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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

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Southern Oregon’s Forests, Farms and Working Lands Enter the Legislative Conversation

Oregon Climate Policy Takes Shape

By John Oliver Deep inside Oregon’s state policy process, work is underway that could eventually influence how lawmakers approach forests, farms, ranchlands, watersheds, transportation, energy and future climate spending across the state. The Oregon Climate Action Commission is developing its 2026 Report to the Legislature, and Tuesday’s meeting of the Natural Climate Solutions Committee places Oregon’s natural and working lands squarely within that discussion. For Southern Oregon, where forests, agriculture, water, wildfire and rural economies are closely intertwined, the recommendations that eventually emerge from this process could carry particular relevance. The Natural Climate Solutions Committee is scheduled to meet virtually Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meeting is part of a larger series being conducted between July and September as four Commission committees examine priorities and develop possible recommendations for the legislative report. The work remains preliminary, and the committee itself cannot create laws, impose regulations or authorize spending. Its recommendations, however, can move forward for consideration by the full Oregon Climate Action Commission and potentially become part of the formal report delivered to state lawmakers. The process is broader than Tuesday’s discussion. Committees are separately examining natural

Double the Music, Double the Characters climate solutions, transportation and energy, while a Report Committee is considering issues that cross those individual policy areas and helping assemble the Commission’s overall recommendations. Transportation held an initial meeting August 4, followed by the Energy Committee on August 7. Tuesday’s Natural Climate Solutions meeting completes the first round of discussions among the major subject committees, with additional meetings scheduled through early September. The legislative connection is established under Oregon law. The Climate Action Commission is required to submit a report by December 1 of every even numbered year describing Oregon’s progress toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Commission also has authority to recommend statutory changes, administrative actions and other policy measures. That gives the biennial report a role beyond simply documenting state programs because recommendations developed through

the Commission can eventually be placed before legislators responsible for writing laws, approving budgets and determining whether proposed programs move forward. For Southern Oregon, natural climate solutions represent considerably more than a technical discussion about greenhouse gases. The term encompasses forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands and other natural and working landscapes capable of storing carbon. Oregon has been developing methods for measuring carbon stored across those landscapes and evaluating how management practices affect carbon storage over time. The state has also examined the workforce, training programs and infrastructure needed to implement natural climate projects, connecting environmental policy with employment, state investment and natural resource management. Those subjects intersect directly with the

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see CLIMATE, page 5

Record Wildfire Season Pushes Oregon’s Firefighting Network Toward Its Limits By John Oliver Southern Oregon residents are being urged to prepare for several days of dangerous heat as a Heat Advisory remains in effect across much of the region, bringing prolonged triple-digit temperatures, warm overnight conditions, and an increased risk of heat-related illness. The advisory is scheduled to remain in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday, covering much of Josephine County, Jackson County, and eastern Curry County, where daytime temperatures are expected to range from 100 to 110 degrees, with some locations in the Klamath River Valley expected to climb even higher. Forecasters expect the hottest conditions to occur during the middle of the week, with the Rogue Valley experiencing several consecutive afternoons above the 100-degree mark. Medford is expected to approach or challenge daily temperature records, while Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Ashland, and surrounding communities will also endure dangerously hot conditions. Overnight temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid to upper 60s, providing little opportunity for homes and buildings to cool before another day of extreme heat begins. While Southern Oregon is accustomed to hot summers, extended periods of excessive heat become significantly more dangerous when temperatures remain elevated around the clock.

Normally, cooler nighttime temperatures allow the body to recover from daytime heat exposure. When overnight temperatures stay unusually warm, the cumulative effects of heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Health officials encourage residents to stay well hydrated throughout the day, even before they begin to feel thirsty. Water remains the best defense against dehydration, while beverages containing alcohol or excessive amounts of caffeine should be limited because they can contribute to fluid loss. Anyone who works outdoors or plans strenuous activity should schedule those tasks during the early morning hours whenever possible and take frequent breaks in shaded or

air-conditioned locations. Air conditioning remains the most effective protection during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to spend part of the day in public buildings, community centers, libraries, or other cooled facilities whenever possible. Electric fans may provide some relief but become far less effective as temperatures climb well into the triple digits. The advisory also serves as an important reminder to check regularly on family members, friends, neighbors, and others who may be especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Older adults, infants, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, people taking

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see FIREFIGHTING, page 3

Local Theatre Cast Prepares for October Show

By Ellen Ward One stage, two musicals and a cast preparing to become entirely different characters before the evening is over will give Southern Oregon audiences something a little different to experience this October. Auditions have wrapped, the cast has been chosen and rehearsals are moving ahead for “Two Great Musicals, One Great Show!,” an upcoming production that will combine the one-act musicals “Fairhaven” and “In Time” into a single evening of live community theatre. Rather than presenting one traditional musical from beginning to end, the production will give audiences two separate stories while asking many of the same actors to transform themselves into different characters for the second half of the show. That means the person audiences meet in “Fairhaven” may return later with a different name, personality and place in an entirely new story. For the actors, it creates the challenge of learning multiple roles, musical numbers, movements and characterizations. For the audience, it adds an entertaining twist to the evening as familiar faces reappear in unexpected ways. The recently completed auditions brought together a mixture of experienced performers and newcomers who will spend the next several months preparing for the October performances. Erik Rose will portray Director Marcus in “Fairhaven” before returning as Editor in “In Time.” Brooklyn Morrison will make the transition from Milly to Skye, while Naomi Drevenstedt will portray Stella and Colette. Michael Shomler will appear as Conner and Jake, Peter Goodwill will perform as Benedict and Daniel, Steve Roby will take on Malcolm and Lewis, and Anne Turner will portray Char and Wendy. Michele Spohn has been cast as Associate Brisk, Thomas Dale will portray Henry, and several performers will move between named characters and ensemble responsibilities. Rebekah Goodwill will portray Bertha and perform with the ensemble, Noah Dale will appear as Ralph and in the ensemble, Kara Dale will portray Aiden and join the ensemble, and Madison Heth will appear as Angel/ Guard and as an ensemble performer.

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see LOCAL, page 9