Oct. 5, 2024 We’ve arrived! Today is the day of our annual auction event. We can’t wait to see you this evening at our 22nd Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers! To help you get ready, we’ve added some final details and reminders below. Please feel free to connect with development officer Jesse Robbins if you […]
WaterWatch’s 22nd Annual Celebration of Oregon’s Rivers — What to Know Before You Go Read More »
Sept. 26, 2024 We need your help TODAY to support new legal protections for instream flows for fish in Oregon’s beloved Willamette River system! Comments are due today at 5 p.m., so please TAKE ACTION NOW. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has applied for 269 new instream water rights, including 102 in the
Deadline to Support for Flow Protections for North Willamette is Today at 5 p.m. Read More »
Sept. 14, 2024 WaterWatch was thrilled to present angler, musician, and Mountaineers Books author Steve Duda for two of his recent Oregon appearances to promote his book River Songs: Moments of Wild Wonder in Fly Fishing in a special evening at Powell’s Books in Beaverton on Aug. 22nd, and Roundabout Books in Bend on
Thank You to Everyone Who Joined Us for Our Events with Author Steve Duda Read More »
Sept. 6, 2024 Several WaterWatch staff and board members made a quick trip to The Dalles in early September to visit the glass blowing studio of artist and WaterWatch supporter Andy Nichols, who has been donating amazing glass sculptures of native fish to the annual WaterWatch auction for the last several years. A brand new
WaterWatch Visit to Artist Andy Nichols’ Studio in The Dalles Read More »
Aug. 19, 2024 There was no shortage of crowds or environmentally-engaged Oregonians from around the state at the 25th annual PDX Adult Soapbox Derby at Portland’s Mount Tabor on Saturday, Aug. 17th. With a variety of colorful soapbox racers hurtling by, our WaterWatch team of executive director Neil Brandt, administrative assistant Monet Hampson, and communications
WaterWatch Meets PDX Adult Soapbox Derby Attendees Read More »
Aug. 18, 2024 By Neil Brandt with WaterWatch Staff Oregon recently welcomed new directors at three of the state’s natural resource agencies with missions related to water, including Ivan Gall at the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD), Debbie Colbert at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), and Sara O’Brien at the Oregon Watershed
Opportunities to Secure Oregon’s Sustainable Water Future Read More »
As WaterWatch recently detailed, along with fellow environmental organizations in a Columbia River Treaty Conservation Caucus press release, and as reported by the Associated Press and PBS, the U.S. and Canada have reached an agreement in principle on some items that were the subject of negotiations in the ongoing update to the Columbia River Treaty. Unfortunately, that update remains focused on utility revenue and flood control at the
Virtual Columbia River Treaty Presentation This Monday at 12 Noon Read More »
July 3, 2024 By Jim McCarthy The removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River near the Oregon-California state line is nearly complete. The smallest of the four dams, Copco 2, was removed last summer. The other three, far larger dams were breached this January in preparation for the major structural removal now taking
Instream: A Visitor’s Guide to Klamath Dam Removals Read More »
July 3, 2024 By John DeVoe with Tommy Hough Wenaha River Tim Palmer’s Field Guide to Oregon Rivers calls the Wenaha “one of the Northwest’s wildest streams … with no roads, dams, development or diversions.” He should know. A few years ago, Tim and a couple of friends hiked up the Wenaha from the lower
July 3, 2024 By Tommy Hough In the four decades since WaterWatch’s founding in 1985, we’ve developed close relationships with many of our supporters, and WaterWatch has been endlessly fortunate to have forged a lasting relationship with the Bend-based Boyer Family Foundation, helmed by Jeff and Tracy Boyer. After years of consistent, generous giving by
June 13, 2024 After an exhaustive hiring process, WaterWatch is happy to announce the hiring of Jesse Robbins, who started work this week in WaterWatch of Oregon’s newly-created development officer position. A graduate of Bates College in Maine, Jesse received a B.A. in economics with studies that culminated in a thesis that examined the economic benefits
Welcome WaterWatch Development Officer Jesse Robbins Read More »
May 21, 2024 The public comment period has now closed on this initiative. If enacted, long-overdue updates to the state’s groundwater allocation rules will begin to rein in Oregon’s decades-long pattern of over-issuing pumping rights, and implement the guidelines of Oregon’s forward-looking, landmark 1955 Ground Water Act, including proposed changes to better account for impacts
Written Remarks in Support of Revised Groundwater Allocation Rules Read More »
May 17, 2024 All this week WaterWatch of Oregon has been spotlighting wildlife in the lead-up to today’s observance of Endangered Species Day, highlighting the importance and value of the landmark 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the plight of threatened aquatic species in Oregon. Since the ESA was signed into law on Dec. 28,
April 22, 2024 Dear Friends, From all of us WaterWatch of Oregon, I’d like to wish you a Happy Earth Day! On this Earth Day, I would like to extend our gratitude to the Earth and all the ways it supports and sustains life. Here in Oregon, we are so fortunate to have a plethora
April 18, 2024 By Lisa Brown After an exhaustive and scientifically rigorous process, the Oregon Water Resources Department published proposed groundwater allocation rules reliant upon science and data to implement Oregon’s forward-looking 1955 Ground Water Act — and put Oregon on a more sustainable path to smart, sensible, environmentally-sound groundwater allocation. On March 1st, the
