Southern Oregon & Northern California News
Latest local news from Southern Oregon and Northern California, covering Medford, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Jackson County, Josephine County, Klamath County, Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and communities throughout the region.
Howard Prairie Resort Gets New Tables, Fire Pits as $10M Upgrade Push Continues
Howard Prairie Resort is getting another round of upgrades as Jackson County Parks installs more than 200 new concrete picnic tables and steel fire pits. The project continues nearly $10 million in improvements made since 2013 at the longtime mountain recreation destination east of Ashland.
Lost Soda Project Could Bring Forest Treatments to 1,600 Acres Near Eagle Point
The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on the proposed Lost Soda Forest Management Project, which could bring thinning, limited timber harvest, prescribed fire, riparian treatments, and new access routes to about 1,600 acres roughly 10 miles east of Eagle Point. The project is intended to improve forest resilience and northern spotted owl habitat while maintaining healthy stream conditions.
Nearly 200 Abandoned Crab Traps Lead to Multi-Year Suspensions off Del Norte Coast
Nearly 200 abandoned Dungeness crab traps found off the Del Norte County coast have led to major penalties for two commercial fishermen. California wildlife officers documented 194 abandoned traps near the Klamath and Smith rivers, along with additional violations involving reporting, gear marking, trap servicing, and the waste of hundreds of crabs.
ODFW Offers Free Wildlife Forage Seed to Southwest Oregon Landowners
ODFW will give away free wildlife forage seed Sept. 24 to Southwest Oregon landowners in Central Point, Grants Pass, and Gold Beach. Each landowner can receive up to two 15-pound bags while supplies last.
Stars Take Center Stage at Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival
The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns Sept. 10–12 with telescope viewing, solar programs, guided hikes, night-sky photography workshops, and nightly star parties at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay.
Salt Creek Falls Reopens After Major Visitor Upgrades Along Highway 58
Salt Creek Falls has reopened along Highway 58 after months of construction. New safety railings, a rebuilt restroom, and other improvements give travelers and hikers a safer, more reliable way to experience Oregon’s second-highest single-drop waterfall.
Tuna Runs Strong as Inland Lakes Warm
Albacore fishing is strong out of Gold Beach and Brookings, while Lost Creek, Applegate, and Howard Prairie remain productive inland. This week’s report also covers Klamath redband restrictions, low water access, algae concerns, and wildlife viewing.
Oregon Libraries Offer Free State Parks Parking Permits
Oregon State Parks and the State Library of Oregon are offering free day-use parking permits through public libraries, helping families and residents on tight budgets access parks without paying day-use parking fees.
Wildlife Bridge Over I-5 Gets Green Light South of Ashland
Federal funding has cleared for the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing, a planned $37 million wildlife bridge over Interstate 5 south of Ashland. The project would reconnect habitat in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, reduce wildlife crashes and give SOU students years of research work.