Emergency Messages as of 5:24 PM, Tue. Nov 4
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News Release
Road Name: Mosby Creek Road
Location: Cottage Grove
Begin Closure: Milepost 1.2 (at Currin Connector)
End Closure: Milepost 1.5 (at Row River Connector #1)
Dates and Times: November 3 and November 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reason for Closure: Tree removal
Alternate Routes: Row River Road
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Road Name: Mosby Creek Road
Location: Cottage Grove
Begin Closure: Milepost 1.2 (at Currin Connector)
End Closure: Milepost 1.5 (at Row River Connector #1)
Dates and Times: November 3 and November 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Reason for Closure: Tree removal
Alternate Routes: Row River Road
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Election results will be made available to the public starting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, and updated throughout the evening. Elections results can be obtained at:
www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections
Ballots returned by mail and postmarked by November 4 must be received by November 12 in order to be counted. Ballots returned via mail and postmarked by November 4 may take several days to arrive at Lane County Elections, which means that the outcome of some races or ballot measures may not be known on Election Day. The Lane County Elections Office will continue to periodically update election results after November 4 until all ballots have been counted. The full results reporting schedule is available online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections.
Election results will be certified on December 1, 2025.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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Election results will be made available to the public starting at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, and updated throughout the evening. Elections results can be obtained at:
www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections
Ballots returned by mail and postmarked by November 4 must be received by November 12 in order to be counted. Ballots returned via mail and postmarked by November 4 may take several days to arrive at Lane County Elections, which means that the outcome of some races or ballot measures may not be known on Election Day. The Lane County Elections Office will continue to periodically update election results after November 4 until all ballots have been counted. The full results reporting schedule is available online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/Elections.
Election results will be certified on December 1, 2025.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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The Lane County Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is paused due to federal budget uncertainty and the current government shut-down.
Annually, the Lane County LIHEAP program serves over 7,000 limited-income households with utility bill assistance. Historically, the program year starts in the fall with local nonprofit and government agencies mailing applications to households with senior or disabled members, to fill out and return for assistance. This year, these applications will not be mailed until the federal budget passes with identified LIHEAP funding. In addition, the LIHEAP program waiting lists, which usually open in December, will not open to the general public until after the mailed applications are processed.
LIHEAP funds are federal and are part of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families programs. Lane County Human Services Division works with 10 local agencies to administer LIHEAP across the region.
Updates on LIHEAP funding and timelines will be posted to www.lanecountyor.gov/energyassistance as well as resources for households currently in need on what other local programs that may be able to assist them.
The Lane County Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is paused due to federal budget uncertainty and the current government shut-down.
Annually, the Lane County LIHEAP program serves over 7,000 limited-income households with utility bill assistance. Historically, the program year starts in the fall with local nonprofit and government agencies mailing applications to households with senior or disabled members, to fill out and return for assistance. This year, these applications will not be mailed until the federal budget passes with identified LIHEAP funding. In addition, the LIHEAP program waiting lists, which usually open in December, will not open to the general public until after the mailed applications are processed.
LIHEAP funds are federal and are part of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families programs. Lane County Human Services Division works with 10 local agencies to administer LIHEAP across the region.
Updates on LIHEAP funding and timelines will be posted to www.lanecountyor.gov/energyassistance as well as resources for households currently in need on what other local programs that may be able to assist them.
Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong will perform marriage ceremonies for fifteen couples who want to tie the knot in spooktacular fashion on Halloween. All slots are filled and no more ceremonies are available this Halloween.
Gong, as well as staff from the County’s Deeds & Records Office, will dress in costume matching this year’s “vampirates” (vampire pirates) theme. Couples were also encouraged to dress in costume if they wish.
Date: Friday, October 31
Times: 11:00 a.m., 11:40 a.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lane County Public Service Building (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene), Second Floor
Three couples have agreed to open their ceremonies up for possible media coverage at the times listed above. Other couples may still opt in. If none of the above times works for you, contact Devon (541-682-4526) to find out whether other media opportunities have become available.
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Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong will perform marriage ceremonies for fifteen couples who want to tie the knot in spooktacular fashion on Halloween. All slots are filled and no more ceremonies are available this Halloween.
Gong, as well as staff from the County’s Deeds & Records Office, will dress in costume matching this year’s “vampirates” (vampire pirates) theme. Couples were also encouraged to dress in costume if they wish.
Date: Friday, October 31
Times: 11:00 a.m., 11:40 a.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lane County Public Service Building (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene), Second Floor
Three couples have agreed to open their ceremonies up for possible media coverage at the times listed above. Other couples may still opt in. If none of the above times works for you, contact Devon (541-682-4526) to find out whether other media opportunities have become available.
