The article in the Aug. 17 edition of The Chronicle by Erin Tierney-Heggenstaller (“Smoke & Heat High Temps Strike”) reported on the number of wildfires that had recently ignited in forested parts of eastern Lane County. The story noted that those fires were made worse by high temperatures, and the[Read More…]
Outdoors
Mismanagement of lands causing grief in wildfire season
As I sit here writing this, the hazy air brings up anxiety reminiscent of September 2020. It also brings up frustrations over the continued mismanagement of our federally managed state lands. I’m Melinda Montgomery. My roots in Lane County go back to the 1850s when my great-great grandfather Parvin settled[Read More…]
Water safety tips for summer
Two of Oregon’s 34 wild and scenic rivers run right through Springfield, offering numerous water recreation opportunities. The Willamette River, McKenzie River, and their tributaries are enticing in the hot summer months, but these are fast-moving, dynamic waterways that need to be explored with caution. Life jackets are for everyone•[Read More…]
ODFW moves to protect salmon; trout stocking through Labor Day
In a move to protect wild salmon, and ensure ample broodstock numbers, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) took protective measures and closed a section of the McKenzie River to salmon fishing. The closure extends downriver from Leaburg Dam to the mouth of Trout Creek. A small tributary[Read More…]
Oregon boating history includes Lewis and Clark escapades
According to archaeologists, boats in the form of a canoe have been on Oregon waterways for at least 6,000 years. They also add that they were used much like they are today, socially, at the center of family and tribal gatherings, as transportation, for commerce, and were foundational to the[Read More…]
Rowing competition brings out best in area athletes at Dexter Lake event
LOWELL – Dexter Reservoir hosted the USRowing Northwest Masters Regional Championships for the first time last weekend. The event is normally hosted at Vancouver Lake in Washington, but due to issues at Vancouver, Dexter was USRowing’s last hope. “USRowing called me and said that because of the issues at Vancouver,[Read More…]
Anglers Log: Chinook season has likely peaked
Let me start by wishing all of you a happy and safe 4th of July weekend, we have a wonderful stretch of sunny and warm days in our forecast and I hope you are all able to take advantage of the delightful Oregon summer weather. … The number of spring[Read More…]
A forest-and-fire journey: Not the retirement I ever imagined
I’m standing along the wall at the Walterville Grange, looking out over 40-some people gathered for a Lane Families for Farms & Forests tour up the McKenzie, focused on working forestry and ag lands and their relationship to watershed health. I hear my name and refocus to introduce the group[Read More…]
2023 Chronicle Outdoors Guide
Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, the southern Willamette Valley is home to great outdoor adventures. Here’s a brief primer on a few of the summer activities in our area. River Rafting The Oregon river system is well-known for having great whitewater rafting opportunities, and Lane[Read More…]
Real and perceived outdoor dangers
Recently, I was in a conversation with several young adults about their favorite outdoor spots in Oregon. They were new to the area, and new to outdoor recreation. It was a passing-the-time kind of discussion, with no real focus, and so the group aimlessly veered toward listing some of the[Read More…]
