BLM’s Public Lands Rule Rescinded
The Trump administration has finalized its reversal of the Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Rule, a move critics say weakens protections for federal lands while prioritizing resource extraction. More than 130,000 public comments were submitted during the process, with nearly 98% opposing the change. Alice Weston said the agency is ignoring that opposition.
“People are saying they want their children to be able to recreate in these places, to hunt, to fish, to go out on their bike, hike, camp, and enjoy clean water and clean air. So these rules and these protections are something that help preserve our wild places for future generations.”
The BLM manages more than 250 million acres of public land nationwide, including nearly 25% of Oregon, mostly east of the Cascades. The agency says rescinding the rule restores balance to land management. Weston called the process undemocratic and said public opposition will continue.
“This is a clearly wildly unpopular and undemocratic process, and it’s really disappointing. But I think also, people are going to continue to fight back.”
Supporters of the rule say legal and political challenges are likely as the debate over public land management continues.
Stamp Out Hunger a Success
Florence Food Share is celebrating the success of this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, held Saturday, May 10. The annual effort collected 13,560 pounds of food across the Florence area, a significant increase from last year’s total of 9,483 pounds. The drive, held in partnership with local letter carriers and community volunteers, is the nation’s largest single-day food drive and helps stock pantry shelves heading into the summer months, when donations typically decline. Florence Food Share thanked USPS employees, volunteers, and residents who left food by their mailboxes. More information is available at florencefoodshare.org.
Million Dollar Philanthropic Commitment to PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace have announced a $1 million philanthropic commitment to create an endowment supporting Leadership in Ministry. The program provides retreats and ongoing formation that help PeaceHealth leaders reflect on purpose, deepen their understanding of healthcare as a healing ministry and strengthen how they lead and serve. The Sisters founded PeaceHealth more than a century ago, and their legacy of compassionate, dignity‑centered care continues to shape the organization today. PeaceHealth President and CEO Sarah Ness said the endowment ensures mission‑centered leadership for generations to come. Congregation Leader Andrea Nenzel said the program connects today’s caregivers to shared values and a spirit of service. Leaders from across PeaceHealth participate each year, and the new endowment will help sustain the program into the future.
Gas Prices Move Slightly Higher
Drivers are paying more at the pump again this week, though increases are smaller than last week. The national average for regular gasoline is up $0.02 to $4.50 a gallon. Oregon’s average rose $0.04 to $5.32. In Florence, the average price for regular gas is about $5.19 a gallon, Gas prices remain significantly higher than a year ago as the Memorial Day travel weekend approaches. AAA expects about 45 million Americans, including 620,000 Oregonians, to travel at least 50 miles from home, with most driving. Crude oil prices remain near $100 per barrel amid tensions in the Middle East and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. AAA says higher crude prices continue to be the main driver pushing gas prices higher.
