Thornburgh Resort Setback Marks Reprieve for Fish and Water
In a major win for fish, wildlife, and water in Central Oregon and the Deschutes Basin, a ruling issued by the Deschutes County Circuit Court last week dismissed an earlier attempt to overturn an Oregon Water Resources Department denial of a limited water use license application for the proposed 2,400-acre Thornburgh Resort in the Cline Buttes area west of Redmond. Our press release was the basis for several articles filed this week on the win, including the Bend Bulletin, Source Weekly, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Spring Issue of Instream Has Arrived
Featuring a striking aerial photo of the McKenzie River, the cover of the spring issue of Instream is emblematic of our yearlong 40th anniversary celebration and WaterWatch's groundbreaking legal work and advocacy, and features the first of several articles highlighting WaterWatch's 40 years of service. Each issue of Instream is a collaborative effort by WaterWatch staff to share news and updates, and our packed 16-page spring edition is no exception. Individual articles will go online shortly, or click here for a full PDF of the issue.

WaterWatch Testifies to Support Bill to Limit Large CAFOs
WaterWatch testified in support of Senate Bill 80, which would have limited new and expanding large CAFOs, or confined animal feeding operations, in areas with existing groundwater contamination primarily from nitrates in fertilizers and animal manure. As WaterWatch's Brian Posewitz told the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Wildfire, "Large beef and dairy CAFOs use as much water as a medium-sized city," which aggravates groundwater quality. SB 80 did not move forward this session but the issue is not going away.

First Oregon Legislative Chamber Deadline Passes
Wednesday marked the deadline for policy bills to move out of their respective chambers, and a mix of good and bad bills remain in play. On the good side, both SB 427 and SB 1153, aimed at safeguarding flows in water right transfers, have been sent to the Senate Rules Committee for discussions. Unfortunately, HB 3800, a horrible bill that would undermine Harney Basin groundwater management, was moved to the House Committee on Rules. We'll have more on how you can help influence the results of these and other bills shortly.

Misinformation Muddying Legislative Debate on Water Bills
With over 100 water bills in play this legislative session, discussions were bound to get tense — but an unexpected twist this session has been an increase in misleading statements spreading false information about what bills actually say and do, undercutting concepts that would otherwise help Oregon move toward a more sustainable water future. Unfortunately, some Oregon lawmakers are taking the bait and joining opposition to common sense water bills. We urge you to raise concerns about water bill misinformation with your state legislators.

Join WaterWatch in Eugene for Oakshire Inspires April 30th
Our first-ever Oakshire Inspires happy hour event in Eugene will be held at the Oakshire Public House on Wednesday, April 30th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 207 Madison St., one block west of Washington Jefferson Park. If you're a WaterWatch member or supporter or simply enjoy rivers, water, or fishing, you're invited to join us and your fellow water advocates for some after work conservation camaraderie, fun, and raffle prizes as this Oakshire Inspires event benefits WaterWatch of Oregon. Plenty of parking in the Oakshire lot across the street!

Earth Day Celebrates 55 Years with April 22nd Observance
With the unprecedented attacks on our nation's environmental legacy, including efforts to dilute and weaken the Endangered Species Act and a resumption of large-scale logging on federal public lands, the national climate around Earth Day is a far cry from last year when former WaterWatch executive director John DeVoe appeared on KBOO Radio in Portland. Nevertheless, despite the chaos in Washington, D.C., WaterWatch is making good on real opportunities for progress here in Oregon. Support our efforts today.