By Mateusz Perkowski | March 27, 2025 | Capital Press Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek backs a bill would create a “targeted review” of water transfer requests to ensure they don’t impair water quality or threatened, endangered, or sensitive aquatic species. Of the three bills proposing to reform Oregon water rights transfers this legislative session, the […]
Governor Kotek Backs Oregon Water Transfer Reviews Read More »
In February we urged you to speak in support of SB 427, a bill that would safeguard streamflows in water right transfers, and you came through. This month we asked for your support for SB 1153, a similar bill that would ensure fish and water quality are not harmed in water right transfers. And once again,
Submit Testimony on an Important Bill for Oregon Streams Read More »
By Mateusz Perkowski | March 20, 2025 | Capital Press Two Oregon lawmakers want to streamline how water rights disputes are resolved but the proposal is drawing criticism from organizations representing farmers and environmentalists. The amount of time needed to process certain water rights applications has been the subject of “constant complaints,” but grumbling won’t
Streamlined Water Rights Dispute Procedures Raise Due Process Fears Read More »
March 18, 2025 When it comes to our shared values in conservation, a healthy environment, and a fair and just society, we are in the midst of an extraordinary, uncertain moment in our nation’s history. Conservation may be a core American value, but our nation’s environmental legacy is now under assault by our own federal
Immediate, Actionable Opportunities for Oregon’s Rivers Read More »
By Samantha Kadera | March 11, 2025 | KDRV News WaterWatch of Oregon is urging residents to oppose House Bill 3501, a bill that would prevent the state from considering the public interest, such as the impacts to fish, wildlife, and water quality, when reviewing water right transfers. The bill would weaken protections for Oregon’s
WaterWatch of Oregon Takes Stand Against HB 3501 Read More »
By Mateusz Perkowski | March 11, 2025 | Capital Press Public interest considerations couldn’t weigh on water rights transfers under an Oregon House bill, clashing with Senate legislation that would strengthen environmental reviews of such transactions. Proponents say House Bill 3501 would simply preserve the “status quo,” since state water regulators already don’t consider the
Oregon Proposals Clash Over Water Rights Transfer Reviews Read More »
Spring is nearly here, and that means it’s time to stretch, shake the winter off your legs, and get some mud on your boots as the weather warms and the trails clear — at least at lower elevations. To help plan your first hikes of the year, we’ve included a link to our Springtime River
By Brinkley Hill | March 7, 2025 | KDRV News The Pomeroy Dam was demolished and removed from the Illinois River during the summer of 2024, but the overall project continues this spring with infrastructure improvements to benefit native fish habitat and river ecosystems. WaterWatch of Oregon, a statewide environmental organization focused on streamflows and
Work Continues on Pomeroy Dam Project, Improving Illinois River Health Read More »
We have an urgent matter that needs your attention NOW. Please speak up in opposition to HB 3501, a terrible bill that would prohibit the state from considering public interest values, including effects on fish, wildlife, and water quality, when evaluating applications to change existing water rights in a process called a “transfer.” Background: While other states
Action Needed — Speak Out Against a Terrible Bill for Rivers! Read More »
By Mateusz Perkowski | Feb. 22, 2025 | Capital Press Oregon lawmakers may overhaul grant-making policies for water projects, which an environmental group worries would undermine public benefits in the name of improving efficiency. The Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Agriculture Committee have introduced House Bill 3364, which would revise numerous rules for
By Mateusz Perkowski | Feb. 21, 2025 | Capital Press Oregon farm organizations are leery of a bill that would buttress the state government’s authority to require irrigators to measure and report water use. State regulators have been able to require irrigators to measure water use under certain circumstances for more than a century, but
Oregon’s outdated water laws have long favored extraction over protection, but we have a chance to do something about it — in this legislative session. We have an opportunity to close a harmful regulatory loophole in Oregon’s water transfer laws which allows old water rights to serve new uses, move to new diversion points, or change the place of
Take Action NOW on SB 427 — Oregon Rivers Need Water, and Our Help Read More »
By Mateusz Perkowski | Feb. 14, 2025 | Capital Press Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill to expedite aquifer recharge projects but a group of irrigators is questioning whether the proposal goes far enough. Under House Bill 2988, state agencies would be directed to “reduce barriers” and expand the practice of recharging aquifers, which included
Irrigator Group Wants More “Teeth” for Aquifer Recharge Proposal Read More »
