Burn Season

With warmer weather approaching, officials are reminding people that the outdoor burning season in Lane County is coming to an end and fire season restrictions are just around the corner.

The Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) has announced that outdoor yard debris burning will officially end at 6 p.m. on May 31. Outdoor burning, often referred to as “backyard burning,” is typically allowed from mid-October through mid-June, while fire season generally runs from mid-June through mid-October.

Officials said the exact start and end dates for fire season and burn season are determined each year by local fire agencies and state officials based on weather and fire danger conditions.

Recreational fires used for cooking, warming, or camping do not require a permit during burn season as long as they are located on private property or in designated recreational areas like parks and campgrounds.

Road Closure

Forest Service Road (FSR) 2643, also known as Foley Ridge Road, will be closed to all vehicle, bike, and foot traffic from May 26 through June 30 while crews complete a slurry seal project designed to improve the road surface. Crews will be resurfacing the road, starting near Highway 126 through milepost 4.6. The project is weather dependent and timelines may change based on conditions. The affected area extends 100 feet on both sides of the road. During the work, the road will be closed to all traffic, including vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Officials said the slurry seal process requires a six-day stretch of dry weather for proper curing. During that time, absolutely no traffic will be allowed on the road surface because even limited use could damage the freshly treated roadway.

Violating the closure order could result in penalties of up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for corporations, along with possible imprisonment for up to six months.

America’s 250

In this landmark year, the Museum of Natural and Cultural History is hosting a weekend celebration at 1680 E 15th Avenue in Eugene. The “America at 250-Before, Between, Beyond ” event is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, May 30. The celebration of America’s history is free (included with $7 General Admission)/

As part of commemorating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, people are invited to explore how the museum’s collections help preserve our diverse histories. Featured are rarely seen items from the collections that reflect on where we have been, who we are, and what America might yet become.

Contact mnch@uoregon.edu for more information.