Instream Habitat

What is The Freshwater Trust doing here?

The Freshwater Trust (TFT) has worked with partners to improve instream habitat within the Rogue River basin, including connected tributaries. Much of our effort has been to correct past attempts at straightening the river and streamside channels.

When people straighten a river, the action often speeds up the river's flow, causing the water to carry rocks and sediments much faster. This ruins habitat and makes it nearly impossible for fish to lay their eggs in safe refuges.

Several methods are available to recreate a meandering river that flows at different rates and provides safe pools where fish can spawn. Some of these methods include:

 

Why is this important?

Fish are like the canary in the coal mine — when they go, you know the river is in danger. As native fish species struggle to survive and breed in rivers, populations drop. Without those fish, everything dependent on them for food, including wildlife and humans, suffers.

If fish struggle to survive, it’s a key indicator of poor water quality, which is significant in the Rogue, since it provides drinking water for more than 200,000 people in Oregon. Making the river healthier for the fish and ourselves helps the local economy and protects the environment.

Since TFT began our Rogue River projects, our work throughout the basin has benefited and increased populations of threatened and endangered native fish species, including the coho, steelhead, Spring & Fall Chinook, and cutthroat trout.

 

How can you support these efforts?

One key way to support our efforts is through donations. TFT ensures that every dollar you give delivers measurable results that will make a difference in a timeline that matters. You can make a one-time gift or become a regular monthly donor today.

You can also support us by staying connected through our regular newsletter and emails. Sign up today to get the latest TFT news.

Following our social media accounts and sharing our posts with friends, family, and colleagues can also help support freshwater conservation and get more people involved.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

Want to take a deeper dive?

Check out these resources to learn more about instream habitat and our work throughout the Rogue River basin.