Speak Up for Critical Investments in Oregon's Waters
The Oregon legislature's Joint Ways and Means Natural Resources Subcommittee will hold a public hearing next Thursday, Feb. 20th, at 3 p.m. on the Oregon Water Resources Department budget (SB 5543). Please lend your testimony in support of the agency's budget, including important data, water management, and IT needs. Sign up to provide verbal testimony either in-person or virtually, or submit written testimony through Saturday, Feb. 22nd, before 3 p.m. It's critical the legislature hear your voice now! Look for a full action alert Monday.

Advocates Offer Help for Winchester Dam Fish Passage
WaterWatch and our allies have filed to participate in a fish passage enforcement proceeding that may determine the fate of Winchester Dam, commonly considered the biggest fish killer on the North Umpqua River. Dam owners Winchester Water Control District are fighting a state order requiring new fish passage facilities in compliance with state law. We are intervening in support of native fish runs and the state, and against the legal challenge from the owners of this harmful dam. 

Get Your WaterWatch 40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottle
WaterWatch of Oregon turns 40 this year! To commemorate our four decades of advocacy for instream water rights, water policy reform, removal of obsolete dams and fish passage barriers, and sustainable water management in the service of native fish and wildlife, river recreation, and Oregon communities, we're thrilled to present our limited edition 40th anniversary custom YETI water bottles available now in four colors: seafoam, black, canopy green, and navy blue. Quantities are limited so order yours today!

Register Now for Our Daniel Coe Event at Filson Feb. 25th
Join us Tuesday, Feb. 25th, for an evening with cartographer and artist Daniel Coe at the Portland Filson store, located at 526 NW 13th Ave. in the Pearl District on the first floor of the Modern Confectionery Building. Daniel will discuss his use of LiDAR laser imagery in the art and science of mapping rivers like the Rogue and Willamette, present river graphics from Oregon and around the world, and share stories about some of his most distinctive map design and creations. Register now at our Eventbrite page. The event gets underway at 6 p.m.

Women's Adventure Film Tour at Aladdin Theater March 9th
Look for WaterWatch at the Aladdin Theater at 3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. on Sunday, March 9th, for the Portland stop of the Women's Adventure Film Tour from 2 to 5 p.m., just ahead of the Fly Fishing Film Tour screening later that day. We'll connect with attendees about WaterWatch's 40th anniversary and ongoing campaigns, and share more on how you can get involved with WaterWatch in our efforts to preserve Oregon's world-class rivers and fly fishing. Both film tours also stop at the Tower Theatre in Bend on March 8th.

Follow WaterWatch of Oregon on Bluesky Social
As noted last month in Currents, we now have a WaterWatch account on the Bluesky social media platform. While Twitter, now known as X, was one of several social media platforms we initially utilized, we've discontinued use of it in light of its persistent spread of disinformation and the destructive behavior of the platform's CEO. We remain on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and LinkedIn for the time being, and we have a YouTube channel as well. For now, please find us at waterwatchoforegon.bsky.social and follow and support us there!

Share Your Oregon River Valentine Today
Despite the ongoing chaos and uncertainty unfolding in the federal government, WaterWatch continues our tireless work and advocacy every day for cold, free-flowing Oregon rivers — including your favorite river! To that end, with today being Valentine's Day, show your love and support for Oregon's rivers and special places by sharing one of our WaterWatch Valentine's Day cards with your special someone, or on your social media. We've posted the full gallery at our Instagram and Facebook accounts, and at WaterWatch.org.