River Blockage

Caution – There’s an obstruction on the upper McKenzie River at Highway 126 Milepost 52, below Paradise Campground. A large tree trunk and smaller debris are completely blocking the river. It cannot be passed safely, and there are no safe portage options. Boaters are advised to avoid this section of river or navigate with extreme caution.

The blockage coordinates are 44.17802, -122.13255.

Lane County Marine Patrol deputies are coordinating with the U.S. Forest Service on a plan to mitigate the hazard.

Visit http://www.oregon.gov/osmb for the latest information on water obstructions within Oregon.

Longsword Open

Interested in rapiers from the Renaissance, swords and bucklers from the Middle Ages, or military sabers from the 18th & 19th centuries?

The Lane County Longsword Open is a brand new longsword-only Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) tournament, hosted by Masterless Fencing in Eugene. The tournament will be held starting at 9 am on Saturday, January 24, at the Expo Hall #2 at the Lane Events Center in Eugene.

Newcomers and seasoned veterans can test their skills, challenge themselves, and learn from one another. This one-day rated tournament is open to fencers of all experience levels.

Admission is free. Note: all spectators must sign a standard HEMA liability waiver upon arrival. For more information, please visit website: https://www.masterlessfencing.org/lclo

Green Island

Looking for a mid-week activity? How about joining the fun from 9am-11:30am at Green Island every Wednesday morning and help to care for this special area where the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers meet. Volunteers are focused on invasive species removal, planting projects during winter months.

Green Island is located just outside of the city of Coburg off of Green Island Rd. The turn onto Green Island Rd is a bit tricky. Coming from Eugene, you will pass Johnson Brothers Nursery. From here, continue straight. A short bit further, the road will take a sharp right and you will see a large pile of gravel ahead. At the beginning of the curve, continue straight toward the “Bottom Loop Rd” sign. At this point, you will be on Green Island Rd.

There is a bathroom on-site. These projects are best for participants 12-years of age and older.

For volunteer safety, please come prepared with: Pants to protect your legs, close-toed shoes, waterproof layers or sunscreen (depending on the weather), and gardening or work gloves (we can provide gloves if you need them!) Sign up at: tinyurl.com/322b6uvp