Snowy Plover Season Begins
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and the Siuslaw National Forest are reminding visitors that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15th and runs through September 15th. Recreation restrictions are in place on designated beaches to help protect the threatened shorebird, which nests in dry sand above the high tide line and can be difficult to see. During the nesting season, dogs, vehicles, bicycles, camping, fires, kites, and drones are not allowed in those areas. Foot and horse traffic is permitted on wet sand below high tide line. Officials say the protections have helped the population grow from 45 breeding adults in 1993 to more than 500 counted last year.
Rick Cox Passes
Coast Radio has learned that longtime Florence realtor and community figure Rick Cox has died. Cox passed away Sunday. He was a former owner of Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate and was well known in the local real estate community. Lynette Wickstrom with Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate described Cox as a powerhouse in the industry. He was also involved in community service, including board work with Peace Harbor Medical Center, where he supported efforts to recruit physicians and caregivers to the area. Friends say Cox was generally private about his personal life, but enjoyed sailing. No additional details have been released.
Watch for Landslides
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for parts of northwest Oregon, which will be in effect through Friday evening. Forecasters say an incoming atmospheric river could bring heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flow, particularly in areas of steep terrain and recent wildfire burn scars. Affected areas include the North Oregon Coast Range and parts of the Willamette Valley and Portland metro region. Officials urge travelers to Use caution and stay alert for changing conditions, as debris flows can move quickly and may send mud, rocks, and logs across roads or into low-lying areas.
Battery Recycling
Oregon lawmakers have approved a new recycling law aimed at reducing fires and environmental risks caused by discarded batteries. House Bill 4144 requires battery manufacturers to fund and manage a statewide battery recycling program, which is scheduled to launch in 2029. The law will also prohibit batteries from being thrown in the trash. Officials say improperly discarded batteries have caused numerous fires at waste facilities. In 2025 alone, Metro reported 61 fires at its transfer stations, most linked to batteries, while Lane County reported 56 battery-related fires at Short Mountain Landfill. Until the statewide program begins, residents can recycle batteries at local transfer stations, electronic stores, and other participating locations.