Instream: At Long Last, Revised Groundwater Rules for Oregon Read More »
March 27, 2024 Note: We’re currently between Oregon Water Resources Department comment periods for the IWRS update. When the state resumes taking comments we’ll let you know — thanks! The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) will soon resume collecting public comments on its ongoing update of the state’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Originally adopted
Comment on the State’s Integrated Water Resource Strategy (IWRS) Update Read More »
March 19, 2024 By John DeVoe and Tommy Hough From flowering cherry blossoms and happy daffodils, to explosions of pollen clouding car windows from Astoria to Klamath Falls, there’s no doubt spring has arrived in Oregon. And if the longer days and warmer weather haven’t already sent you into the garage to search for your
Springtime River Hikes and Cycling Outings Around Oregon Read More »
March 13, 2024 WaterWatch of Oregon is seeking a Development Officer 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 a non‐profit organization founded in 1985 with a mission to protect and restore streamflows in Oregon’s rivers for
WaterWatch of Oregon Hiring Full-Time Development Officer Read More »
Feb. 16, 2024 The outcome of a hearing in Marion County Circuit Court in Salem could have a big impact on the fate of Winchester Dam, and by extension the North Umpqua River’s struggling salmon and steelhead populations, as a motion filed by the Oregon Water Resources Department (WRD) to dismiss an earlier water storage
Court Hearing in Winchester Dam Water Storage Case Read More »
Feb. 14, 2024 Thanks to everyone who attended this wonderful event with Amy Gulick on March 5th! Photos are posted at our WaterWatch of Oregon Flickr account. At WaterWatch we’re working to restore historic salmon runs in Oregon by protecting instream water rights, removing obsolete dams, and reforming groundwater pumping rules to preserve the connectivity
WaterWatch Presents Author and Photographer Amy Gulick Read More »
Feb. 2, 2024 Located in northeastern Oregon, the Powder River cuts canyons of up to 500 feet into the surrounding Columbia plateau along its route to the Snake River, with 11 miles of its length protected under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Powder River also flows through a major agricultural region, with
WaterWatch Action Alert — Support the Powder River Read More »
Jan. 12, 2024 This Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and as the late civil rights leader’s widow Coretta Scott King said in 1983 upon passage of the holiday marking her husband’s birthday, “The greatest birthday gift my husband could receive is if people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds celebrate the holiday by
Martin Luther King Day Events and Fee-Free Locales for Monday, Jan. 15th Read More »
Dec. 24, 2023 We’d like to wish you, your family, friends, and those close to you the happiest of holidays from WaterWatch of Oregon, and express our gratitude for your support of our work, and the preservation of Oregon’s rivers, creeks, wetlands, and waterways in what has been a landmark year for our organization. After
Dec. 11, 2023 There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. At WaterWatch, we are grateful to supporters like you who make it possible for WaterWatch to protect and restore Oregon’s rivers, lakes, fish, wildlife, and people. This year was a landmark year for WaterWatch, and our expanded online 2023 accomplishments report
Happy Holidays from Executive Director Neil Brandt Read More »
Nov. 24, 2023 The holiday season has arrived, and with Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror we wanted to share a reminder that Giving Tuesday is coming up this Tuesday, Nov. 28th. When making your choices for giving this Tuesday, remember that Oregon continues to face powerful moneyed and political interests that will dam and drain
Make WaterWatch a Part of Your Giving Tuesday Investment Read More »
By WaterWatch of Oregon Staff | Oct. 2, 2023 | Instream After a decade-plus of advocacy to restore and protect flows in the Crooked River in Central Oregon, the long-awaited legal protection of flows released from Prineville Reservoir for downstream fish and wildlife has finally been approved. The Crooked River in Central Oregon is one
Instream: Protections for Flows and Fish Secured on the Crooked River Read More »
Oct. 2, 2023 By Kimberley Priestley and WaterWatch of Oregon Staff After a decade of advocacy to restore and protect the flows of the Crooked River in Central Oregon, long-awaited legal protection for flows released from Prineville Reservoir for downstream fish and wildlife has at last been approved. The Crooked River in Central Oregon is
Instream: Protections for Flows and Fish Secured on the Crooked River Read More »
Sept. 27, 2023 As always, we had a wonderful time seeing so many long-time friends and WaterWatch supporters last Saturday at the World Forestry Center as we auctioned off dozens of one-of-a-kind donor packages at our 21st Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers. Because of your generosity and support we have an even stronger hand heading
Our 2023 Celebration of Oregon Rivers Auction Event Was Everything We Hoped For Read More »
Sept. 14, 2023 You don’t need a clock to tell you time is running out. Of course, we already know time is running out to meet, address and head off the impacts of a warming climate — and preserving carbon-sequestering habitat, biodiversity, groundwater, healthy watersheds and clean rivers is a great way to do that.
