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Cataclysms lecture Feb. 19

One of the greatest geological events to ever have occurred in North America was given the name the Missoula Floods. Join the Columbia Gorge Earth Center on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Springhouse Cellar Winery to learn about one of the great forces that shaped the landscape of the Gorge, as well as the incredible story of J. Harlen Bretz and his discovery of the floods.

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Cascadia quake not chief among county’s natural disaster worries

Large coastal quake would likely have minimal direct impact on county

The good news for Hood River residents is the effects in Hood River County of a large earthquake off the Oregon coast might not keep you up at night

Gathering around the water table: Well owners sought for important groundwater monitoring study

Mount Hood’s iconic beauty and recreational opportunities bless the Hood River Valley. Her glaciers and snow packs supply precious water for irrigation and her springs provide almost all of the domestic drinking water.

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Leaders change, Nestlé proceeds

In Cascade Locks, future use of Oxbow Springs pending

Some of the first specific steps needed to secure water resources for a proposed Nestlé bottling facility are now under way for the City of Cascade Locks, despite a roller-coaster of leadership.

Stink bug predator shows promise

Local researchers are key players

CORVALLIS — As the brown marmorated stink bug spreads across the state, Oregon State University is studying how to use bug-on-bug warfare to stop this crop-damaging pest.

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Indian Creek Stewards wins SOLVE award

Indian Creek Stewards has been chosen to receive SOLVE’s 2012 Citizenship Award. SOLVE board members were honored the award at the Hood River City Council’s Jan. 28 meeting.

‘Sense of Place’ series continues Feb. 19

Two more presentations remain in the Columbia Gorge Earth Center’s third annual Sense of Place lecture series. The next event happens Feb. 19 with Scott Burns and Marjorie Burns presenting “Cataclysms on the Columbia: The Great Missoula Floods.”

Watershed Group hosts groundwater and aquifer presentation

The Jan. 29 meeting of the Hood River Watershed Group will explore groundwater and aquifer issues and a planning effort for the valley that is about to get under way.

SOLVE seeks applications for Earth Day projects

SOLVE is accepting applications for volunteers to lead Earth Day projects through our annual event, SOLVE IT presented by Portland General Electric.

EXTENSION REPORT: Landowners can fight bark beetle infestation

Recent fires and last winter’s ice storms created a great late season smorgasbord of susceptible pine trees for the California fivespined Ips bark beetle. Top-killed ponderosa pine trees and dead young and old pines scatter the landscape in the eastern Gorge with small outbreaks occurring in Mosier, and Hood River Oregon and in Washington around Underwood, White Salmon and Catherine Creek Trail Area, just west of Lyle.

Federal storm money flows in

From FEMA, county recoups most of its 2012 emergency costs, totaling $880,000

As wind gusts blasted through the Gorge and freezing rain pelted trees and roadways last week, one could be forgiven for looking at the weather forecast with a bit of nervousness.

In 2012, bookend wet spells sandwiched the summer drought

CORVALLIS – 2012 will likely go down as the warmest year on record for the lower 48 states, but it may be remembered just as much for its extreme events – and Oregon was no exception.

Bees — the latest buzz in sustainability

CORVALLIS — Move over backyard chickens. Here come honeybees. They’re an emerging homesteading trend, according to a honeybee expert at Oregon State University.

Dealing with snow: A few tips from Public Works

The City of Hood River will begin snow removal and sanding procedures when the snow buildup exceeds 3 inches and recommends that cars not be parked on the street. However, cars are allowed to park on the south and west sides of a street to allow city crews to quickly and efficiently clear the snow.

Annual Christmas Bird count needs volunteers Dec. 30

Join the growing number of bird enthusiasts across the world by participating in the local Hood River Christmas Bird Count. The annual count will conduct a census of the birds found during one 24-hour period Dec. 30 in a designated circle 15 miles in diameter, addressing about 177 square miles.