OSU Extension outlines youth programs, livestock events and forestry restoration priorities for Lake County

Office Manager Jeannie Anderson and OSU Extension staff told the board about a range of programs serving Lake County youth and landowners. Education Program Assistant Luci Carter summarized nutrition and youth programs including SNAP‑Ed (healthy snack education in elementary schools), Rethink Your Drink (reducing sugary beverages), Growing Healthy Kids, Chick Hatch classroom incubators and summer Lego and STEM camps.

"SNAP‑Ed was presented at the North Lake, Fremont/A.D. Hay and Union Elementary Schools," Carter said, describing the program’s focus “to teach children to make their own healthy snacks.” 4‑H and Family Community Health Coordinator Abby Walker described upcoming livestock events — spring livestock weigh‑in, Youth Tractor Safety and the Lake County Fair — and youth leadership camps planned for summer.

Associate Professor of Forestry Kidane Giday described priorities for forestry restoration education: basic forestry courses, forest management planning, fuel reduction, post‑fire restoration and invasive‑species control. He said staff are working on carbon studies and Juniper impact monitoring. Chair Mark Albertson voiced disagreement with the stated juniper approach, saying juniper removal benefits sage‑grouse habitat.

Horticulture and regional fire staff emphasized preparedness and resources available to residents, including insect identification and online trainings. Regional Fire Specialist Ariel Cowan said Extension work focuses on building fire‑adapted communities through education and landscape‑scale assistance.

Commissioners thanked staff for the presentations. No formal action was taken; the session moved into executive session later in the morning.