Aug. 13, 2025 In a win for WaterWatch of Oregon and instream water rights, the Oregon Supreme Court last week upheld most of a 2023 Court of Appeals decision that affirmed a 2019 Oregon Water Resources Commission decision to deny a permit to construct a 70-foot high dam and 384-acre reservoir on Drift Creek, an 11-mile tributary of the Pudding River in Marion […]
Oregon Supreme Court Protects Instream Water Rights Read More »
By John DeVoe The Deschutes, Rogue, and Klamath rivers. The Willamette and the McKenzie. Much of WaterWatch’s work protects and restores cold water habitat on these iconic Oregon rivers. But that’s not all WaterWatch does. WaterWatch has a 40-year tradition of protecting and restoring smaller, more intimate and remote streams no less critical for fish
Instream: Forty Years of Protecting and Restoring Lesser-Known Treasures in Oregon Read More »
Join WaterWatch of Oregon and a giant cast of anglers, Spey casters, fly fishing guides, casting instructors, and exhibitors from across the Pacific Northwest at the inaugural Rogue Spey Clave on Saturday, Aug. 23rd, at Griffin Park on the Rogue River. Organized by longtime Oregon fly fishing guides and Spey casting instructors Jon Hazlett and Dax Messett, the Rogue Spey Clave takes inspiration from events
Join WaterWatch at the Inaugural Rogue Spey Clave Aug. 23rd Read More »
Let the Oregon Water Resources Department know you support adopting strong rules to sustain groundwater, habitat, and species in the Harney Basin. After an extensive, multi-year, multi-stakeholder process and in-depth scientific study, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has issued proposed rules to establish a critical groundwater area in the Harney Basin which would ultimately allow the agency to
As part of WaterWatch’s 40th anniversary, we’re featuring articles in Instream and at WaterWatch.org that highlight our work and success over the last four decades, and profiling some of the people who played key roles in building WaterWatch’s legacy. By Tommy Hough WaterWatch staff, board, and alumni often offer unprompted credit to Karen Russell for
Instream: In Conversation with Karen Russell, a WaterWatch Original Watchdog Read More »
A recap of the 2025 long Oregon legislative session in Salem. By Kimberley Priestley, WaterWatch Senior Policy Advisor WaterWatch has been a dogged voice for rivers in the Oregon legislature for the past 40 years, and 2025 was no different as we tirelessly advocated for rivers in deliberations on over 120 water bills, a dozen
Instream — Fighting for Rivers During the 2025 Legislative Session Read More »
It may be the middle of summer, but no matter the season or time of year blueberries are always a welcome treat. And you and your family are invited to join us this Saturday, Aug. 2nd, for a special blueberry picking benefit for WaterWatch at Muir Blueberry Farm in Hillsboro as Muir Farm donates all
Join WaterWatch on Aug. 2nd for a Daylong Blueberry Benefit Event in Hillsboro Read More »
Tickets to our 40th Anniversary Celebration of Oregon Rivers are now on sale! WaterWatch members, supporters, family, friends, and colleagues are cordially invited to our annual gala and auction event on Saturday, Nov. 1st, for the biggest river party of the year. This year, to help celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’ve changed venues and are
Tickets On Sale Now for WaterWatch’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction Read More »
If you’re in the Portland area today — Tuesday, July 15th — stop by and join us at the Oakshire Brewing Portland location for a daylong Oakshire Inspires event benefitting WaterWatch of Oregon! WaterWatch staff and board members will be on-site at the Portland Beer Hall from 4 to 7 p.m. at 5013 NE 42nd
Join WaterWatch at Oakshire’s Portland Beer Hall July 15th Read More »
As you’ve seen in our recent action alerts, the legislative session in Salem is about to end for the year, and a number of important environmental bills are still jockeying for votes. One bill that would make major improvements to Oregon’s fish and wildlife conservation funding is close to passing, but we need your help to give
Take Action Now to Support HB 2977 for Oregon’s Fish and Wildlife Read More »
Across Oregon, compromised streamflows and fish passage barriers are threatening native salmon and steelhead, birds, amphibians, and wildlife — as well as disrupting the ecosystems and communities that depend on healthy rivers. That’s why, for over 40 years, WaterWatch has worked to protect and restore natural streamflows and groundwater to ensure our rivers have enough water
Keep Oregon’s Rivers Flowing with a Gift from a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Read More »
Clean water, strong rivers, and healthy fish and wildlife are part of Oregon’s identity, yet many of our state’s outdated water laws are at odds with those values. Right now we have a chance to protect the public benefits our rivers provide by tightening a dangerous loophole that currently allows the Oregon Water Resources Department
We Need Your Support for Oregon Senate Bill 1153 NOW Read More »
Please speak up NOW to help us stop three bad rules bills targeting state rulemakings, agency discretion, and executive functions. The three bills — HB 3569, HB 2692, and HB 2454 — follow the ongoing federal trend of blurring the lines between the three branches of government, and gives the regulated industry a leg up
