IWRS Update Comments Due Today by 5 p.m.
The deadline to submit comments to the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) on its Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) update is TODAY at 5 p.m. Adopted in 2012 after years of transparent, broadly-supported work, the IWRS is required to be periodically reviewed and updated — not overhauled. Unfortunately, the agency appears to have made an internal decision to rework the IWRS anyway, which undercuts a clear pathway to meeting both instream and out-of-stream needs. Visit WaterWatch.org for more.

Speak Up for Improved Groundwater Management
The state proposed updated groundwater allocation rules last month to rein in Oregon's decades-long pattern of over-issuing groundwater permits, with the first of four Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) public meetings on the updates held last night in Bend. Attend the next OWRD meeting April 18th in La Grande, followed by Central Point on May 16th and Salem on May 21st, to voice your support for sustainable groundwater allocation and for Oregon's rivers, springs, and wetlands that depend on groundwater.

Public Dollars Should Demonstrate Public Benefit
Oregon Public Broadcasting connected with our senior policy analyst Kimberley Priestley last week on her concern that a clear public benefit requirement be included whenever public dollars are used for certain private infrastructure projects. Kimberley also cited the need for transparency in the direct appropriations process, noted that appropriation specifics during the legislative session were lacking, and emphasized the need for lawmakers to level with the public on potential environmental impacts.

WaterWatch Hiring Full-Time Development Officer
We're looking for someone who has development experience, organizational chops, and passion for our mission as WaterWatch seeks candidates for our full-time Development Officer position to assist in the implementation of our strategic fundraising strategies and events. The ideal candidate is highly motivated with prior conservation nonprofit development experience, and the willingness, ability, and confidence to make hard gift asks in support of our mission-driven organization. If that sounds like you, apply by April 12th.

Spring Edition of Instream Arrives This Month
The latest issue of WaterWatch's Instream newsletter will arrive in mailboxes in a matter of days, featuring a recap on Oregon's short legislative session, a recent win in the Malheur Lakes Basin, the latest on our Willamette River thermal trading case, and two issues you received action alerts on this week: the state's revised groundwater allocation rules proposal, and the ongoing Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS) draft update process. Previous issues of Instream remain available at the WaterWatch website.

Expanded Spring Hiking and Cycling Article
lf you still managed to avoid the trail in spite of last weekend's sunny weather, good news — we've added additional content to our spring hiking and cycling post, with help from former executive director John DeVoe and a pair of photos generously shared by WaterWatch supporter and outdoor author Tim Palmer, author of Field Guide to Oregon Rivers and other titles, with outings along Oregon classics like the Deschutes, Metolius, McKenzie, Donner ünd Blitzen, and more. Take water, practice Leave No Trace ethics, and have fun.