AGP Executive Report

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, pulling hundreds of deep-sea sensors from waters off Oregon and elsewhere—meaning key long-term climate and marine data streams will go dark even as some past data remains online. Wildlife Health Watch: Researchers warn that emaciated grey whales washing up along the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia may signal a wider unusual mortality event tied to stressors like pollutants. Forest Resilience in Southern Oregon: The BLM is seeking public input on a Jackson County plan to salvage dead and dying trees and thin fuels in the Applegate and Lake Creek areas to reduce wildfire risk. Malheur Restoration Deal: The Malheur National Forest signed a 20-year stewardship agreement with Iron Triangle LLC to restore landscapes, reduce wildfire risk, and support local jobs through forest products. Local Conservation & Community: Portland Community College is expanding preschool access via Multnomah County’s Preschool for All, adding nature-based seats and new infant-toddler classrooms. Education Fundraiser: Bend students collected 400+ used sneakers to keep shoes out of landfills and raise money for The Environmental Center.

Ocean Monitoring Under Attack: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, pulling hundreds of instruments from waters off Oregon and elsewhere—an abrupt loss of real-time data scientists use to track currents, ecosystems, and climate signals. Legal Pushback on Climate Science: A coalition led by California AG Rob Bonta urged the Federal Judicial Center to reverse its move to remove climate science guidance from a judicial manual, arguing judges still need accurate science. Offshore Wind in the Courts: New York and other states sued over a Trump-era deal paying TotalEnergies nearly $1 billion to cancel offshore wind leases—critics call it a “pay-not-to-play” scheme that undermines climate and jobs. Oregon Coastal Industry Pressure: Oregon lawmakers asked DEQ to pause $3.2 million in wastewater fines against Pacific Seafood while the company appeals, warning penalties could threaten the coastal seafood economy. Wildlife & Outdoor Impacts: Spring chinook fishing on the Snake River in Hells Canyon ends early June 3 due to low returns; meanwhile, Yamhill County warned residents about bear sightings near Newberg and urged safe practices. Ballot Fight Over Animal Use: Initiative Petition 28 to expand Oregon’s animal cruelty law—potentially targeting hunting, fishing, and livestock practices—has cleared a major signature milestone toward the November ballot.

Ocean Monitoring in Jeopardy: Scientists say a key part of the Ocean Observatories Initiative will be pulled off the Oregon coast June 16, as the Trump administration dismantles a $386 million network of 900+ sensors—raising fears of lost long-term climate and marine data. Legal Pushback on Fossil-Fuel Policy: The 9th Circuit rejected a lawsuit by young Americans seeking to block Trump executive orders aimed at expanding fossil fuels, saying the alleged harms were too loosely tied to the orders. Offshore Wind Fight: Maine joined New York and other states in a lawsuit challenging a Trump deal that would pay TotalEnergies to abandon offshore wind off New York and invest in fossil fuels instead. Oregon Coast Industry Pressure: Oregon lawmakers are urging DEQ to pause steep civil fines against Pacific Seafood while the company appeals, arguing the rules are unusually burdensome. Central Oregon Water & Wildlife: USDA expanded Farm Bill funding for private-land big-game migration corridors to include Oregon, and Oregon drought response continues as farmers are told to set up Login.gov for disaster access. Local Climate-Energy Moves: Avangrid completed its Tower Solar project in Morrow County and connected it to the grid. Community & Housing: RootedHomes celebrated 23 net-zero, permanently affordable homes in Redmond.

Public Lands & Recreation: Central Oregon riders should plan around temporary closures June 5–7 on parts of the Millican Plateau and North Millican OHV trail systems for a side-by-side race, though many other routes in the Millican Valley network remain open. Wildlife Protection: A three-year legal fight is pushing the Crater Lake newt (Mazama newt) toward possible Endangered Species Act protections, with a decision due by October after a settlement. Habitat Restoration: Crook County’s $3.5 million sage grouse project is set to begin juniper removal on at least 9,000 acres near Hampton, with fieldwork moving forward after clearances. Climate & Oceans: The National Science Foundation says it will dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing hundreds of underwater instruments along coasts including Oregon. Energy & Fisheries: USDA unveiled a migratory big game conservation framework across 17 states, including Oregon, aiming to improve landscape connectivity for elk, pronghorn and mule deer. Local Community: A Bend farm is launching tech-free summer camps that blend nature-based crafts and animal-focused learning for kids ages 8–13. Pollution & Safety: Longview, Washington continues cleanup and investigation after a Nippon Dynawave chemical spill that killed 11 workers.

