County Parks compared coyote sighting locations over the past 10 years with the reports made in early 2026 and found a clear change in the areas coyotes are observed. Between 2015 and 2025 coyote sightings were spread throughout the park with most occurring away from parking lots and the busiest areas. In 2026 the sightings have been almost exclusively around parking lots and the areas most frequented by people. 

 

Multiple consultations with wildlife biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) have helped assess coyote behavior and safety risks. Coyote scat examined by wildlife biologists appeared to include pet food. This observation supported claims from park visitors that people were feeding the coyotes, which is against the law, and creates a safety risk for people and animals. Coyotes have also been observed taking food that is not properly disposed of in garbage cans, which reinforces their association of people with food.

 

“The removal of one and possibly more coyotes from the park was a difficult and heart-breaking decision to make,” said Parks Manager Brett Henry. “But we have to consider the safety of park visitors and, unfortunately, the choice some visitors have made to feed these wild animals and encourage them to see people as a source of food created a dangerous and untenable situation.”

 

The frequency and nature of the coyote sightings, observed coyote behavior, and the likelihood of increasingly aggressive encounters prompted Lane County Parks – in consultation with ODFW – to coordinate with wildlife management professionals to euthanize habituated coyotes found to frequent the park’s parking lots and trailheads. One coyote has been euthanized and Lane County Parks is working closely with ODFW to evaluate continued habituated behavior in other coyotes. Euthanization of more coyotes is possible if the animals continue to approach people and a risk of injury to park visitors persists.

 

Non-lethal options were considered; however, habituated coyotes do not respond to hazing. Instead, they may learn to ignore hazing or return to their concerning behavior once the active hazing stops. Guidance from ODFW prohibits the relocation of coyotes in Oregon and makes it clear relocation of coyotes does not have good outcomes and is generally considered inhumane. Coyotes are territorial and when a coyote is relocated, it is often killed by the existing coyotes in an area. Relocated animals are also more likely to die of diseases, starvation, or be struck by a vehicle in the place they are released.

 

Feeding coyotes and some other wildlife is prohibited by state law. Park visitors are encouraged to document and report anyone spotted feeding wildlife, leaving food for wildlife, or encouraging wildlife to approach people or pets to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or to Oregon State Police.

 

Learn more about living with coyotes from ODFW.

 

A security camera video is available for use as b-roll. The video was pulled from a security camera after visitors reported seeing a person feeding a coyote on the main road of the park. The feeding took place off camera, but the video shows the coyote remaining alongside the road and approaching a vehicle and the vehicle stopping to encourage the coyote to approach. There is no indication the people in this video were the same people seen feeding the coyote. The video can be downloaded at https://vimeo.com/1174813270/7ae9be4a31?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci.

 

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