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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 14, 2018)
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Living in an era of megafires The Milli Fire last sum- mer burned over 24,000 acres and had a severe impact on residents and businesses in Sisters Country. While it may not feel like it outside, fire season is on its way again. Nationally recognized ecolo- gist Paul Hessberg will give a presentation on wildfire, its natural role in our local forests and how that role has changed, in a presentation on Thursday, March 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Belfry in Sisters. Local agency partners including the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District, USFS Sisters Ranger District, Oregon Department of Forestry, City of Sisters, Sisters Science Club, and Brooks Resources are spon- soring the free presentation. Last year was a record fire year with 9.1 million acres burning in the United States. More than 680,000 acres burned in Oregon alone, in at least 33 separate fires, one of which was a megafire that burned over 190,000 acres. Dr. Hessburg will present to the audience an engaging, multimedia presentation about wildfire. Dr. Hessburg will Develop good habits from garden to table By Kym Pokorny Oregon State University Extension Service PHOTO BY GARY MILLER present the multiple options available to the Sisters com- munity to reshape the wildfire problem and how we can bet- ter learn to live with fire. Paul Hessburg, Ph.D., is a Research Ecologist with the Pacific Northwest Research Station, U.S. Forest Service. He has been studying histori- cal and modern-era forests of the Inland West for the last 32 years, publishing extensively in leading national and inter- national journals. His work 13 documents large changes in forest conditions and how these changes, along with climate change, have set the stage for large and severe wildfires. This presenta- tion is an outgrowth of his research and his concerns for the future. No tickets are needed for the event, which is expected to be attended at full capac- ity. It is recommended that you arrive early to get a seat. Doors open at 6 p.m. CORVALLIS – As more people pick up a hoe to grow their own produce, food safety becomes a concern. “Most people can’t believe that their own habits could possibly be the source of problems and are not aware what habits can cause risk,” said Jeanne Brandt, a family and community health expert with Oregon State University Extension Service. “We only hear about widespread break- outs of food poisoning from commercial distribution. But what we do in the garden and kitchen can be problematic.” Brandt is not out to panic gardeners. But the risk is real, especially for chil- dren, the elderly, the sick and those with compromised immune systems. Reducing the chances of foodborne ill- ness means changing behav- ior, including better hygiene, keeping animals out of the garden and using well-rotted compost and manures. “People have gardened forever and most of us live to tell about it,” she said. “It’s a great healthy activity. A great way to use resources. We just need to be mindful and think about some of the issues. Maybe one thing they can do is keep the cat out of the gar- den or scrub shovels between dog duty and garden duty.” Sara Runkel, a food sys- tems coordinator with OSU Extension’s Small Farms program, explains that food- borne illnesses come from the digestive tracts of animals and humans. She notes that once pathogens come in contact with produce, they’re diffi- cult to kill, which makes good garden practices all the more important. Brandt and Runkel offer these recommendations: • Attempt to find out how your garden site was used before you planted. Consider bringing in soil or using raised beds if you think the existing soil has been contaminated. • Use potable water if pos- sible. Runkel points out that See FOOD SAFETY on page 22 Beautiful Gifts Farmhouse Style • Modern • Country Chic Introducing…Michele’s Gourmet Chocolate Truffl es Sun FireDefen se Sisters has learned the hard way how vulnerable we are to wildfire. It’s gut-wrenching to be evacuated in the face of an advancing wildfire. In the grave extreme of an approaching wildfire, you could leave your home with the expectation to come back and find it intact —thanks to Sun FireDefense. Sun FireDefense offers a long-term solution that can give Sisters Country residents peace of mind. Their sprayed-on SPF3000 Fire Resistant and Fire Retardant Coating offers long-term protection for your structures. The spray penetrates and forms a molecular bond with the substrate without altering the structural integrity of the wood. It is applied with detailed atten- tion to vulnerable areas where fire can get into a struc- ture. It lasts indefinitely on interior surfaces and as long as latex paint (warranteed for five years) on exter- nal surfaces. It also has the benefit of being non-toxic but able to act as termite and rot repellant. Sun FireDefense is seeking qualified contractors in Sisters Country to provide this critical service to local residents in the wildland interface. Cream sweet hand-made goodness. Made in Oregon 541-549-8591 | 150 W. Cascade Ave. People & Pet-Friendly Lawn Maintenance Services • Organic, natural products • Personal approach for every lawn • Spring cleanups • Mowing & pruning • Irrigation repair & start-ups 22 years in business • LCB#9583 541-549-2882
