Local planning underway to foster positive experience for October 14 eclipse

/

Stock photo

The following is a press release from Klamath County.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - The Klamath area is known for its year-round sunshine. In fact, the region will be the center of attention on October 14 for the sliver of sunlight seen around the moon during the eclipse.

The annular eclipse is six weeks away, but planning and coordinating are happening to make the experience positive for local residents and the expected visitors. A 12-agency Multi-Agency Coordination Group, known as “MAC,” is working to ensure the health and safety of everyone in Klamath County during the eclipse period.

“The first and highest priority is and always will be the safety of first responders, the public, and communities,” said Klamath County Commissioner Dave Henslee, liaison to the multiagency coordinating group organizing proactive response. “Ultimately, it is our commitment to work collaboratively, sharing critical information and resources, which enables all partners to meet common objectives.”

This planning process honors the ability of each individual agency to respond to its respective priorities while providing the flexibility to move and position resources for efficient and effective service.

For instance, law enforcement will have extra officers on duty as traffic increases before and after the eclipse.

“We are planning now to address issues that will arise. Crater Lake has been noted as a spectacular viewpoint for the eclipse by national publications,” said Henslee. “We are having conversations about traffic flow now to have resources in place as they are needed.”

Henslee noted that much information has been gleaned from the Oregon counties that had many visitors during the Great Eclipse of 2017.

“In addition to the coordinating group, there are also seven subgroups working to address specific needs within the community, such as information,” said Henslee.

“Strong relationships and partnership are part of the Klamath experience,” said Henslee. “With everyone working together, the eclipse and its potential concerns will be addressed in a timely way.”

Multiagency Coordinating Group

  • Bureau of Land Management

  • Klamath County Board of County Commissioners

  • Klamath County Emergency Management

  • Klamath County Fire Chief

  • Klamath County Sheriff’s Office

  • The Klamath Tribes

  • National Parks Service

  • Oregon State Police

  • Oregon Department of Transportation

  • Sky Lakes Medical Center

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

  • U.S. Forest Service

EDITORS NOTE:
Several public and private events are planned for the October 2023 eclipse. At this time, we are aware of special viewing events at the Running Y Ranch and EclipseFest in Fort Klamath. As well as viewing opportunities at the Klamath County Museum. If you have an event we are unaware of, please let us know by emailing news@klamathfallsnews.org.