AGP Executive Report

Outdoor Safety & Crowds: Bend’s St. Charles ER is seeing a summer surge in trauma—head injuries, broken bones, and deep cuts—as more visitors and new residents pile into outdoor recreation, stretching wait times. Floral Tourism: Canby’s Swan Island Dahlias is launching “Battle of the Blooms” (Sept. 18–20) for its 100th anniversary, with 50 acres and about 375 dahlia varieties. Travel Rules for Oregon Trips: TSA says aerosol cooking spray is banned on planes, while cast-iron skillets are allowed only in checked bags. Weather Watch: Idaho and eastern Oregon stay stormy with heat building back toward triple digits—hydration and shade breaks are key. Boating Incident: A pontoon boat sank near Alcatraz; one died, three were missing, and 16 were rescued as searches continued. Local Culture: Joseph’s 2026 Miss Rodeo Oregon returns home for Chief Joseph Days, spotlighting rodeo and community pride. Housing Snapshot: New lists rank Oregon cities by most expensive homes and fastest-growing prices.

Food Safety: A cyclosporiasis parasite outbreak has been reported in 34 states, with Oregon residents urged to watch for severe diarrhea after eating or drinking improperly washed produce. Wildfire Watch: Oregon’s ODF is raising fire danger to extreme in Jackson and Josephine counties starting Friday, July 17, with new public use restrictions across about 1.8 million acres. Outdoor Travel: The Oregon Timber Trail Grand Depart kicks off in Lakeview, sending mountain bikers on a 700-mile route through Oregon communities and backcountry landscapes. Family Fun: L.L. Stub Stewart and Rooster Rock state parks are hosting free OMSI star parties this summer and fall, with dusk presentations and stargazing from 9–11 p.m. Community & Culture: More than 100 volunteers helped paint a 150-foot mural in downtown Oregon City celebrating local waterways and wildlife. Local Planning: Deschutes Public Library system leadership is searching for a new director as Todd Dunkelberg nears retirement, with a major library expansion already underway.

Wildfire Weather Watch: Baker County firefighters battling the Salmon, Olive Butte and Anthony fires got a boost from early Tuesday rain, with the National Weather Service calling for heavier showers and possible thunderstorms later—good news for crews, but a reminder that lightning could spark new blazes. Drought Emergency: Gov. Tina Kotek declared drought emergency status for Curry and Union counties, warning of impacts to farms, recreation and tourism, drinking water, wildlife, and higher wildfire risk. Recreation Fees: Malheur National Forest proposed changes to recreation fees at multiple campgrounds, with some site costs rising while many locations would still stay free on nationally recognized free days. Tourism Safety & Access: Oregon’s drought and wildfire conditions are likely to shape summer travel plans, while a separate update notes Oregon airports were largely unaffected by a recent TSA funding lapse. Local Travel Disruptor: A Portland-area “dream property” turned into a nightmare after more than 50,000 tires were dumped on the land, triggering a sheriff’s investigation and delaying home plans. Family Travel Reminder: A Colorado family says their 5-year-old died suddenly during a Pacific Northwest vacation that included Cannon Beach and the Oregon Zoo. Community Events: Quilty Pleasures opened in Joseph, keeping Wallowa County’s quilt scene going after another shop closed.

Drought Watch: Gov. Tina Kotek declared drought emergencies in Curry and Union counties, warning of impacts to farms, drinking water, recreation and tourism as conditions persist. Outdoor Volunteering: Trailkeepers of Oregon and Travel Southern Oregon Coast are recruiting volunteers to help restore the Rogue River Walk with trailhead cleanup and log removal. Heritage Calendar: The Oregon Heritage Commission meets July 26-27 in McMinnville and online, with public comment and updates on grants and heritage resilience planning. Coast & Community: A Cannon Beach family says their oceanfront home is being swallowed by sand and they’re back in court over a permit denial. Cycling Spotlight: The Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder wrapped with Geerike Schreurs winning the women’s overall and Cameron Jones taking the men’s title in Central Oregon. Local Stay Boost: Salem is adding hotel capacity with two new properties near I-5, aiming to keep event visitors from spilling into neighboring towns. Safety & Travel: Portland police say bystanders helped stop a naked man’s attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Travel Health Alert: A measles exposure alert was issued for Philadelphia International Airport terminals A-C during July 4 morning hours.

