Oregon's Department of State Land issued a final ruling and determined that the Rogue River from RM 68.5 to 157.5 (Grave Creek to Lost Creek Dam) is indeed navigable. The finding confirms that the state is the owner of the river bed, and the public has the right to use the river.
Earlier today the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new 30 year license for the Prospect Hydroelectric Project (P-2630) on the North Fork of the Rogue River in southern Oregon. FERC addressed our requests in the issuance of the new license for restored flows, public access to the river, and flow information.
Today Congressmen Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) announced their plan for increasing Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon this year. Their vision includes adding 79.6 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers on the Mt. Hood National Forest and 142.9 miles of tributaries to the Lower Rogue Wild and Scenic River.
Construction of Elk Creek Dam in the Rogue River basin was halted in 1988. Since that time the dam has remained as a barrier to fish and navigation. This week the Army Corps of Engineers awarded a contract to notch the dam this year.
Late yesterday FERC issued a letter rejecting the Preliminary Permit Application for the McKenzie River Hydro Project by Principle Power Hydro. In the letter FERC stated that the application "patently fails to conform to the Commission's regulations" and went on to cite several deficiencies with the application.
AW has completed a study of instream flow needs for recreation on the Crooked River in Oregon. The information will provide river managers with important information on how the river is used by whitewater paddlers.
State News