Leaburg Dam is killing Salmon! Dam has not generated power in 4 years.

Fish passage freedom at Leaburg Dam with gates open as demonstrated here! The bridge remains open! And there is NO cost.

Leaburg Dam is killing Salmon! Dam has not generated power in 4 years.

Fish passage freedom at Leaburg Dam with gates open as demonstrated here! The bridge remains open! And there is NO cost.

The McKenzie River Watershed: Eugene, Oregon

McKenzie Watershed Protective is currently engaged in the preservation of the McKenzie River in Western Oregon, which is the drinking water source for 200,000 people in Eugene.

As a "watchdog organization" we have filed over 40 County, State and Federal violations on the McKenzie River. This is a mere fraction of current violations.

"Save the McKenzie" is not a slogan, it is a plea as the McKenzie River is DYING from riparian destruction, algae and aquatic invasive plants, unbridled development and loss of water quality. There are currently 15 government agencies with legal responsibilities on the McKenzie.

Nationally recognized as a premier fly fishing river, the McKenzie River native fish management plan -- well, there isn't one. See our proposal below.

What Can You Do?

We are here to help educate all stakeholders in this effort. Whether you are a river user, property owner or governmment agency, we are here to help you understand the consequences of inaction and what you can do to help.

Every action and effort we make is done with this simple mantra: "Doing What is Best for the River". Whether you help through donations, volunteering your time, or educating others, thank you!

We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you. Are you passionate about what we're doing? Let us know! We are always looking for volunteers to help us make our vision a reality. You can be the "eyes and ears" of the McKenzie River. We are currently photgraphing the entire 90 miles of river frontage for riparian zone violations.

Water, Fish and Forests

The McKenzie River is Dying!

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

What was once a top cleanest river in America, the McKenzie is in serious trouble. The signs are clear to those willing to look at the evidence: Invasive aquatic plants, algae growth, bacteria counts, and riparian destruction are shocking to those in the know. LESS THAN HALF OF THE RIPARIAN ZONE ON THE ENTIRE RIVER EXISTS TODAY.

This river supports the city of Eugene with drinking water and "Water is Life".

The McKenzie River supports a multi-million dollar fishing and recreation industry which is threatened by the ongoing river conditions.

We are currently meeting with a number of government agencies to bring about significant enforcement of riparian laws.

See Lane County Riparian Code below.

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

Before the Dams were built on the McKenzie, around 1950, the limit on Native Trout was 100 per day. Today, the limit on Native Trout is zero. The largest population of Native Trout is located above and below the reach of the Dams. Why?

Before the Dams, over 100,000 Chinook Salmon migrated from the Columbia River up the McKenzie. In the last 10 years the Salmon return has been a few thousand which are mainly hatchery raised fish. Why?

The lack of a native fish management plan on the McKenzie River is incomprehensible.

We are developing a Native Fish Management Proposal for ODFW to be presented soon. Get involved. Your comments are welcome. See draft proposal below

Forest Management

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

Forest Management

The forests surrounding the McKenzie Watershed are nothing short of amazing! We need our forests to be managed for the long term and future generations. As recent fire events demonstrate, forests must be managed to be healthy and sustainable. Forests are crops that require a human generation to grow and harvest. If the crops are rotated and cared for then healthy forests are the result. There is room in this plan for Old Growth trees as well, but in proportion to the over all forest.

While we greatly appriciate our forest products industries, we must have sustainable forest practices in the watershed. Forest practices such as arial spraying of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer in the watershed must change.

We are committed to help offset cost differences in changing forest practices by working with County, State and Federal Agencies with tax credits or land swaps, for example.

McKenzie Watershed Protective

Leaburg Dam is killing Salmon! Dam has not generated power in 4 years.

Leaburg Dam is killing Salmon! Dam has not generated power in 4 years.

Leaburg Dam: Normal Operation with one of three gates open. The hydraulic pressure and velocity of the outflow kills migrating fish.

The McKenzie River Watershed: Eugene, Oregon

What Can You Do?

Many groups and individuals are calling for defunding & disbanding the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. This organization supports that movement, and passing management of fish & wildlife to the confederated tribes of Oregon.

Water, Fish and Forests

The McKenzie River is Dying!

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

Forest Management

McKenzie River Fish Management Plan

Forest Management

Downloads

Our Staff

Robert Spencer, President

State Law SB 2289 & County Code 16.253 For a period of ten years, all codes related to building/development in the riparian/wetlands areas suspended.

Here is what you get when all laws/codes are suspended!