Ag News Roundup

In today’s Ag News Roundup, $4.4 million set aside for wildfire prevention, spotted owls get protection from other owls, grants available for Washington state specialty crops, Northwest potato growers regain market, and grazing rights threatened to protect a plant.

Feds Hoping to Reduce Oregon Wildfire Risk  

The U.S. Forest Service and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service have set aside $32 million nationwide to help reduce wildfires across the country. $4.4 million of that has been earmarked for Oregon, specifically in Deschutes, Lake, and Tillamook counties. It’s hoped the funding will complete much-needed work alongside private lands.

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Barred Owls Killed to Protect Spotted Owl 

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, barred owls have been killed to help the threatened spotted owls. Wildlife protection groups have filed lawsuits claiming the agency violated the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

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WSDA Hopes to Boost Washington Specialty Crops 

Proposals are now being accepted for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), the program is designed to support the Washington state fruit, vegetable and nursery industry. More information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/scbgp.

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Japan Market Reopens for Northwest Potatoes   

The 2018 potato crop will have a new market, says the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The agency says the market could open further to include Mexico.

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Grazing Rights Could be Threatened to Protect Plant   

Conservationists in Oregon are suing the U.S. Forest Service to block cattle grazing on 44,000 acres of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. While the livestock legally graze on the lands, the group says the federal agency must stop grazing to protect the threatened Spalding’s catchfly. The catchfly grows in several regions of the Pacific Northwest.

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