The Rogue River is one of the nation’s most beloved waterways. One of twelve original Wild and Scenic Rivers recognized by Congress in 1968, people travel from all over the world to experience this amazing place.

The Rogue Basin historically produced the most wild salmon and steelhead in Oregon outside the Columbia Basin. However, coho salmon are now listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and spring chinook and steelhead are declining.

Watch WaterWatch’s Free the Rogue campaign video:

WaterWatch has achieved its goal to free the lower 153 miles of the Rogue River and restore streamflows! This was accomplished by:

• Addressing the impacts of four dams:

Notching Elk Creek Dam - DONE!

Check out a video of the blast!

Removing Gold Hill Diversion Dam - DONE!

Removing Savage Rapids Dam - DONE!

Removing Gold Ray Dam – DONE!

Converting water rights associated with Savage Rapids Dam to instream water rights to protect streamflows in the mainstem Rogue. – DONE!

Investigating water conservation and efficiency opportunities through projects with Jackson County and the Bureau of Reclamation’s WISE Project.