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Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 4. Only voters in the following districts received ballots: City of Dunes City, City of Springfield, Lane Fire Authority, and South Lane Fire & Rescue.
In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:
“Vote by mail makes it easy and convenient to return your ballot,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “And the more voters who return their ballots early, the more complete our initial election night results will be.”
Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.
The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.
If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.
What can you do to ensure your signature matches?
Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it. Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.
Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope.
Request help if you have difficulty signing. If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections. Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.
Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.
Voters with questions can email elections@LaneCountyOR.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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Voters are urged to return their ballots as early as possible to ensure they are received at Lane County Elections by the 8:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, November 4. Only voters in the following districts received ballots: City of Dunes City, City of Springfield, Lane Fire Authority, and South Lane Fire & Rescue.
In order to be counted, ballots must be received at Lane County Elections by:
“Vote by mail makes it easy and convenient to return your ballot,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “And the more voters who return their ballots early, the more complete our initial election night results will be.”
Voters must also remember to sign their ballot return envelopes before mailing or returning their completed ballot to Lane County Elections.
The signature is a security measure used to verify identity. Signatures are compared to those in the voter registration record. A ballot may only be counted if the signatures match.
If you forget to sign the envelope or your signature does not match, you will receive a notice from Lane County Elections advising you of the issue and how to fix or “cure” it. You have until the 21st day after the election to cure your signature issue and have your ballot counted.
What can you do to ensure your signature matches?
Sign your natural signature. If you don’t usually sign with a middle initial don’t sign your ballot envelope with it. Election workers are trained to look for specific characteristics within each signature. If you think your signature has changed significantly, contact Lane County Elections.
Don’t sign another person’s name. Even if someone gives you permission to sign, or you have power of attorney, it is against the law in Oregon to sign another person’s name on a return envelope.
Request help if you have difficulty signing. If it is difficult for you to sign, on either a temporary or permanent basis, you can complete a signature attestation form and return it to Lane County Elections. Completing this step will allow you to use a signature stamp or other indicator that represents your signature.
Correct a mistake if you accidentally sign your name on someone in your household’s envelope. If you and another person in your household sign each other’s return ballot envelopes, simply place a line through the incorrect signatures and sign the correct envelopes.
Voters with questions can email elections@LaneCountyOR.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The Elections Office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
###
Lane County Health & Human Services (LCHS) was notified this week that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not be allocated should the federal government shutdown continue past October 31. In an effort to help meet the basic nutritional needs of Lane County residents who rely on SNAP benefits in lieu of those benefits potentially not being available come November 1, LCHS is urging community members to donate food or money to Food for Lane County (FFLC). Roughly 75,000 individuals in Lane County use SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Without these benefits, these individuals won’t have enough money or food to feed their families.
“The support some of our most vulnerable community members rely on to make ends meet is eroding,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director, Eve Gray. “We have an opportunity now as a community who cares for each other to come together and help soften this blow to the health of our people.”
While SNAP benefits typically aren’t sufficient to supply all the nutritional needs of a family or individual, they are vital to help insure those individuals, especially children, have what they need to eat a balanced diet. The downstream effects of going without a balanced diet, even for days or weeks, can be significant on an individual's health, especially a developing child.
“This development has me worried about the health of our families in Lane County,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “I know I’m not the only one concerned and I sincerely hope that collective concern will lead to action.”
Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.
“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.
For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:
https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/free-food-finder/
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.
Lane County Health & Human Services (LCHS) was notified this week that the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding will not be allocated should the federal government shutdown continue past October 31. In an effort to help meet the basic nutritional needs of Lane County residents who rely on SNAP benefits in lieu of those benefits potentially not being available come November 1, LCHS is urging community members to donate food or money to Food for Lane County (FFLC). Roughly 75,000 individuals in Lane County use SNAP benefits to help put food on the table. Without these benefits, these individuals won’t have enough money or food to feed their families.
“The support some of our most vulnerable community members rely on to make ends meet is eroding,” said Lane County Health & Human Services Director, Eve Gray. “We have an opportunity now as a community who cares for each other to come together and help soften this blow to the health of our people.”
While SNAP benefits typically aren’t sufficient to supply all the nutritional needs of a family or individual, they are vital to help insure those individuals, especially children, have what they need to eat a balanced diet. The downstream effects of going without a balanced diet, even for days or weeks, can be significant on an individual's health, especially a developing child.
