Water News

Instream: In Conversation with Karen Russell, a WaterWatch Original Watchdog

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 »

Instream: Free the Rogue Milestones

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

Instream: Free the Rogue Milestones Read More »

WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction

After months of preparation — atop a highly challenging year advocating for our world-class rivers — WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction arrives at Castaway Portland this Saturday evening, Nov. 1st. We’re looking forward to catching up with you along with WaterWatch’s diverse community of anglers, birders, boaters, conservationists, and river fanatics to

WaterWatch of Oregon’s 40th Anniversary Celebration and Annual Auction Read More »

Keep Oregon’s Rivers Flowing with a Gift from a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)

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 »

Take Action to Save the Endangered Species Act

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

Take Action to Save the Endangered Species Act Read More »

Instream: Safeguarding Streamflows in Water Right Transfers

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 »

Instream: Winchester Dam Removal Closer Than Ever as Legal Battles Continue

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 »

Instream: Bob Hunter Reflects on the Early Years of WaterWatch of Oregon

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 »

Join Us in Eugene This Wednesday the 30th for an Oakshire Inspires Benefit

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 »

Action Needed — Speak Out Against a Terrible Bill for Rivers!

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 »

Take Action NOW on SB 427 — Oregon Rivers Need Water, and Our Help

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 »

Action Alert — Speak Up Now for Critical Investments in Oregon’s Waters!

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 »

Show Your Love for Oregon Rivers with One of Our Valentine’s Day River Cards

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 »

WaterWatch of Oregon 40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottles

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 »

Support New Instream Water Rights in the South Willamette Basin by Jan. 16th

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 »

Make a Gift Today to Support Our Work Freeing the Rogue

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 »

Double Your GivingTuesday Impact for WaterWatch with a Huge Matching Opportunity — Today Only!

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

Double Your GivingTuesday Impact for WaterWatch with a Huge Matching Opportunity — Today Only! Read More »

A Message from Our Executive Director on the Presidential Election

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 »