Wildlife Recovery: A young California condor, B9, completed a 380-mile, four-day flight into Oregon—the first free-flying condor documented in the state since 1904—passing near Medford and reaching the coast near Brookings. Pollution & Enforcement: Oregon DEQ fined Pacific Cast Technologies in Albany nearly $51,000 for serious hazardous waste violations, including unsafe storage and improper disposal practices that DEQ said could endanger workers and responders. Outdoor Access: Oregon’s annual Free Fishing Weekend is set for June 6–7, with no licenses or tags required statewide (but all other fishing rules still apply). Public Lands & Fire Readiness: Deschutes National Forest firefighters conducted a training burn south of Bend to support wildland fire origin and cause investigation practice. Local Conservation Events: Environment Oregon is hosting a Wallowa County state-park trivia night (June 4) and a guided walk at Minam State Recreation Area (June 6). Ballot Watch: Petitioners for Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 (to ban hunting, fishing, and livestock farming) submitted more than 126,000 signatures toward the November ballot.

Wildfire readiness: Agencies kicked off “Smoke Ready Week,” urging Oregonians to check filters and plan for earlier, smoke-heavy wildfire season. Public lands training: Deschutes National Forest ran a south-of-Bend burn training exercise to prepare wildland fire investigators. Climate and water stress: A drought warning story highlights how Oregon’s shrinking snowpack is worsening summer water shortages and stressing salmon and other river life. Tribal clean-energy fight: Yakama Nation protesters challenged a pumped-storage project on sacred ground, arguing permits ignore major cultural and environmental impacts and that data centers may be the real power buyers. Local transit push: Cascades East Transit’s Try Transit Week pop-up at Bend’s Central Library promotes walking, biking, and riding transit with family-friendly outreach. School “all-electric” promise questioned: Portland Public Schools’ new Jefferson High School branding is criticized as misleading since labs and backup systems still rely on fossil fuels. Labor pressure at universities: SEIU members protested Oregon public university wage freezes, saying costs are rising while pay isn’t. Drought in Eastern Oregon: Baker City reported its second-driest May on record, with reservoir levels dropping.**

Wildlife Corridors Funding: Oregon is set to dedicate a 1.25% increase in the transient lodging tax to wildlife starting June 5, aiming to pay for safer crossings and habitat as animal-vehicle collisions remain a major risk. Microplastics Cleanup Research: Oregon State University researchers showcased a “molecular movie” approach that could help break down toxic pollutants in water, including work targeting nitrophenols. Oregon Ballot Fight Over Animals: The PEACE Act (IP 28) would ban hunting, fishing, and livestock farming in Oregon by removing animal-cruelty exemptions, and supporters say signatures are nearing ballot thresholds. Local Nature Access: Keizer opened a new Claggett Creek boardwalk and trail, with restored wetlands designed to cut flooding, improve water quality, recharge groundwater, store carbon, and support wildlife. Industrial Disaster Fallout (Regional): In Washington, officials say all 11 workers killed in a Longview paper mill chemical tank implosion have been identified and recovered, with cleanup focused on preventing further contamination of the Columbia River. Waterway Pollution Cleanup Plan: Eugene officials shared new soil testing results for dioxin contamination at Trainsong Park, with options ranging from excavation to capping.

North Cascades National Park Spotlight: With far fewer visitors than Mount Rainier, North Cascades draws about 47,000 people a year—meaning more solitude on trails and glacial lakes, plus a rare chance to see the park’s “American Alps” landscape with 300+ glaciers. Aquatic Invasives & Recreation Rules: Oregon’s new Waterway Access Permit requirement for small nonmotorized boats is pushing kayakers and paddleboarders to seek a November repeal, arguing the fees and rules could curb access while the state targets quagga and zebra mussels. Heat & Public Safety: The National Weather Service warns of a June heatwave risk across parts of Oregon, with Portland and Salem near 90°F and Eugene in the upper 80s—plus reminders to hydrate and avoid dangerous water conditions. Trainsong Park Cleanup: Eugene officials say dioxin contamination in Trainsong Park reaches about two feet deep, and they’re weighing excavation versus containment to reduce exposure. Longview Paper Mill Disaster: Recovery efforts in Washington’s Nippon Dynawave implosion concluded with all 11 workers identified and recovered, while officials continue cleanup to protect the Columbia River. Wildlife Protection: LA County reported a rare bald eagle nesting pair, urging residents to keep distance to protect federally protected birds. Oregon Fisheries in Drought: Bag limits are being lifted for anglers at three eastern Oregon reservoirs likely to go dry, giving fishers a chance to harvest before “deadpool” conditions.

