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RESCISSION OF EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF ROGUE RIVER Rum Creek Fire Area AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Medford District, Oregon. ACTION: Rescission of temporary closure of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Russian Creek in the Grants Pass Field Office, Medford District.SUMMARY: This notice rescinds the emergency closure of the BLM-managed river section of the Rogue River between Grave Creek and Russian Creek issued on August 22, 2022.As Field Manager I have determined in consultation with appropriate agencies that resource conditions have changed and the closure is no longer needed.The public is cautioned that although boaters may float through this section of river, the Rum Creek Fire is still active and they enter at their own risk. The public should use appropriate judgment and move through the area promptly.The Rum Creek Fire is still actively burning downhill in steep terrain. Conditions in burned areas will remain potentially hazardous for the foreseeable future....

Thor Fire Update08.24.22Size: approx. 180 acresContainment: 0% Cause: lightning Location: east of Sullivan Lake Fuels: TimberPersonnel Assigned: 27  Fire information contact: ‪(509) 720-7418‬ | livia_stecker@firenet.gov | https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf | www.fs.usda.gov/colville ‬‬  Newport, Wash., (August 24, 2022) —  There was very little growth on the Thor Fire yesterday, although fire activity continues in the heavy timber litter on the ground within containment lines. Thunderstorm activity in the vicinity created mild outflow winds across the area, but cooler temperatures and increased humidity moderated fire behavior. The fire continues to back slowly towards containment lines, creeping and smoldering in heavy dead and down timber, providing benefit to the area as it cleans up the forest floor.  The steep terrain and thick litter make direct access to the fire difficult and unsafe, so crews and heavy equipment are working to establish indirect lines around...

Interns from different regions and offices met each other and exchanged stories of the diverse experiences that had brought them all to the same agency. DNR hosts a variety of different interns across divisions each year, allowing them to learn about the responsibilities of those in other positions. Instead of just working at a desk, DNR interns gain exposure to forest roads, bridge engineering, seedling nurseries, and more. The event allowed attendees to gain a better understanding of the agency’s work and what other fields exist in land management.

The desire to move across the country, a lifelong interest in forestry, the start of a career switch, and post-bachelor’s degree panic brought together an array of interns at DNR this year. On July 27, 2023 these interns gathered in Olympia to celebrate National Intern Day and explore the possibilities of their work experiences at DNR. Workplace Culture and Development organized the event and helped interns network, develop their resumes, and solicit wisdom from DNR staff.

After getting to know each other, the interns enjoyed several activities including a resume workshop, a social media briefing, and two panels with DNR staff explaining their roles in the agency, the issues they work on, and advice on seeking jobs in the natural resources sector. The advice from these professionals was tailored for its influential audience.

Some guest speakers focused on concrete professionalism skills. Joseph Flores from Human Resources told the group about the importance of creating a succinct story on their resumes. Having valuable previous experience is important, and he explained the best ways to demonstrate that value to a job recruiter, especially one hiring for state government positions.

Other guest speakers told the interns about what it takes to be good at their job. DNR’s Social Media Managers, Rachel Terlep and Mary Watkins, explained how they use passion and strategy to boost the public’s interaction with the agency. While the link clicks and the ability to create educational memes might not be a part of every attendee’s future natural resource management duties, the brains behind DNR’s popular social media pages demonstrated how to grow in a position.

Past interns also provided their perspective. Garren Andrews, a Natural Resource Specialist in the Forest Practices Division told attendees about his own nerves entering the workforce after college. He was worried about settling down into a career after the freedom of his school years, but he has found that DNR never gets boring. There are always changing projects and new roles to take on, he told the group as the panel nodded along. This was reassuring for many attendees who are just now starting their career paths.

Finally, the interns heard from a leadership panel. One particularly inspiring panelist was Candace Montoya, Uplands Budget Manager, who has built a career at DNR after her own internship. She detailed her path to her current leadership role which included a steep learning curve at every new position. Her story showed the interns how they can develop within the agency, and how a DNR internship can be a career defining opportunity.

