Press Releases

Judge Upholds $77,767 in Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam Repairs

March 10, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Link to Ruling:https://waterwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DEQ_Proposed_Final_Order_030926_1.pdf Images of Concrete Spills at Winchester Dam:https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1dgZckdkZjwbbIwzJRrQZKg5Gg07VIxz6 Judge Upholds $77,767 in Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam RepairsSecond Water Quality Enforcement Ruling in Fewer than Five Years Against North Umpqua’s Biggest Fish Killer Winchester, Oregon — […]

Judge Upholds $77,767 in Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam Repairs Read More »

Coalition Urges Senators Wyden and Merkley to Oppose Public Land Giveaway for Data Center Water Use

Feb. 18, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact on behalf of the coalition:Tommy Hough, tommy@waterwatch.org Coalition Urges Senators Wyden and Merkley to Oppose Public Land Giveaway for Data Center Water UseThe proposed giveaway of 150 acres of public land from the Mt. Hood National Forest to The Dalles in HR 655 would set

Coalition Urges Senators Wyden and Merkley to Oppose Public Land Giveaway for Data Center Water Use Read More »

WaterWatch Applauds Kotek Directive to Accelerate Climate Protections for State Lands, Waters

Oct. 23, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact:Tommy Hough, tommy@waterwatch.orgKimberley Priestley, kjp@waterwatch.org WaterWatch Applauds Governor Kotek’s Directive to Accelerate Climate Protections for State Lands and WatersCiting rivers, lakes, and wetlands, an executive order issued by the governor directs state agencies to prioritize application of climate resilient strategies into existing programs. Salem, Oregon —

WaterWatch Applauds Kotek Directive to Accelerate Climate Protections for State Lands, Waters Read More »

Oregon Supreme Court Upholds Key Ruling for Drift Creek Instream Water Right

Aug. 8, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact:Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.orgBrian Posewitz, WaterWatch of Oregon, brian@waterwatch.org Oregon Supreme Court Upholds Key Ruling for Drift Creek Instream Water RightThe state’s highest court affirmed most of a lower court’s ruling protecting a tributary of the Pudding River from a proposed 70-foot dam and

Oregon Supreme Court Upholds Key Ruling for Drift Creek Instream Water Right Read More »

Thornburgh Resort Defeat Marks Reprieve for Central Oregon Fish, Wildlife, and Water

April 7, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact:Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Thornburgh Resort Defeat Marks Reprieve for Central Oregon Fish, Wildlife, and WaterState agency’s earlier denial of a limited water use license was upheld because the proposed resort would use water far more quickly than it can be naturally replenished and

Thornburgh Resort Defeat Marks Reprieve for Central Oregon Fish, Wildlife, and Water Read More »

Fishermen, Conservationists Seek Intervention in Winchester Dam Case

Feb. 10, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Groups’ Petition for Party Status: https://shorturl.at/xf5eZExhibit A of Petition: https://shorturl.at/ITXd7Exhibit B of Petition: https://shorturl.at/lBVyOExhibit C of Petition: https://shorturl.at/dYf6i Fishermen, Conservationists Seek Intervention in Winchester Dam CaseSalmon, steelhead, and livelihoods at stake in case over dam’s outdated passage facilities. Winchester,

Fishermen, Conservationists Seek Intervention in Winchester Dam Case Read More »

Rogue River Basin’s Highest Priority Barrier to Native Fish Comes Down

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 »

Coalition Letter to EPA: Use of Safe Drinking Water Act in Areas of High Nitrate Contamination

Oct. 29, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bruno PigottActing Assistant Administrator of WaterU.S. EPA Office of Water1201 Constitution Ave. NWWashington, DC 20004 Dear Mr. Pigott, Everyone in America deserves access to clean drinking water. But in multiple states and rural communities across the country, the undersigned organizations have documented numerous instances where communities face increasing threats

Coalition Letter to EPA: Use of Safe Drinking Water Act in Areas of High Nitrate Contamination Read More »

