Zach Urness
@oregonoutdoors.bsky.social
I cover Oregon's outdoors for the Salem Statesman Journal, Eugene Register-Guard and USA Today. Environment/recreation/public lands. Explore Oregon Podcast. Author: Best Hikes w/kids Oregon
Salem, Marion County and others spent Oct. 6 working to convince a federal judge to halt the planned 'deep drawdown' of Detroit Lake. It's an issue I've been writing about for years now, and his decision will be a big one. Here's six takeaways from the hearing: tinyurl.com/2s4ftpe8
October 7, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Salem, Marion County and others spent Oct. 6 working to convince a federal judge to halt the planned 'deep drawdown' of Detroit Lake. It's an issue I've been writing about for years now, and his decision will be a big one. Here's six takeaways from the hearing: tinyurl.com/2s4ftpe8
Reposted by Zach Urness
Benefits like: All the art sucks now, all the writing sucks now, every website and app runs like shit, every search engine is broken, the environment is being poisoned, jobs are being lost, and all your creative output and also photos of your family are being feasted on like carrion.
Sam Altman to Decoded: ‘The world should accept some bad things happening’ for the benefits of AI
politi.co/4rJE8dI
politi.co/4rJE8dI
Sam Altman to Decoded: ‘The world should accept some bad things happening’ for the benefits of AI
politi.co/4rJE8dI
Sam Altman to Decoded: ‘The world should accept some bad things happening’ for the benefits of AI
politi.co/4rJE8dI
www.politico.com
October 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Benefits like: All the art sucks now, all the writing sucks now, every website and app runs like shit, every search engine is broken, the environment is being poisoned, jobs are being lost, and all your creative output and also photos of your family are being feasted on like carrion.
Huge court case tomorrow.
Salem and Marion County are asking a judge to halt the planned ‘deep drawdown’ of Detroit Lake.
They’re worried about water quality, rec, tourism. Army Corps says they’re legally required to make it easier for spring Chinook to migrate thru the dam: tinyurl.com/4sf26t6p
Salem and Marion County are asking a judge to halt the planned ‘deep drawdown’ of Detroit Lake.
They’re worried about water quality, rec, tourism. Army Corps says they’re legally required to make it easier for spring Chinook to migrate thru the dam: tinyurl.com/4sf26t6p
October 5, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Huge court case tomorrow.
Salem and Marion County are asking a judge to halt the planned ‘deep drawdown’ of Detroit Lake.
They’re worried about water quality, rec, tourism. Army Corps says they’re legally required to make it easier for spring Chinook to migrate thru the dam: tinyurl.com/4sf26t6p
Salem and Marion County are asking a judge to halt the planned ‘deep drawdown’ of Detroit Lake.
They’re worried about water quality, rec, tourism. Army Corps says they’re legally required to make it easier for spring Chinook to migrate thru the dam: tinyurl.com/4sf26t6p
Reposted by Zach Urness
Damn, hit ‘em with the lookback
October 5, 2026 at 12:44 AM
Damn, hit ‘em with the lookback
Fun fact: one of Mount Hood and Oregon’s greatest hikes is named for a newspaperman and an outdoor lover who organized the Pacific Northwest Ski Association.
It's one of the best hikes you can take in the autumn: tinyurl.com/mu2myrem
It's one of the best hikes you can take in the autumn: tinyurl.com/mu2myrem
October 1, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Fun fact: one of Mount Hood and Oregon’s greatest hikes is named for a newspaperman and an outdoor lover who organized the Pacific Northwest Ski Association.
It's one of the best hikes you can take in the autumn: tinyurl.com/mu2myrem
It's one of the best hikes you can take in the autumn: tinyurl.com/mu2myrem
Reposted by Zach Urness
If you didn't already hate Meta, Mark Zuckerburg, and data centers, Meta is using the latter to cheat on their taxes.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/t...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/t...
How Meta Uses A.I. Data Centers to Avoid Billions in Federal Taxes
Meta is exploiting a lucrative tax break intended to support research and experimentation. Its own accountants say the gambit is risky.
www.nytimes.com
September 30, 2026 at 12:03 PM
If you didn't already hate Meta, Mark Zuckerburg, and data centers, Meta is using the latter to cheat on their taxes.
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/t...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/30/t...
Oregon's wildfire season a record saw 2.1 million acres burn — almost entirely east of the Cascades — and a record cost of $1.4 billion.
Fire crews saved communities, and two firefighters lost their lives. But a lack of fire bosses also led to major frustration. We go deep: tinyurl.com/m4ebk2rb
Fire crews saved communities, and two firefighters lost their lives. But a lack of fire bosses also led to major frustration. We go deep: tinyurl.com/m4ebk2rb
September 30, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Oregon's wildfire season a record saw 2.1 million acres burn — almost entirely east of the Cascades — and a record cost of $1.4 billion.
