Salem-News.com Recreation articles Page 10

Chinook Season to Close on Snake River

This closure is necessary to resolve confusion caused by non-concurrent regulations between Oregon and Idaho.

(LA GRANDE, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today the upcoming closure of the Snake River spring chinook sport fishery. The closure is effective July 2nd 2009 at 11:59 p.m.

The season for Snake River hatchery fish opened on May 30th from the Dug Bar Boat Ramp to the deadline below Hells Canyon Dam. Fishery managers say they opened this sport season because the predicted number of hatchery spring chinook returning to the base of Hells Canyon Dam exceeded the number needed for broodstock purposes.

Salem World Beat 2009 Underway at Riverfront Park (VIDEO)

The Dragonboat races happen Sunday; this is one of Salem's top events each year.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem shows its best each summer at the World Beat Festival. It is possible that this may be one of the only ways to really sample the diversity of world culture in Salem, in a single place.

In fact it was during the summer of 2006, while covering the World Beat Festival, that I learned what Salem even means.

The word varies a bit depending upon the part of the world you happen to be visiting, but salem means 'peace' and I found that to be a nice piece of knowledge.

Body Found in Detroit Lake Identified as 60-Year Old Idanha Man‏

From all indications it appears the victim suffered from a medical issue and fell into the lake while fishing.

(DETROIT, Ore.) - The Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a body in Detroit Lake near the Breitenbush River Friday. Lt. Sheila Lorance says fishermen found the body and immediately called 911.

"When deputies arrived, they were able to remove the body from the lake and it was identified as 60-year old Harold Buckles of Idanha," Lorance said.

According to his family, Mr. Buckles went fishing on June 22nd, 2009, four days earlier, and had not been seen since.

Salem Firefighters Knock Down Blaze at Minto Brown Park

Thick underbrush and grass made it difficult for firefighters to know if the brush fire was completely out; at this point they say the cause is undetermined and it is currently under investigation.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem firefighters responded to a second alarm brush fire at Minto Brown Park Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The fire was in the 2200 block of Minto Island Road S.

Deputy Fire Marshal Jeff Mack with Salem Fire, says upon arrival, crews found about half an acre burning.

Mack says it was difficult to get to due to the remote location inside the park. "Grass Rigs from Salem Fire Department and Keizer Fire Districts made way into the remote location and extinguished the fire."

Sila & the Afrofunk Experience Will Appear at Salem World Beat Music Festival

"Guaranteed to keep you glued to the dance floor" - San Francisco Bay Guardian

(SALEM, Ore.) - A group set to perform at Salem's World Beat Festival Saturday, June 27th, San Francisco ensemble Sila & the Afrofunk Experience, will also appear at the Someday Lounge in Portland, Oregon on June 26th.

The band is celebrating the release of their sophomore recording Black President (Visila Records, May 26, 2009), an album inspired by the historic election of the first African-American U.S. president whose title track has already been downloaded more than 8,000 times.

New Riverfront Park Fountain Opens Independence Day With Ceremonial Tribute

The new feature is dedicated to the children of Salem, in memory of Asher Anderson.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Salem's new interactive spray fountain in Riverfront Park will open to the public as part of the Salem's three-day July 4th Riverfront Park festivities. At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th, the fountain will be dedicated to the children of Salem.

At the completion of the brief ceremony, the fountain will be turned on for all to use, says Nicole Wahlberg, Public Information Manager with Salem's Urban Development Department.

MDA Cancels Remainder of Nationwide Summer Camp Program Over Swine Flu

MDA mobilized its entire staff nationwide today to notify family members and volunteer counselors concerning the decision to cancel the camps.

(TUCSON, Ariz.) - Due to overriding concern for the health and safety of Jerry’s Kids, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced today that it is immediately canceling the remainder of its annual summer camp program because of the H1N1 virus.

Oregon Announces Proposed Fall Coastal Chinook and Coho Season

According to one ODFW spokesperson, this year’s coho return “is much larger than anything we’ve had in a long time”. What does this mean to us fishermen?

(SALEM, Ore.) - ODFW recently announced their proposed coastal fall chinook and wild coho seasons. These proposals now go to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for final approval, which is expected some time in August. There are some significant changes of note this year.

The first is the fall chinook season. For those of you who remember, 2008 was not a good year for these fish. It appears that 2009 will not be any better. Many rivers will have significant restrictions this year.

Organizers Say This Year`s Oregon State Fair is BIGGER Than Ever

The 2009 Fair will be an 11-day birthday party as Oregon celebrates 150 years of statehood. With 185 acres of fairgrounds, an expected attendance of 385,000, and with over 9,000 things to do, see and taste, that’s a BIG party.

(SALEM, Ore.) - June 4, 2009– Once again, the 2009 Oregon State Fair will be too BIG to miss! On the heels of last year’s Fair – which boasted an attendance of 365,000 people – and with a number of fun new events to celebrate Oregon’s 150th birthday, organizers are expecting a BIGGER turn-out in 2009.

River Rats Rejoice - This Weekend is the Whitewater Season Kick-Off (AUDIO)

Boaters are urged to be honest with themselves and others about their skill level.

(BEND, Ore.) - Memorial Day Weekend is the kick-off of the river recreation season in Oregon. Rivers are running high and fast, which is a lure for whitewater lovers, but it's also the time of year when river accidents peak.

Kevin Lewis was a long-time board member for American Whitewater, who has more than 40 years of experience running rivers around the country.