Oregon Water Partnership Applauds Adoption of New Groundwater Rules

Sept. 12, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Zach Freed, The Nature Conservancy, zach.freed@tnc.org Oregon Water Partnership Applauds Adoption of New Groundwater Rules Coalition of conservation nonprofits commends state water commission for finalizing long-needed groundwater rules that will better protect drinking water, support farming, safeguard fish

Oregon Water Partnership Applauds Adoption of New Groundwater Rules Read More »

Water Resources Commission Adopts Amended Groundwater Rules in Unanimous Vote

Sept. 12, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact:Tommy Hough, tommy@waterwatch.org WaterWatch of Oregon Commends State on Finalization of Long-Needed Groundwater Allocation Rule UpdatesRevised rules herald new era of water sustainability, marks conclusion of lengthy process to put state into alignment with mandates set out in Oregon’s landmark 1955 Groundwater Act. Central Point,

Water Resources Commission Adopts Amended Groundwater Rules in Unanimous Vote Read More »

Disappointing Columbia River Treaty “Agreement in Principle” Prioritizes Hydropower, Flood Control Over Needs of Imperiled Salmon and River Health

July 11, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact:Bill Arthur, Sierra Club, billwarthur@gmail.comJoseph Bogaard, Save Our wild Salmon Coalition, joseph@wildsalmon.orgRev. A.C. Churchill, Earth Ministry / Washington Interfaith Power and Light, ac@earthministry.orgJohn DeVoe, WaterWatch of Oregon, john@waterwatch.org Columbia River Treaty “Agreement in Principle” Prioritizes Hydropower andFlood Control Over the Needs of Imperiled Salmon and

Disappointing Columbia River Treaty “Agreement in Principle” Prioritizes Hydropower, Flood Control Over Needs of Imperiled Salmon and River Health Read More »

Third Dam Removal Completed in Nine Years in Rogue River’s Evans Creek Subbasin

June 26, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, (541) 941-9450, jim@waterwatch.orgBrian Barr, Rogue River Watershed Council, (541) 621-7226, bbarr@rogueriverwc.org Williams-Whalen Dam before and after removal images are available here: https://tinyurl.com/54dfjadxCredit photos to Rogue River Watershed Council/Crystal Nichols Third Dam Removal Completed in Nine Years in Rogue’s Evans Creek SubbasinCollaborative

Third Dam Removal Completed in Nine Years in Rogue River’s Evans Creek Subbasin Read More »

WaterWatch Supporters, Staff to Testify in Support of Groundwater Allocation Revisions at Final OWRD Groundwater Meeting in Salem

May 20, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org When Tuesday, May 21st – 5:30 to 9 p.m. (information session to begin at 5:30 p.m., public meeting to begin at 7 p.m.) Where North Mall Office Building 725 Summer St. NE Room 124 Salem, OR 97301 What The Oregon

WaterWatch Supporters, Staff to Testify in Support of Groundwater Allocation Revisions at Final OWRD Groundwater Meeting in Salem Read More »

Oregon Water Partnership Supports Appointment of Ivan Gall as Director of Oregon Water Resources Department

May 10, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Oregon Water Partnership Supports Appointment of Ivan Gall as Director of Oregon Water Resources Department Oregon Senate to begin confirmation process of 26-year agency veteran at the end of May. Salem, Oregon — The Oregon Water Partnership (OWP) supports

Oregon Water Partnership Supports Appointment of Ivan Gall as Director of Oregon Water Resources Department Read More »

Oregon Water Partnership Recognizes Progress in 2024 Legislative Session

March 20, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ahead of World Water Day, Oregon Water Partnership Recognizes Progress in 2024 Legislative Session Coalition applauds Legislature’s attention to important water issues during 32-day “short session.”  Salem, Oregon — The Oregon Water Partnership (OWP) applauds the Oregon Legislature’s attention to important water issues during the 32-day “short session,” including

Oregon Water Partnership Recognizes Progress in 2024 Legislative Session Read More »

Court Hearing in Winchester Dam Water Storage Case

Feb. 16, 2024 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.orgWHO:  Winchester Water Control District v. Oregon Water Resources Department, Dwight French (Case No. 23CV33445) WHAT:  Hearing on Oregon Water Resources Department Motion to Dismiss WHEN:  Friday, February 16, 2024 WHERE:  Marion County Circuit Court, Salem, Oregon Documents relevant to