“This development has me worried about the health of our families in Lane County,” said Lane County Senior Public Health Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “I know I’m not the only one concerned and I sincerely hope that collective concern will lead to action.”
Lane County will participate by setting up donation barrels for staff to donate at Lane County owned properties.
“Food for Lane County is already seeing high numbers of pantry visitors at a time when our food supply has been limited due to federal program cuts. We want all Lane County residents to have the food and resources they need to thrive, and we’re very concerned about the welfare of our community if SNAP benefits aren’t available.” said Food for Lane County Director of Development and Communications, Rebecca Sprinson.
For individuals and families in need of food, please visit the FFLC food finder, at:
https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/free-food-finder/
Those interested in donating can do so by visiting: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to=give/donate or by calling 541-343-2822.
The 2025-2026 property tax statements will be mailed beginning today, October 22, 2025.
Statements are available online now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information. The first payment is due on November 17, 2025.
Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.
The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2025–26 is $746 million. This is approximately 3.49 percent more than in 2024–25. The total amount of taxes billed changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.
Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.
The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.
Lane County’s January 1, 2025 RMV increased from $101.3 billion to $102.7 billion, an overall increase of approximately 1.42 percent from January 1, 2024.
The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.38 percent over last year, from $43.1 billion in 2024 to $44.9 billion in 2025.
The chart below illustrates the property type breakdown in Lane County. Out of 182,937 property tax accounts, 16.2 percent are exempt; 54.2 percent are residential/tract; 9.21 percent are commercial; 6.59 percent are industrial; 4.17 percent are farm/forest; 5.46 percent are multi-family; and 4.18 percent are personal property, utilities and other.
Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2025–25 tax roll on October 7, 2025. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2025–26 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2025, based on sales of similar properties during 2024.
Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.
Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.
New Voter Approved Tax Levies
Voter Approved Levy Renewals
Appeals
If taxpayers believe their properties’ market values are incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.
PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2025, than what is on the tax statement. A reduction to the value does not always result in a refund. The Board cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2025.
Attached Documents
The 2025-2026 property tax statements will be mailed beginning today, October 22, 2025.
Statements are available online now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information. The first payment is due on November 17, 2025.
Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.
The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2025–26 is $746 million. This is approximately 3.49 percent more than in 2024–25. The total amount of taxes billed changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.
Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.
The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.
Lane County’s January 1, 2025 RMV increased from $101.3 billion to $102.7 billion, an overall increase of approximately 1.42 percent from January 1, 2024.
The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.38 percent over last year, from $43.1 billion in 2024 to $44.9 billion in 2025.
The chart below illustrates the property type breakdown in Lane County. Out of 182,937 property tax accounts, 16.2 percent are exempt; 54.2 percent are residential/tract; 9.21 percent are commercial; 6.59 percent are industrial; 4.17 percent are farm/forest; 5.46 percent are multi-family; and 4.18 percent are personal property, utilities and other.
Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2025–25 tax roll on October 7, 2025. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2025–26 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2025, based on sales of similar properties during 2024.
Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.
Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.
New Voter Approved Tax Levies
Voter Approved Levy Renewals
Appeals
If taxpayers believe their properties’ market values are incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.
PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2025, than what is on the tax statement. A reduction to the value does not always result in a refund. The Board cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2025.
Attached Documents
Late morning changes in conditions, including humidity, cloud cover, wind and temperature, have led to the cancelation of planned ecological burns at Mt. Pisgah today. The changing conditions make a successful ignition unlikely.
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Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn in the South Bottomlands area of the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Closures
The following trails will be closed until noon on Thursday, October 23
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
See the information from earlier announcements below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.
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Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
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Late morning changes in conditions, including humidity, cloud cover, wind and temperature, have led to the cancelation of planned ecological burns at Mt. Pisgah today. The changing conditions make a successful ignition unlikely.
--
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn in the South Bottomlands area of the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Closures
The following trails will be closed until noon on Thursday, October 23
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
See the information from earlier announcements below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.
--
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
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Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding.
Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. And removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks makes travel safer for people walking, biking and driving.
In all three jurisdictions, property owners are responsible for leaves that are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or localized flooding hazards.
Eugene and Lane County allow residents to pile leaves in the street, while Springfield only allows bagged leaves to be set out for collection.
Leaves are the only items collected. Piles with branches, pine needles, trash, grass and other lawn debris are not accepted and will not be collected.
To get the best information for your property, determine which jurisdiction provides service in your area, and then contact that agency. Here are the details for each jurisdiction:
City of Eugene
Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery program begins November 8. For more than 60 years, Eugene’s leaf program has helped ensure proper disposal of leaves by keeping decaying leaves out of local creeks and rivers and prevents localized flooding caused by blocked storm drains.
