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 MoreCity of Phoenix Planning Commission approved a a proposed Final Order for the project which includes protection for this spring to allow it to continue contributing cold, clean water for healthy aquatic habitats!
Read MoreIn the heart of southern Oregon near the Bear Creek Greenway, a much-needed victory has taken place. Learn more about Blue Heron Creek here.
Read MoreFall is the time that salmon return inland to their natal watersheds from the Pacific Ocean. Read about the salmon lifecycle and see opportunities to get outside with us to spot spawning salmon for yourself!
Read MoreThe 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.
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 MoreFollowing the initial spill event as a result of the fire at Pacific Pride gas station on April 12th, 2022, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Incident Response Team has diligently provided Rogue Riverkeeper with updates from their surface water quality testing in the aftermath and clean-up of the spill. But how did this happen in the first place, and how can we prevent catastrophic events like this in the future?
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 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 MoreIn this challenging year, thank you for supporting our work to protect the Rogue! Take a tour of work done in 2020.
Read MoreAt Rogue Riverkeeper, we often hear from the public asking questions about the health of Bear Creek and what local entities are doing to restore it after the recent fires.
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 MoreRogue Riverkeeper's 2020 Water Quality Monitoring seasonal program has come to a close and we are excited to share the results with you!
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 MoreThank you for helping us celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2019! Check out our year in review photos. Cheers!
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