Please help stop a public land grab that puts Mt. Hood’s forests, rivers, fish, and wildlife at risk. Weigh in NOW with testimony! As we’ve shared since the beginning of the year, HR 655 is a dangerous bill that would transfer 150 acres of federal public land from the Mt. Hood National Forest, including water […]
The summer issue of our Instream newsletter features the latest in our campaign to remove Winchester Dam, drought concerns, legislative successes, data centers, and more. With outdoor season upon us and Oregon’s drought increasing in severity throughout the state, there’s no doubt summer is here. And with that, the 16-page summer issue of our Instream
This article appears in the summer 2026 issue of WaterWatch of Oregon’s Instream newsletter. The effects of climate change on Oregon’s river ecosystems have been stark. Low snowpack, warming temperatures, and shifting hydrology are exacerbating long-standing challenges facing Oregon’s over-tapped rivers. Climate change is also increasing incidents of drought, with 2026 being no exception.
Instream: Oregon’s Tools to Protect Rivers in Times of Drought Read More »
This article appears in the summer 2026 issue of WaterWatch of Oregon’s Instream newsletter. Data centers present new challenges for Oregon’s waters, often in places where rivers, aquifers, imperiled species — and communities — have nothing left to give. Data centers use water in several ways. Some use water to cool clusters of servers housed
Instream: The Explosive Growth of Data Centers and HR 655 Read More »
Support WaterWatch throughout the day on Tuesday, June 30th, during a daylong Oakshire Inspires event benefitting WaterWatch of Oregon at Oakshire Brewing’s Portland Beer Hall. Join WaterWatch on Tuesday, June 30th, at the Oakshire Portland Beer Hall at 5013 NE 42nd Ave. for a daylong Oakshire Inspires event benefit in support of WaterWatch of Oregon. As part of Oakshire Brewing’s support for local
Join WaterWatch for a Special Oakshire Inspires Event Read More »
Weigh in with your support to modernize and improve key Oregon water management tools at a virtual information meeting this Monday the 22nd, or by submitting responses to four short online surveys by 5 p.m. this Friday the 26th. The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is seeking public input this week on a critically-needed rulemaking
Take Action — Weigh in Now to Strengthen Water Management Read More »
As Oregon’s drought emergency grows more severe, check back at this page or at our Oregon 2026 Drought page for the latest updates and additions to this list of drought-related news stories from local, state, and national outlets and publications. If you see a news story we missed, let us know. Metolius Headwaters Remain Near
WaterWatch will be along the banks of the Clackamas River east of Estacada this weekend as part of 40th annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival. We’ve got a big weekend planned as WaterWatch of Oregon will be along the banks of the Clackamas River near Estacada as the only onsite nonprofit at the 40th annual ClackFest,
This article originally appeared in the spring 2026 issue of WaterWatch of Oregon’s Instream newsletter. Despite an abundance of precipitation that fell in the final days of winter that helped take the edge off Oregon’s 2026 snowfall deficit, this winter will be remembered as one of Oregon’s worst in terms of overall snowfall totals. Even
Instream: Dire Winter Snowpack Raises Drought Concerns Read More »
April 22, 2026 In the midst of a difficult moment for our nation’s environmental safeguards, this may be the most important and meaningful Earth Day. With our special connections to rivers, water, fish, wildlife, and the outdoors, Earth Day is an important day for those of us in Oregon. We’d like to wish you an
This article originally appeared in the spring 2026 issue of WaterWatch of Oregon’s Instream newsletter. In December, the state designated the Harney Basin a Critical Groundwater Area with the adopted rules for cutting back groundwater pumping to stabilize groundwater levels by 2058. This marks a major step forward for Oregon groundwater policy, and the culmination
Instream: Harney Basin Groundwater Protection Hits Major Milestone Read More »
This article originally appeared in the spring 2026 issue of WaterWatch of Oregon’s Instream newsletter. Shortly after the New Year, WaterWatch began to help assemble a coalition of angling, land-use, and conservation organizations to prevent the giveaway of public lands in the Mt. Hood National Forest proposed by HR 655, a troubling bill that would
Instream: HR 655 is a Bad Deal for Our Rivers and Public Lands Read More »