Industrial Disaster: A ninth worker was recovered from the Longview, Washington paper mill implosion site, as crews continue a slow, methodical search for two missing people; the blast released caustic “white liquor” and raised ongoing cleanup concerns for the Columbia River, while Oregon Burn Center patients remain hospitalized. Water & Wildlife Management: Oregon will remove bag limits for rainbow trout and bass at three eastern Oregon reservoirs likely to go dry—Thief Valley, Pilcher Creek and Wolf Creek—starting June 1 through Sept. 30 to let anglers harvest fish before “deadpool” conditions. Local Land-Use & Pollution: La Pine residents shut down a proposed data center after concerns about groundwater contamination, hazardous releases, and strain on a fragile rural power grid. Energy & Climate Policy: Oregon’s solar and battery rebates may run out fast—OPB reports a June 15 application start with limited funding expected to be claimed quickly. Conservation & Habitat: Eugene finished a major Amazon Creek restoration to improve flood control and wildlife habitat, including native plantings and removal of a concrete channel. Outdoor Policy: In Washington’s Marine Area 4 near Neah Bay, bottomfishing rules were clarified to open shallow areas around Duncan and Duntze rocks during parts of June and July. Legal/Brand Clash: Patagonia sued Bend drag climate activist Pattie Gonia for trademark infringement, and she’s fighting back publicly.

Solar Rebates Rush: Oregon’s Solar + Storage Rebate Program opens June 15, but the state expects its $1.1 million pot to be claimed fast—possibly within a day—offering up to $5,000 for rooftop solar and $2,500 for batteries. Industrial Disaster: Recovery continues after a Longview, Washington paper mill chemical tank implosion, with another victim found and officials warning the search is slow and methodical due to hazards; the spill also tainted the Columbia River. Power Shortage Warning: A Pacific Northwest utility study warns the region could face growing electricity shortfalls and potential blackouts without faster clean-energy planning, more transmission, and backup options. DEQ Tire Enforcement: Oregon DEQ is pursuing a Central Oregon waste-tire storage case, including a $10,709 fine for unpermitted storage in Prineville and attention on thousands of tires left behind. Wildlife & Water Policy: Tribes and officials are set to discuss Quinault efforts to expand fishery boundaries into Southwest Washington, a move contested by other treaty nations. Ballot Fight Over Animals: Oregon’s IP 28 campaign has submitted signatures to qualify a measure that opponents say would effectively criminalize hunting and fishing.

Willamette Falls Access: Grand Ronde and Gov. Tina Kotek broke ground on tumwata village, a Willamette Falls public-access project pairing mixed-use development with ecological restoration. Oregon Ballot Watch: Animal-rights backers say Oregon Initiative Petition 28 has enough raw signatures for the 2026 ballot, aiming to reshape animal cruelty law and potentially affect hunting and fishing. Storm Damage & Heat Safety: Central Oregon communities reported power outages and severe weather impacts after strong storms; meanwhile, OSHA guidance highlights risks when bosses push workers into dangerous heat or harmful air. Columbia River Transmission Proposal: A proposed 100-mile, underwater transmission line from The Dalles to Portland is moving through early review, with tribes and environmental groups raising concerns. Wildfire Resilience in Ashland: Ashland’s shared stewardship model with the Forest Service and nonprofits is using controlled burns and forest thinning to reduce wildfire severity. Workplace Disaster Across the Border: Recovery efforts continue after a chemical tank implosion at a Washington paper mill near the Oregon border, with 6 of 9 missing workers’ remains recovered and 11 deaths reported.

Tribal Restoration at Willamette Falls: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde broke ground on tumwata village, a 23-acre redevelopment on the Oregon City side of Willamette Falls that pairs housing, hospitality, and retail with public natural areas. Waterway Access Fight: A group called Let Us Paddle is pushing to repeal Oregon’s new 2026 requirement that even paddleboards and kayaks carry waterway access permits, arguing it undermines free access and unfairly charges paddlers. Drought-Driven Fishing Changes: Oregon lifted size and daily bag limits for rainbow trout and bass at Thief Valley, Pilcher Creek, and Wolf Creek reservoirs starting June 1 as water levels drop. Health Advisory: Oregon Health Authority warned people to avoid swimming and high-speed water activities at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge after cyanotoxins rose above safe levels. Wildlife & Water Infrastructure: Four beavers were relocated from a Colorado dam project, but removal was paused to reassess flooding and habitat impacts. Industrial Disaster Fallout (Region): In Washington, crews recovered six of nine missing workers after a Longview paper mill chemical tank rupture; officials say the death toll is 11 and recovery is slow due to hazardous conditions.