Feb. 17, 2025 As our climate grows increasingly warmer and drier, Oregon needs effective science and data-driven water management. With climate change and water scarcity upon us, it’s imperative that Oregon invest in its water. The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is charged with managing Oregon’s waters, but the agency needs data, science, and management positions
Action Alert — Speak Up Now for Critical Investments in Oregon’s Waters! Read More »
Feb. 14, 2025 Despite the chaos and uncertainty unfolding in Washington with our federal government, WaterWatch of Oregon continues our tireless work and advocacy day after day for cold, free-flowing Oregon rivers — including your favorite river! So with today being Valentine’s Day, show your love and support for Oregon’s rivers by sharing one of
Show Your Love for Oregon Rivers with One of Our Valentine’s Day River Cards Read More »
This year marks WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th anniversary — that’s 40 years of fighting for cold, healthy, and free-flowing rivers in Oregon. With your help, we’ve spent four decades advocating and working for instream water rights, water policy reform, removal of obsolete dams and fish passage barriers, and sustainable and equitable water management here in Oregon,
WaterWatch of Oregon 40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottles Read More »
By Claire Huber | Jan. 27, 2025 | The Cool Down The privately-owned Pomeroy Dam in southern Oregon has been removed from the Illinois River. As detailed by KLCC Radio, removing this dam will allow migratory fish native to the Illinois River to pass the irrigation dam’s original site without harm for the first time
Feb. 26, 2025 You may recall the fascinating image of the Wild and Scenic portion of Rogue River featured on the cover of the fall issue of our Instream newsletter, created through the use of a remote sensing technique called LiDAR, which is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, which uses lasers to create three-dimensional
Thanks to Cartographer Daniel Coe for His Fascinating Presentation Read More »
The Caddis Fly | Jan. 12, 2025 | Oregon Fly Fishing Blog Last spring the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced it applied for over 260 new instream water rights in the Willamette River system to protect instream flows for native fish and wildlife in the North Willamette, Mid-Willamette, and South Willamette basins.
The Caddis Fly: Support New Instream Water Rights in the South Willamette Basin Read More »
Jan. 11, 2025 WaterWatch supporters and several staff and board members donned binoculars on Jan. 11th for a special birdwatching trip to Sauvie Island in the Columbia River, led by Mike Houck, executive director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute. One of dozens of auction packages from our annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers auction event in
WaterWatch Auction Winners Sauvie Island Birding Trip Read More »
Jan. 7, 2025 As mentioned in Currents and elsewhere on the WaterWatch of Oregon website, the final package of new Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) instream water right applications to legally protect natural flows in the basins of the Willamette River includes 98 streams and tributaries now being considered in the South Willamette,
Support New Instream Water Rights in the South Willamette Basin by Jan. 16th Read More »
By Gloria Coleman | Dec. 23, 2024 | Roseburg News-Review On Sept. 17, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) issued a Notice of Noncompliance to the Winchester Water Control District (WWCD) regarding the Winchester Dam. The notice highlighted unauthorized repair activities, including concrete capping and foam injections, which deviated from the 2022 temporary
Dec. 23, 2024 Happy holidays to you and your family! As WaterWatch recently detailed in our 2024 End of the Year Accomplishments report, now complemented by an online edition, it was another busy year. Over the last several days we’ve shared updates on our work to free the North Umpqua River of Winchester Dam, our success in the Rogue
Another Busy Year Protecting Oregon’s Rivers and Waterways Read More »
Dec. 20, 2024 As we showcase our 2024 End of the Year Accomplishments report, one campaign where WaterWatch continues to get big results is our long-standing effort to Free the Rogue from artificial barriers to native fish in order to bolster salmon and steelhead populations, enhance recreation and fishing opportunities, and increase resiliency to climate change. For decades, WaterWatch
Make a Gift Today to Support Our Work Freeing the Rogue Read More »
Dec. 6, 2024 With 2025 less than a month away, we’re happy to report WaterWatch of Oregon had another big year with several key accomplishments and landmark wins in our mission to protect and restore Oregon’s rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers. From a major victory for long-term water sustainability with the state’s adoption of new
Sharing Our End of the Year Accomplishments Report Read More »
As we reflect on the past year at WaterWatch, we have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for. We are especially grateful for supporters like you who continue to make it possible to protect and restore Oregon’s rivers, streams, lakes, and aquifers for the fish, wildlife, and people that depend upon
WaterWatch of Oregon 2024 End of the Year Accomplishments Read More »