Fire crews saved communities, and two firefighters lost their lives. But a lack of fire bosses also led to major frustration. We go deep: tinyurl.com/m4ebk2rb
Fire crews saved communities, and two firefighters lost their lives. But a lack of fire bosses also led to major frustration. We go deep: tinyurl.com/m4ebk2rb
It hasn’t been an easy few years for outdoor retailers in Oregon, but there are some bright spots.
Intern Riley Ellis reports on a beloved fly shop based in Albany that’s weathered all the storms since 2002 and is still thriving: tinyurl.com/2p9wd5z7
Intern Riley Ellis reports on a beloved fly shop based in Albany that’s weathered all the storms since 2002 and is still thriving: tinyurl.com/2p9wd5z7
September 29, 2026 at 6:09 PM
It hasn’t been an easy few years for outdoor retailers in Oregon, but there are some bright spots.
Intern Riley Ellis reports on a beloved fly shop based in Albany that’s weathered all the storms since 2002 and is still thriving: tinyurl.com/2p9wd5z7
Intern Riley Ellis reports on a beloved fly shop based in Albany that’s weathered all the storms since 2002 and is still thriving: tinyurl.com/2p9wd5z7
It’s been a rough few years for Oregon’s outdoor gear shops — many have closed or are struggling.
We talked to the owner of Peak Sports in Corvallis, which recently downsized, about why it’s been so tough: tinyurl.com/4p7ce9mx
We talked to the owner of Peak Sports in Corvallis, which recently downsized, about why it’s been so tough: tinyurl.com/4p7ce9mx
September 28, 2026 at 2:56 PM
It’s been a rough few years for Oregon’s outdoor gear shops — many have closed or are struggling.
We talked to the owner of Peak Sports in Corvallis, which recently downsized, about why it’s been so tough: tinyurl.com/4p7ce9mx
We talked to the owner of Peak Sports in Corvallis, which recently downsized, about why it’s been so tough: tinyurl.com/4p7ce9mx
Damn, West Wing gets no respect these days.
The White Lotus over the Leftovers this is my joker origin story
Here’s The New York Times 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century: www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
September 25, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Damn, West Wing gets no respect these days.
20 Oregon state parks opened to drone use, frustrating some www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
September 25, 2026 at 2:52 PM
20 Oregon state parks opened to drone use, frustrating some www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
Willamette Pass Ski Resort triples snow-making capacity www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel... via @salem_statesman
Willamette Pass Ski Resort triples snow-making capacity
Willamette Pass Ski Resort will more than triple its snowmaking capacity this winter to extend its season and offer more consistent winter conditions.
www.statesmanjournal.com
September 24, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Willamette Pass Ski Resort triples snow-making capacity www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel... via @salem_statesman
Cash-strapped Oregon town to sell its city museum www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
Cash-strapped Oregon town to sell its city museum
The Independence city council on Sept. 22 approved the sale of the building housing the Heritage Museum for $750,000.
www.statesmanjournal.com
September 24, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Cash-strapped Oregon town to sell its city museum www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
Oregon approved purchase of Abiqua Falls and another property nearby for $2 million on Sept. 23, setting the stage for development of a new state park.
But commissioners acknowledged it will be “daunting” to create a park — esp facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall: tinyurl.com/29wp66uh
But commissioners acknowledged it will be “daunting” to create a park — esp facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall: tinyurl.com/29wp66uh
September 23, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Oregon approved purchase of Abiqua Falls and another property nearby for $2 million on Sept. 23, setting the stage for development of a new state park.
But commissioners acknowledged it will be “daunting” to create a park — esp facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall: tinyurl.com/29wp66uh
But commissioners acknowledged it will be “daunting” to create a park — esp facing a multi-million dollar budget shortfall: tinyurl.com/29wp66uh
An inspiring story about a Newport man who lost his leg in an accident — and suffers from debilitating pain — who goes to incredible lengths to ride the ocean waves. Great story and video from our outdoors journalism intern Riley Ellis: tinyurl.com/bdfwxbzz
September 22, 2026 at 10:38 PM
An inspiring story about a Newport man who lost his leg in an accident — and suffers from debilitating pain — who goes to incredible lengths to ride the ocean waves. Great story and video from our outdoors journalism intern Riley Ellis: tinyurl.com/bdfwxbzz
holy hell. I mean I'm honestly not that surprised but holy hell.
But I mean, Pablo showed us journalism could be done in an quasi-influencer way so maybe we ink stained wretches just need to perfect our "hey guyyyys"
But I mean, Pablo showed us journalism could be done in an quasi-influencer way so maybe we ink stained wretches just need to perfect our "hey guyyyys"
Met with 36 journalists in NYC this week to talk about climate change and economic trends and as depressing as that reality is, what takes the cake was learning that McClatchy, right after recent mass layoffs at the Miami Herald, posted positions for influencers at pay exceeding most reporters.
September 21, 2026 at 11:19 PM
holy hell. I mean I'm honestly not that surprised but holy hell.