Industrial disaster and water safety: After a chemical tank rupture at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Wash., officials say Longview and Rainier drinking water remains safe, even as the Columbia River was contaminated by white liquor and recovery shifts to recovery with no hope for survivors; the death toll is now two and nine workers are still missing. Environmental enforcement: Oregon DEQ issued 13 enforcement actions in April totaling $3.4 million, underscoring ongoing pressure on polluters. Wildlife and invasive species: Experts warn about the spread of a destructive invasive species threatening the West Coast, raising new concerns for Oregon’s ecosystems and waterways. Oregon outdoors policy fight: A proposed Oregon initiative that would effectively criminalize hunting and fishing moved closer to the November ballot, drawing alarm from hunting and fishing communities. Clean energy and land: Warm Springs Housing Authority held a ribbon cutting for a new solar-powered housing project, while a separate Warm Springs meeting gathered feedback on proposed renewable energy developments. Public transit cuts: TriMet adopted major budget cuts and plans historic staffing reductions starting July 1. Boating education: The BoatUS Foundation expanded its free, state-approved boating safety course to include Oregon.

Wildlife & Water: Oregon Zoo staff report a conservation breakthrough: Mazama newts housed at the zoo’s lab laid 52 eggs for the first time in human care, a major step toward protecting a species threatened around Crater Lake. Public Lands & Recreation: Oregon Parks and Recreation will waive state park parking fees on State Parks Day, June 6, giving residents a free chance to visit popular destinations. Coastal & Fisheries: Oregon Sea Grant is bringing back its free “Shop at the Dock and Discover Oregon Seafood” tours for summer 2026, offering hands-on looks at seasonal seafood and sustainable fishing from working waterfronts. Air & Climate Risk: A new federal outlook map flags elevated wildfire risk this summer across large parts of the West, driven by dry conditions and warmer temperatures. Policy & Wildlife Protection: An Oregon ballot initiative to criminalize breeding practices and killing or injuring animals has cleared a signature milestone and could reshape hunting and fishing statewide. Industrial Safety (Regionally Important): In Washington near the Oregon border, a chemical tank rupture at a paper packaging plant has killed at least two workers, with nine others missing and presumed dead, while investigators move in.

Wildlife Conservation: Oregon Zoo reports a conservation breakthrough: two critically imperiled Mazama newts laid 52 eggs in human care for the first time, with staff monitoring development daily and hoping for hatchlings that could guide future reintroductions. Water & Air Safety: Oregon DEQ issued 13 enforcement actions in April totaling $3.43 million, including major wastewater penalties tied to Pacific Seafood facilities and other violations involving asbestos and hazardous waste. Local Nature Stewardship: Salem is planning removal of its oldest Oregon white oak, but officials say they’ll first test and consider ways to preserve its “memory,” including collecting acorns from the heritage tree if possible. Public Health & Wildlife Risk: A tapeworm linked to serious disease has been detected in wild coyotes in Washington’s Puget Sound region, signaling the parasite’s westward spread and raising concerns for animals and people. Industrial Disaster (Regional): In Washington, crews are resuming recovery efforts after a paper mill tank implosion released “white liquor,” with officials saying there’s no hope for more survivors as the death toll rises and the tank remains unstable. Recreation Access: Oregon State Parks will waive day-use parking fees for Oregon residents on June 6 as part of State Parks Day.

Industrial Disaster: A chemical vat imploded at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging paper mill in Longview, Washington, killing at least one person and leaving nine still missing, with severe burns reported after the tank of “white liquor” ruptured. Legal Fight Over Water: A federal appeals panel tossed a judge’s order that would have forced the EPA to revisit fluoride limits, saying the judge overstepped by taking over the case. Youth Online Protections: Oregon AG Nick Brown joined a coalition opposing the KIDS Act, warning it would weaken state power to curb online harms to children. Wildfire Readiness: The University of Oregon Hazards Lab is expanding its smoke-detection network in Wasco County with AI cameras funded by Google, aiming to speed alerts to responders. Oregon Ballot Push: An initiative to criminalize hunting, fishing, and animal harm for food is nearing the ballot, with signature counts reported above 120,000. Rural Mental Health: Oregon’s suicide rate for workers in farming, forestry, and fishing is reported at five times the state average.