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Oregon Topics: Environment/Natural Resources

​Discussions of how to improve salmon runs in the rivers of the Pacific Northwest illustrate the challenges related to solving modern environmental problems. Just about every major industry in Oregon may be affected by salmon recovery plans. Hydroelectric dams, timber harvesting practices, agricultural pesticide runoff, cattle grazing, overfishing, industrial discharge, and other potential causes have been linked to the declining runs. Still, experts have not formed a consensus on the best course of action. There is agreement, however, that salmon recovery will cost billions of dollars and that the outcome is uncertain. ​

This section provides links to agencies and organizations working on the salmon issue and other issues related to the environment and natural resources.​

​​​​ Columbia River Gorge Commission (created through a bi-state compact between Oregon and Washington)

Oregon Agriculture Department

Land and Water

Pesticides and Fertilizers

Agricultural Water Quality

Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs)

Drought and Disaster

Oregon Energy Department

For businesses

For residential customers

For schools (energy efficiency)

Renewable resources 

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)


Oregon Fish and Wildlife Department

​My ODFW ​for all current regulations, regulation updates, recreation reports and stocking schedules.
 

Oregon Forestry Department

State forests

Protection from fire

Private Forests Program (forest health, financial incentives, and regulation)

Urban and community forests (planting and caring for trees)

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Oregon Geology and Mineral Industries Department (information about earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, oil and gas production, mining, and more)

Oregon Governor's Office

​Governor's Issues & Priorities

Oregon Land Conservation and Development Department (DLCD)

About the department (includes programs and history)

Grants

Planning

Public meetings

Publications

News and Notices


Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA)​

Opinions​

Publish​ed orders​

Oregon State Lands Department

State Land Board (includes minutes)

Wetlands Program

Removal/Fill Program (related to state waterways)

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Oregon Water Resources Department

Agency forms

Water management programs (includes conservation and enhancement efforts)

Water resource maps (surface water, stream flow, dam, hydroelectric data)

Ground water information (includes data, studies, and guides)

Publications and Reports

Water rights information (includes extensive maps and data)

Oregon Explorer (by Oregon State University Libraries - includes information to help citizens and policymakers make better decisions about Oregon's natural resources and communities)

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (interstate commission for dealing with fishery issues- California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska)
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Gold Ray Dam
Gold Ray Dam on the Rogue River was removed because of environmental concerns. (Oregon State Archives Photo)