Support Oregon Rivers and Watersheds at WaterWatch’s Biggest Event of the Year Read More »
Sept. 8, 2023 When you attend an event like our 21st Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers at the World Forestry Center in Portland, you’re not just committing to a fun night out with friends, family and conservation allies — you’re committing to a better future for Oregon’s rivers by helping support one of the most
Support WaterWatch and Oregon Rivers on Sept. 23rd Read More »
May 22, 2023 Oregon’s Kitchen Table recently posted a survey to help state officials better understand what water issues are important to you. The information and data collected will ultimately help shape the next iteration of the state’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS). Background: The IWRS is Oregon’s blueprint for meeting both instream and out-of-stream
May 9, 2023 We need your help in lending your voice to the water needs of rivers and fish as part of Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) update. Oregon’s blueprint for meeting both instream and out-of-stream needs, the IWRS is critically important in shaping policies, programs, and budgets for multiple state agencies. First published
April 4, 2023 By Jim McCarthy In Nov. 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted final approval for the decommissioning of the lower four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River near the Oregon-California state line. The decision marked the end of two decades of advocacy, politics, and bureaucratic processes surrounding this hydro complex. It is
Instream: Federal Regulator Says Four Lower Klamath Dams May Come Down Read More »
Sept. 14, 2022 Signed in 1961, the Columbia River Treaty calls for two entities to be designated to implement the Treaty — a U.S. Entity and a Canadian Entity. The U.S. Entity, designated by the President, consists of the Administrator (Chairman) of the Bonneville Power Administration and the Northwestern Division Engineer (member) of the U.S.
Columbia River Treaty Non-Governmental Organizations Letter Read More »
By WaterWatch Staff | April 6, 2022 | Instream While groundwater permitting standards require Oregon to determine whether water is available before issuing a new groundwater permit, in practice, the state all too often lacks enough data to make that determination. As a result, and a habit, the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) often operates
By WaterWatch Staff | April 5, 2022 | Instream In addition to the critical reforms advocated for by WaterWatch to ensure Oregon manages its groundwater in a sustainable manner, funding and agency capacity are also essential. As a result of past underinvestment in groundwater in many areas of the state, the Water Resources Department (OWRD)
State Groundwater Management, Capacity and Investment: A Transformative Package Read More »
By WaterWatch Staff | April 5, 2022 | Instream WaterWatch works across Oregon in administrative, collaborative, legislative and legal forums to advocate for reforms needed to secure sustainable groundwater management. WaterWatch has identified five critical and urgent reforms needed to put Oregon on a course to manage groundwater sustainably: 1 — Stop issuing permits without
Urgent Groundwater Reforms Needed for a Sustainable Water Future Read More »
By WaterWatch Staff | April 5, 2022 | Instream Groundwater provides a myriad of irreplaceable ecological benefits and is the sole source of drinking water for nearly one in four Oregonians. WaterWatch has a long history of working to ensure that Oregon’s management of groundwater preserves the vital role of this resource in maintaining streamflows,
Protecting Groundwater Resources is Critical for Oregon’s Environment and People Read More »
By John DeVoe | April 5, 2022 | Stream of Consciousness Oregon is in the midst of a groundwater crisis, a crisis that, if left unaddressed, will cripple the state’s water future in a climate-changed world. Though some areas of Oregon are already in a groundwater crisis, we can prevent this crisis from spreading to
June 9, 2020 WaterWatch of Oregon stands with and among those calling for racial justice and accountability in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless other people of color at the hands of law enforcement and/or white supremacists. The brutal and horrific killing of George Floyd by a
