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U.S. gender wage gap grows for the first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Oregon Public Lands Await Volunteers' "TLC"

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Thursday, September 24, 2015   

PORTLAND, Ore. - More than two dozen projects on national forests in Oregon need volunteers this Saturday for National Public Lands Day. Much of the work to be done is trail maintenance and cleanup, but there's also some painting and sprucing up of park structures in a few areas.

Public lands are "on duty" each and every day, and they contribute millions to Oregon's tourism and recreation economy. So Emily Biesecker, volunteer coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region, says spending one day a year to pitch in on the chores is a bargain - and can be fun.

"There is the need for volunteers in all the resource areas that the Forest Service protects - recreation, wildlife, forestry, fire," says Biesecker. "You name the interest and the ability, and there will be a way for you to volunteer."

People who volunteer this Saturday will receive a coupon for future free admission to a Forest Service site. Information about many of the projects is online at publiclandsday.org.

Biesecker says 15,000 people volunteer in Washington and Oregon, and some make it a tradition, coming back to the same forest or park every year.

Long after National Public Lands Day and the busy season for forests and campgrounds, the volunteer needs continue - and not all require physical labor.

Jocelyn Biro, regional developed-recreation program manager for the Forest Service, describes one person who gives his time as a retired archaeologist and historian.

"He's helping in our office as we speak, cataloging historic documents," says Biro. "So, those things are equally important, as well as getting on the ground and doing trail maintenance."

Biro says anyone can contact their nearest national forest office and ask about individual or group projects, or get referrals to organizations they work with on volunteer projects.

Many state and local parks also are planning weekend events.




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