With Governor Tina Kotek signing HB 4134 into law, the 1.25% for Wildlife campaign comes to a successful conclusion in Oregon. At WaterWatch, our work is focused on protecting and restoring the streamflows that power our state’s world-class rivers and streams, which in turn provide vital habitat, foraging grounds, and migratory corridors for a variety
1.25% for Wildlife Success Marks Historic Win for Oregon’s Fish, Wildlife, and Habitats Read More »
The North Umpqua River’s salmon and steelhead will find it easier to move upstream and downstream past Winchester Dam by 2029, thanks to a final fish passage order approved by a 6-to-1 vote of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in February. The action came after the Winchester Water Control District, which owns the dam,
Instream: Wins Continue for the Free the North Umpqua Campaign Read More »
The weather is warming, flowers and trees are blooming, allergies are raging, water is flowing cold, and the spring issue of Instream is arriving in mailboxes now. Featuring a cover photo of Mt. Hood and the Sandy River Valley by photographer Josemaria Toscano, each issue of Instream is a collaborative effort by the WaterWatch staff
Spring 2026 Issue of Instream Arriving in Mailboxes Now Read More »
Friday’s virtual meeting of Oregon’s Data Center Advisory Committee focused on the impacts of data centers on water resources. The more Oregonians learn about data centers and their rapid growth, along with the ongoing impact of data centers on water, energy rates, communities, and our environment overall — the more Oregonians have become increasingly uncomfortable
Water Issues Centered at Meeting of Data Center Advisory Committee Read More »
Senator Ron Wyden911 NE 11th Ave.Suite 630Portland, OR 97232 Senator Jeff Merkely121 SW Salmon St.Suite 1400Portland, OR 97204 February 18, 2026 Dear Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley, On behalf of our tens of thousands of members and supporters across Oregon, we write to object to the giveaway of public lands in the Mount Hood National
Coalition Letter to Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley Urges Opposition to HR 655 Read More »
WaterWatch and our allies need your immediate help to prevent passage of HB 4006, a bill that would exempt Umatilla Basin irrigators that divert water from the Columbia River from key water laws that every other farmer in the state must adhere to. If passed, HB 4006 would fundamentally change water right management of Columbia
Submit Written Testimony NOW to Help Stop a Bad Columbia River Water Bill Read More »
As Oregonians we know how beautiful our state is, and the diversity of habitats and wildlife we love are part of what makes Oregon such a special place to live. With Oregon’s short legislative session for 2026 getting underway today, the 1.25% for Wildlife bill is back before policymakers with bipartisan support as HB 4134.
Submit Testimony Now in Support of the 1.25% for Wildlife Bill at HB 4134 Read More »
Download a PDF of this job description here. Jan. 9, 2026 DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR WaterWatch of Oregon is seeking a Development Director to help develop and implement strategic fundraising for the organization to meet its annual budget and fund expansion set forth in WaterWatch’s Strategic Plan. WaterWatch is an environmental non‐profit organization founded in 1985 with
You did it! The landmark 1.25% for Wildlife initiative is now law! Dedicated funding for Oregon fish, widlife, and habitat is secrued. The Latest Huge news as Governor Tina Kotek has signed the 1.25% for Wildlife bill into law, marking a huge win for Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and habitat — and putting a successful punctuation
Congratulations! Governor Kotek Signs 1.25% for Wildlife Bill Into Law! Read More »
Dec. 31, 2025 In these final hours of 2025, the WaterWatch of Oregon team is taking stock of a challenging, but also busy and successful year for Oregon’s rivers and water — plus we celebrated our 40th anniversary with you throughout the year! As we look toward 2026 we’re reminded again of our collective commitment to
There’s Still Time to Support Oregon’s Rivers in 2025! Read More »
As the print edition of our 2025 Accomplishments Report begins to arrive in mailboxes, a PDF of our report is online now. With the holiday season in full swing and the end of the year fast approaching, we’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Accomplishments Report will arrive shortly in mailboxes. While there’s no doubt 2025
WaterWatch’s 2025 Accomplishments Report Out Now Read More »
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has filed applications to establish 44 new instream water rights in Oregon’s North Coast and Mid-Coast regions, and with the public comment period closing this Thursday, Dec. 18th, at 5 p.m. we need your help NOW to ensure legal protections are secured for these beloved coastal rivers and streams — from the Nehalem
