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 »
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
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 »
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
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 »
Last spring the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced it had applied for over 260 new instream water rights in the Willamette River system to protect instream flows for native fish and wildlife, including applications in the North Willamette, Mid-Willamette, and South Willamette basins. Public comment for streams and tributaries in the North
Your Support for New Willamette Instream Water Right Applications is Invaluable Read More »
Oct. 31, 2024 A year has passed since WaterWatch completed a priority fish barrier removal project on Takelma Creek in the Illinois River subbasin of the Rogue, and positive responses continue to pour in from both the local salmon population and the region’s scientific community. The multi-faceted Takelma project opened access to 3.5 miles of
Accolades and Salmon Follow Another Rogue Basin Dam Removal Read More »
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
Oct. 25, 2024 The fall issue of our Instream newsletter is arriving in mailboxes now, and despite teases the cover photo is an image of a plant, blood vessel, or microbe, it’s actually a portion of the Wild and Scenic stretch of the Rogue River. Taken by cartographer Daniel Coe, who has designed maps for National Geographic, Atlas
The Fall Issue of Our Instream Newsletter is Arriving in Mailboxes Now Read More »
Oct. 24, 2024 By John DeVoe For thousands of years, cultures and economies and ways of life have been tied to the Columbia River and its fish. The Columbia River is, by volume, the fourth-largest river in the United States. While 40 percent of the river’s mileage is in Canada, for some, the international border
Instream: Missed Opportunities in the Columbia River Treaty Update Read More »
Oct. 24, 2024 By Jesse Robbins For trout anglers in Oregon, fall and winter are especially intriguing times of year. Across the state are numerous trout fisheries available to anglers willing to put on some extra layers. Three are discussed here, and there’s enough water between them to keep any angler busy for both seasons.
Casting a Line: Fall and Winter Fishing in Oregon Read More »
Oct. 24, 2024 By Jim McCarthy We’re thrilled and honored to announce the WaterWatch-led Takelma Creek Barrier Removal Project, completed in 2023, has won the 2024 Western District American Fisheries Society Award of Excellence in Riparian Management. This multi-faceted project is primarily located on Siskiyou Field Institute property in the Illinois River subbasin of the
Instream: WaterWatch-Led Fish Barrier Removal Project Wins Award Read More »
Oct. 24, 2024 By Jim McCarthy While it seemed unfathomable to some a few short years ago, the largest dam removal in U.S. history wrapped up this summer as structural demolition ended on the lower four Klamath River dams. Beginning with the removal of Copco No. 2 last year, this historic success marks a victory
Instream: Klamath River Hydro Complex Demolition Concludes, But Work Remains Read More »
Oct. 24, 2024 By WaterWatch of Oregon Staff In a monumental step forward for Oregon’s water future, the Oregon Water Resources Commission unanimously voted on Sept. 12th to adopt rigorous new groundwater allocation rules for the state. As an organization that has long highlighted the ongoing over-allocation of groundwater in Oregon, WaterWatch is thrilled to
Instream: Groundwater Success and a Victory Worth Savoring Read More »
