Bend Approved Tree Code Changes
On June 20, the Bend City Council approved amendments to City codes that regulate how and when trees can be removed in new developments. The updated codes will require developers to plant new trees on-site or make a payment in lieu of preservation if a certain percentage of trees are removed in a development project.
In addition to the code changes, city councilors approved adding an arborist position to City staff and will review the tree code regulations annually to assess the effectiveness of them. The regulations go into effect Aug. 16.
“We heard our community’s concerns around how many trees were cut down for larger development projects. Our community has also told us to prioritize building more much-needed housing options,” said Mayor Melanie Kebler. “The updated code strikes a balance, recognizing we want to preserve trees while also continuing to build the homes our community needs within our urban growth boundary. This is just a first step, as the Council will continue to explore additional ways to promote and protect our urban canopy.”
—Julianna LaFollette
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President of Central Oregon Community College to Retire
Dr. Lauri Chelsey, president of Central Oregon Community College, announced her plans to step down and retire as of June 30, 2025. Chelsey has served as the president since July 2019.The college’s board will do a national search for Chelsey’s successor starting this fall, according to a press release.
“Serving as president of Central Oregon Community College has been the honor of my life,” said Chesley in the release. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the confidence that the board of directors has shown in me.” Chesley noted that she is focused on the work of the coming year and continuing to move the college forward.
—Julianna LaFollette
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Governor Declares Emergency Conflagration in La Pine Fire
Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Darlene 3 Fire burning near La Pine, which was estimated to be 250 acres in size by 4pm June 25. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office had level 2 and level 3 evacuations in place near the fire, located just east of town. The governor’s declaration allows the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment to assist local resources.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized four additional task forces who were set to arrive Wednesday morning, according to a press release. “This fire has quickly grown within the last few hours, pushed by gusty winds and high fire conditions,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple.
—Julianna LaFollette
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25%
– The amount of water in the Deschutes River, north of Bend, that can be attributed to water leasing efforts among irrigation district patrons, according to the Deschutes River Conservancy. From the Feature story, “Expanding Access to Water Leasing”
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“Statewide, we have 70,000 individuals, businesses, cities, etc., that appropriate groundwater. Of those 70,000, only a small fraction, 10% or so, are regulated, metered and accountable for the water they use. That includes all the cities and irrigation districts.”
-Redmond Mayor Ed Fitch, from the Feature story, “Redmond Awaits Results on Application for More Groundwater”
This article appears in Source Weekly June 27, 2024.
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