By Alejandro Figueroa | Dec. 4, 2024 | Oregon Public Broadcasting The Harney Basin region in southeast Oregon sits in a semi-arid high desert. Yet, it’s dotted with green circles of water-hungry alfalfa grown for cattle feed. For years, scientists have closely studied the basin to get a more clear picture of just how much
With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season has arrived. And with it, the arrival of GivingTuesday today through 9 p.m. this evening! Since its inception in 2012, GivingTuesday has grown into a global generosity movement that inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity in efforts to transform their communities and the world. You can
By Chrissy Ewald | Nov. 27, 2024 | Grants Pass Daily Courier Demolition is complete of a concrete dam that used to arc 270 feet across the Illinois River near Cave Junction and blocked access to 100 miles of spawning grounds for salmon, steelhead, and other migratory fish. The removal of the Pomeroy Dam marks
On the Illinois River, Pomeroy Dam is Now Just a Memory Read More »
Nov. 27, 2024 Dear Friend, Going into this long holiday weekend, we at WaterWatch would like to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for, and I hope each of you can enjoy the next several days with family, friends, and loved ones. Here at WaterWatch, we’re especially thankful for
WaterWatch Thanksgiving Message from Executive Director Neil Brandt Read More »
By Kade Stirling | Nov. 26, 2024 | KOBI-TV News With the successful removal of Pomeroy Dam, the Rogue Basin’s highest-priority barrier to native fish has come down. WaterWatch of Oregon, the statewide water conservation group, worked with state and national partners like the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and the U.S. Forest
Pomeroy Dam Removal Complete, Construction Continues Into 2025 Read More »
By Roman Battaglia | Nov. 26, 2024 | Jefferson Public Story The Pomeroy Dam was first built in 1896 for irrigation. The current concrete version of the dam was built in the 1940s. Since then, it’s prevented fish like salmon and steelhead from going upstream to spawn in one of the Rogue River’s major tributaries.
A 126-Year-Old Dam Comes Down on the Illinois River Read More »
Nov. 26, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.orgScott Wright, River Design Group/SWCA Environmental Consultants, scott.wright@swca.com Pomeroy Dam, West Side Road culverts before and after images here:https://tinyurl.com/3ebb76cmPlease credit photos to Crystal Nichols/Dustin Saigo Rogue River Basin’s Highest Priority Barrier to Native Fish Comes DownOngoing multi-barrier collaborative effort benefits salmon
Rogue River Basin’s Highest Priority Barrier to Native Fish Comes Down Read More »
By Emily Cureton Cook | Nov. 25, 2024 | Oregon Public Broadcasting A planned destination resort draws on deep pockets to battle state regulators in a high-stakes court case. In the witness box of a Deschutes County Circuit courtroom this month, Kameron DeLashmutt told the story of his connection to nearly 2,000 waterless acres near
By Sophia Cossette | Nov. 21, 2024 | Woodburn Independent A decade-long fight over the water rights to stream water in Marion County may finally be coming to a head. The dispute between the East Valley Water District and the environmental nonprofit WaterWatch of Oregon over water law involving a proposed dam on Drift Creek
Water Permit Dispute Over Potential Drift Creek Dam Reaches Oregon Supreme Court Read More »
By Bill Poehler | Nov. 8, 2024 | Salem Statesman Journal Oregon Supreme Court justices Thursday heard an appeal of a ruling denying a water right to a group of farmers in Marion and Clackamas counties who want to build a dam on a creek where cutthroat trout spawn. The lawyer for the East Valley
Oregon Justices Hear Appeal from Farmers Who Want to Build a Dam on Drift Creek Read More »
Nov. 8, 2024 I realize many of us have been feeling upset, anxious, and concerned over the last couple of days. The presidential election results present new and unprecedented challenges for the environment and the conservation movement. It’s understandable to feel disheartened. While there is no doubt the second Trump administration will bring fresh threats
A Message from Our Executive Director on the Presidential Election Read More »
Nov. 7, 2024 WaterWatch of Oregon was at the Oregon Supreme Court today for oral arguments to defend our victory last year at the Court of Appeals on an instream water right on Drift Creek, a tributary of the Pudding and Molalla rivers. These arguments are the latest in a case dating back to 2014, when
By Lily Roby | Nov. 7, 2024 | Courthouse News After more than two decades of fighting, the East Valley Water District appeared before the Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday to once again push for approval of a water permit for a proposed dam. The district — which represents farmers between Silverton, Woodburn, and Molalla
Battle Over Oregon Dam Reaches State Supreme Court Read More »
Nov. 2, 2024 Staff and board at WaterWatch of Oregon are heartbroken to learn of the death of long-time Oregon conservationist Bob Sallinger, who served as the executive director of Willamette Riverkeeper and Bird Conservation Oregon, in addition to his 30 years as conservation director at the Bird Alliance of Oregon in its previous incarnation
WaterWatch Statement on the Passing of Bob Sallinger Read More »
