Bill to Safeguard Streamflows Hangs in the Balance
With days to go in the state legislative session, the fate of SB 1153 is in the balance. The bill would require the state to consider streamflow impacts when non-municipal water right holders seek to move their surface water diversion point upstream, or groundwater well within a quarter-mile of a stream — an important step forward in modernizing Oregon's archaic water right transfer laws. Please help us get SB 1153 over the finish line by following the steps in our action alert to contact your state senator and representative to urge a "yes" vote.

Good News as Key Water Agency Budgets Survive Cuts
As agency budgets make their way through the final stages of the legislature, we're happy to report the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Water Program remained unscathed, ensuring the agency's work to protect and restore streamflows. While still awaiting a final vote, most Oregon Water Resources Department positions have been retained, legal funding will get a boost, and a proposed reduction package that would have cut funding for groundwater studies, water use measurement, and other data and science activity was rejected.

WaterWatch Board President: "Fish Will Die"
The Trump administration has signed a memorandum to withdraw from a 2023 deal with tribes and environmental groups to restore salmon runs in the Columbia and Snake rivers, which halted decades of lawsuits and included the potential for the removal of the four lower Snake River dams. WaterWatch board president Mary Lou Soscia, former Columbia River coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency, said "more fish will die" with the dismantling of salmon recovery programs. "We're losing decades of accomplishments."

Tribal Youth Groups Kayak Free-Flowing Klamath River
The removal of the last of the four lower Klamath River dams last summer marked the conclusion of the largest-dam removal effort in U.S. history, but also marked the beginning of the river's recovery and restoration after a century of dam-related ecological damage. A group of young kayakers from a variety of Indigenous tribes recently began a monthlong journey to see the river's recovery up close as they kayak from the former dam sites to the mouth of the river at the Pacific Ocean on the first "source-to-sea" descent of the Klamath River.

Utilizing Donor-Advised Funds to Give to WaterWatch
One way you can easily and effectively make a gift to WaterWatch is with a donor-advised fund (DAF). Easy to establish with contributions qualifying for same-year tax deductions and even the potential elimination of capital gains taxes, you can choose when to give and use cash, securities, or appreciated assets. If you already have a DAF, recommend a grant to WaterWatch through your fund administrator or contact our newly-promoted development director Jesse Robbins for more on using a DAF to support WaterWatch.

WaterWatch Kicks Off Summer at Hollywood Block Party
Join WaterWatch in Portland's Hollywood District next Saturday, June 28th, as we table at the Community for Positive Aging's Summer Block Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along NE 40th Ave. between Sandy Blvd. and NE Hancock St. The block party will feature live music, food, community partner tables, and emergency preparedness workshops from Oregon Volunteers in Disaster and Care Oregon. Stop by and help us kick off the summer as we connect with neighbors about WaterWatch's mission to preserve Oregon's rivers!

WaterWatch Returns to Oakshire Portland July 15th
We had a great time at our Oakshire Inspires event in Eugene, so we'd like to invite you to bring your friends, family, colleagues, and fellow water advocates to Oakshire Brewing's Portland Beer Hall at 5013 NE 42nd Ave. in the Cully-Concordia neighborhood on Tuesday, July 15th, as the Portland Oakshire Brewing location welcomes WaterWatch back for another generous Oakshire Inspires event in support of our organization. While the benefit runs throughout the day, WaterWatch staff will be on-site from 4 to 7 p.m. with raffle prizes and more!

40th Anniversary YETI Water Bottle Supplies Running Out
Thank you to everyone who has already earned one of our WaterWatch 40th Anniversary YETI water bottles with a qualifying donation. If you don't have yours yet submit your order NOW as supplies are running out. 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 this summer with your WaterWatch 40th Anniversary YETI water bottle. Order now!

Angler Survey on Aquatic Insect Hatches
The Missoula-based Salmonfly Project is focused on the survival and conservation of aquatic insects, and curbing biodiversity loss and collapsing populations of insects due to pollution, habitat destruction, dewatering, and our rapidly warming climate. Now in the midst of an angler study on aquatic insects, the Salmonfly Project could use your input if you regularly fly fish, have 10 or more years of fishing experience on the same body of water, and are able to identify common insect hatches. Click here to take the survey.