The Annual Intern Day event is just one of the many ways that DNR supports its interns. Every staff member involved in the event urged the attendees to reach out and continue to network within the agency. Interns also receive incredible mentorship and hands-on experience in their field.

When interns begin their careers, many feel intimidated and inexperienced. The DNR Intern Event worked to combat these feelings and build stronger professional foundations. Interns left the event more capable of reflecting on how they want their careers to progress, bringing with them lessons the day had taught them.

Find out more about internship opportunities at DNR.

For job postings, visit here.

Story by Zoe Love, communications consultant

Annual Intern and Fellow Network Day 2022

It can be difficult to navigate the world during a pandemic, especially for college students. However, that did not stop nine Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) interns to persevere through the challenging times and move closer to their goals. DNR held their annual Intern and Fellow Network Day virtually on July 28 for a day to connect and learn more about DNR.

The event took place to celebrate National Intern Day, a day created to encourage future leaders. A total of nine interns, based in areas from the PNW to the east coast, attended the event. Interns ranged from communications, forestry, aquatics, engineering, and workplace culture and development. The all-day event began with opening acknowledgements from Chase Rother, a DNR outreach and development specialist, to thank WCD employees who planned the event and to welcome the interns. The day then kicked off with an icebreaker activity for interns to meet one another and to create a comfortable environment. After the opening statements and icebreaker, Eliseo Juarez, DNR director of equity and environmental justice, was the “Brunch and Learn” speaker. Juarez gave a presentation on environmental justice and environmental trauma, explained and how to identify the difference between the two in the workplace.

Next, former DNR interns who are now DNR staff provided current interns professional advice and knowledge about how to make their internship beneficial, and gave them the opportunity to ask questions regarding their careers.

The afternoon concluded with a leadership panel. During this portion of the day, DNR managers shared their story about the path they took to attain their position and also shared advice for going into the workforce.

Advice from the leadership panel included:

•  It’s important to not lose sight of your soft skills and continue to develop them, they are just as important to have as the knowledge you’ve gained. Soft skills can be described as communication skills, work ethic, critical thinking, and much more.

•  Don’t stress too much about the future. It’s important to be where you are now, and not worry about where you think you are supposed to be.

•  You don’t have to be like everyone else.

Staff participants for Intern and Fellow Network Day included: Dale Mix, division manager for engineering and general services; Kristen Ohlson-Kiehn, conservation recreation and transactions manager; Jesse Steele, district manager for Pacific Cascade and Northwest regions; Thomas Gorman, aquatics resource manager; Andra Nordin, property and acquisition specialist; Kayla Swerin, natural resource specialist; Lucky Sisouvong, internal communications and employee engagement specialist; Garren Andrews, natural resource specialist.

Find out more about internship opportunities at DNR.

For job postings, visit here.

Article by Britnie Monaghan, communications intern.

It can be difficult to navigate the world during a pandemic, especially for college students. However, that did not stop nine Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) interns to persevere through the challenging times and move closer to their goals. DNR held their annual Intern and Fellow Network Day virtually on July 28 for a day to connect and learn more about DNR.

The event took place to celebrate National Intern Day, a day created to encourage future leaders. A total of nine interns, based in areas from the PNW to the east coast, attended the event. Interns ranged from communications, forestry, aquatics, engineering, and workplace culture and development. The all-day event began with opening acknowledgements from Chase Rother, a DNR outreach and development specialist, to thank WCD employees who planned the event and to welcome the interns. The day then kicked off with an icebreaker activity for interns to meet one another and to create a comfortable environment. After the opening statements and icebreaker, Eliseo Juarez, DNR director of equity and environmental justice, was the “Brunch and Learn” speaker. Juarez gave a presentation on environmental justice and environmental trauma, explained and how to identify the difference between the two in the workplace.