But I mean, Pablo showed us journalism could be done in an quasi-influencer way so maybe we ink stained wretches just need to perfect our "hey guyyyys"
But I mean, Pablo showed us journalism could be done in an quasi-influencer way so maybe we ink stained wretches just need to perfect our "hey guyyyys"
SOS! Three tourists were stranded by the tide at Lost Boy Beach near Oceanside on Sept. 16, according to the Netarts-Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District.
Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer described the individuals as "tourists trying to get a dramatic photo opportunity." tinyurl.com/2wy74ku3
Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer described the individuals as "tourists trying to get a dramatic photo opportunity." tinyurl.com/2wy74ku3
September 18, 2026 at 11:42 PM
SOS! Three tourists were stranded by the tide at Lost Boy Beach near Oceanside on Sept. 16, according to the Netarts-Oceanside Rural Fire Protection District.
Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer described the individuals as "tourists trying to get a dramatic photo opportunity." tinyurl.com/2wy74ku3
Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer described the individuals as "tourists trying to get a dramatic photo opportunity." tinyurl.com/2wy74ku3
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde would receive more than 18,000 acres of federal public land east of Hebo, near Lincoln City, if a bill introduced this week in Congress passes.
It’s an example of the “land back movement" that's been gaining steam: tinyurl.com/3w2tmu4x
It’s an example of the “land back movement" that's been gaining steam: tinyurl.com/3w2tmu4x
September 18, 2026 at 3:31 PM
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde would receive more than 18,000 acres of federal public land east of Hebo, near Lincoln City, if a bill introduced this week in Congress passes.
It’s an example of the “land back movement" that's been gaining steam: tinyurl.com/3w2tmu4x
It’s an example of the “land back movement" that's been gaining steam: tinyurl.com/3w2tmu4x
Reposted by Zach Urness
"Yes, care about the real kids who really die because of the bullshit I told their incredibly gullible parents. But what about the imaginary kids I made up? Don't they deserve sympathy for their non-existent injuries, too?"
RFK Jr: "We care about every child who dies from measles. They get headlines. We should care about the children who are dying or suffering or being injured by vaccine injuries."
September 17, 2026 at 7:32 PM
"Yes, care about the real kids who really die because of the bullshit I told their incredibly gullible parents. But what about the imaginary kids I made up? Don't they deserve sympathy for their non-existent injuries, too?"
A federal judge on Sept. 14 ordered Oregon to stop releasing summer steelhead, a non-native species meant for recreational fishing, into the North Santiam River: tinyurl.com/mdpf63z7
September 17, 2026 at 8:28 PM
A federal judge on Sept. 14 ordered Oregon to stop releasing summer steelhead, a non-native species meant for recreational fishing, into the North Santiam River: tinyurl.com/mdpf63z7
Oregon wildlife officials want to reduce the cougar population in a southeastern Oregon mountain range to help the number of bighorn sheep grow: tinyurl.com/2ratp3wy
September 17, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Oregon wildlife officials want to reduce the cougar population in a southeastern Oregon mountain range to help the number of bighorn sheep grow: tinyurl.com/2ratp3wy
Vandals significantly damaged a cabin essential to Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol operations at Gold Lake Sno-Park east of Oakridge last weekend.
A website has been set up so the public can help cover some of the repair costs.
Full story: tinyurl.com/5x3nwm6e
A website has been set up so the public can help cover some of the repair costs.
Full story: tinyurl.com/5x3nwm6e
September 15, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Vandals significantly damaged a cabin essential to Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol operations at Gold Lake Sno-Park east of Oakridge last weekend.
A website has been set up so the public can help cover some of the repair costs.
Full story: tinyurl.com/5x3nwm6e
A website has been set up so the public can help cover some of the repair costs.
Full story: tinyurl.com/5x3nwm6e
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission will vote whether to officially purchase Abiqua Falls and another 160-acre property downstream at its upcoming meeting. It could mean a new state park, and quite a stunner, for Oregon: tinyurl.com/yc5y8cs2
September 14, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission will vote whether to officially purchase Abiqua Falls and another 160-acre property downstream at its upcoming meeting. It could mean a new state park, and quite a stunner, for Oregon: tinyurl.com/yc5y8cs2
Cost hits $100K to repair Oregon Coast state park restrooms vandalism www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
Cost hits $100K to repair Oregon Coast state park restrooms vandalism
Repairs to the Oregon state park restrooms that were vandalized along the coast in Lincoln County are estimated to cost near $100,000.
www.statesmanjournal.com
September 10, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Cost hits $100K to repair Oregon Coast state park restrooms vandalism www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/l... via @salem_statesman
Oregon and 19 other states sue Trump Administration for its narrowing and weakening of the federal Endangered Species Act: tinyurl.com/3nea49sf
September 9, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Oregon and 19 other states sue Trump Administration for its narrowing and weakening of the federal Endangered Species Act: tinyurl.com/3nea49sf