The Remodel
US Forest Service building in Enterprise after July fire.
As I am writing this, movers are hauling boxes, carting furniture and rolling desks out the door. OPB is remodeling the building here in Portland and at the same time the Rural Economy Project comes to an end, a poetic coincidence that heralds a new beginning for us all.
This does not mean however that reporting or conversations on rural issues will end. On the contrary, OPB is committed to providing more expansive and more dynamic coverage of issues in the Northwest – and I believe much of that new coverage will rely on the knowledge, relationships and experience developed, in part by the rural economy project. We are truly in an age of technology that has changed how, when, where and what new toy we communicate with. Personally I can’t wait for more rural communities to come on line because it’s a voice that needs to be at the table as critical resources come under increasing pressure. (And by resources I mean intellectual resources from people connected to place as well as those related to land, water and air, etc.)
As for me, I learned a ton from this project and am grateful for the time and friendships I found at OPB. From blogs to back yard broadcasting, I was continually reminded how to push on perceived boundaries with little more than determination and a healthy dose of flexibility.
Thanks for tuning in and turning up the volume for rural Oregon over the last few months. You can see any of the stories we produced on our project page or visit RIPPLE to follow stories into the future. Stay tuned for more from OPB and to my friends, stay in touch.