Please Weigh in NOW Against Three Bad Rules Bills Read More »
The White House is threatening the integrity of the federal Endangered Species Act by proposing to remove the regulatory definition of “harm.” As part of its ongoing campaign attacking long-standing U.S. environmental laws and policies, the White House is threatening a critical underpinning of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) by proposing to remove the regulatory definition of “harm,” which is
At no other moment since the first Earth Day 55 years ago has our nation’s conservation legacy been so threatened. Earth Day is a special day for everyone who loves and appreciates life on our planet as we celebrate habitat, species, vast landscapes, clean air, and the water that renews and recharges our rivers, streams,
Critical Support Needed for Rivers This Earth Day Read More »
By Brian Posewitz WaterWatch recently completed a contested case hearing seeking to prevent a water right transfer from exacerbating low streamflows in Bridge Creek, a tributary to the John Day River with important habitat for threatened steelhead. Bridge Creek Ranch, an affiliate of Papé Machinery that owns and operates Painted Hills Reservoir, wants to move
By Jim McCarthy This past fall, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists found fall chinook salmon spawning in a stretch of the Illinois River previously submerged under the Pomeroy Dam reservoir pool. This development came just a few months after WaterWatch removed the 10-foot high, 270-foot wide concrete structure from this Rogue Basin tributary,
Instream: Chinook Spawn in Former Pomeroy Dam Reservoir Site Read More »
By Kimberley Priestley An unintended regulatory loophole in Oregon’s water transfer laws allow old water rights to serve new uses, move to new diversion points, or change the place of use without any environmental review, effectively nullifying Oregon’s ability to protect instream values on hundreds of streams across the state. Currently, transfer applicants only need
Instream: Safeguarding Streamflows in Water Right Transfers Read More »
By Jesse Robbins Last summer, Seattle-based author, angler, musician, and conservationist Steve Duda and I visited bookstores and readers in Beaverton and Bend — and even made an appearance on KOIN-TV’s AM Extra morning program in Portland — to share and help promote Steve’s book River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing and discuss fly
Instream: Life Lessons from Author and Angler Steve Duda Read More »
By Lisa Brown WaterWatch went to trial in March regarding a water right for a proposed large-scale open pit mine along Grave Creek in Sunny Valley. A popular put-in for boaters, Grave Creek is an important stream for salmon, steelhead, and lamprey that flows into the Rogue River at the upper end of its Wild
Instream: WaterWatch Back in Trial to Protect Grave Creek Read More »
By Jim McCarthy In February, WaterWatch and our allies Steamboaters and Pacific Coast Federations of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA) secured formal permission to participate in a state fish passage enforcement proceeding which may ultimately determine the fate of the 135-year old Winchester Dam, a privately owned former hydropower structure near Roseburg commonly known as the biggest
Instream: Winchester Dam Removal Closer Than Ever as Legal Battles Continue Read More »
By Tommy Hough One of WaterWatch of Oregon’s founding board members and long-time staff attorney, Bob Hunter participated with WaterWatch’s founders, Tom and Audrey Simmons, in the early discussions leading up to the organization’s establishment. As part of our 40th anniversary archival project, Instream recently spoke with Bob about the early years of WaterWatch, and the
Instream: Bob Hunter Reflects on the Early Years of WaterWatch of Oregon Read More »
By Neil Brandt Despite the threats of federal rollbacks to bedrock environmental statutes, slashing of key federal agency personnel, and wholly unprecedented attacks on our nation’s conservation legacy, we at WaterWatch are nevertheless celebrating our four decades of work and success in 2025. Despite the chaos coming out of Washington, D.C., we continue to see
April 8, 2025 The spring issue of our Instream newsletter is arriving in mailboxes now, featuring a striking aerial cover photo of the McKenzie River by photographer Nicholas J. Klein. One of Oregon’s great groundwater-fed rivers, the McKenzie drains about 1,300 square miles on its route from the Cascades to the Willamette River, with 12 miles of its length protected as
The environmental headlines have been difficult to digest lately, but we’re having a fantastic spring season here in Oregon, so we invite you to take a break and join us in Eugene on Wednesday to enjoy some conservation camaraderie, warmer weather, and an opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors about upcoming river adventures, fishing
Join Us in Eugene This Wednesday the 30th for an Oakshire Inspires Benefit 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 »
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 »
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
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
