Politics Prevails Over Substance in Salem
As WaterWatch's Kimberley Priestley told Capital Press this week, "politics prevailed over substance" as SB 1153, which would have required the state to consider streamflow impacts as part of proposed water right changes, and HB 2977, the "one percent for wildlife" hotel surcharge, were unable to move forward due to GOP walkout threats. Nevertheless, WaterWatch successfully led efforts to prevent a dozen dangerous water bills from becoming law this session. Look for a full legislative recap in the summer issue of Instream later this month.

Unprecedented Sale of Federal Public Lands Prevented
While the sprawling domestic policy bill just passed by Congress includes massive increases in logging and oil and gas drilling on federal public lands that will likely impact Oregon rivers and streams, an unprecedented attempt to sell off up to 3.3 million acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands in 11 western states was removed from the Senate bill under intense pressure from anglers, hunters, and other outdoor advocates. A similar proposal was also removed from the House version of the bill.

Pick Fresh Blueberries and Support WaterWatch of Oregon
Join us on Saturday, Aug. 2nd, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for a special blueberry picking day at Muir Blueberry Farm in Hillsboro, as the farm donates all of its blueberry-picking sales that day to WaterWatch of Oregon. Located at 30350 NW Scotch Church Rd., WaterWatch staff will be on-site most of the day as we welcome guests and WaterWatch supporters from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summertime can get very hot in Hillsboro and the Tualatin Valley, so we encourage you to arrive early and dress for comfort. See you next month!

Oakshire Inspires Benefit at Portland Beer Hall July 15th
The Portland Oakshire Brewing location welcomes WaterWatch for a generous, daylong Oakshire Inspires benefit at Oakshire's Portland Beer Hall in the Cully-Concordia neighborhood at 5013 NE 42nd Ave. on Tuesday, July 15th, with $1 from every core pint and 10 percent of all food sales benefitting WaterWatch. While the event runs all day, WaterWatch staff will be on-site from 4 to 7 p.m. We had a great time at Oakshire's Eugene location this spring, so we hope you, your friends, family, and fellow water advocates can make it on the 15th!

Washington County Fly Fishers Welcome WaterWatch
On Wednesday executive director Neil Brandt spoke at the July meeting of Washington County Fly Fishers in Beaverton on protecting iconic Oregon rivers, new Willamette River instream water rights, dam removals in the Rogue Basin, and fielded questions on the Crooked River and water-hungry data centers. Communications manager Tommy Hough also met with members and attendees. Thank you to president Rick Pay and Marc Williamson for the invitation, and to Washington County Fly Fishers for their kind hospitality!

Summer Fun at Community for Positive Aging Block Party
WaterWatch met with neighbors and community groups in Portland's Hollywood District last Saturday to enjoy live music, welcome summer back to the Pacific Northwest, and share details about WaterWatch's mission, campaigns, and results for Oregon's rivers at the Community for Positive Aging's annual summer block party. Pictured left to right in the center frame are WaterWatch communications manager Tommy Hough, board president Mary Lou Soscia, and executive director Neil Brandt. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate!

40th Anniversary Event Tickets Go on Sale This Month
Tickets go on sale later this month for WaterWatch's 40th Anniversary Party and Annual Celebration of Oregon Rivers on Saturday, Nov. 1st, at Castaway Portland at 1900 NW 18th Ave., just north of the I-405 and U.S. Highway 30 interchange west of the Fremont Bridge. Sponsorship opportunities remain available as we plan to reflect on our four decades of river conservation work and success, and look toward the next 40 years and beyond. Contact WaterWatch development director Jesse Robbins for sponsorship information.