WaterWatch Supporters Come Through for Rivers!
We would like to thank our supporters who submitted testimony last week on SB 1153, a bill that would ensure fish and water quality aren't harmed in water right transfers. At a hearing before the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire earlier this week, Gov. Kotek's natural resources adviser noted her office "considers the proposal a priority." This bill seeks to solve the same problem addressed by SB 427, brought by the Oregon Water Partnership. Both SB 427 and SB 1153 are scheduled for a work session April 8th.

WaterWatch Back in Trial to Protect Grave Creek
WaterWatch went to trial this month regarding a water right for a proposed large-scale open pit mine along Grave Creek in Sunny Valley. Originally planned as a gold mine, the proposed aggregate mine would excavate at least eight pits 40 to 80 feet deep, including half a dozen along the bank of Grave Creek within 50 feet of the water. The extensive amount of water needed to run the mine is simply not available along this stream. We'll have more details in the upcoming spring issue of our Instream newsletter.

Sustainable Groundwater Management Threatened
WaterWatch testified this week against HB 3800, a bill that would undermine the collaboration, science, and ongoing state rulemaking process in the Harney Basin to address groundwater declines. WaterWatch has worked for over a decade in the Harney Basin to help build durable solutions to groundwater problems, including participation in the Harney Place-Based Collaborative to formulate a consensus-based groundwater plan, and service on the Oregon Water Resources Department Division 512 rules advisory committee.

Oregon Legislature Reaches First Legislative Deadline
As of last Friday's first legislative deadline, 1,444 of the 3,393 bills in Oregon's 2025 legislative session — over half — have died, meaning the bills won't come to the floor of either chamber for a vote. That number includes half of the roughly 120 water bills WaterWatch has been tracking. We're happy to report most of the "good" water bills WaterWatch has been supporting have so far survived, while a large number of "bad" water bills that would have impacted streams from the south coast to the Columbia River have fallen by the wayside.

Join WaterWatch in Eugene for Oakshire Inspires April 30th
We're looking forward to our first Oakshire Inspires event at the Oakshire Public House in Eugene on Wednesday, April 30th, from 5 to 8 p.m. Located one block west of Washington Jefferson Park at 207 Madison St., you're invited to bring your family, friends, and fellow water advocates for some after work conservation fun, camaraderie, and raffle prizes including a Daniel Coe print as this Oakshire Inspires Happy Hour benefits WaterWatch of Oregon. Plenty of parking in the Oakshire lot across the street — see you then!

40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottle Supplies Are Limited
Thanks to everyone who has already purchased one of our 40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottles, and if you don't have one yet submit your order soon because we're going through supplies quickly. Featuring our custom Oregon Rivers design, these insulated YETI water bottles celebrate WaterWatch's 40th anniversary in seafoam, black, canopy green, and navy blue. Stay hydrated and show your support for WaterWatch wherever you go this spring with your WaterWatch 40th Anniversary YETI water bottle. Order yours now!