Court Hearing in Winchester Dam Water Storage Case Read More »

Oregon Water Partnership Praises Proposal to Modernize State Groundwater Allocation Rules

Nov. 6, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Oregon Water Partnership Praises Science-Based Proposal to Modernize State’s Groundwater Allocation Rules As groundwater depletion becomes an even greater crisis throughout Oregon and the U.S., the Oregon Water Resources Department has developed science-based rules to put Oregon on a

Oregon Water Partnership Praises Proposal to Modernize State Groundwater Allocation Rules Read More »

Oregon Court of Appeals Protects Drift Creek from New Dam, Strengthens Instream Water Rights

Nov. 2, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Brian Posewitz, WaterWatch of Oregon, brian@waterwatch.org Oregon Court of Appeals Protects Drift Creek from New Dam, Strengthens Instream Water Rights Also recognizes harm done to waterways by in-channel dams and reservoirs. Salem, Oregon  —  In a major win for

Oregon Court of Appeals Protects Drift Creek from New Dam, Strengthens Instream Water Rights Read More »

Oregon Announces More Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam Repairs

Oct. 26, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Kirk Blaine, Native Fish Society, kirk@nativefishsociety.org Tommy Hough, WaterWatch of Oregon, tommy@waterwatch.org Oregon Announces More Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam Repairs Second water quality enforcement action in three years against North Umpqua’s biggest fish killer. Winchester, Oregon 

Oregon Announces More Fines Over Botched 2023 Winchester Dam Repairs Read More »

ODFW Cites “Significant and Preventable” Fish Kill in $27 Million Complaint Against Winchester Dam

Oct. 6, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Jim McCarthy, jim@waterwatch.org Tommy Hough, tommy@waterwatch.org Department of Fish and Wildlife Cites “Significant and Preventable” Fish Kill in $27 Million Complaint Against Winchester Dam Huge financial penalty among the largest issued by an Oregon state agency. Salem, Oregon — Citing the “significant and preventable” death of at least

ODFW Cites “Significant and Preventable” Fish Kill in $27 Million Complaint Against Winchester Dam Read More »

Second Rogue Basin Dam Removal Project in One Year Nears Completion

Oct. 4, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon Steve Soesbe, Siskiyou Field Institute Scott Wright, River Design Group Takelma Creek Dam before and after removal photos are available here: https://tinyurl.com/3fjd8dfm Please credit photos to River Design Group Second Rogue Basin Dam Removal Project in One Year Nears Completion

Second Rogue Basin Dam Removal Project in One Year Nears Completion Read More »

ODFW Official Acknowledges “Hundreds of Thousands” of Fish Deaths in Winchester Dam Disaster

Sept. 29, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Wildlife Official Acknowledges “Hundreds of Thousands” of Fish Deaths in 2023 Winchester Dam DisasterSenate committee probing whether state officials hold dam’s operations and maintenance to appropriate statutory, regulatory standards. Salem, Oregon — This Wednesday, during testimony before state legislators regarding botched

ODFW Official Acknowledges “Hundreds of Thousands” of Fish Deaths in Winchester Dam Disaster Read More »

Agencies Extend Winchester Dam’s Harmful Shutdown of North Umpqua Salmon and Steelhead Migration

Aug. 30, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact:Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.orgKirk Blaine, Native Fish Society, kirk@nativefishsociety.org Agencies Extend Winchester Dam’s Harmful Shutdown of North Umpqua Salmon and Steelhead MigrationNew protests planned as images circulate of imperiled summer steelhead jumping futilely at dam. Winchester, OR – Late last week, river advocates learned

Agencies Extend Winchester Dam’s Harmful Shutdown of North Umpqua Salmon and Steelhead Migration Read More »

Extensive Use of Tire Mats in Winchester Dam Repairs Sparks Fears of Toxic-Driven Fish Kill

