Oregon State Parks visitors now have a digital option for 12-month parking permits ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The new permits allow visitors to register up to two license plates, making the plate itself the proof of permit at state park day-use parking lots where fees are required.

Klamath Trails Alliance volunteers, working with the U.S. Forest Service Fremont-Winema National Forest, have reopened a 600-foot connector trail near Lake of the Woods. The High-Rye Connector links the High Lakes Trail with the Rye Spur Trail and Billie Creek Nature Loop near Highway 140.

Smoke visible in parts of the Rogue and Applegate valleys today is coming from a prescribed fire operation on BLM-administered land near Jacksonville. Fire officials say burn operations were expected between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with patrol and mop-up continuing after hours and through the weekend.

Fire restrictions will begin May 14 on all BLM-administered lands in Oregon and Washington. The restrictions prohibit fireworks, exploding targets, certain ammunition, tracer and incendiary devices, and sky lanterns as officials warn of increasing heat and dryness across the Pacific Northwest.

The Bureau of Land Management will open Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13. The two Klamath-area public lands destinations offer camping, fishing, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and day-use access ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Firefighters on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest are monitoring for possible holdover fires after more than 2,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the forest area in 24 hours. The agency said crews responded to reported strikes and visible smoke while continuing prescribed fire work designed to reduce ground fuels under favorable spring conditions.

BLM timber sales across Oregon in February generated more than $8.3 million, with bids exceeding appraised values by over $3 million.

Bureau of Land Management crews recently removed approximately 3,000 pounds of trash from Stukel Mountain, restoring the area’s natural beauty and improving safety for visitors and wildlife.

Oregon State Parks will welcome the new year with guided First Day Hikes at 25 parks statewide, offering free outdoor adventures for all experience levels.

The Bureau of Land Management has approved expanded lithium exploration activities in southeast Oregon, authorizing a multi-year project on public lands near the Oregon-Nevada border.

The National Park Service is rolling out major changes for 2026, including digital America the Beautiful passes, updated annual pass artwork, expanded motorcycle benefits, and a revised pricing structure for U.S. residents and international visitors.

South Fork Forest Camp crews removed 12 trailer loads of debris from a large illegal dump site in the Tillamook State Forest, a weeklong effort officials say highlights the growing problem of illegal dumping across Oregon’s state forests.

Oregon State Parks has completed several major improvement projects funded by 2021 GO Bonds, including upgrades at Beverly Beach, Nehalem Bay, and Fort Stevens. However, rising costs and a projected budget shortfall have forced the agency to delay multiple projects and redirect remaining funds to essential maintenance.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials plan to conduct multiple prescribed burns November 17–21, weather permitting. The burns, spanning districts from McCloud to Trinity Lake, are designed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health.

Outdoor recreation on America’s public lands generates $351 million per day in economic activity, according to a new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. Experts say it’s a sustainable economic powerhouse that outpaces drilling and mining.

Oregon State Parks has announced fee increases, policy changes, and new sustainability efforts for 2026, including higher parking costs and updated reservation rules. The changes aim to address a $14 million shortfall and ensure the long-term future of Oregon’s 250+ parks.

With rangers furloughed, local businesses have stepped up to keep Muir Woods National Monument open during the shutdown — a 20-day community effort that blends access, stewardship, and shared responsibility.

A government shutdown has left Yosemite understaffed — and the skies full of drones. As enforcement lags, reckless behavior threatens the fragile balance of one of America’s most iconic parks.