WaterWatch Helps Lead Growing Opposition to HB 3501
Thank you to WaterWatch supporters who submitted comments in opposition to HB 3501 last weekend. A terrible bill, HB 3501 would prohibit Oregon from considering the effects on fish, wildlife, and water quality when evaluating applications to change existing water rights known as transfers. Both the Capital Press and KDRV News quoted WaterWatch in their stories on HB 3501, and KDRV also noted the bill's severe fee hike for most non-applicants to challenge agency decisions, which would chill public participation.

Busy Session for Water Bills in the Oregon State Legislature
With over 100 water bills in the mix in this session, WaterWatch has been advocating for good bills, opposing bad bills, and negotiating amendments to make bills more river friendly. Topics have ranged from protecting streamflows in transfers (SB 427), building the state's measurement and reporting toolbox (HB 3419-3), agency budgets, water project grants and loans (HB 3364), and more. This past week we provided testimony in support of water right process improvements (HB 3342-1) and in opposition to HB 3501 (see above).

Watch Pomeroy Dam Come Down!
A new video posted to our YouTube channel on the demolition of Pomeroy Dam on the Illinois River in the Rogue Basin details one of the important ways WaterWatch is protecting and restoring Oregon's rivers for current and future generations. Produced by Crystal Nichols with drone videography by SeaRun Media, the three-and-a-half minute clip showcases our skilled, dedicated partners, and how we improved access to over 100 miles of habitat for native migratory fish, including salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey. See our video here.

State Changes Course on Integrated Water Resources Strategy
Never let it be said your voice doesn't matter. Last year, after the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) opted to wholly rework the state's 2017 Integrated Water Resources Strategy (IWRS), we asked you to urge the OWRD revert to its original framework — which provided a solid framework for meeting Oregon's instream and out-of-stream needs. The OWRD listened, and as of this week, the 2017 scaffolding is back. Public comments on updates will get underway in late April, so stay tuned!

Hike with a WaterWatch 40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottle
We're just days away from the arrival of spring, and that means it's time to shake the winter off your legs and get some mud on your shoes. To help plan your first hikes of the year, we've included a link to last year's Springtime River Hikes article in Instream, featuring six low-elevation hiking and cycling outings along some of Oregon's most scenic rivers. And to stay hydrated and show your support along the way, bring your WaterWatch 40th Anniversary insulated water bottle from YETI. Quantities are limited, so order yours today!

Great Turnout for Women's Adventure Film Tour
Thanks to everyone who joined WaterWatch last Sunday at the Aladdin Theater in Portland for the Women's Adventure Film Tour, featuring an amazing array of films shot around the world, from Antarctica to the Sinai Peninsula. Thanks as well to the organizers for giving WaterWatch board chair Mary Lou Soscia and communications manager Tommy Hough an opportunity to speak after the screening about our mission, and the positive outlook for water conservation in Oregon despite the disheartening news at the federal level.

WaterWatch in Eugene for Oakshire Inspires April 30th
Join WaterWatch on Wednesday, April 30th, from 5 to 8 p.m. as we meet up with our Eugene neighbors and friends at our first Oakshire Inspires event at the Oakshire Public House at 207 Madison St. in Eugene, located at the corner of Madison and W. 2nd Ave. one block west of Washington Jefferson Park. Bring your friends, family, and fellow water advocates for some after work conservation fun as this Oakshire Inspires Happy Hour event benefits WaterWatch of Oregon! Plenty of parking in the Oakshire lot across the street!