Support for Salmon Absent in Columbia River Treaty Update
A disappointing result on the "agreement in principle" this week between the U.S. and Canada on renewal of the Columbia River Treaty. WaterWatch and other conservation NGOs have long argued a modernized treaty must place ecosystem health on the same level as hydropower and flood control, but these concerns were largely left by the wayside with salmon given especially short thrift. More in our coalition press release and corresponding Associated Press story, featuring a quote from WaterWatch executive director Neil Brandt.

WaterWatch's Jim McCarthy on JPR's Jefferson Exchange
Southern Oregon program director Jim McCarthy made an appearance on Jefferson Public Radio on Thursday to talk about last month's Evans Creek dam removal, and how recent Rogue Basin dam removals are critical to restoring habitat connectivity. "We want salmon and steelhead to get to the places of their choosing, at the time of their choosing, so they can reproduce," said Jim, who noted the impacts of hotter summers and the need for fish to access colder upstream waters. "We want fish to be able to easily escape the heat."

Additional Press Coverage on Williams-Whelan Dam Removal
Both the Rogue Valley Times and Grants Pass Daily Courier ran lengthy stories on the WaterWatch-led demolition of the abandoned Williams-Whalen Dam on Evans Creek, with Jim McCarthy noting in the Rogue Valley Times, "This is great news for salmon and steelhead and the many people who love the Rogue River." Both articles also noted our many essential project partners. WaterWatch worked with Crag Law Center to secure the two landowners' agreements that set this project in motion.

Big Turnout for Cool WaterWatch Oakshire Inspires Event
Thanks to everyone who joined us at Oakshire Brewing's Portland Beer Hall on Tuesday for our third Oakshire Inspires benefit event with the brewery, with additional thanks and relief to Oakshire for facilitating an indoor event so attendees remained cool and comfortable even as temperatures hit 104 degrees outside. WaterWatch staff and board welcomed dozens of neighbors and supporters as we gave away books and prizes, culminating in a healthy sum raised for WaterWatch from the evening's beer and food sales. Thank you!

List of Annual Auction Event Sponsors Continues to Grow
Tickets for our 22nd Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers are on sale, and we're adding more names to our sponsorship line-up, including the Law Office of Karl G. Anuta, River Design Group, Dean Runyan Associates, Hopworks, and Morel Ink printing. Join us Saturday, Oct. 5th, as we celebrate another year of victories for Oregon's rivers with silent auction bidding beginning at 5 p.m. For sponsorship opportunities, contact WaterWatch development officer Jesse Robbins at jesse@waterwatch.org or (503) 295-4039, ext. 111.

Correction to South Fork Walla Walla Instream Hike Entry
Big thanks to WaterWatch supporter Troy W. Baker, executive director of the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council, who caught an error in the South Fork Walla Walla River Trail entry in the summer issue of Instream. According to Troy, the first five miles on the lower, BLM-managed end of the trail are still closed due to the road and a section of the trail having been washed out above the Harris Park County Campground during the 2020 flood. We've added the entirety of Troy's notes at the online version of the article. Thank you Troy!