Fall Prescribed Burning Planned Across Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

All five Ranger Districts on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are planning prescribed fire projects for this fall. According to the U.S. Forest Service, officials estimate this work may continue into winter, as conditions allow. Highly qualified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fires to help reduce excess vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, enhance watershed health, and restore fire-adapted ecosystems. Prescribed understory and pile burning is planned in the following areas, and additional locations may be added later. Areas include the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, Applegate Valley, Ashland Watershed, Wild Rivers Ranger District, Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts, as well as the High Cascades Ranger District. No closures are expected with this planned prescribed fire activity. However, visitors should remain alert and watch for firefighters working in these areas. Smoke may impact visibility along roadways. While smoke may be visible, the Forest Service works closely with air quality specialists and closely monitors smoke during prescribed fires. ...Read more

Firefighters Expand Mop-Up Operations Deeper Into West Fork Evans Creek Fire

Firefighters are continuing to build on suppression efforts at the West Fork Evans Creek Fire, increasing containment to 48% this morning. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest Oregon District, with established firelines holding well around the 283-acre fire, crews are working toward extending mop-up operations 150 feet into the burned area. Following Monday's progress, firefighters are concentrating on locating and extinguishing remaining areas of heat while continuing to address hazardous trees and difficult terrain. Today's resources include 15 20-person hand crews, one eight-person hand crew, seven Type 6 engines, 10 water tenders and one dozer, supported by task force leaders, heavy equipment bosses, falling resources and additional overhead personnel. Drier conditions are expected today, with temperatures reaching the mid-70s and relative humidity dropping into the mid-20% range. No structures have been lost as a result of the fire, and none are threatened at this time. ...Read more

Council Discussed Fee Schedule Revisions, City Manager Evaluation, Invocation Policy

After an Executive Session Monday where counsel was consulted concerning the legal rights and duties regarding current or likely to be filed litigation, Grants Pass City Council met to discuss Fee Schedule Revisions, City Manager evaluation, and Invocation Policy and Procedures. City staff had recommended revisions for the Comprehensive Fee Schedule, including Owl Plaza rates, the cost for background checks, and restructuring of shelter charges. Annual changes are put into effect January 1st, based on the average monthly Consumer Price Index - Urban from November to October. Council agreed to increase the $7 Non-Resident Fee to $10, and implement changes made yesterday with CPI-U adjustments for January 1st. A discussion then took place for the City Manager evaluation process. The current and alternative methods were considered, with the desired outcome including fair and candid discussion, clear council expectations, constructive feedback, and future growth. A motion to adopt the new form including quarterlies, with work to be done on a 2027 360 review, the requirement that all council members fill out an evaluation form in advance, and that the mayor facilitate was discussed. November 4th will be the adoption, with the evaluation scheduled for November 18th. ...Read more