City crews will break into three groups to focus on designated sections of the city. Each crew has the staffing and equipment needed to collect and deliver leaves and sweep streets after the leaves have been picked up. This puts resources closer to neighborhoods and improves service on unimproved streets. For a map of Eugene’s zones, including changes new in 2025, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf.
Online features allow Eugene residents to look up their address and see when they should pile their leaves neatly in a row parallel to the curb, order leaf deliveries, or report hazards such as leaves in a bike lane. People should place their leaves in the street the weekend before crews are scheduled to be in their neighborhood. The second round of leaf collection will start early January 2026.
For more information about Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery services, go to www.eugene-or.gov/leaf or call Eugene Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800.
City of Springfield
In Springfield, the City provides a leaf pickup service to residents within the city limits to help prevent flooding, protect water quality, and keep neighborhood streets safe for people walking, biking, and driving. Leaves are collected in two rounds in two sections -- the west and east sides of the city with 28th/31st Street as the dividing line.
Sanipac is contracted to pick up, haul, and recycle bagged leaves for residents within the city limits. Leaves must be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. Bags containing other yard debris cannot be used for compost and will not be picked up.
Bags need to be placed curbside, not in the street, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the week scheduled for collection in that area. Not all bags will be picked up right away on Monday; it may take several days. Additionally, severe weather may cause delays. Landscaping, yard maintenance companies, property management companies, and residents are not allowed to blow or rake leaves into the streets.
Springfield residents can also pledge to properly dispose of their leaves for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards from a local home improvement store. Residents can view this year’s informational flier for more details on how to enter.
The first round of leaf collection in Springfield starts on December 1, west of 28th/31st Street, then December 8, east of 28th/31st Street. The second round starts January 5 west of 28th/31st Street, then January 12 east of 28th/31st Street.
For more information about leaf pickup in Springfield, visit www.springfield-or.gov/leaf-pickup-program or bit.ly/spfldleafpickup, call 541-525-2658 or email leafpickupprogram@springfield-or.gov.
Lane County
Lane County Public Works will begin its annual leaf pick-up program on Monday, November 3. The County collects leaves in two rounds in two general areas: Santa Clara north of Irving Road and Hunsaker Lane and several Springfield locations generally just outside the city limits. Lane County crews may be working in your zone prior to official collection dates if time allows; however, crews will return to your zone as scheduled.
Lane County provides a leaf collection information line (541-682-8565) updated at 5:00 p.m. each Friday. It describes where leaf pickup begins on a weekly basis. For more information go to www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LeafPickUp, call 541-682-8565 or e-mail leafcollection@lanecountyor.gov.
Leaf Preparation Guidelines
Two priorities that are the same in all three jurisdictions are public safety and operational efficiency. Here are some tips to help meet those objectives:
In Lane County leaf pickup will be provided for paved curb-and-gutter streets only. In Eugene, unimproved streets are picked up during both rounds but equipment must be able to reach the leaves from the hard road surface.
In Springfield, leaves need to be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. The bags should be placed curbside, not in the street.
Do not pile leaves in bike or traffic lanes or on curbs or sidewalks.
Do not pile leaves in front of mailboxes.
Keep storm drains and gutters clear to prevent localized flooding.
Do not mix in other debris such as branches, rocks, lawn clippings, pine needles, or trash.
Leaves are not picked up in private yards.
Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection.
Consider recycling leaves as compost or mulch material.
Schedule Information
Eugene Leaves Out For First Round First Round Second Round
Central/Core Nov. 8 to Nov. 9 Nov. 10 to Nov. 14 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 1 Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 Nov. 17 to Nov. 21 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 2 Nov. 22 to Nov. 23 Nov. 24 to Dec. 5 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 3 Dec. 6 to Dec. 7 Dec. 8 to Dec. 12 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 4 Dec. 13 to Dec. 13 Dec. 15 to Dec. 19 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 5 Dec. 20 to Dec. 21 Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 Starts Jan. 5
|
Springfield (Leaf Pickup Dates) |
First Round |
Second Round |
|
West of 28th Street/31st Street |
Dec. 1 |
Jan. 5 |
|
East of 28th Street/31st Street |
Dec. 8 |
Jan. 12 |
|
Lane County (Leaf Pickup Dates) |
First Round |
Second Round |
|
Zone A (Santa Clara west of River Road) |
Nov. 3 to Nov. 6 |
Nov. 24 to Nov. 26 |
|
Zone B (Santa Clara east of River Road) |
Nov. 12 to Nov. 13 |
Dec. 1 to Dec. 4 |
|
Zone C (Springfield area) |
Nov. 17 to Nov. 20 |
Dec. 8 to Dec. 11 |
###
Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are preparing to kick-off their annual leaf collection efforts. Removing leaves from catch basins, grates and gutters allows storm water to run off and prevents flooding.