Next, former DNR interns who are now DNR staff provided current interns professional advice and knowledge about how to make their internship beneficial, and gave them the opportunity to ask questions regarding their careers.

The afternoon concluded with a leadership panel. During this portion of the day, DNR managers shared their story about the path they took to attain their position and also shared advice for going into the workforce.

Advice from the leadership panel included:

•  It’s important to not lose sight of your soft skills and continue to develop them, they are just as important to have as the knowledge you’ve gained. Soft skills can be described as communication skills, work ethic, critical thinking, and much more.

•  Don’t stress too much about the future. It’s important to be where you are now, and not worry about where you think you are supposed to be.

•  You don’t have to be like everyone else.

Staff participants for Intern and Fellow Network Day included: Dale Mix, division manager for engineering and general services; Kristen Ohlson-Kiehn, conservation recreation and transactions manager; Jesse Steele, district manager for Pacific Cascade and Northwest regions; Thomas Gorman, aquatics resource manager; Andra Nordin, property and acquisition specialist; Kayla Swerin, natural resource specialist; Lucky Sisouvong, internal communications and employee engagement specialist; Garren Andrews, natural resource specialist.

Find out more about internship opportunities at DNR.

For job postings, visit here.

The Umpqua National Forest has reduced the Emergency Fire Closure for the Windigo fire. The portion of the Pacific Crest Trail within the Umpqua National Forest and the Kelsay Valley Horse Camp have been reopened. Other trails in the area, as well as the Mt. Thielsen Wilderness, are now open as well.The new Forest Closure order and map can be found here: Umpqua National Forest - Alerts & Notices

Un rayo causó los incendios de White River y Irving Peak el 11 de agosto y están ardiendo en el Bosque Nacional Okanagan-Wenatchee, a unas 15 millas al noroeste de Plain, WA.Operaciones: Los bomberos han tendio buen avance a lo largo de Forest Road 6504 y han unido la línea de topadoras con la línea de mano a lo largo del extremo sureste del incendio Irving Peak. Las cuadrillas continuarán astillando y retirando maleza allí. Tres trituradoras también están trabajando en Forest Road 6504 moliendo árboles y arbustos en pedazos más pequeños, y de esa manera los bomberos pueden realizar más trabajo. El trabajo de astillado continúa en Sears Creek Road. Ya se ha completado en Windmill Lane al sureste del incendio White River. Clima: Habrá un poco más de humedad con el clima de hoy. A medida que el día se calienta, esta tarde traerá una mayor probabilidad de lluvias y tormentas eléctricas. Comportamiento del fuego: Aún habrá propagación del fuego con las condciones...

Información Actual de los Incendios Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - 23 de Agosto, del 2022Linea de Informacion: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govIncendio Potter InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Incendio Windigo InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Incendio Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Condiciones Climáticas: Con la tendencia de un clima seco y caluroso y comparado con el día de ayer, se espera un incremento en la temperatura y un porcentaje más bajo en la humedad relativa. Las temperaturas alcanzaran los 80 grados a través del área de los dos incendios, con un porcentaje de humedad entre el 28 – 33%. Esta mañana, se espera la presencia de vientos ligeros, los cuales se incrementarán con dirección oeste-noroeste de 5 – 10 mph al atardecer. Para información acerca de la presencia del humo...

Información Actual de los Incendios Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - 23 de Agosto, del 2022Linea de Informacion: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govIncendio Potter InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Incendio Windigo InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Incendio Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Condiciones Climáticas: Con la tendencia de un clima seco y caluroso y comparado con el día de ayer, se espera un incremento en la temperatura y un porcentaje más bajo en la humedad relativa. Las temperaturas alcanzaran los 80 grados a través del área de los dos incendios, con un porcentaje de humedad entre el 28 – 33%. Esta mañana, se espera la presencia de vientos ligeros, los cuales se incrementarán con dirección oeste-noroeste de 5 – 10 mph al atardecer. Para información acerca de la presencia del humo...

