Native Fish and Wildlife

Across Oregon, streams and rivers make life possible for thousands of kinds of native plants, fish, and wildlife. WaterWatch ensures our natural heritage has a voice in water management decisions.

Ribbons of Life

Rivers and streams are the arteries of life in Oregon. These waterways support fish, wildlife, and many of our most treasured native plants by providing essentials including:

  • Instream habitat 
     
  • Food and water sources
     
  • Riparian habitat areas 
      
  • Freshwater to estuaries
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“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” – W.H. Auden

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Threats to Fish and Wildlife

Dams and water diversions degrade rivers and streams across Oregon. In many places, so much water has been promised to out-of-stream uses that there is not enough left in streams and rivers to support native plants, fish, and wildlife.

Oregon’s rivers and streams face constant demands for new water from agriculture, cities, resorts, industry, and developers. When these users demand more from our rivers and streams, WaterWatch makes sure that Oregon’s Legislature and state agencies account for the water needs of native flora and fauna.

RELATED PROGRAMS

State Legislature

Water law is primarily state law. WaterWatch works at the Oregon State Capitol to provide a voice for healthy rivers and sound water policies.

Klamath Basin

To restore the Everglades of the West, WaterWatch advocates to bring the demand for water back into balance with what nature can provide for the fish, wildlife, and people who depend on the Klamath Basin’s resources.

Deschutes Basin

WaterWatch has been involved in many historic accomplishments in the Deschutes Basin over the past three decades, and continues to be a leader in improving water management and river health across the region.