Forest Surprise: A giant “smiling” pattern in a Polk County working forest is revealed each autumn after 2011 foresters planted western larch trees in a hidden design among Douglas firs. School Sports Prep: OSF Saint Katharine is hosting sports physical clinics in Oregon for student-athletes ahead of the school year. Local Flavors Road Trip: A guide to LI farm stands highlights seasonal produce, eggs, and more—perfect for a weekend drive and cooler-in-the-car plans. Native-Led Tourism: Native-led whale watching and “First Stories of the Salish Sea” tours are expanding, with a new Indigenous cruise out of Seattle. Travel Comfort at Airports: Portland International Airport’s Escape Lounge won Priority Pass’s global top spot, while Bidvest Premier Lounge took first in the Middle East and Africa category. Safety & Weather: Heat advisories and monsoon-style storm chances are in the forecast for the Northwest and nearby regions. Oregon Outdoors: The J/70 U.S. Nationals wrapped up with West Coast teams shining, including Oregon representation. Portland Incident: Police arrested a naked man after an attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old tourist at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Road & Transit Updates: I-5 is shut near Portland’s Moda Center for an overhead sign bridge install, with detours and possible overnight follow-up closures July 13–16. Local Travel Stays: A restored 1918 Bend bungalow in the Old Bend neighborhood offers shared Deschutes River access—walk to Drake Park, Mirror Pond, downtown, and the Old Mill District. Outdoor Events: Sisters’ 51st annual Outdoor Quilt Show returns downtown with 1,100+ quilts on storefronts and fences. Coastal & Marine Tourism: Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport will celebrate a newly installed 70-foot blue whale skeleton. Safety on the Road: Butteville Road in Woodburn drops from 55 to 45 mph starting July 13 after an ODOT speed study. Nature & Fishing: A look at the biggest trout ever caught by subspecies, plus a reminder that trout fishing can be both wild and stocked. Community & Culture: A cross-country Tribute to Fallen Soldiers motorcycle ride stops in Idaho Falls, with the flame’s route spanning Eugene to Arlington National Cemetery. Travel-Adjacent News: Oregon’s world’s-largest outdoor quilt show draws crowds to Sisters.

Wildfire Safety & Weather: Incident meteorologists are being deployed to major blazes to forecast wind, heat, thunderstorms, and terrain-driven fire behavior—especially at night—to keep crews safer. Heat Watch for Oregon: Eugene is facing a “coin-flip” heat outlook next week, with a chance of 90s and a low probability of near-100s. Outdoor Closures: Clatsop County razor clam harvesting closes July 15 along the northern coast (Tillamook Head to the Columbia River), with harvest expected to resume Oct. 1. Coastal Ecology: Oregon dunes are seeing invasive marram grass spread beyond planting areas, reshaping dune systems and potentially weakening natural erosion control. Travel Notes: Alaska Airlines adds new Portland routes to Wenatchee (starting Oct. 3) and Tampa (seasonal). Local Getaway Pick: Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat in the Cascades remains a standout off-grid thermal escape for day visits and longer retreats.

Wildfire Updates (Northeast Oregon): The Olive Butte Fire near Greenhorn surged from about 75 to 385 acres, prompting a Level 3 “leave now” evacuation order for Granite as winds and low humidity drive rapid growth; the Salmon and Anthony fires also expanded after lightning starts. Coastal Nature & Recreation: Oregon dunes are being reshaped by invasive marram grass planted decades ago to stop erosion, and razor clam harvesting on Clatsop County beaches closes July 15 to protect juvenile clams. Travel Disruptions: Northbound I-205 reopened at Abernethy Bridge after overnight concrete work, while I-5 lanes near the Rose Quarter face overnight closures for an overhead sign bridge. Portland Air Service: Alaska Airlines adds two new routes from Portland—daily service to Wenatchee (starting Oct. 3) and a seasonal daily link to Tampa. Outdoor Safety: Heat and shallow water are slowing fishing, and anglers are urged to plan around wind and strict campfire rules in dry conditions. Local Adventure Picks: Smith Rock’s Misery Ridge loop is getting attention for its steep, knee-testing climb.

