CORVALLIS, Ore. – A new study suggests that the iron-rich winter runoff from Pacific Northwest streams and rivers, combined with the wide continental shelf, form a potent mechanism for fertilizing the nearshore Pacific Ocean, leading to robust phytoplankton production and fisheries. The study, by three Oregon State University oceanographers, was just published by the American Geophysical Union in its journal, Geophysical Research Letters. West coast scientists have observed that ocean chlorophyll levels, phytoplankton production and ... [full story]

Creates Tax Incentives for Building Owners to Install Lifesaving Fire Sprinklers U.S. Senator Gordon H. Smith (R-OR) has introduced legislation to encourage building owners to upgrade fire prevention systems to protect workers and residents and potentially reduce fire deaths across Oregon. High upgrade costs deter building owners from installing new sprinkler systems until they are forced to do so by government. The Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act reduces the depreciation period for sprinkler systems from nearly ... [full story]

A type of co­los­sal cos­mic ex­plo­sion could beam le­thal ra­di­a­tion across a ga­laxy, fry­ing any life forms in its path, a new anal­y­sis has found.The blasts are thought to oc­cur rare­ly in our Milky Way gal­axy, but more of­ten in those where stars are born and die more fre­quent­ly. These in­clude ar­eas where as­tro­no­mers hope to find Earth-like plan­ets ripe for life. In a 1995 stu­dy, Steve Thor­sett of Prince­ton Uni­ver­si­ty in Prince­ton, N.J. cal­cu­lat­ed ... [full story]

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (OR), a senior member of the Intelligence Committee, on Thursday said he was extremely troubled by the response he received Wednesday night in a letter from the Pentagon concerning its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.  This is the second time the Pentagon has avoided answering the question of whether there is any military reason for maintaining the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. “As we send men and women to fight overseas, ... [full story]

CORVALLIS – A one-month delay in the annual spring “upwelling” of the California current in 2005 provided scientists with a sneak preview of what conditions may be like if global climate change models prove accurate. And those results, published this week online by the Proceedings of the National Academy, include numerous anomalies affecting West Coast marine ecosystems. Though the scientists stop short of saying the upwelling delay and its associated impacts were caused by global ... [full story]

“Renew Oregon Plan” championed by House Democrats is designed to jumpstart Oregon biofuels industry, create Oregon jobs SALEM-A biofuels legislation package championed by House Democrats was approved in the Oregon House Thursday with broad bi-partisan support. The House Democrats' "Renew Oregon Plan" aims to jumpstart the biofuels industry in Oregon, create new agricultural and manufacturing jobs, decrease Oregon’s dependence on imported fuel and combat global warming.   Biofuel Station in Eugene, Oregon “After working on a biofuels bill last ... [full story]

OCHOCO DISTRICT: Wintering bald and golden eagles, a variety of hawks and falcons, and waterfowl are present along the Post-Paulina Highway east of Prineville.  If observers extend their drive and include the Puett Road loop through the Paulina Ranger Station they have an opportunity of seeing wintering deer, pronghorn, elk, and coyotes.  This route is suitable for passenger carsLOWER DESCHUTES WILDLIFE AREA: Visitors to this area can see California bighorn sheep on a regular basis ... [full story]

SALEM—House and Senate leaders reached an agreement today to establish a rainy day fund for Oregon. The agreement was reached during a day-long negotiating session which began shortly after Tuesday’s defeat of HB 2707 in the Oregon House. “This agreement is a tremendous step forward for Oregon. This group came together and took off their partisan hats to solve problems for our state,” said House Speaker Jeff Merkley (D-Portland). “My hope is that continued bipartisan ... [full story]

GENERAL:  Recreationalists should be prepared for cold, and wet or icy conditions.  Snow accumulations are below average, but icy and crusted snow is present above 4000 feet elevation.  Off road motorized travel should not be attempted without proper equipment and checking with local BLM and Forest Service officials regarding motorized access restrictions in effect to protect wintering big game.  PRINEVILLE RESERVOIR WMA:  The north side access road and WMA are closed to motorized access for ... [full story]

ANTELOPE FLAT RESERVOIR: Opportunities for 12-14 inch rainbow trout are fair. Illegally introduced bullhead have had a negative impact on trout angling. Recent snows may limit access. Contact Ochoco National Forest @ 541-416-6500. CLEAR LAKE: Located about 20 miles west of Maupin. Access difficult due to snow. CRESCENT LAKE: No boat ramps are accessible due to snow and the lake is still reported to be frozen over.CROOKED RIVER BELOW BOWMAN DAM: Due to recent rains, ... [full story]