Keeping leaves out of the drainage system also improves water quality because decomposing leaves use up oxygen that is needed by aquatic life in local streams and rivers. And removing slippery leaves from streets and sidewalks makes travel safer for people walking, biking and driving.
In all three jurisdictions, property owners are responsible for leaves that are placed improperly in the street or cause safety or localized flooding hazards.
Eugene and Lane County allow residents to pile leaves in the street, while Springfield only allows bagged leaves to be set out for collection.
Leaves are the only items collected. Piles with branches, pine needles, trash, grass and other lawn debris are not accepted and will not be collected.
To get the best information for your property, determine which jurisdiction provides service in your area, and then contact that agency. Here are the details for each jurisdiction:
City of Eugene
Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery program begins November 8. For more than 60 years, Eugene’s leaf program has helped ensure proper disposal of leaves by keeping decaying leaves out of local creeks and rivers and prevents localized flooding caused by blocked storm drains.
City crews will break into three groups to focus on designated sections of the city. Each crew has the staffing and equipment needed to collect and deliver leaves and sweep streets after the leaves have been picked up. This puts resources closer to neighborhoods and improves service on unimproved streets. For a map of Eugene’s zones, including changes new in 2025, visit www.eugene-or.gov/leaf.
Online features allow Eugene residents to look up their address and see when they should pile their leaves neatly in a row parallel to the curb, order leaf deliveries, or report hazards such as leaves in a bike lane. People should place their leaves in the street the weekend before crews are scheduled to be in their neighborhood. The second round of leaf collection will start early January 2026.
For more information about Eugene’s leaf collection and delivery services, go to www.eugene-or.gov/leaf or call Eugene Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800.
City of Springfield
In Springfield, the City provides a leaf pickup service to residents within the city limits to help prevent flooding, protect water quality, and keep neighborhood streets safe for people walking, biking, and driving. Leaves are collected in two rounds in two sections -- the west and east sides of the city with 28th/31st Street as the dividing line.
Sanipac is contracted to pick up, haul, and recycle bagged leaves for residents within the city limits. Leaves must be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. Bags containing other yard debris cannot be used for compost and will not be picked up.
Bags need to be placed curbside, not in the street, by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the week scheduled for collection in that area. Not all bags will be picked up right away on Monday; it may take several days. Additionally, severe weather may cause delays. Landscaping, yard maintenance companies, property management companies, and residents are not allowed to blow or rake leaves into the streets.
Springfield residents can also pledge to properly dispose of their leaves for a chance to win one of two $100 gift cards from a local home improvement store. Residents can view this year’s informational flier for more details on how to enter.
The first round of leaf collection in Springfield starts on December 1, west of 28th/31st Street, then December 8, east of 28th/31st Street. The second round starts January 5 west of 28th/31st Street, then January 12 east of 28th/31st Street.
For more information about leaf pickup in Springfield, visit www.springfield-or.gov/leaf-pickup-program or bit.ly/spfldleafpickup, call 541-525-2658 or email leafpickupprogram@springfield-or.gov.
Lane County
Lane County Public Works will begin its annual leaf pick-up program on Monday, November 3. The County collects leaves in two rounds in two general areas: Santa Clara north of Irving Road and Hunsaker Lane and several Springfield locations generally just outside the city limits. Lane County crews may be working in your zone prior to official collection dates if time allows; however, crews will return to your zone as scheduled.
Lane County provides a leaf collection information line (541-682-8565) updated at 5:00 p.m. each Friday. It describes where leaf pickup begins on a weekly basis. For more information go to www.LaneCountyOR.gov/LeafPickUp, call 541-682-8565 or e-mail leafcollection@lanecountyor.gov.
Leaf Preparation Guidelines
Two priorities that are the same in all three jurisdictions are public safety and operational efficiency. Here are some tips to help meet those objectives:
In Lane County leaf pickup will be provided for paved curb-and-gutter streets only. In Eugene, unimproved streets are picked up during both rounds but equipment must be able to reach the leaves from the hard road surface.
In Springfield, leaves need to be put in medium-sized bags that contain only leaves. The bags should be placed curbside, not in the street.