Información Actual de los Incendios Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - 23 de Agosto, del 2022Linea de Informacion: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govIncendio Potter InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Incendio Windigo InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Incendio Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Condiciones Climáticas: Con la tendencia de un clima seco y caluroso y comparado con el día de ayer, se espera un incremento en la temperatura y un porcentaje más bajo en la humedad relativa. Las temperaturas alcanzaran los 80 grados a través del área de los dos incendios, con un porcentaje de humedad entre el 28 – 33%. Esta mañana, se espera la presencia de vientos ligeros, los cuales se incrementarán con dirección oeste-noroeste de 5 – 10 mph al atardecer. Para información acerca de la presencia del humo...

There is a temporary area closure in place on the Willamette National Forest dated August 23, 2022.  It includes all of the Waldo Lake Wilderness area and surrounding areas around the Cedar Creek Fire. This includes trailheads and dispersed camping south, west and north of Waldo Lake. NFS campsites and recreation areas included in the closure are: Blair Lake, Fugi Shelter, Skookum Creek Campground, and South Waldo Shelter. Waldo Lake itself and the eastside campgrounds, access roads and trails remain open. 

  Virtual Community Meeting is Tonight at 7:00 pm. Tonight’s virtual community meeting will be live streamed on the Cedar Creek Fire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022.  The community can ask questions in the comment section in Facebook or email questions to 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov by 6 pm tonight.  Current Situation: Several helicopters and two scoopers, specialized firefighting aircraft that fill their tanks by skimming the surface of waterbodies, engaged in fire suppression yesterday primarily on the southeast edge of the fire, just west of Waldo Lake. Hand crews hiked in six miles from Shadow Bay boat ramp to the east side of the fire to set up camp in preparation for hand-line construction to the west and south toward Edith Creek.  Along the Black Creek Road previous firing operations are progressing as planned toward the main fire, reducing the risk of the fire moving south across the road. Crews and heavy equipment continue to remove standing...

Tuesday we should see light smoke in most of the forecast area. Areas east of the fire, like La Pines will probably be the smokiest with points north and south of town getting less smoke. Oakridge will probably experience some smoke from early morning downslope winds near the fire, but it should lift by noon. Towns southeast of the fire will probably have overall Good air quality. The Windigo Fire is not producing significant amounts of

 A virtual community meeting is planned for Tuesday August 23rd at 7:00pm and will be streamed live on the Cedar Creek Fire Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CedarCreekFire2022/You can submit questions online during the meeting or email them in advance to: 2022.cedarcreek@firenet.gov. A recording of the meeting will also be posted to the fire's YouTube

Highlights: The White River and Irving Peak Fires were started by lightning on August 11 and are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA.Operations: Firefighters are making progress along Forest Road 6504 connecting the dozer line with the handline along the southeastern edge of the Irving Peak Fire. Crews will continue chipping and brushing there. Three masticators are also operating on Forest Road 6504 grinding trees and brush into smaller pieces, greatly increasing the rate of firefighters’ work. Chipping work continues on Sears Creek Road, and has finished on Windmill Lane southeast of the White River Fire. Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has issued a Level 3 evacuation (Go Now) for Sears Creek Road, White River Road is at a Level 2 (Be Prepared), and Little Wenatchee Road is at a Level 1 (Stay Alert). Emergency personnel are in the process of advising residents in the area. Residents of five homes were...

Rum Creek Fire moving toward the lower Rogue River GRANTS PASS, Ore. – A virtual community briefing regarding the Rum Creek Fire suppression operation will be posted to the Rum Creek Fire Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/rumcreekfire2022) at 6 p.m. this evening.The meeting will be pre-recorded, but questions in the comments will be answered in real time. “We saw significant movement today progressing downslope to the north toward the Rogue River,” said Eric Riener, Incident Commander trainee with Northwest 13 Incident Management Team. “We could potentially see impacts to the shores of the river today, and definitely Wednesday.”For public and firefighter safety, at the recommendation of Northwest 13 Incident Management Team, the BLM Medford District is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice. This closure order impacts the permitted section of the Wild and...