Act Now to Support New Instream Water Rights in Oregon’s Coastal River Basins Read More »
As we prepare to go to court to help defend several challenges to ODFW instream water right applications in the Umpqua Basin, we need your help to support our efforts. Signed into Oregon state law in 1987, the landmark Instream Water Rights Act remains one of WaterWatch’s earliest successes and lasting accomplishments, and allows three
Support Our Work to Defend Instream Water Rights Read More »
In September, the Oregon Water Resources Commission adopted the 2025 update to the Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS), Oregon’s blueprint for meeting instream and out-of-stream water needs into the future. In 2009 WaterWatch helped shape the law that sets the framework for the IWRS. Working closely with then-state Senator Jackie Dingfeler, WaterWatch convinced the Oregon
What a fantastic time we had on Nov. 1st! Thank you for being a part of it! Thank you to everyone — our attendees, our volunteers from Lewis and Clark College, the caterers at Elephant’s Deli, the audio-visual team at David Efaw Productions, the staff at Castaway Portland, photographer Nina Johnson, our Golden Ticket holders, and everyone who provided auction packages for
By WaterWatch of Oregon Staff Oct. 30, 2025 Western water law is full of strange contradictions and paradoxical constructs. Water is extremely valuable, yet water itself is absolutely free. Water is valuable, yet we do not measure the majority of society’s use of water. When a pioneering group of Rogue River anglers came together in
Instream: The First Four Decades of WaterWatch of Oregon Read More »
As we inch closer to WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction on Saturday, Nov. 1st, at Castaway Portland, we can’t believe the volume of auction packages we still want to share with you ahead of doors opening. One thing we do know is if you love to fish, you’ll be right at
If You Love Fishing, You Won’t Want to Miss This Year’s Live or Silent Auctions Read More »
A petition filed by Representative Mark Owens would undermine proposed rules to stabilize groundwater in the Harney Basin. The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is moving to designate the Harney Basin in the high desert of southeast Oregon a “critical groundwater area” to ensure more sustainable groundwater levels. Proposed rules developed over the course of a lengthy and exhaustive public
Take Action! Help Stop a Bad Groundwater Deal for the Harney Basin! Read More »
Our discounted early bird ticket pricing for WaterWatch’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction has now closed. Don’t worry — you still have up to a day before our 40th Anniversary Event on Saturday, Nov. 1st, to purchase tickets at our regular rate of $150 per ticket. Purchase your tickets here. Plan now to join us Nov. 1st
Early Bird Pricing for Our 40th Anniversary Celebration Has Closed Read More »
We hope you enjoyed your Labor Day holiday weekend with family and friends, and we’re thrilled to announce the winner of our guided fishing raffle with Nick Rowell of Anadromous Anglers are Steve and Debra L., a couple whose names were drawn earlier with the close of our August Matching Campaign. Steve and Debra will
And the Winner of Our August Fishing Trip Raffle Is…. Read More »
WaterWatch will be on the Rogue this Saturday, Aug. 23rd, along with anglers, Spey casters, fly fishing guides, casting instructors, and exhibitors from across the Pacific Northwest at the inaugural Rogue Spey Clave. We hope you’ll join us at Griffin Park on the Rogue River and learn more about WaterWatch’s laser focus on ending the
Rogue Dam Removals and This Saturday’s Rogue Spey Clave Read More »
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 »
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 »
Thank you to WaterWatch members, supporters, and friends for your responses in letting the Oregon Water Resources Department know you support the adoption of strong rules to sustain groundwater, habitat, and species in the Harney Basin over the last month. After an extensive, multi-year, multi-stakeholder process and in-depth scientific study, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) issued
By John DeVoe with Tommy Hough 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
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 »
By Jim McCarthy The Rogue River has historically supported the largest runs of wild salmon and steelhead in Oregon outside of the Columbia Basin. In turn, this abundance has supported commercial and recreational fishing jobs throughout our region, seafood production, and world class recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, Rogue Coho salmon are now listed as threatened under
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 »
