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 groundwater allocation rules, the removal of two fish-killing dams as part of our Free the Rogue campaign, our ongoing advocacy to remove Winchester Dam on the North Umpqua River, support for new Instream Water Right applications in the tributaries and streams of the Willamette River, and our ongoing collaborative efforts around the state — it’s been a big year!
These successes are made possible by the dedication and continued support of members, supporters, and conservationists like you. Our 2024 End of the Year Accomplishments report, arriving in mailboxes now, details this year’s victories.
Speaking of successes, we wanted to share some of the press we’ve received from one of WaterWatch’s biggest accomplishments of 2024, included in our End of the Year report, with the demolition of Pomeroy Dam on the Illinois River near Cave Junction:
- A 126-Year-Old Dam Comes Down on the Illinois River (Jefferson Public Radio)
- On the Illinois River, Pomeroy Dam is Now Just a Memory (Grants Pass Daily Courier)
- Pomeroy Dam Removal Now Complete, Project Continues Into 2025 (KOBI-TV News)
One of the highest-priority barriers to native fish passage in the state prior to its removal, the Pomeroy Dam demolition project will continue into 2025 with the replacement of an additional road culvert in Josephine County, funded in part by federal and state infrastructure restoration dollars.
Share our End of the Year Accomplishments report with family and friends, and consider making a gift to WaterWatch as part of your end of the year giving so we can continue to rack up successes for Oregon’s rivers and fish as we have during 2024. For specific giving questions, contact WaterWatch development officer Jesse Robbins.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays.
For rivers and fish,
The WaterWatch of Oregon Team
P.S. — Don’t forget to join WaterWatch of Oregon at the Downtown Portland Patagonia store from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19th!