One of the most important trends in the development of volunteer public groups that represent particular interest. One of the groups sponsored by the state and supported in part by the state and in part by dues and grants, is the Upper Rogue Watershed Association. The association is still finding it's way but has formed bylaws, policy, and a public statement. The statement follows:

Upper Rogue Watershed Association

Mission:

To serve all local stakeholders in the enhancement and stewardship of the natural resources of the Upper Rogue Watershed.

Local watershed associations represent the diverse nature and elements of watersheds and serve a vital role in watershed health. They foster communication, cooperation and ensure broad citizen involvement. Associations share ideas with governments. Together they set workable goals and criteria for local watersheds, seek funding and foster a proactive approach in managing watersheds. Our board of directors are selected and elected from the communities within our watershed. They provide a balanced representation for issues and concerns of the people who live here. i.e:

Agriculture

Large timber

Small woodlot owner

Recreational fishing

Recreation

Education

Local municipality

Environmental

Commercial/business

Public land

Small private landowner

Water user

Economic development

Heroes are people who say: This is my community, and it's my responsibility to make it better. -- former Oregon Governor Tom McCall

We're listening!

If you have something to say, or if you want to find out more about natural resource issues, come to watershed meetings. Each month, the Association meets at the Upper Rogue Community Center, uphill from the Shady Cove Library and City Hall, Shady Cove, Oregon.

The meetings are held at 6 PM every third Monday of each Month except July and August. Next public meeting is February 16, 2004, at 6 PM. We invite you to join us as a member or as a guest.

Benefits to the Public:

The Association is the first stop for people with questions concerning where to go for help in land use, planning, working with governmental natural resource agencies and other watershed matters. We have worked hand-in-hand with landowners to assist them in design and restoration projects and have helped in resolving other land issues.

The principal areas of our work have been:

Production of the Water Festival at McGregor Park in the Lost Creek Lake complex.

Monitoring water quality across Little Butte Creek and Upper Rogue River watersheds.

Restoration and enhancement of fish habitat on Big Butte Creek and Reese Creek.

Meeting with governmental natural resource agencies to present landowner concerns and needs.

Education including sponsoring River Cadets, Saturday Seminars, and traveling exhibits to schools.

Call 878-3710 for information.

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