In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

🌲 Christmas Tree Permits for Deschutes and Ochoco Forests now Available

🏛️ Redmond, Crooked River Ranch fire departments gain levy approvals

🏛️ Deschutes County Commissioners Delay Implementation of New Camping Regulations

⚠️ Gas leak in Bend caused by damage to unmarked gas line

📅 Lots of Events

🏈 High School and College Football Schedule

😆 Meme corner

Christmas tree permits for Deschutes, Ochoco forests now available

The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests are selling permits to cut Christmas trees from local national forest lands started Thursday.

The U.S. Forest Service says the public can purchase Christmas tree permits at Forest Service offices, online, and from local vendors around Central Oregon for use on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.

Here is more from the Forest Service:

Christmas tree permits for the 2023 season will be available for purchase online at Recreation.gov. They are $5.00 per permit with an additional $2.50 reservation fee. Christmas tree permits purchased online must be printed to be valid. Traditional, in-person Christmas tree permits will be available at Forest Service offices and several participating local vendors. Individual Christmas tree permits are $5 each and households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit as a part of the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which is a national program to encourage children to visit national parks, forests, and public lands. To be eligible for the free tree permit, the student must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Information about getting the Every Kid Outdoors pass can be found HERE

Students using the Every Kid Outdoors voucher can obtain their free Christmas tree permit by visiting a Forest Service office or on Recreation.gov. The student should check the box indicating they have a pass and enter the pass or voucher number (a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). To learn more please visit: Cut a Tree for the Holidays from Your National Forest

Christmas Tree Guidance

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.

• Dress for the season. Always be prepared for the cold and snow.

• Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.

• Bring emergency supplies, including water and food and a first-aid kit.

• Remember to tell someone where you are going.

• Bring a map and compass. Your cell phone may not work.

• The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites and campgrounds, and away from areas along the sides of streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas. Check with the forest or ranger district for the specific distance.

• Select a tree with a trunk six inches or less in diameter and prepare to cut the tree no more than six inches above ground level.

• Never cut a tall tree just for the top.

• Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. Watch restricted areas. Cut only one tree per tag. 

• Attach your tree tag to harvested tree before placing in vehicle.

• Bring a rope and tarp to move your tree from the harvest area to your vehicle.

• Remember, you are responsible for your own safety and for the safety of those around you.

  For more information regarding Christmas tree permits, please visit the Deschutes National Forest website or the Ochoco National Forest website 

Redmond, Crooked River Ranch fire departments gain levy approvals

The Redmond and Crooked River Ranch fire districts won voter approval of new local option tax levies in Tuesday's special election, though it was a very close passage in Redmond.

Deschutes County Commissioners Delay Implementation of New Camping Regulations, Focus on Establishing Managed Camps and Safe Parking Solutions

Bend, OR - Deschutes County commissioners voted 3-0 to delay new camping regulations for county land by over four months. The ordinance, originally set for Nov. 21, will now take effect on March 31 next year. The delay is due to the county's inability to find suitable locations for homeless camps. The commissioners are working on creating managed camps and safe parking sites for homeless residents on public land. They are also collaborating with Gov. Tina Kotek and mayors of Bend and Redmond on a new agreement for managed camps. The delay aims to establish structured outdoor shelter opportunities while addressing the ongoing homelessness issue in the area.

Gas leak in Bend caused by damage to unmarked gas line

Traffic was diverted on Greenwood Avenue between 8^th St and 15^th St after a gas main was damaged by workers. The gas line was hit during power pole installation, causing a leak. No injuries occurred. Cascade Natural Gas failed to mark the area despite a prior request, leading to the accident. Repairs are in progress, and an investigation is underway.

^{<This is a summarized story from The Bulletin - by Morgan Owen. Please visit The Bulletin for the entire article>}

What’s Up Central Oregon?

Sounds good to US!

It's the third edition of Boneyard & Friends and this time we teamed up with the amazing Firestone Walker from Paso Robles, CA. Join us for a FW tap takeover starting at 12pm on Friday, November 10th at Boneyard Pub.

November 10th (Friday)

• 🍻 Boneyard & Friends with Firestone Walker Tap Take Over @Boneyard Brewing - 5pm

• 🎷 The Lao Tizer Band @The Oxford Hotel 6pm

• 🎭 Chicago at the Tower Theatre  7:30 pm Bend

• 🎁🛍 A Country Christmas Bazaar 9am Sisters

November 11th (Saturday)

• 🎅 Redmond Old Fashion Christmas 9am

• 🎭 Chicago at the Tower Theatre  2 pm Bend

• 🎭 Chicago at the Tower Theatre  7:30 pm Bend

• 🐎 3-Man Sorting Event by Cascade Cattle Club @Rim Rock Riders Event Center 9am

• 🎁✨ A Country Christmas Bazaar 4pm Sisters

November 12th (Sunday)

A Central Oregon Favorite

Got an upcoming event you want us to share?

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The Mountain View (Bend, OR) varsity football team has a home playoff game vs. Hillsboro (OR) on Friday, November 10 @ 7p. Playing at Mt View.

Beavers and Ducks Football Schedule