Rogue Valley, Ore — Four watershed councils that make decisions affecting more than a million acres in southern Oregon are now coming together. Groups that once competed for funding joining forces to protect water in the Rogue Basin.
Volunteers for the four watershed councils represent waterways from Ashland to Grants Pass.
Now after more than a year in the works they’re becoming the “Rogue River Watershed Council.
The Rogue River is one of most iconic natural features of the Rogue Valley, but protecting it is no easy task.
“That’s where the water comes from that we use to drink, we use for the streams, the fish use that water, wildlife, aquatic species,” said Bob Jones.
Jones is a geologist with the Medford Water Commission. He’s also helping to oversee the new watershed council tasked with protecting the waters of the Rogue Valley and the lands that surround it.
“Improve fish habitat, improve education about the watersheds, get the community involved, let them know about how important the watershed is and that they actually live in a watershed and that they can help take care of it.”
After 15 months of planning four localized watershed councils from Grants Pass to Crater Lake to Ashland will combine under one name to create the new Rogue River Watershed Council.
“We felt it would be better to form a new organization, combine those so we could accomplish things better,” said Jones.
Jones says the new streamlined effort will better prepare the area to deal with issues like agricultural use, water quality and drought.
An issue more important now than ever with southern Oregon experience the worst drought on record.
“About a million and a half acres that they cover and they’ll be working together now to do activities in a more effective and efficient manner,” said Jones.
Hopefully ensuring the Rogue Valley’s namesake will keep flowing for generations to come.
The new council goes into effect in 2015 but first the Rogue River Watershed Council will have to meet with the Oregon watershed enhancement board which oversees councils throughout the state.
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