Salem-News.com Environment articles Page 2

10th Annual Otter Rock and Roll is June 23rd

This youth surf contest is for ages 18 and under only; open to surfers of all skill levels.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - In celebration of International Surfing Day, the Surfrider Foundation’s Newport, Siuslaw and Portland Chapters have announced they will be hosting the 10th annual Otter Rock n Roll Youth Surf and Beach Cleanup Challenge.

Observed globally, International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness about issues facing our ocean, waves and beaches.

Oregon`s Capitol City Issues Another Toxic Water Advisory

As was true last week, the school district will not make bottled water available to kids in school ages 6-18.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The water "advisory" is back on for Salem and areas around Salem.

Results from water quality samples received Wednesday morning (June 6, 2018) indicate that cyanotoxins are present in the City of Salem’s water distribution system at levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for children and vulnerable populations.

Water Stations To Open in Salem and Turner

There are several sites to fill up your containers with good water.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Free drinking water will be available at multiple locations throughout Marion and Polk counties tonight. The water distribution operation is a cooperative effort between Marion County, City of Salem, and the Oregon Military Department.

Once they begin, the sites will operate around the clock until further notice. All bulk water distribution locations are pull-through. Residents must bring their own containers. There is a 5 gallon limit per vehicle.

SALEM: Water Advisory for Vulnerable Populations remains in Effect Until Further Notice

News Release from City of Salem

(SALEM, Ore.) - Based on test results received today, the City of Salem will be maintaining the Vulnerable Population Water Advisory until further notice.

Tap water is safe for consumption for healthy children over the age of six and healthy adults. Further information regarding water distribution and assistance will be released shortly in a separate update.

Choosing the Right New Pet

A pet has its pros and cons, so look before you leap!

(SALEM, Ore.) - If you’ve ever thought of bringing a new pet into your household, you should think twice before making your final decision.

Not all species are so easy to take care of, and since this is a decision that comes with a commitment, we’ll make a list of those you might find more convenient and comfortable to interact with.

Thousands of Oregonians Frightened by Emergency Alert Issued Without Explanation

What does "Prepare for Action" mean, anyway?

(SALEM, Ore.) - The alert said there was a "civil emergency", yet gave no indication as to what type of emergency it was or what citizens should do. It was an amazing lack of information from an agency whose entire mission is to share information.

People outside of Salem as far as Sherwood, Willamina and Eugene were taken aback with the erroneous message of could-be imminent doom. As it turns out, it was a water alert. Not North Korea.

Protecting and Restoring the Oregon State Flower

Illegally harvesting Oregon Grape has reduced the plant throughout the state.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Land managers in the South Willamette Valley have discovered a disturbing trend on the properties they manage: Oregon grape plants are being illegally harvested in large numbers, presumably to sell for the herbal properties of their roots.

In addition to being illegal, removal of these plants takes away important wildlife habitat. The Oregon grape, known as the state flower of Oregon, provides nectar for bees and butterflies in the spring and berries for birds and small mammals during summer.

Illahe Hills Country Club Joins Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program

The open space of a golf course is used by golfers AND a variety of wildlife species

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an educational service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs, and achieve recognition for their efforts.

The plan was developed by Kassi Roosth, Chief Gardener, who is also recognized for her effort to plan for environmental stewardship.

Gray Whales Show Up Early Off Oregon Coast

Witness the sight of some 18,000 gray whales migrating northward
during Spring Whale Week March 24-31

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - Gray whale sightings along the Oregon coast are exceptional right now, having kicked in early, starting at the end of February when the Whale Watch Week was almost a month away.

In the Newport / Depoe Bay area, they've been spotting five to ten whales a day at the Whale Watching Center alone, and that's nothing compared to the explosions of reports on social media.

12 Elk Killed in Crash on Oregon Hwy 26

Unbeknownst to drivers, highways often serve as animal trails in the dark of night.

(BANKS, Ore.) - At 4:30 this morning, the Oregon State Police and Washington County Sheriff's office responded to a crash on Highway 26 near milepost 54 in Washington County.

There were 13 known elk hit by at least one, possibly more, vehicles. Approximately half of the elk were killed on scene and the others were put down for humanitarian reasons.