4 Aug 2022

Heat wave fuels needless drownings, boating deaths in Oregon

Drownings and boating-related deaths needlessly continue claiming lives in Oregon, recently fueled by a heat wave. The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) reported 19 boating-related fatalities in 2021 and the Oregon Health Authority recorded 57 drownings in natural waters in 2020, which is 160% increase from 2019 (35 drownings). Life jackets may have prevented many of these deaths.

21 Jul 2017

Reservoir drawdowns, dam construction impact McKenzie River recreation

Increased water releases from Cougar and Blue River dams will limit access to some recreation opportunities in those areas. The McKenzie River will also have higher than normal flows as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduces reservoir levels behind the dams to support maintenance and rehabilitation of the structures’ spillway gates.