Monthly Archives: July 2018

Southern Oregon suffering from worst air quality in the nation

Southern Oregon is suffering from the worst air quality in the nation. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s air monitoring stations have recorded air quality measurements ranging from “very unhealthy” to “hazardous.”  The situation has deteriorated to the point that officials are suggesting small children and pregnant women consider leaving the area. It doesn’t have to…

Steve Kariainen: Red Sky at Night…

by Steve Kariainen: HFHC Great Lakes Director Most of us know, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in morning, sailor take warning.” There appears to be a scientific basis for the rhyme, as sunlight passing through dirty air is dispersed differently than clean air, meaning red sunsets often do predict nice weather for…

Connecting forest products, forest health and access to public lands

The Southwest and Inter-Mountain West once had vibrant forest products industries that contributed to social, economic and environmental vitality of many communities.  That “forest infrastructure” was decimated as changes in federal forest management all but eliminated timber harvesting from national forests.  The costs of these policies continue to mount. Forests in these regions are rapidly deteriorating…