Do not pile leaves in bike or traffic lanes or on curbs or sidewalks.
Do not pile leaves in front of mailboxes.
Keep storm drains and gutters clear to prevent localized flooding.
Do not mix in other debris such as branches, rocks, lawn clippings, pine needles, or trash.
Leaves are not picked up in private yards.
Wait to put leaves in the street until the weekend prior to collection.
Consider recycling leaves as compost or mulch material.
Schedule Information
Eugene Leaves Out For First Round First Round Second Round
Central/Core Nov. 8 to Nov. 9 Nov. 10 to Nov. 14 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 1 Nov. 15 to Nov. 16 Nov. 17 to Nov. 21 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 2 Nov. 22 to Nov. 23 Nov. 24 to Dec. 5 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 3 Dec. 6 to Dec. 7 Dec. 8 to Dec. 12 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 4 Dec. 13 to Dec. 13 Dec. 15 to Dec. 19 Starts Jan. 5
Zones 5 Dec. 20 to Dec. 21 Dec. 22 to Jan. 2 Starts Jan. 5
|
Springfield (Leaf Pickup Dates) |
First Round |
Second Round |
|
West of 28th Street/31st Street |
Dec. 1 |
Jan. 5 |
|
East of 28th Street/31st Street |
Dec. 8 |
Jan. 12 |
|
Lane County (Leaf Pickup Dates) |
First Round |
Second Round |
|
Zone A (Santa Clara west of River Road) |
Nov. 3 to Nov. 6 |
Nov. 24 to Nov. 26 |
|
Zone B (Santa Clara east of River Road) |
Nov. 12 to Nov. 13 |
Dec. 1 to Dec. 4 |
|
Zone C (Springfield area) |
Nov. 17 to Nov. 20 |
Dec. 8 to Dec. 11 |
###
The Lane County Deflection Program is celebrating its first full year of operation with an open house on October 22. The open house will celebrate some of the milestones reached in the first year, as well as highlight the community partners who support the people in Deflection.
“We could not do this work without our partners,” said Deflection Program Coordinator Clint Riley. “In particular, our peer navigators through Ideal Options who work side by side with program participants to guide them through the recovery process, and Reveille Foundation which provides emergency stabilization housing.”
There have been 23 graduates in the first year. Those graduates spent an average of 142 days in the program prior to graduation. Another 71 people are currently enrolled and participating.
Day: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 680 Tyler Street, Eugene
Speakers: Board of County Commissioners Chair David Loveall (also a Reveille Foundation board member), District Attorney Chris Parosa, and Ideal Option’s Senior Director of Community Development Josh Lair.
Interviews: Clint Riley and Reveille Foundation President Steve Yamamori will be available for interviews in addition to the speakers. Program participants will be offered the opportunity to participate, and some may be available for interviews.
The open house location is also a treatment and housing center for Deflection Program participants. To maintain the required privacy for a treatment center, all attendees will need to sign a non-disclosure form upon entering the facility that covers any accidental viewing or discovery of personally identifiable medical or treatment information.
About the Deflection Program
The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.
###
The Lane County Deflection Program is celebrating its first full year of operation with an open house on October 22. The open house will celebrate some of the milestones reached in the first year, as well as highlight the community partners who support the people in Deflection.
“We could not do this work without our partners,” said Deflection Program Coordinator Clint Riley. “In particular, our peer navigators through Ideal Options who work side by side with program participants to guide them through the recovery process, and Reveille Foundation which provides emergency stabilization housing.”
There have been 23 graduates in the first year. Those graduates spent an average of 142 days in the program prior to graduation. Another 71 people are currently enrolled and participating.
Day: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: 680 Tyler Street, Eugene
Speakers: Board of County Commissioners Chair David Loveall (also a Reveille Foundation board member), District Attorney Chris Parosa, and Ideal Option’s Senior Director of Community Development Josh Lair.
Interviews: Clint Riley and Reveille Foundation President Steve Yamamori will be available for interviews in addition to the speakers. Program participants will be offered the opportunity to participate, and some may be available for interviews.
The open house location is also a treatment and housing center for Deflection Program participants. To maintain the required privacy for a treatment center, all attendees will need to sign a non-disclosure form upon entering the facility that covers any accidental viewing or discovery of personally identifiable medical or treatment information.
About the Deflection Program
The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
See the information from yesterday’s announcement below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.
--
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
See the information from yesterday’s announcement below about the value of ecological burning and the safety precautions in place.