Public Safety & Travel Alerts: Rip current risk stays high on southern-facing beaches, with flags and lifeguard guidance urged for swimmers. Health & Outdoor Recreation: Pettit Reservoir in Silverton is under a toxic algae bloom advisory—OHA warns against swimming and warns pets can be fatally affected fast. Mountain Safety: Linn County Search and Rescue recovered the body of a missing 77-year-old Nevada climber after a fatal fall near Mt. Washington. Local Mobility: Eugene is fast-tracking a Patterson Street safety redesign after UO student input, aiming for quicker, lower-cost protected bike-lane style improvements. Recreation & Community: A “Wildwood: Follow the Crows” free, self-guided Portland art trail launches Aug. 7 with 6-foot crow sculptures. Outdoor Giving: Uplifting Outdoors is helping sick children and disabled veterans get out for hunting and fishing trips. Coastal Policy Watch: A 50th anniversary Coastal Act debate is heating up as California faces federal pressure—relevant for Oregon coast travelers watching regional shoreline protections.

Mount Washington Tragedy: A 77-year-old solo climber from Nevada, Robert “Bob” Pickering, died after a fall near the summit in Linn County; crews are working to recover his body from steep terrain. Public Safety Funding: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici delivered a $1.031 million check to Clatsop County for upgrades to emergency communications, boosting radio coordination for wildfire, flooding, and other major events. Road Work for Travelers: ODOT will repave and patch Highways 97 and 126 in Redmond next week with overnight single-lane closures and delays; additional patching is planned south of Bend and on Highway 20. Coastal Recreation Rules: Clatsop County razor clamming closes July 15 (last day July 14) to protect young clams, with harvesting resuming Oct. 1 pending biotoxin results. Beach Help Network: Sons of Beaches volunteers in Clatsop County keep rescuing drivers stuck in sand—jumpstarts to full recoveries—nearly 14 years running. Central Oregon Weather: Hot, dry conditions continue through the weekend into next week, keeping wildfire risk elevated. Local Culture & Music: Eagle Crest Resort hosts “Nashville in the Northwest” July 15, bringing Nashville-style country music to Central Oregon. Outdoor Access Update: Deschutes National Forest reopened Forest Service Road 370 to reach Broken Top and Crater Ditch trailheads, with high-clearance recommended.

Wildfire Safety: Two fires near Greenhorn, OR have merged into the 1,000-acre Salmon Fire, prompting a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation order for residents and campers. Weather & Travel Disruption: The Great American State Fair was evacuated and key events postponed due to severe weather at the National Mall. Coast Getaway Tip: Skip crowded Cannon Beach for Short Sand Beach (Shorty’s) in Oswald West State Park—worth the short hike and parking fee for quieter surf views. Road & Fuel Watch: Gas prices are ticking back up as U.S.-Iran tensions add pressure; AAA reports the national average rose overnight. Wildlife & Climate: Environmental groups warn gray whales face a “catastrophic” die-off tied to climate-driven food shortages. Local Outdoors: Mt. Ashland chairlift replacements are delayed after 2026 funds fell short, with plans to replace Windsor in 2027 and Ariel in 2028. Family Fun in Dundee: Sander Estate park officially opens in Dundee, adding splash-pad and garden features for summer visitors.

Wildfire Alerts: Parts of Baker County and the city of Greenhorn are under Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders as the Salmon Fire merged with the Greenhorn Fire, with crews building a containment perimeter and multiple nearby blazes also burning. Weather Outlook: Federal forecasters say a strong El Niño is virtually certain, with big implications for California’s winter—more rain risk plus heat-wave chances. Ski Area Update: Mt. Ashland’s chairlift replacements are delayed after 2026 funding didn’t land; Windsor needs $1.87 million by May 2027, with spring 2027 and 2028 work planned. Outdoor Planning: Central Oregon’s weekend guide highlights camping and local events, including La Pine State Park and community volunteer projects. Road-Trip Logistics: Expect major overnight freeway closures in the Portland area, including northbound I-205 at Abernethy Bridge and both directions of I-5 near the Rose Quarter. Travel Safety: July’s National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month brings reminders to park smart, hide valuables, and consider deterrents. Nature & Travel: Scientists warn West Coast soft-shelled clams are seeing contagious cancer in Washington, with a watch for possible spread toward Oregon. Local Culture: Portland’s Hollywood Theatre marks 100 years, a century-old movie palace worth a visit.

