NEWS

(PORTLAND, OR)- The Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service is actively seeking nominations for the regional Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). This committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of recreation fee programs on federal lands in Oregon and Washington. The role of the Pacific Northwest Region RRAC will be to provide recommendations on various aspects of the recreation fee program, including day use fees, overnight use fees, and special recreation permit fees. The committee will work to develop inclusive and impactful recommendations that reflect the varied interests of the community, according to a     (read more)

(MOUNT VERNON)- Mayor Donovan announced today that Selah Police Chief Daniel Christman has been named the next Chief of Police for the City of Mount Vernon. Christman began his police career as a City of Bothel Police officer in 1997. His path has been marked by continued promotions with increasing levels of responsibility, culminating in his 2019 advancement to Police Chief for the City of Selah, according to a news release from the city. Along the way, Christman has taken on additional roles outside of his departments, such as his participation with SMART Team assignments, Special Investigations Units, and examinations into     (read more)

(NORTHWEST WASHINGTON)- Wildfire smoke that blanketed local counties at times with harmful fine particles in recent summers impacted local air quality, according to the American Lung Association’s 25th annual national “State of the Air” report. Like counties throughout Washington, Whatcom County air quality received an “F” grade for 24-hour particle pollution because of wildfire smoke impacts again in this year’s report. The report includes data from the years 2020-2022, according to a news release from the Northwest Clean Air Agency. Skagit County received a “C” grade for 24-hour pollution, but data collection issues affected that result. Northwest     (read more)

(OLYMPIA)— The Office of the Secretary of State is now accepting nominations for Washington’s Medals of Merit and Valor. Nominations for both awards can be made until September 20. The Medal of Merit recognizes people who perform outstanding services for Washington and its residents. The Medal of Valor is awarded to anyone who has saved, or attempted to save, the life of another at the risk of their own safety and is not acting in the course of duty as a Washington police officer, firefighter, or other government-employed first responder, according to a news release from the Office of the     (read more)

(PORTLAND, OR)- The USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region announced the region’s 2023 Volunteer and Service Award nominees this week in advance of National Volunteer Week, which begins April 21st. A total of twelve individuals and groups from Oregon and Washington are being recognized for their outstanding service in 2023. The nominees will be considered for a Forest Service National Volunteer and Service award and winners will be announced during National Volunteer Week, according to a news release from the Forest Service. "Congratulations to our regional volunteers and volunteer groups that will be representing the Region nationally in the     (read more)