_{Wood River, Klamath Basin.
Copyright Ken Morrish.}

Oregon's world-class rivers define our state. They provide  refuge from the daily grind, unparalleled fishing and birdwatching opportunities, diverse boating activities, and a chance to stay connected to the natural world. Oregon's rivers also harbor magnificent fish such as coho and chinook salmon, several kinds of trout, and steelhead.

Rivers Need Water

Sustaining our many connections to our rivers requires safeguarding river health. River health depends on adequate amounts of water being left in our rivers to provide for clean water, recreation, and abundant fish and wildlife for today and for future generations. 

Streamflow performs essential functions in rivers, including:

• providing for life-cycle needs, such as spawning and rearing, for fish and other aquatic organisms
  
• maintaining healthy riparian areas
• creating and maintaining important in-river habitat such as pools
• flushing sediment and pollutants out

Safeguarding Oregon's Rivers

WaterWatch works for healthy rivers by protecting and restoring streamflows across Oregon. Learn more about our Programs to protect streamflows.