Category Environment & Agriculture
Northwest potentially in for ‘one of the strongest El Niños we’ve had,’ climatologists say
Taken together, August through November of 2025 was the record warmest on average across the Northwest in more than 130 years of recordkeeping. The potential super El Niño event this fall and winter could bring much needed rains to the region, experts said.
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Scant snowpack won’t impact Salem’s drinking water this summer
One of the state’s warmest winters on record already has most of Oregon in drought conditions, according to state officials. In Salem, those conditions are not expected to impact the city’s drinking water supply this summer, but Marion County officials are seeing more strain on the area’s water systems due to years of drier conditions.
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Oregon health officials issue tougher air quality guidance for youth sports, outdoor activities
After seeing an early start to Oregon's wildfire season this year, the state's health authority updated its guidance for staying safe outside when air quality is affected by wildfires and pollutants.
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Governor, County commissioners side with locals against federal plan to build a cemetery near Salem
Governor Tina Kotek and Marion County commissioners are urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to choose a different site for a veterans cemetery instead of the proposed 307-acre farmland property near Salem. The VA is currently in the process of assessing the site for environmental impacts.
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As drought worsens, Western states brace for wildfires, water shortages
As warmer weather arrives, Oregon is among the states preparing for a dangerous wildfire season across the drought-stricken West.
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Proposed VA cemetery development near Salem draws pushback from politicians, neighbors
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials touched down in Salem Thursday, April 30, to host two meetings about their proposal to establish a new cemetery 10 miles southeast of downtown.
How incarcerated Oregon youth are helping restore native plants and forests
In Tillamook and rural Oregon City, incarcerated youth play an essential role filling jobs to help restore ecosystems.
PHOTOS: Hundreds of alpacas convene in Salem for fairgrounds showcase
Alpacas from Oregon, California, Washington and around the country gathered at the fairgrounds for a three-day showcase that included a fleece judging competition, halter show, market and more.
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Oregon appeals court hands big victory to PacifiCorp in wildfire class action suit
The Oregon Court of Appeals effectively reversed over $1 billion in damage awards to victims in Oregon's 2020 wildfires.
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