UPDATED: Considering that Oregon is known as the “Beaver State,” regulations are lacking to protect this iconic animal that is present in so many waterways and provides so many ecological and hydrological benefits. Can we, as humans, use our skills to coexist with this essential critter? Proposed HB 3464 will change how Oregonians relate to beavers.
Read MoreYour help is needed. On Tuesday, August 29, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its final Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett v. EPA case that notably shrinks the waters previously sheltered under the WOTUS framework.
Read MoreThe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced its revisions to the Clean Water Act (CWA) on December 30th 2022. These changes go into effect March 20, 2023. See our blog for more information about Waters of the United States, or WOTUS.
Read MoreThe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced its revisions to the Clean Water Act (CWA) on December 30th 2022. These changes go into effect March 20, 2023. See our blog for more information about Waters of the United States, or WOTUS.
Read MoreIf you have a creek, stream, river, or lake on your property, then there are special ordinances that must be followed to protect the habitat that surrounds these water bodies when altering your land. Check out the Rogue Riverkeeper blog to learn more about what a riparian area is, how wildfire can affect this type of habitat, and how you can properly manage a riparian area on your property.
Read MoreOn Tuesday, April 12th, a fire at the Pacific Pride gas station in south Medford led to nearly 13,000 gallons of oil, diesel, gasoline, and kerosene spilling into the stormwater system, surrounding soil, and Bear Creek. Rogue Riverkeeper is tracking this incident closely and staying in direct communication with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) representatives. Read more about the clean up and recovery efforts underway.
Read MoreThe extended drought and the record-breaking dry spell we experienced this winter will have intense, long lasting effects this summer. Read to learn more about our municipality’s water and your water use as an individual.
Read MoreUnderground water is critical, yet it is less visible making it easy to alter or damage through earth work and development. Citizen monitoring and involvement in the local planning process is critical to protect these smaller and little noticed water resources.
Read MoreIt’s fall and the salmon are coming home.
Each year at this time, Chinook salmon make their way from the Pacific Ocean up the Rogue River and back to the very place they were born. The anadromous salmon is born in fresh water and then makes its way to the ocean where it lives for several years feeding before returning to its home waters. Once back in its birthplace, the fish spawn and then die, returning their bodies as nutrients to the water and land.
Read MoreOne immediate way to help folks who have been displaced by wildfires here in southern Oregon is to donate to the Rogue Valley Relief Fund. This fund will be used to purchase tents, meals, gas, and other supplies for those most in need. In the long term, this fund will be used to support people who have lost their homes as they start to rebuild their lives. In the next weeks and months as local communities begin the long process of rebuilding, the Rogue Riverkeeper team will shift our focus to ways we can help minimize harmful impacts of these fires on Bear Creek and the Rogue River. Learn more about how fires impact rivers.
Read MoreOur hearts are with everyone in the Rogue Valley and across Oregon dealing with the severe climate fires that are impacting our loved ones, supporters and communities. The Almeda, Obenchain and Slater fires have devastated large portions of the Rogue Basin and local communities leaving many without their homes and businesses. Recovering from the impacts of these wildfires will be a community effort. If you can safely do so, we encourage anyone who is able to support direct relief efforts that are being organized across the Rogue Valley. Here are some immediate resources to help support communities in southern Oregon impacted by the Almeda, South Obenchain, and Slater Fires.
Read MoreEach summer, Rogue Riverkeeper works with volunteers to collect water samples at popular recreation sites across the Rogue Basin to test for E Coli bacteria and let you know where it is safe to recreate. And it’s that time again! Waterkeepers across the country, including us, are making significant changes to their water quality monitoring programs to address the potential risks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Read MoreThe Rogue has always been a popular destination for rafting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Our beloved home river is a recreational escape for many. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic - and the resulting closure of facilities, reduced parks and agency staff time - we are seeing increased pollution in these special places.
Read MoreHow well do you know your neighborhood creeks? If you can safely get outside while following the Governor’s stay at home order and public health requirements, now is a great time to get to know your local waters. Like the roots of a tree, the small headwater streams and wetlands that flow into larger creeks and rivers are critical to the health of the entire Rogue River. But right now, some of these smaller waterways will lose protections under the Clean Water Act if a Trump Environmental Protection Agency rule is finalized. Learn more about how you can help take action to protect these waters!
Read MoreHow can you connect with others and make a difference when in-person events are off the table? It can be done! Here are some of the ways you can take action from home.
Read MoreAlong with our many other current priorities at Rogue Riverkeeper, our focus on Bear Creek involves community engagement, water quality monitoring, and building partnerships across the many entities interested in protecting and restoring this waterway. So, what’s new?
Read MoreOur Water Quality Program is in full effect to let you know where it is safe to swim in local waterways. Read more about our recent field tour and the sites we’ll be sampling at this summer.
Read MoreThere are so many reasons to become a member of Rogue Riverkeeper. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, we picked our top ten. But you really only need just one….
Read MoreAs a mom to young kids, we go to parks a lot! And as Medford residents, we often strap kids to our bikes and travel the Bear Creek Greenway along the stretch between Hawthorne Park, Bear Creek Park, and U.S. Cellular Park. We pass many trail users on our outings including runners, bikers, families with strollers and wobbling toddlers, dog-walkers, and young people on skateboards. We ring our bike bells, flash the peace sign, and carry on.
Read MoreThe summer heat is officially upon us, and if you’re like me, the first thing to do is find a waterbody, jump in, and cool off! Did you know that Rogue Riverkeeper has a water quality monitoring program…
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