A few years ago American Whitewater joined other organizations in advocating for the removal of a series of dams on the Rogue River. As expected and as detailed in a new report on opportunities following dam removal, "Southern Oregon has effectively increased the supply of recreational assets and ecosystem services in the region" and "economic benefits to the region derive from providing services that make the experience of playing on the Rogue more fun and more convenient."

 

Paddlers are exploring the newly restored sections of river now that the dams no longer create barriers to navigation. Recently, Jackson County and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife received a technical assistance grant through the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program to develop a recreation access and management plan for a thirteen mile stretch of the Rogue River that includes the former Gold Hill and Gold Ray dam sites. 

 

With changes in public use patterns following removal of the dams, the planning team wants to identify recreational needs and opportunities. To gather this information and encourage public involvement, a planning group has been established that consists of river users and interest groups. In conjunction with a series of public open houses to solicit input from the community, the planning team is also encouraging river users to take an online survey to document how the river was used and how that use has changed with dam removal. The results will inform the development of a plan for recreation on this unique and beautiful section of the Rogue.

 

Take the Survey

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/rogueriver

 

Learn More

http://www.co.jackson.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=3825