Aug. 21, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, (541) 941-9450, jim@waterwatch.org Extensive Use of Tire Mats Use in Winchester Dam Repairs Sparks Fears of Toxic-Driven Fish Kill A compound called 6PPD-q is highly toxic to salmon and steelhead, and can kill Coho salmon within hours. Winchester, OR –

Extensive Use of Tire Mats in Winchester Dam Repairs Sparks Fears of Toxic-Driven Fish Kill Read More »

River Advocates Warn of Another Possible Fish Kill Triggered by Winchester Dam Repairs

Aug. 15, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Kirk Blaine, Native Fish Society, kirk@nativefishsociety.org PLEASE NOTE: River advocates are preparing to document another fish kill if it materializes and will be available to reporters for comment and to provide photos and video. River Advocates Warn of Another

River Advocates Warn of Another Possible Fish Kill Triggered by Winchester Dam Repairs Read More »

Winchester Dam Repairs Spark Massive Pacific Lamprey Kill

Aug. 10, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Kirk Blaine, Native Fish Society, kirk@nativefishsociety.org Winchester Dam Repairs Spark Massive Pacific Lamprey Kill Public officials launch emergency effort after private dam owners fail to adequately rescue aquatic life stranded by reservoir dewatering. Winchester Dam, Oregon — This week,

Winchester Dam Repairs Spark Massive Pacific Lamprey Kill Read More »

Winchester Dam Repairs Begin Despite Permitting Irregularities, Collapsing Summer Steelhead Run, Fears of Another Fish Kill

Aug. 3, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, jim@waterwatch.org Kirk Blaine, Native Fish Society, kirk@nativefishsociety.org Winchester Dam Repairs Begin Despite Permitting Irregularities, Collapsing Summer Steelhead Run, and Fears of Another Fish Kill Repair at dam first since botched 2018 attempt caused fish kill and polluted drinking water

Winchester Dam Repairs Begin Despite Permitting Irregularities, Collapsing Summer Steelhead Run, Fears of Another Fish Kill Read More »

Fifth Dam Removal Completed in Three Years in Rogue River’s Applegate Subbasin

Aug. 1, 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, (541) 941-9450 Brian Barr, Rogue River Watershed Council, (541) 621-7226 Lovelace Dam before and after removal images available here: https://tinyurl.com/247hhk2b Credit photos to the Rogue River Watershed Council Fifth Dam Removal Completed in Three Years in Rogue River’s Applegate Subbasin

Fifth Dam Removal Completed in Three Years in Rogue River’s Applegate Subbasin Read More »

Thirty-Two Pacific Northwest Groups Urge U.S. to Take Action to Modernize Columbia River Treaty to Avoid Ecosystem Collapse

Sept. 14, 2022 FOR  IMMEDIATE  RELEASE Media Contacts: Joseph Bogaard, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition, joseph@wildsalmon.org John DeVoe, WaterWatch of Oregon, john@waterwatch.org Thirty-Two Pacific Northwest Groups Urge U.S. to Take Action to Modernize Columbia River Treaty to Avoid Ecosystem Collapse Organizations call on the U.S. to add ecosystem function as a third primary purpose of

Thirty-Two Pacific Northwest Groups Urge U.S. to Take Action to Modernize Columbia River Treaty to Avoid Ecosystem Collapse Read More »

Three Priority Dam Removals Completed in Rogue’s Applegate Subbasin

Oct. 13, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contacts: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon Brian Barr, Rogue River Watershed Council Harboldt Dam before and after removal images here: https://tinyurl.com/eaz9kswe Credit photos to Crystal Nichols, Rogue River Watershed Council Three Priority Dam Removals Completed in Rogue’s Applegate Subbasin Collaborative project benefits salmon and steelhead while meeting private land use needs. Wilderville,

Three Priority Dam Removals Completed in Rogue’s Applegate Subbasin Read More »

Administrative Hearing Underway Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair

Juy 13, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For hearing call-in information, please contact: Jim McCarthy, jim@waterwatch.org Administrative Hearing Underway Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair River advocates intervene to protect North Umpqua River water quality. Salem, Oregon — River advocates are at work today to hold a polluter accountable for a botched October 2018 repair at

Administrative Hearing Underway Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair Read More »