--
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
** Media Opportunity ** A test burn will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. and if conditions are right the full burn will move ahead. Media are welcome to be on-site during the test burn and burn. Parking will be made available in the closed parking lot on Ridgeway Road. Please call ahead to confirm with Devon (541-515-8833) that you plan to be there.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
Lane County Parks, in cooperation with the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, as well as Rivers to Ridges partners, will be conducting an ecological – or prescribed – burn at the Howard Buford Recreation Area (HBRA) today, weather permitting.
Ahead of each burn, weather, humidity, and wind conditions are closely monitored to meet safety standards, including air quality.
HBRA represents one of the largest blocks of remaining prairie and oak savanna habitat left in the Willamette Valley. The ecological burn will help enhance those habitats and preserve them for future generations.
** Media Opportunity ** A test burn will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. and if conditions are right the full burn will move ahead. Media are welcome to be on-site during the test burn and burn. Parking will be made available in the closed parking lot on Ridgeway Road. Please call ahead to confirm with Devon (541-515-8833) that you plan to be there.
Lane County parks and partners have conducted more than a dozen prescribed burns in HBRA since 1999. Executing ecological burns is always dependent on weather and ensuring atmospheric conditions will disperse smoke upward and away from densely populated areas. If postponed, an update will be provided to the community by notification to the media and on Facebook and Instagram at @LaneCountyParks.
Closures
Signs will be posted at the park notifying visitors of the trail closures. A trail map is available online.
Visitors to the park should be aware of localized smoky conditions and the presence of fire crews within the park during the burn.
Follow Lane County Parks on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Why the County conducts ecological burning:
Ecological burns are an essential management tool to sustain and expand native plant communities in these rare Willamette Valley habitats. The Willamette Valley was once dominated by savannas and prairies rich with diverse grass and wildflower species. These now-rare ecosystems require regular disturbance, such as fire, to maintain native species and to prevent conversion of open prairie to a closed woodland or forest. Historically, disturbance was provided through regular intentional burning by Native people or ignition by lightning. Many of our native prairie wildflowers, such as camas and Bradshaw’s lomatium, have evolved with fire for thousands of years and flourish after a site is burned.
Ecological burns in the park’s prairies accomplish several biological and fire safety goals including improved seed germination, removal of built-up thatch, and short-term soil fertilization. All these factors help native, grassland species thrive, including the declining Western Meadowlark (Oregon’s state bird), which nests in prairies and other open grassland habitats. In addition, prescribed burns protect the open prairie structure, as well as reduce the future risk of high intensity wildfires through the removal of standing, dead vegetation.
###
The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, October 25, in Marcola. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.
When: Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Mohawk Valley Fire Station, 92068 Marcola Road
Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.
What to bring:
Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.
Please don't bring:
Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828 or 541-682-3899.
What about hazardous waste from businesses?
Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.
Electronics recycling
The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops. Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.
Please call 541-682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.
###
The free Household Hazardous Waste Roundup will collect up to 35 gallons of household hazardous waste per customer on Saturday, October 25, in Marcola. Hazardous waste from businesses, schools, churches, government agencies or non-profits may be subject to disposal fees and those organizations must pre-register for the event.
When: Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Mohawk Valley Fire Station, 92068 Marcola Road
Who: All community members are welcome to participate in the roundup.
What to bring:
Up to 35 gallons of paint, household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, car care products, arts and crafts products, pool chemicals, fluorescent lamps and other household hazardous waste. Check labels for words like flammable, corrosive, poison, caution, and danger.
Please don't bring:
Empty containers, drums, radioactive or infectious waste, asbestos, pressurized cylinders, or explosives. Any empty containers can be safely thrown in the trash. For information about disposal of radioactive waste, asbestos or explosives call 541-682-3828 or 541-682-3899.
What about hazardous waste from businesses?
Businesses that generate small amounts of hazardous waste may pre-register to bring that waste to this event. Businesses must pay for disposal of the waste, but most can save money by using this program rather than hiring a contractor.
Electronics recycling
The Cottage Grove, Creswell, Florence, Marcola, Oakridge, Rattlesnake, Veneta and Vida transfer stations accept the following items for free during normal operating hours: televisions, computer monitors, CPUs, printers, phones and laptops. Maximum seven items per day. No commercial or floor-standing copiers, parts or dismantled units.
Please call 541-682-4120 for more information about hazardous waste disposal for households or businesses.
###
The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the November 4, 2025 Special Election. Only voters in the following districts will receive ballots: City of Dunes City, City of Springfield, Lane Fire Authority, and South Lane Fire & Rescue.
Lane County ballot drop boxes located in the communities where voters will receive ballots will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 4, 2025. Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of open drop box locations is included with every ballot.
