Be a Steward While Recreating
Current Impacts to our Wild Places
A few weekends ago, the weather warmed up and wouldn’t you know it, the river started to whisper, “Come to me”. So we did!
To comply with Governor Brown’s current recommendations for recreating safely during this time, we kept our crew small and spread out, and floated a short section of the Rogue close to home. The boat ramp we used that day wasn’t very busy and we only saw a few other groups out enjoying the warm spring day on the river.
The 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.
As we head into Memorial Day weekend and some restrictions begin to lift so we can venture out safely, there has never been a better time to increase your commitment to being a steward for the Rogue and our natural places.
Best Practices for Stewardship
Consider making stewardship a regular practice when out enjoying our watershed!
Practice Leave No Trace ethics anytime you’re out in nature.
Pack it in, pack it out! With limited facilities and services due to the coronavirus pandemic shut downs, there is no guarantee that public trash cans or restrooms will be available when you are out. Always bring a small trash bag with you and make sure whatever you bring into the backcountry, comes out with you.
Teach your friends! Being a steward means leading by example. If you pick up your trash and your friends see you do it, they are much more likely to follow your lead.
Report pollution! If you see something, say something! If you see lots of trash, spills in the river, or other out of the ordinary things, report it to Rogue Riverkeeper or to the Dept of Environmental Quality.
Know Before You Go
As Oregon enters Phase 1 of “reopening” the state, our local and regional parks are adapting to new safety guidelines. Park hours and access may be limited, maximum campsite occupancy is reduced, and facilities (restrooms, water sources, trash service, etc.) may be closed. Before you head out for the day or weekend, make sure you check county and park websites or call their offices to get the latest information on recreational access.
Safe Recreation & Travel this Summer
Many of our business partners and outfitter friends are working overtime to create safe options for you and your family to get out and see the Rogue this summer. Extra boats, more sanitation, smaller groups, and staff with face coverings are all new protocols being implemented on many commercial rafting trips this summer. Whitewater rafting trips may be one of the safest ways to recreate this summer (and one of the most fun)! What better way to get out with your family and experience the Rogue or another wild river.
Here are some local, southern Oregon outfitters we work with:
Time to go fishing with one of our region’s local fly fishing outfitters! Get instruction with half, full, or multi-day tours with the following RRK supporters:
Or join us on the river this September! Reserve your spot with ROW Adventures and Rogue Riverkeeper staff on the trip of a lifetime down the Wild & Scenic Rogue River! We will spend 4 days and 3 nights, camping, rafting, hiking, eating, drinking, and sleeping under the stars in the beautiful Rogue River Canyon. Enjoy thrilling whitewater, gourmet meals, abundant wildlife, scenic hikes, and tons of fun with incredible people. Get all the details here!
Bear Creek Love
We’re so lucky to live in a remote region of the country where our cities are so closely linked to natural places. From Grants Pass to Ashland, hiking, biking, and urban trails are just minutes away. Sadly, these places are also seeing a significant increase in litter. Your commitment to being a steward in your own backyard can make a difference! Enjoy nature close to home and take on a stewardship role!
Help Clean the Bear Creek Greenway
As part of our Bear Creek Initiative campaign, Rogue Riverkeeper has joined Jackson County’s Adopt-a-Greenway program to pick up trash along a one-mile stretch of the Bear Creek Greenway in an effort to improve water quality, riparian areas, and the community experience. However, with social distancing in place, we recommend our friend Bob’s P.L.O.W method!
Meet Bob and Bruce! These two routinely P.L.O.W (Pick-up Litter Out Walking!) their way along the Greenway next to Bear Creek. If you’re out and about and safely social distancing, consider doing the same. BE SURE to protect yourself by wearing gloves and a mask, using grabbers, bring a bag, and help clean up our waterways!
Take a picture of
your stewardship in action!
Send us a pic of your stellar volunteerism and we’ll send you a RRK swag item! Email your image to sara@rogueriverkeeper.org or post it on social media with our tag @RogueRiverkeeper.