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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Ballots due August 22 for a special election in Gold Hill that will impact the Rogue River

For voters registered in the small town of Gold Hill, ballots for a special election are due on August 22. This special election is to determine if the city of Gold Hill will be annexed into the Rogue Valley Sewer Services district (RVSS). Learn more here.

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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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After the Fire, Plant Regeneration in the Bear Creek Watershed

The Bear Creek riparian corridor has a long history of ecological disturbance that has resulted in the proliferation of invasive species. Restoration managers will need to develop an invasive plant treatment and monitoring program that eliminates populations of the species that are not widespread and continually reduces the extent of the species that are. 

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Black History Month Outdoors

In celebration of Black History Month, we are taking time to celebrate Black conservationists, outdoor leaders, and organizations that support BIPOC engagement in the outdoors who have worked in a variety of capacities to create a more inclusive environment for all to feel welcomed into.

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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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