May Delared "Wildfire Awareness Month" to Encourage Public to Prevent Human Fires
May is Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wildfire activity during the summer months, but fires occur all seasons of the year including spring. Keep Oregon Green -- in partnership with federal, state, tribal and local fire agencies -- will be spreading the word about the steps we all can take to prevent the start of careless, unwanted wildfires this summer as well as encouraging Oregonians to create defensible space around homes and outbuildings. Each year, over 70% of Oregon's wildfires are started by people. Many are a result of escaped debris burn piles or gas-powered equipment and vehicles casting sparks or catching on fire. During the 2023 fire season, the Oregon Department of Forestry reported that people were directly responsible for sparking 823 wildfires that burned 6,197 acres. Any spark can gain traction in dry vegetation, spread quickly and impact lives, personal property and the many benefits provided by scenic natural areas. Before heading outdoors this summer, contact the agency or landowner who manages the land at your destination for an update on current fire restrictions. Any visitor to Oregon's natural areas should be familiar with these restrictions before building campfires or using equipment that could ignite a wildfire. ...Read more

OHCS On Track to Help Disaster Survivors with Homeowner Assistance Program (HARP)
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is moving into the application phase of the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program (HARP) after receiving nearly 800 eligibility questionnaires from survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires. OHCS officials said this is a significant milestone only made possible because of the partnership of local organizations. ReOregon -- an OHCS program -- launched HARP at the end of March to help homeowners with low to moderate incomes who still need assistance to repair, rebuild or replace their homes in the wake of the disasters. ReOregon is now working on notifying more than 300 of the 800 people who submitted questionnaires with instructions on how they can apply for HARP. Local culturally-specific organizations are helping households that may need additional support navigating the application process. Program officials estimate there may be more survivors who may be eligible for assistance in later phases of HARP. Those who are interested can still fill out the Eligibility Questionnaire on the "re.oregon.gov" website where eligibility requirements are also listed. ...Read more

USDA Sending $4.4M in Grants to Renewable Energy Projects including One in Williams
US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently announced that the US Department of Agriculture is sending a total of more than $4.4 million in Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) grants to support 20 renewable energy projects in rural communities across the state. The investments will be used to help farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners adopt renewable energy technologies, conduct critical energy audits, and cut costs and carbon pollution with energy efficiency improvements. Since launching in 2008, the REAP program has proved essential to rural America by providing grants and loans to help agriculture producers and small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy. Standing Tree Properties, LLC, of Williams will receive $50,672 to help it purchase and install a 19.44 kilowatt ground-mounted solar PV on their unused plot of land. The solar array will replace 72% of the business's energy use with renewable electricity, reducing its energy bill by $2,740 per year. ...Read more