From The Steamboaters:
Large machines have been operating in open water without proper control on the North Umpqua. This has caused water cloudiness to surge, water turbidity to sky rocket, and have left countless lampreys stranded and at risk of perishing in the dewatered reservoir.
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) seems to be taking action to assist with this issue. Others agencies and citizens have stepped up and joined to save these important fish. It’s believed that authorities have advised against using heavy machinery in the water.
Sadly, it’s the third day and the Winchester Water Control District was not ready for this. They were supposed to rescue the fish based on their permit from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). From The Steamboaters, “we anticipate there to be a high amount of mortality.”
Stay tuned as the story develops, and be sure to follow The Steamboaters on Instagram @the_steamboaters for more updates on the North Umpqua.Â
Check out the articles below:
‘Sketchy’ Repairs on Winchester Dam Threaten Already Imperiled North Umpqua Summer Steelhead
Lawsuit Calls for Restoration Work on Oregon’s North Umpqua River