Administrative Hearing Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair Begins July 13 River Advocates Intervening to Protect North Umpqua Water Quality

FOR HEARING CALL-IN INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org Administrative Hearing Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair Begins July 13 River Advocates Intervening to Protect North Umpqua Water Quality Salem – Next week, river advocates will again be working to hold a polluter accountable for a botched October 2018 repair at

Administrative Hearing Over Botched 2018 Winchester Dam Repair Begins July 13 River Advocates Intervening to Protect North Umpqua Water Quality Read More »

Fishermen, Conservationists Demand Action Against Outlaw Dam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2021 CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org Fishermen, Conservationists Demand Action Against Outlaw Dam Known Safety Issues Still Unrepaired on High-Hazard Winchester Dam Seventeen Months After Owners Put on Notice River Advocates’ Letter Regarding Winchester Dam Safety: https://bit.ly/31wiPB2 Winchester Dam October 2019 State Safety inspection Letter: https://bit.ly/3g4tedU Roseburg

Fishermen, Conservationists Demand Action Against Outlaw Dam Read More »

Northwest Senators Urged to Reject Rep. Simpson’s Disastrous Plan for Endangered Salmon

For Immediate Release, March 16, 2021 Contact: Quinn Read, Center for Biological Diversity, (206) 979-3074, QRead@biologicaldiversity.org John DeVoe, WaterWatch of Oregon, john@waterwatch.org, (503) 295-4039 x 1 Kurt Beardslee, Wild Fish Conservancy, kurt@wildfishconservancy.org, (206) 310-9301 David A. Moskowitz, The Conservation Angler, david@theconservationangler.org, (971) 235-8953 Northwest Senators Urged to Reject Rep. Simpson’s Disastrous Plan for Endangered Salmon

Northwest Senators Urged to Reject Rep. Simpson’s Disastrous Plan for Endangered Salmon Read More »

River Advocates Applaud Ruling Protecting North Umpqua Water Quality

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2020 CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org River Advocates Applaud Ruling Protecting North Umpqua Water Quality Administrative Law Judge Finds Botched Winchester Dam Repairs Not Exempt From Law Link to Ruling: https://bit.ly/39vGBAZ Advocates’ August 2020 Letter Regarding Winchester Dam’s Pollution Record: https://bit.ly/2K4ZkKg DEQ’s Amended Notice of Civil Penalty

River Advocates Applaud Ruling Protecting North Umpqua Water Quality Read More »

River Advocates Await Ruling on Botched Winchester Dam Repair

MEDIA ADVISORY: December 9, 2020 CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org River Advocates Await Ruling on Botched Winchester Dam Repair 2018 Incident on North Umpqua River Killed Fish, Polluted Drinking Water for 37,700 People DEQ’s January 2020 Notice of Civil Penalty to Basco Logging: https://bit.ly/3lTYVb8 Agency Documents and Photos Regarding 2018 Pollution Spill:

River Advocates Await Ruling on Botched Winchester Dam Repair Read More »

Fishermen, Conservationists Score Another Win Against Outlaw Dam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 2, 2020 CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org Fishermen, Conservationists Score Another Win Against Outlaw Dam High-hazard Winchester Dam to Comply with Public Safety Regulations for First Time in Decades River Advocates’ October 2020 Letter Regarding Winchester Dam Safety: https://bit.ly/2VvTwfo Winchester Dam’s October 2019 State Safety Inspection Letter: https://bit.ly/3g4tedU

Fishermen, Conservationists Score Another Win Against Outlaw Dam Read More »

Fishermen, Conservationists Go to Court Over Outlaw Dam

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2020   CONTACT: Jim McCarthy, WaterWatch of Oregon, 541-708-0048, jim@waterwatch.org   Fishermen, Conservationists Go to Court Over Outlaw Dam Dilapidated, high-hazard Winchester Dam is harming fish, water quality, and livelihoods   Court filing available here. Winchester Dam fact sheet available here.   Roseburg ¬– Steamboaters, WaterWatch of Oregon, and the

Fishermen, Conservationists Go to Court Over Outlaw Dam Read More »