Summer Travel Safety: Cape Lookout State Park search ended in a “Fourth of July miracle” as a 4-year-old found alive on the beach about five miles from where she was separated from family. Coastal Health Alert: Maumee Bay State Park in Ohio issued an E. coli bacteria contamination advisory, a reminder to check water conditions before swimming on vacation. Family-Friendly Learning: Seaside Aquarium’s Beach Discovery Program returns for its 31st summer with free hands-on beach ecology lessons on select July and August dates. Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is keeping summer skiing alive by running chairlifts into August, with a full resort package and early-day hours. Community & Sports: Paige Sinicki returned to competitive softball with the Portland Cascade after stage two breast cancer treatment. Local Events: Astoria Artwalk’s Second Saturday is set for July 11, featuring multiple galleries and local artists. Central Oregon Ice Access: A nonprofit effort in Bend, the Forge Community Iceplex, is raising funds for a year-round indoor ice facility.

Coastal Learning: Seaside Aquarium’s Beach Discovery Program returns for its 31st summer with free hands-on beach ecology lessons on select Fridays and Saturdays in July and August. Public Lands Access: The Deschutes National Forest reopened the Todd Lake gate, restoring vehicle access to Forest Service Road 370 and the Broken Top/Crater Ditch trailheads, with permits required for Three Sisters Wilderness entry. Central Oregon Events: Bend Premier Cup brings hundreds of youth soccer teams to Central Oregon, expected to draw visitors and generate about $3 million in local economic impact. Bend Balloon Festival: Balloons Over Bend returns July 24-26 with free morning launches plus ticketed evening events in Bend and Redmond. Food & Travel Stops: Pie Maison is set to open in downtown Bend, and the High Desert Food Trail expands as a self-guided route linking farms, ranches, restaurants, and local stays from Sunriver to Warm Springs. Safety & Rules: Gresham police remind riders that e-bikes must follow Oregon rules (including speed limits and helmet requirements) as e-bike use grows. Local Business Watch: Mountain Mike’s Pizza franchise operator Rogue Fair LLC filed Chapter 11 for a Medford location, saying the restaurant remains open. Transportation Planning: Oregon lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek’s team are pushing to avoid another transportation funding failure by getting the next funding bill text out earlier.

Airport Expansion: Eugene Airport is breaking ground on the “Lift Off EUG” project, a $200M+ expansion that will double the main concourse, add 10,000 sq. ft., boost parking, upgrade baggage screening, and improve runways/taxiways—aiming for about a year to the first phase. Travel Safety & Health: Deschutes County Public Health is reminding families to prevent intestinal illness at summer events, urging handwashing and caution around animal contact and food/water exposure. Outdoor & Wildlife: OSU research suggests wildfire smoke doesn’t always send animals fleeing; robins may instead shift behavior and reduce activity, with wind affecting how they orient. Water & Drought: Oregon irrigators face continued curtailments as drought persists, with some Central Oregon fields already shut off and more shutdowns possible. Local Events: Rogue Valley Farm Tour returns July 19 (free, self-guided) with 20 farms and ranches across Jackson and Josephine counties, plus a Saturday pre-party. Regional Travel Planning: Oregon lawmakers are pushing for bipartisanship in the 2027 transportation funding plan as ODOT faces a major shortfall. Crime & Community Impact: Four men tied to a “Skyline 7” burglary ring targeting Asian business owners in Oregon and Washington were sentenced and face deportation after prison. Tech & Tourism Tech: FireSat’s first real wildfire-detection push is underway after new microsatellites launched, designed to spot small fires faster for better response.

SNAP & Food Security: Washington’s District 5 candidates spar over SNAP work requirements as enrollment drops and food banks feel the squeeze. Drought & Water Access: Oregon irrigators face curtailments as stream flows run low and drought covers most of the state, with some areas likely to shut off water before the season ends. Rogue Valley Farm Tour: Medford Food Co-op’s free Rogue Valley Farm Tour (July 19) lets families meet growers across 20 farms in Jackson and Josephine counties. Central Oregon Events: Bend-area “GO! & Do” listings and live-music picks for July 9-15 highlight easy weekend plans. Travel Comfort Upgrade: Tetherow Resort lands in TripAdvisor’s 2026 top 10% of hotels worldwide, boosting Bend’s visitor appeal. Outdoor Health: Deschutes County Public Health urges STEC prevention at summer events—wash up after animals and before eating. Road Travel Watch: Oshkosh, not Oregon, warns of multiple road closures and lane restrictions through July 10. Wildfire Defense Staffing: A new coordinator is managing local wildlife defense activities tied to wildfire preparedness.