Posts in Water Quality
UPDATED OCTOBER 2024: Upper Rogue Update: Jet Boats & More

This spring and early summer, in response to the ongoing conflicts on the Upper Rogue between user groups and concerns over jet boat impacts, four state agencies engaged with Oregon’s Kitchen Table (OKT) to solicit input on the management of the Upper Rogue River. Click to read the update on this topic.

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The Future of the BLM's Rogue River Management

Five years after Congress designated 120 miles of the Wild Rogue’s tributaries as Wild & Scenic, we are still waiting for the Medford BLM to update the management plan. As part of an update, we are looking to amplify recommendations laid out in the agencies’ own report. Read more.

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Beaver Legislation Update

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.

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The Clean Water Act of 2023: Understanding Its Implications and Why Rogue Riverkeeper Stands Watchful

Last week the House Democrats introduced the Clean Water Act of 2023 and we find ourselves at a crucial crossroads for our rivers and water bodies nationwide. Learn more about the CWA of 2023 and what its updates could mean in this blog.

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2023 Water Quality Report: Mostly Good, But One Concern Looms

Our 2023 Water Quality Monitoring Program concluded in September. The results? Mostly optimistic! We tested various waterways and recreational spots for E. coli, Oregon's standard for water contact safety, and you can see the results here.

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UPDATE: August 2023 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

Your 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.

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2023 Oregon Legislative Updates

Last month, Oregon wrapped up its legislative session, and there are updates to a number of bills Rogue Riverkeeper has been tracking. Here are the final updates on several pieces of legislation we think you should know about.

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UPDATE: Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

The 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.

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Oregon's estuaries need protection.

The very laws that allowed Rogue Riverkeeper and our partner organizations to defeat the Jordan Cove LNG pipeline and export terminal project are now being threatened by a bill that would allow developers to circumvent important land use laws to massively dredge Oregon's estuaries.

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New Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Ruling

The 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.

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Success! Commercial Jet Boat Agreement in TouVelle State Recreation Site Denied!

Thanks to over two thousand responses from the public regarding the possibility of a long-term business agreement to allow commercial jet boats to operate at TouVelle Recreation Site, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has decided to abandon the project. Read more at in our blog post here.

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PFAS, AKA "forever chemicals"

PFAS, one of many kinds of “emerging contaminants”, have been increasingly in the news as recent research has found these compounds more ubiquitous and harmful than previously believed. Learn more about RRK’s work in testing for PFAS in the Rogue basin.

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What’s coming up in the OR State Legislature in 2023?

Rogue Riverkeeper keeps an eye on upcoming laws that will be considered by the state that will affect water, fish, and recreational opportunities in the Rogue Basin. As the year progresses we’ll continue to update the community on how legislatures are developing water policy in the Rogue Basin. Check out our blog post to learn more about proposed laws that will protect local waterways.

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The 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act!

This year, we celebrate #ACT50 as a collective call to unite in the fight for clean water. Working together, we can ensure that water is drinkable, fishable, and swimmable by enforcing laws, holding polluters accountable, and empowering citizens.

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