In brief: May 31, 2023

Comment sought on flood rules

BOTHELL, Wash. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reopened the comment period on proposed changes to the National Flood Insurance Program in Oregon that could have significant impacts on communities, individuals and businesses with plans to develop property in floodplain areas.

After findings that the way flood insurance is administered in Oregon could harm threatened and endangered species including salmon, steelhead and killer whales, FEMA was required to make changes to the program, the agency announced in a news release.

FEMA is extending the original comment period by 32 days, through June 26. Comments can be submitted in writing online at https://www.regulations.gov using Docket ID FEMA-2023-0007, or may be given orally during a pair of virtual and in-person meetings scheduled for 4-6 p.m. on June 1 and 7.

More information on the proposed actions, as well as how to participate in the meetings, is available on FEMA's project website, https://tinyurl.com/yzfeexk7.

Work planned for Highway 207

HEPPNER - Road repairs on a 41-mile stretch of Oregon Highway 207 may cause delays and other issues for motorists next month, the Oregon Department of Transportation announced.

Starting Monday, June 5, ODOT will be chip-sealing a stretch of the Heppner-Spray Highway. The work is expected to be finished around June 22, though weather conditions could change start and end times.

The project will run from milepost 41, at the junction of Highway 19 about 2½ miles east of Spray, to milepost 0 at the junction of Highway 206 at Ruggs.

Travelers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes, reduced speeds, loose rock on the roadway, flaggers, and pilot cars directing single-lane traffic through the work zones.

Fishing fees waived June 3-4

SALEM - Fishing, clamming and crabbing are all free in Oregon this weekend, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

No fishing or shellfish licenses or tags are required anywhere in the state on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free both days, and Oregon State Parks will be offering free parking and camping this weekend as well.

All other fishing regulations will continue to apply, including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. Check the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for the latest rule changes.

Anglers can expect plenty of rainbow trout in Oregon lakes - more fish are stocked for Memorial Day and the June free fishing weekend than any other time of the year, ODFW notes. And the shellfishing should also be good. A minus tide is expected this weekend, creating ideal conditions for clamming.

BLM imposes fire restrictions

PORTLAND - Fire restrictions are now in effect on Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, the agency announced.

The BLM is asking visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as warmer, drier weather settles into the Pacific Northwest.

As of May 23, the use of fireworks, exploding targets, metal targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices and sky lanterns is prohibited on BLM lands. The restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of fire.

Violators can be fined up to $1,000 and jailed for up to a year. Anyone found responsible for starting fires on federal land can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

"Although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark to keep our first responders, local communities and public lands safe from accidental wildfires," said Anita Bilbao, BLM's associate state director for Oregon and Washington. "We are seeing more invasive grass due to the wet weather, which dries out quickly without rain. Everyone can help by following fire restrictions and practicing fire safety while out on your public lands."

Blue Mountain Eagle