Protect and Restore Free Flowing Oregon Rivers

Last fall, WaterWatch and our allies reached an interim agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and several irrigation districts to temporarily boost flows in the Upper Deschutes River to reduce harm to the Oregon spotted frog. The deal also requires the Bureau and districts to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to create a long-term water management plan, known as a biological opinion, on a set timeline.

The agreement stems from lawsuits brought by WaterWatch and the Center for Biological Diversity arguing that management of Crane Prairie and Wickiup dams on the Upper Deschutes is driving the struggling frogs toward extinction. The groups also argued that the Bureau had failed to follow the law requiring creation of a plan to reduce harm from its river management operations.

Large fluctuations in both the size of the reservoirs and the river’s flows alternately flood and dry out the frog’s habitat, in violation of the Endangered Species Act. The flow regime also damages water quality while harming fish and wildlife. One of the most visible recent examples of this harm occurred in October 2013, when a rapid flow reduction due to irrigation management killed nearly 3,000 fish and sparked outrage throughout the state.

WaterWatch’s goal has always been a science-based water management plan that benefits frogs as well as fish, other wildlife, and the people of Central Oregon who cherish and rely on the Upper Deschutes. The interim flow measures are a step in the right direction while parties work toward the main objective: establishing substantive flow improvements in the river. We will be holding parties to achievement of this goal under the timeline defined by the settlement.

Help further WaterWatch's work in protecting the spotted frog and the rivers and streams of our beautiful state by donating today. Thank you!

Links:

• Read the Deschutes settlement at waterwatch.org