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - Fire UpdateAugust 23, 2022Fire Information Phone: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govPotter Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Windigo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Weather: Temperatures will be a few degrees higher with lower humidity than yesterday as we continue the forecasted warming and drying trend this week. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s across both fires, with humidities from 28-33%. Light winds are expected early, increasing to west-northwest winds 5-10 mph in the afternoon. Big Swamp Fire:  The sprinkler system continues to aid firefighters in checking any forward advance of the fire along the 2153 Road. Firefighters are looking for and extinguishing any remaining pockets of heat near the fireline, and...

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - Fire UpdateAugust 23, 2022Fire Information Phone: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govPotter Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Windigo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Weather: Temperatures will be a few degrees higher with lower humidity than yesterday as we continue the forecasted warming and drying trend this week. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s across both fires, with humidities from 28-33%. Light winds are expected early, increasing to west-northwest winds 5-10 mph in the afternoon. Big Swamp Fire:  The sprinkler system continues to aid firefighters in checking any forward advance of the fire along the 2153 Road. Firefighters are looking for and extinguishing any remaining pockets of heat near the fireline, and...

Windigo-Potter-Big Swamp - Fire UpdateAugust 23, 2022Fire Information Phone: 541-625-0687 (8am - 7pm)                             Email: 2022.Windigo@firenet.govPotter Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8291/Windigo Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8292/ Big Swamp InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8323/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WindigoPotterBigSwampFireInfo/Weather: Temperatures will be a few degrees higher with lower humidity than yesterday as we continue the forecasted warming and drying trend this week. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s across both fires, with humidities from 28-33%. Light winds are expected early, increasing to west-northwest winds 5-10 mph in the afternoon. Big Swamp Fire:  The sprinkler system continues to aid firefighters in checking any forward advance of the fire along the 2153 Road. Firefighters are looking for and extinguishing any remaining pockets of heat near the fireline, and...

Media contact: Kyle Sullivan  (541) 618-2340  Rogue River and Rogue River Trail Closed Due to Rum Creek Fire  Medford, Oregon – As a result of the Rum Creek Fire, the BLM is closing and not permitting use of the Wild and Scenic Lower Rogue River and Rogue River Trail from Grave Creek to Russian Creek until further notice. This order is for the safety of the public and firefighter personnel and covers all BLM-managed public lands 1/2 mile north and south of the Rogue River.  Boaters will not be permitted to float between Grave Creek and Russian Creek until the closure is lifted. Members of the public may not enter closed areas, and all uses—including hiking, boating, hunting and camping—are prohibited. Pacific Northwest Team 13 is currently engaged on the fire.   “The BLM doesn’t take river closures lightly and we tried to keep the river open as long as possible,” said Bill Dean, Grants Pass Field Manager. “We apologize for the impacts to the rafting community...

Thor Fire Update 08.23.22  Size: approx. 170 acres Containment: 0% Cause: lightning Location: east of Sullivan Lake Fuels: Timber Personnel Assigned: 27 Fire information contact: ‪(509) 720-7418‬ | livia_stecker@firenet.gov | https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf | www.fs.usda.gov/colville ‬‬Newport, Wash., (August 23, 2022) —Lower temperatures and increased humidity in the fire area continue to slow spread of the Thor Fire. The fire is creeping and smoldering in dead and down fuels on the ground and backing slowly downhill toward the roadways that are being improved for containment line. The increase in acreage is due to more accurate mapping.Fire crews and heavy equipment continue working along Forest Service 2200300 road, widening the fuel break by removing thick brush and heavy dead and down timber from the side of the road. Due to the location of the fire and heavy timber burning in the interior of the fire, smoke may be visible as far south as Cusick and east to...