Executive Director Update Spring 2025
By Kasey Hovik
In these challenging times, it’s heartening to
share some uplifting news from Umpqua
Watersheds. Recently, we’ve celebrated several
significant milestones that strengthen our
commitment to environmental conservation.
Shining Star
After seven years of
dedicated service as
our Office Manager
and Grant
Coordinator, we are
thrilled to announce
the promotion of
Melanie MacKinnon
to Director of
Operations, effective
March 1st. Melanie
will oversee daily operations in her new role,
ensuring our office functions efficiently. She will
continue to lead grant management efforts and
play a pivotal role in strategic planning,
collaborating with partners, and working closely
with our staff and Board of Directors to execute
our strategic plan. Melanie’s experience and
dedication uniquely position her to help Umpqua
Watersheds navigate the challenges ahead to
protect, restore, and celebrate the 100 Valleys of
the Umpqua Watersheds and beyond.
Umpqua Outback Project Approval
In late February, we received approval from the
Roseburg Community Development Department for
our Umpqua Outback project. We anticipate securing
the building permit within the next couple of weeks
and expect the stage roof to be completed early this
spring. An essential aspect of the project involved
renovating the adjacent shed by removing its ceiling
and walls and installing a new flat roof. Later this
year, we plan to construct a balcony extending the
length of the building, providing covered seating
underneath and additional seating above for events
on the Umpqua Outback Stage.
KQUA FM 90.5 Expansion
Over the past three years, we’ve worked diligently to
expand our low-power radio station, KQUA-LP 99.7
FM, to a full-power station, KQUA 90.5 FM.
In late 2022, the FCC
granted Umpqua
Watersheds a
construction permit for
this expansion. Through
the kind donations of our
members and supporters,
as well as grants from the
Oregon Community
Foundation and the
Collins Foundation, we
secured tower space on
Mount Scott, close to
Glide, and purchased a
700-pound antenna.
We filed the License to
Cover on March 3rd with
the FCC and anticipate
receiving our license to
broadcast in the coming
weeks. Once live, KQUA
90.5 FM will serve
listeners from Yoncalla to
Canyonville and continue
streaming online. KQUA will be the only full-power
community station within 100 miles of Roseburg and one
of only eight non-commercial educational (NCE) stations
in Oregon. We will continue to provide great music and
informative programs. Stay tuned for more information!
Engagement at PIELC
From February 28th to March 2nd, several Umpqua
Watersheds staff and volunteers attended the 43rd annual
Public Interest Environmental Law Conference (PIELC) at
the University of Oregon School of Law. PIELC is the
largest public interest law conference globally, attracting
participants worldwide. In addition to attending
informative panels on various topics, our team hosted a
table at the event. We also engaged with members of
partner organizations across the Pacific Northwest to
discuss and strategize responses to significant threats to
environmental policies.
It’s inspiring to witness the progress Umpqua Watersheds
is making on multiple fronts. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude to our staff and volunteers for their unwavering
dedication and to our members and supporters for their
continued commitment to our mission.
