Five waterways will receive much-needed restoration in 2025, thanks to a partnership between Pacific Power’s Blue Sky® Habitat customers and The Freshwater Trust.
Through a $2.50 monthly donation to the Blue Sky Habitat program, Pacific Power customers have contributed more than $2 million to support important community-based projects. Each year, watershed councils and other nonprofits have an opportunity to apply for these funds to help restore native fish habitat in Oregon.
Applications are reviewed by The Freshwater Trust, and criteria for evaluation include a scientific approach, technical rigor and direct benefit to native anadromous fish species.
“This year, more than $200,000 will be going to local river restoration because thousands of Oregonians believed it important,” said Monique Leslie, senior restoration project manager with The Freshwater Trust. “That’s powerful. Blue Sky gives customers a tangible way to connect to freshwater and wildlife, and we’re fortunate to be a part of it.”
Projects benefiting the Hood River, Lower Columbia River, Marys River, upper Rogue River, and Sandy River watersheds have been chosen for 2025. Last year, the Lower Columbia River, Hood River, Sandy River, Lower Drift Creek, and floodplains across the Lower Crooked River benefited. Each award is typically between $20,000 and $40,000.
The Hood River Watershed Group will receive $39,000 to reconnect floodplains on the mainstem Hood River along the Powerdale Corridor. Another $20,000 will go to the Marys River Watershed Council to remove invasive vegetation. The Rogue River Watershed Council will receive $40,000 toward installing large wood structures in West Fork Trail Creek while Vesper Meadow Education Program will receive $36,000 for adding log structures that benefit beaver in Little Butte Creek. The Freshwater Trust will receive approximately $43,000 to improve habitat on the Salmon and Zigzag Rivers. And Columbia River Estuary Study Taskforce (CREST) will receive $26,000 to enhance salmon refuges and tidal wetlands.
“The costs for these projects vary from small to large,” said Leslie. “The Blue Sky Habitat program offers these organizations a contribution to help carry their work further. Some organizations are able to receive awards several years in a row to complete high-quality, multi-step restoration projects.”
Spring and fall Chinook salmon, summer and winter steelhead, coho, lamprey, cutthroat trout, and chum will benefit from restoration of these five watersheds.
“This is our fifteenth year helping Pacific Power disperse funds to organizations that make a true difference on the ground for a river or stream in their community,” said Leslie. “It’s always inspiring to see how the simple decision by customers can make a widespread difference for so many waterways in Oregon.”
About Blue Sky
About 158,000 Pacific Power customers currently participate in the Blue Sky renewable energy program across Oregon, Washington and California. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/bluesky.
About The Freshwater Trust
The Freshwater Trust is an organization focused on using insight to solve problems at the intersection of water and the economy. By leveraging analytics, science, policy reform, and incentive-based solutions, we’re working to build and apply data-driven conservation solutions at scale. For more information, visit www.thefreshwatertrust.org.
