Helping Lane County Search & Rescue, and Protecting Osprey
Emerald PUD is proud to be a part of the communities we serve, and we believe that giving back is an essential part of our mission. Recently, our team had the opportunity to support two important local efforts—one focused on community safety, and the other on wildlife protection.
Partnering with Lane County Search & Rescue
EPUD was honored to assist Lane County Search & Rescue (LCSR) by setting a couple of utility poles and installing crossarms at their new training site at Short Mountain. The poles are now part of a vital resource, where Search & Rescue personnel and volunteers can practice rappelling, rope rescue, and other technical rescue operations—skills that are crucial to their life-saving work.
“We’re happy to give back to our community and to an important organization in Lane County,” said EPUD Operations Manager Mark Raimer. “Projects like these remind us of the importance of teamwork and supporting those who keep our community safe.”
Providing Safe Havens for Osprey
EPUD’s care for the community also extends to our local wildlife. Osprey, the striking raptors native to our region, sometimes build their nests in less than ideal areas, including on top of power poles, on electrical equipment, and recently, on the Fern Ridge dam. These nest locations pose challenges for both the birds and people. To help remedy the situation, EPUD worked with a wildlife biologist from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install a new nesting platform across from the dam. This will help to deter the birds from nesting on the dam next year, which will protect both the osprey and the equipment on and around the dam.
EPUD has built osprey platforms like this one for many years in an effort to provide secure and attractive locations for osprey to nest, high above the ground and away from natural predators like raccoons. The elevated, 360-degree view also helps keep the osprey safe and comfortable. These ongoing efforts have made a real difference, ensuring that these majestic birds have a safe place to raise their young while keeping essential utility equipment free from nests.
Community First, Always
Whether it’s lending a hand to local organizations or looking out for our feathered friends, EPUD is dedicated to making our communities stronger, safer, and more vibrant. We’re grateful for the partnerships and opportunities that allow us to serve, and we look forward to continuing this work for years to come.
