Blog — Rogue Riverkeeper

TouVelle State Park considering long term relationship with commercial jet boats

Let the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department know that you want to keep jet boat activity out of TouVelle State Park! Take the survey and attend the open house to let your voice be heard!

Haleigh MartinNovember 28, 2022

2022 Post-Election Wrap Up

With the recent 2022 midterm election in the books, we can take stock of what might change and what we can expect from newly elected leaders. Will they drive an agenda that will impact the forests, rivers, and wildlife in the Rogue River Basin and Klamath-Siskiyou Region?

electionHaleigh MartinNovember 21, 2022election, midterms, federal, state, local, executive, Oregon legislature, legislative

That’s a wrap: Rogue Riverkeeper’s water quality results for 2022

Rogue Riverkeeper’s data from our summer water quality monitoring program has now been compiled! Check out the report card to see at a glance which locations have great water quality and meet the standard for water contact safety and which locations do not.

Haleigh MartinNovember 17, 2022

Now is the Time to See Spawning Chinook Salmon in the Rogue Basin!

Middle Rogue tributaries like Bear Creek flowing through Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Central Point often have Chinook spawning through the end of October into the beginning of November.

Haleigh MartinOctober 21, 2022

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.

Support Oregon Forest Stream Protections

With the era of climate change already bringing more drought, wildfire, and stress to Oregon’s forests, we ask that the Department and Board build on the success of the Accord. Please ask State leadership to continue updating protections for forested watersheds as we learn more about what is needed to ensure clean, cold water for fish and wildlife. Also, ask them to protect water for communities, an issue that was not addressed in the Accord.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rogue Riverkeeper's Water Quality Monitoring Program

Learn more about the Rogue Riverkeeper monitoring program with our latest blog including Frequently Asked Questions about the sampling we do.

Riparian Landscape Management

If 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.

Bear Canisters Are Now Available to Rent on the Rogue River Trail

Be Bear Aware while hiking on the Rogue River Trail — rent a bear canister to keep yourself, your food, and black bears safe.

Talking Points on Proposed Dredging of the Lower Rogue

Rogue Riverkeeper is working diligently to protect the Rogue River’s integrity by pushing for the denial of RogueJet’s recertification to dredge over 1,000 cubic yards of sand, sediment, and gravel from 42 different locations within the Rogue River, but we need your help.

Hydrojet and excavator dredging planned on the Lower Rogue River

Jerry’s Rogue Jets, a commercial jet boat company out of Gold Beach, Oregon is attempting to renew their dredge and fill permit with the Department of Environmental Quality, which would dredge up to 42 sites, distributed over 30 river miles, annually. With over 1,000 cubic yards of sediment, sand, and gravel to be redeposited and discharged per proposed dredging location.

Clean Water Act DefenseGuest UserJune 24, 2022Lower Rogue, Dredging, DEQ, Take Action

The Long-Term Impacts from the Bear Creek Oil Spill Remain to be Seen

Following 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?

Bear Creek Clean Up Efforts Underway

On 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.

Celebrate Earth Month with Rogue Riverkeeper

April 22nd is Earth Day, and our community will gather to celebrate in-person events for the first time in three years. Whether it’s removing trash and debris from local waterways or meeting new supporters through fundraising events at local Aveda salongs, you’ll find Rogue Riverkeeper celebrating Earth Day with the Rogue Valley community all month long!

Guest UserApril 1, 2022Earth Day, Earth Month, Fundraising, Stewardship

Municipal Highlight: Another Dry Winter Brings Consequences for the Ashland Watershed

The 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.

Protecting Water Resources: It Starts at the Tributaries

Underground 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.

Water Quality Concerns? Here's How To Report Them

Have you seen evidence of pollution in our waterways? Rogue Riverkeeper is frequently contacted by members of the public about possible water pollution in our rivers and streams. Aquatic wildlife and your fellow community members rely on you to report pollution when you see it so the proper authorities can put a stop to it.

Haleigh MartinFebruary 3, 2022Water Quality, report card, water quality standards, clean water

LNG Pipeline Project is Officially Dead!

The “No LNG” campaign to fight against the Jordan Cove Energy Project and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline began nearly 20 years ago, and today we can claim victory! On December 1st, Pembina officially requested the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) vacate their authorization to use eminent domain in acquiring property for the development of the Jordan Cove Energy Project and Pacific Connector Gas Pipeline.

No Pipeline, No LNGGuest UserDecember 1, 2021No LNG, No Pipeline, Pembina, Pacific Connector Pipeline

Recent Work with the Bear Creek Restoration Initiative

The Bear Creek Restoration Initiative (BCRI) endeavors to restore Bear Creek to a riparian environment that will provide habitat for wildlife, diverse plants and trees, and recreation opportunities for the community. Check out our latest blog to read about all the different issues facing Bear Creek today and how the BCRI intends to contribute to restoration efforts in the going forward.

Guest UserNovember 17, 2021

Court Orders FERC to Reconsider Eminent Domain Certification!

The U.S. Court of Appeals has ordered FERC to consider pausing the previously granted certification allowing for construction of the 230-mile pipeline. The agency now has 90 days to decide what it will do while the court develops their final ruling.