Roadless Rule Could Be In the Past
Environmental, sporting and community groups in Oregon and across the country are urging Americans to speak up to protect the Roadless Rule, which is on the chopping block under the Trump Administration. The U-S-D-A has opened up a 30 day public comment period around rescinding the rule. The change would open up two million acres in Oregon and about 45 million acres of public land total to road construction and commercial development. Arran Robertson with Oregon Wild encourages people to think about the places and issues they care about and personalize their comments.
“If they care about recreation, if they care about salmon. If you’re a small business that relies on recreation, this is going to impact you. These are things you can add in a public comment, and that gives you a little bit more weight than just signing a petition or using a generic comment.”
After the plan to rescind the Roadless Rule was first announced last year, 600 thousand people left comments, 99 percent of which were in favor of keeping the rule. Robertson says many popular forests across the state would be impacted, The U-S-D-A says rescinding the rule will help prevent wildfires.
Florence Gets More Kudos For Travelers
Florence is getting some national attention as a West Coast travel destination. Two travel publications recently included Florence on lists highlighting scenic and peaceful coastal communities. Only In Your State named Florence among ten West Coast beach towns worth visiting on a scenic road trip, highlighting Old Town, the Oregon Dunes and Sea Lion Caves. Family Travel Forum also included Florence among eleven peaceful Oregon beach towns to visit before the crowds discover them, pointing to Heceta Head Lighthouse and Historic Old Town. Florence was one of just two Oregon communities included on the West Coast road-trip list.
Veterinarian Clinic Celebrates One Year
The Oregon Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic is celebrating its first year of providing accessible veterinary care with a community ribbon cutting Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at its 22nd Street facility in Florence. Since opening last year, the clinic has provided care to more than 1,600 community animals, including spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, dental care and emergency services. OCHS has also expanded the facility with ultrasound, digital imaging and in-house laboratory services. Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says the clinic’s first year has exceeded expectations. The public is invited to Thursday’s anniversary celebration.