“Voters should expect to receive their ballots within a couple of days,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Voters who don’t receive their ballots by the end of next week should reach out to Lane County Elections for assistance.”
Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:
Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
###
The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the November 4, 2025 Special Election. Only voters in the following districts will receive ballots: City of Dunes City, City of Springfield, Lane Fire Authority, and South Lane Fire & Rescue.
Lane County ballot drop boxes located in the communities where voters will receive ballots will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 4, 2025. Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of open drop box locations is included with every ballot.
“Voters should expect to receive their ballots within a couple of days,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Voters who don’t receive their ballots by the end of next week should reach out to Lane County Elections for assistance.”
Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.
Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:
Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.
Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.
About the Lane County Elections Office:
The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County. The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.
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The free 16th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on December 3. The free meal, which is open to everyone, also includes free raffle tickets for prizes and free food boxes to take home.
“The holiday meal is one of the best days of the year for our youth and our staff,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Our youth get to show off their culinary skills and we all get to support our community and offer the chance to share a meal with others.”
The event relies on donations to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes.
Local companies or people interested in supporting the event through donations should contact Shellye Reynoso at 458-234-3180 or Shellye.Reynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov.
About the MLK Education Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.
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The free 16th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on December 3. The free meal, which is open to everyone, also includes free raffle tickets for prizes and free food boxes to take home.
“The holiday meal is one of the best days of the year for our youth and our staff,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Our youth get to show off their culinary skills and we all get to support our community and offer the chance to share a meal with others.”
The event relies on donations to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes.
Local companies or people interested in supporting the event through donations should contact Shellye Reynoso at 458-234-3180 or Shellye.Reynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov.
About the MLK Education Center
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center serves middle and high school students who have an active case with Lane County Youth Services. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.
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Starting October 7, more people are eligible to apply to rent a 1-bedroom park model home or a 2-bedroom modular home in the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park (52511 McKenzie River Highway), rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire.
Now, people who rented anywhere in Lane County at the time of the Holiday Farm Fire, but did not lose their home in the fire, can apply if they were affected by the destabilization of the affordable rental housing market caused by the fire. Applicants who work within 20 miles of the Lazy Days park will receive Local Workforce Preference points on their applications. People who were renters anywhere in Lane County during the Holiday Farm Fire can apply online starting October 7 at 8:00 am using this application.
Applicants should be at no more than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example:
Renters would pay $1000 per month for a 2- bedroom unit or $750 a month for a 1- bedroom unit. Rent includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).
People who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire are still encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for placement. Lazy Days has already accepted two rounds of applications open only to fire survivors and still has vacancies. Welcoming other renters to the application process can help meet the workforce housing need in the Blue River and McKenzie Bridge area. Fire survivors can apply online starting October 7 using this application. (It is a different application than the one linked above.)
Applications will be screened on a first come, first served basis.
Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process.
Learn more: www.homesforgood.org/about/real-estate-development/projects/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile-home-park
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Starting October 7, more people are eligible to apply to rent a 1-bedroom park model home or a 2-bedroom modular home in the Lazy Days Mobile Home and RV Park (52511 McKenzie River Highway), rebuilt by Homes for Good after the Holiday Farm Fire.
Now, people who rented anywhere in Lane County at the time of the Holiday Farm Fire, but did not lose their home in the fire, can apply if they were affected by the destabilization of the affordable rental housing market caused by the fire. Applicants who work within 20 miles of the Lazy Days park will receive Local Workforce Preference points on their applications. People who were renters anywhere in Lane County during the Holiday Farm Fire can apply online starting October 7 at 8:00 am using this application.
Applicants should be at no more than 80 percent of the Area Median Income. For example:
Renters would pay $1000 per month for a 2- bedroom unit or $750 a month for a 1- bedroom unit. Rent includes utilities (water, sewer, garbage).
People who lost their homes in the Holiday Farm Fire are still encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for placement. Lazy Days has already accepted two rounds of applications open only to fire survivors and still has vacancies. Welcoming other renters to the application process can help meet the workforce housing need in the Blue River and McKenzie Bridge area. Fire survivors can apply online starting October 7 using this application. (It is a different application than the one linked above.)
Applications will be screened on a first come, first served basis.
Funding to provide the modular homes to fire survivors is provided by Oregon Housing & Community Services. Homes for Good is property owner and led construction on the site. Lane County is assisting with the application process.
Learn more: www.homesforgood.org/about/real-estate-development/projects/lazy-days-rv-and-mobile-home-park
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