This story was initially published by the Daily Yonder and Climate Central. Will and Julie Volpert have been leading white water rafting trips on Southern Oregon’s Rogue and Klamath rivers for over ten years through their company Indigo Creek Outfitters in the small town of Talent, Oregon. The rafting season, from May to September, is ideal for river excursions, as the snowpack-fed cold water offers a cool respite from the hot summer weather. Unfortunately, wildfire smoke has become a recurring issue in the region.
“We’ve been in operation here since 2011, and almost every year there’s some smoke that comes in and is noticeable on our trips,” said Will Volpert. He recommends scheduling trips before the third week of July when the likelihood of smoke in the air is lower. Federal data shows that air quality tends to decline in late July and August, leading to customer cancellations and reduced business opportunities.
Running a business affected by wildfire smoke has become a common occurrence for the Volperts, often taking a personal toll. It used to cause him considerable stress, as their livelihood heavily depends on the summer season. Like the Volperts, many people in rural communities experience stress from the smoke, which affects farms, outdoor-based businesses, and mental health.
Wildfire smoke has become a pervasive form of air pollution in Southwestern Oregon, causing unhealthy air conditions and a variety of health issues. The Rogue Valley, a hub for outdoor activities, sees the effects of smoke more prominently due to atmospheric conditions that keep the smoke close to the ground. It impacts not only physical health but also mental well-being, which can lead to increases in rural suicides.
The Almeda Fire in September 2020, which destroyed thousands of buildings and caused several casualties, has added another layer of anxiety to the smoke season for many residents. The trauma from surviving the fire and the ongoing impacts of the smoke have had lasting effects on the community.
