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Free the Rogue River
A webpage about WaterWatch of Oregon's Free the Rogue Campaign to address the impacts of the Savage Rapids Dam, Gold Hill Diversion Dam, Elk Creek Dam, and Gold Ray Dam, and to restore streamflows and salmon and steehlhead in the mainstem and tributaries to the Rogue River (Southern Oregon).
Photo copyright Larry Olson.
The Rogue River is one of the nation’s most beloved waterways. One of twelve original Wild and Scenic Rivers recognized by Congress in 1968, people travel from all over the world to experience this amazing place.
The Rogue Basin historically produced the most wild salmon and steelhead in Oregon outside the Columbia Basin. However, coho salmon are now listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and spring chinook and steelhead are declining.
WaterWatch's immediate goals in the Rogue Basin are to free the lower 153 miles of the Rogue River and restore streamflows by:
- Addressing the impacts of four dams:
- Notching Elk Creek Dam - DONE!
Check out a bigger picture
and video of the blast!
Blasting of the Elk Creek Dam to notch it for fish passage, July 15, 2008. Photo by WaterWatch of Oregon.
- Removing Gold Hill Diversion Dam - DONE!
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Removing Savage Rapids Dam - Expected in 2009
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Determining the feasibility of removing the Gold Ray Dam
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Converting water rights associated with Savage Rapids Dam to instream water rights to protect streamflows in the mainstem Rogue
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Investigating water conservation and efficiency opportunities through projects with Jackson County and the Bureau of Reclamation's WISE Project.