Oregon is leading the nation in impaired waterways
Here is what we can do about it
Map of Oregon’s waterways from the Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality
The Environmental Integrity Project recently released a report, The Clean Water Act at 50 on the status of the country’s waterways.
Out of the many insights on rivers and streams, there is one poignant takeaway: Oregon has the most miles of “impaired” waterways nationwide.
122,800 miles, in fact, including numerous streams here in Central Oregon.
According to the report, “Oregon has the most overall miles of rivers and streams categorized as impaired for any use (122,800 miles), followed by California (60,922 impaired miles), and Michigan (54,687 impaired miles).”
The report also reveals that 81% of Oregon’s rivers and streams are in a condition that threatens aquatic life.
These numbers are alarming, but we can use them as a catalyst for action and respond to the climate crisis by considering how we manage our wild lands and waterways.
Let’s pass the River Democracy Act
A map of the current and proposed designations under the bill.
With more than 122,000 miles of impaired waterways, these findings unequivocally support the passage of Oregon’s River Democracy Act at the federal level.
This bill, introduced to the Senate in 2021, would add 4,700 miles of rivers and streams in Oregon to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. Clean water, fish, wildlife, and recreation would be the priorities for these streams. Currently, only 2% of Oregon’s rivers and streams are protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
In Central Oregon, this bill would safeguard Tumalo Creek, tributaries of the Metolius River, Paulina Creek, Fall River, tributaries to the Crooked River, the upper Deschutes, and several streams in the Ochocos.
We are happy to join over 75 other organizations across the state in support of the River Democracy Act and hope to see this bill passed this year.
The Metolius River: Stu Gordon
Take Action
Thank Oregon’s senators for championing protections for Oregon’s rivers. Share a message of support to Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley for their work on the River Democracy Act. Let them know you share their urgency in getting this bill passed this year, for the future of Oregon’s waterways.