Connect with us

Oregon

Fishing, environmental groups sue over Umpqua River dam

Published

on

A coalition of environmental and fishing groups are suing a water district in southern Oregon over an aging, privately owned dam that they say hinders the passage of struggling salmon populations in the pristine North Umpqua River.

The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Eugene, asks a judge to order the Winchester Water Control District to build a new fish ladder and make major repairs to Winchester Dam, which dates to 1890 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The dam is also one of the oldest in Oregon.

The aging fish ladder on the 130-year-old dam blocks the progress of migrating Oregon Coast Coho salmon — a federally protected species — as well as spring and fall chinook, summer and winter steelhead, cutthroat trout and Pacific Lamprey, according to the lawsuit. There’s also no record that the water district has rights to hold and store water behind the dam under state law, the lawsuit said.

Dominic M. Carollo, the water district’s attorney, did not return a call for comment Tuesday.

The North Umpqua River is pristine fish habitat and is cherished by environmentalists and anglers alike, said Jim McCarthy, with WaterWatch of Oregon, one of the plaintiffs.

The 167 miles (268 kilometers) of river above the dam are some of the highest-quality fish habitat in the state, he said, and are a key part of the coastal fishing industry.

You may also like…

Crime & Safety12 hours ago

Son ‘entered his parent’s lodge with a mission’ before telling his dad’s two friends to sit down and then killing his father, with whom he had not been in good relations and had not been getting along for a very long time; charged

Minneapolis, MN – Authorities released information regarding the arrest of a 31-year-old Minnesota man, identified as K. Edward ll, who...

Crime & Safety12 hours ago

Woman, who was free on bond, watched someone she was familiar with die after dousing the victim with gasoIine and lighting her on fire, causing severe burns all over her body and ultimately leading to her death; charged

Virginia Beach, VIRGINIA – A 28-year-old Virginia woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and malicious assault following a...

Eugene2 days ago

EPD offers unique opportunity for City of Eugene residents to learn about law enforcement through its Citizen’s Police Academy

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, this program provides participants with an inside look at the department’s operations...

Oregon2 days ago

Eugene Police Department officers were recognized for their exceptional service at the Oregon Peace Officers Association Annual Law Enforcement Awards Banquet

Eugene, OR – According to the police officials, the event highlighted the bravery and dedication of law enforcement professionals across...

Eugene2 days ago

Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit assisted the Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team in a drug investigation that resulted in multiple arrests, substantial drug seizures, and the discovery of a weapons cache

Eugene, OR – In a significant operation, the Eugene Police Street Crimes Unit (EPD SCU), funded by the Community Safety Payroll...

Crime & Safety3 days ago

Law enforcement officer was assigned to go and check the condition of several animals, only to then claim that he was cleared by his supervisor to put down the pets safely before killing almost all of them; charged

The 24-year-old law enforcement officer from Tennessee, later identified as Connor, was fired and later charged with aggravated cruelty to...

Crime & Safety4 days ago

Teacher was messaged by her student, with whom she had a months-long iIIicit relationship, only for her to later admit to abusing her position of trust and getting involved in an inappropriate relationship with the boy after she was arrested by waiting police

Los Angeles, CA – According to the police officials, the 37-year-old educator, later identified as Yesenia, was arrested and later...

Oregon4 days ago

Oregon residents and visitors can enjoy free fishing, clamming, and crabbing on Friday and Saturday, November 29-30, 2024

Eugene, OR – According to the state officials, during this two-day event, no fishing or shellfish licenses are required, including...

Eugene4 days ago

Oregon Department of Emergency Management offers post-windstorm safety tips

Eugene, OR – Windstorms, most common in the Fall and Spring, can strike suddenly in Oregon, leaving destruction in their wake....

Eugene4 days ago

ESF crews responded to structure fire on Cross Place, no injuries reported

Eugene, OR – On Saturday afternoon, November 16, 2024, Eugene Springfield Fire crews responded to a house fire in the 2000...

Crime & Safety5 days ago

Mother refused to call 911, claiming her child was overreacting, even after the victim’s younger sibling tried sprinkling water in her eyes and cared for her all day until she died from an untreated medicaI condition; charged

New York City, N.Y. – According to the court documents, during the preliminary hearing, which started earlier this week, several...

Trending