Project Updates: April 2023 UCP Meeting

Our April 6 meeting reflected how many community-led projects are growing strong roots in Pine Valley. Here’s a look at where things stand.

PV2050: From Vision to Action

We’re grateful to Becky Kaaen, who recently stepped up as chair of the PV2050 initiative. Under her leadership, PV2050 continues to transition from listening to planning.
The “coffee talks” phase has ended, and the team is now organizing a large community gathering in the coming months. This event will be an opportunity for neighbors to learn about the projects taking shape and to get involved directly. A few of the emerging project ideas include:

Local jobs for youth: A plan to train teens in roles like farm sitting

Reviving Cornucopia cabin: A potential community restoration effort

Creating a daycare, a co-working space, and a tool/repair café

Trail development and support for gym/track facilities

Community garden and housing efforts

And yes, ideas as unique as the “wigwam burner” are still in the mix

Already, the PV2050 steering committee has greenlit three substantial efforts:

Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) – Nearing completion, this plan will be handed off to the Pine Valley Rural Fire District to help guide local response strategies.

Halfway Main Street Revitalization – This group held its first planning meeting on March 22. The aim is to support our downtown in ways that reflect community needs and honor local character.

Pine Valley Museum Archiving Project – This effort is ready to transition directly into the capable hands of the museum.

Want to pitch an idea? Visit PV2050’s website to submit a project proposal or sign up to help.

Firewise: May 20 Event + Major Grant in the Works

Pine Valley Firewise is ramping up for a special Firewise Day on May 20. This year, we’re teaming up with the Oregon Small Woodlands Association to provide practical workshops on:
Home hardening (making homes more resistant to wildfire)

Fuels reduction strategies

Community education around fire preparedness

Debi reported that UCP submitted a grant proposal through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative, made possible by Senate Bill 762. If approved, we will receive $243,000 upfront to fund three years of fuels reduction and seasonal cleanup days across the valley. The team identified two initial projects but may expand to four if capacity allows. We expect to hear about funding in April.

With only $65.30 currently in the unrestricted Firewise account, this grant would make an enormous difference in our ability to continue this work at scale.

The Village Fund: Continuing Compassionate Support

Since April 2020, the Village Fund has reviewed **41 total applications**, assisting neighbors with essentials like:
Rent and house payments

Utility bills and phone services

Food

Auto repair

Insurance

In 2022 alone, the fund approved 9 of 10 applications. For 2023, four applications have already come through. As of this meeting, the fund holds $1,961.62. With the current phase set to expire on April 20, the Village Fund committee will meet this month to decide whether to extend the program and begin fundraising again.

UCP fully supports continuing this project if the team behind it chooses to move forward.

Organizational News

-Pam submitted a Letter of Inquiry for a general operations grant through the **Oregon Community Foundation**. We’ll know by April 20 if we are invited to submit a full application. – The board unanimously voted to adopt an updated HR and anti-discrimination policy. – We also approved a proposal for UCP board insurance. – A $650 grant was approved to support Pine Fest, a beloved local event.

Key Goals for the Year

We’re focused on: – Recruiting members and collecting dues – Building a network of community members with skills and service ideas – Expanding public awareness of UCP and our work – Inviting a student to join the board for a year – Supporting Senior High School projects through UCP
These aren’t just aspirations. They’re areas where we want to see growth and fresh energy from folks in Pine Valley. If any of these goals spark your interest, reach out.

Meeting Moments

The meeting ended with a roundtable and a bit of personal check-in time—a reminder that relationships are the heart of UCP’s work. The next UCP meeting will be held on **May 4 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.**