Our Mission
McKenzie Community Communications is a 501(c)(3) founded to keep our community connected during emergencies—when all else fails (like cell phone towers), and you need it most. Who are we? We’re your neighbors and friends —the ones who wave as you pass by, share our harvests, fresh eggs, homemade bread, seeds, and flowers. We swap stories and lend a hand, whether it’s clearing fallen branches in the rain or checking in during a storm. And, like you, we care about what’s happening in our neighborhood. That’s why some of us got together to create MCC radio network after the Holiday Farm fire in 2020 to help keep our community connected during critical times.
Armed with a small grant, they were able to acquire the proper radio gear and real estate access on Deathball Mountain and a hilltop near Leaburg to set up a GMRS radio network with solar backup. Our range extends from McKenzie Bridge to Walterville. Their efforts have attracted more than 50 active members. What do we do now? Many participate in weekly radio check ins, to practice radio skills. And many attend potlucks to get to know each other face-to-face. It’s an active and growing group – join us!
MCC’s goal is to provide resilient and reliable communications infrastructure to the McKenzie River Community, to support emergency community radio communications and long term, reliable, broadband internet service.
McKenzie Free WiFi
MCC is currently providing two free public WiFi sites based on the emergency internet hotspots developed by the Oregon Internet Response (OIR) group following the Holiday Farm Fire. Hotspots are now operating in McKenzie Bridge and Rainbow. A third is under development for Blue River, in collaboration with the Cascade Relief Team, to serve much of the downtown area. At least two more hotspots are planned for Vida and Leaburg. Your support is needed!
We need your support to expand our offerings of free Wi-Fi Hotspots in the McKenzie River Valley!
McKenzie Community Communications Emergency Communications Planning
McKenzie Community Communications (MCC) and our community partners operate a valley-wide emergency communications network using a Neighbor-to-Neighbor framework, organized into 3 zones along the river. We need your help! Visit our GMRS page to learn more
“This Is A Test!“
Thanks to a grant from Oregon Community Foundation, MCC is operating a valley-wide GMRS radio network that will function even when all other communication options fail. The network is intended to eventually provide reliable radio connections from the Hoodoo ski area to Cedar Flat – more than 50 miles. The GMRS repeater network will offer an additional layer of communications to the area and is not intended to replace systems operated by the Sherriff or County emergency responders. This system will allow the community to relay real-time status reports from on the ground.