Klamath River Hydro Complex Demolition Concludes
While it seemed unfathomable to some a few short years ago, the largest dam removal in U.S. history wrapped up last week as structural demolition ended on the four lower Klamath River dams. Beginning with the removal of Copco No. 2 last year, this historic success marks a victory for Native American Tribes and others who fought for decades to undam the Klamath River to benefit struggling salmon runs. WaterWatch played a part in the process, as detailed in this spring 2023 WaterWatch Instream article.

Pending Groundwater Rule Adoption Merits Huge Thanks
With the Water Resources Commission considering adoption of amended groundwater allocation rules next week, we want to express our thanks to everyone who advocated with us in support of sustainable groundwater allocation — whether by taking time to testify at a hearing, submitting remarks online, or sending a letter supporting groundwater reform to an agency or elected official. Your voice has been critically important in delivering strong rules for the Commission's consideration. Thank you again from all of us at WaterWatch.

Second Oregon Stop for Steve Duda This Thursday in Bend
Join us at Roundabout Books in NorthWest Crossing this Thursday, Sept. 12th, at 6:30 p.m. for another free WaterWatch event as we welcome angler and author Steve Duda to the second of his two Oregon appearances as he reads selections from his book River Songs and takes audience questions with WaterWatch development officer Jesse Robbins. Don't miss this free event Sept. 12th, and check out Steve and Jesse's recent appearance on Portland's KOIN-TV and our gallery of photos from Steve's earlier event at Powell's Books.

Artist Andy Nichols Donating New Piece to Annual Auction
Several WaterWatch staff and board members made a quick trip to The Dalles this week 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 many years. A brand new piece created by Andy will be up for auction at the 22nd Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers on Saturday, Oct. 5th, and we've shared some photos from our visit to Andy's studio and of Andy creating a glass piece in real time.

BLM Wins Award for Takelma Creek Project
Last summer WaterWatch, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and others, removed a fish-blocking dam and replaced a fish-blocking county culvert on Takelma Creek near Selma. In the wake of this summer's discovery of Coho salmon and steelhead upstream of the former dam site, we've learned the BLM's Grants Pass Field Office received the Western District American Fisheries Society Award of Excellence in Riparian Management for their role in the project! Congratulations to our deserving BLM colleagues!

Two-Night Ashland Getaway Package at Oct. 5th Auction
Tickets remain available through midnight tonight at the special "early bird" rate for WaterWatch's 22nd Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers, and one of our most sought-after live auction packages is returning! The Ashland Dining and Show Getaway package includes a two-night stay at the Ashland Springs Hotel, a one-of a kind dining experience for two at the New York Times Top 50 restaurant MÄS, dinner for two at Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine, and two tickets to an Oregon Shakespeare Festival performance. Come ready to bid Oct. 5th!