The Oregon Water Trust (OWT), now operating as The Freshwater Trust, is an environmental organization based in the U.S. state of Oregon. Its mission is to restore surface water flows in Oregon by using cooperative, free-market solutions. OWT was founded in 1993 by a group that sought to utilize the "tools of the land trust movement...and apply the same approach to the acquisition of water".[1] "With the success of OWT, water trusts have been created in Montana, Colorado, and Washington" with others from the Western United States.[2] Using a transactional approach, the group focuses on streams where potentially small amounts of water provide ecological benefits.

Overview

The Oregon Water Trust targets efforts in watersheds that have historically supported significant fisheries. The Oregon Water Trust concentrates acquisition efforts on small- to medium-sized tributaries that may provide spawning and rearing for salmonids.

The Oregon Water Trust analysis of stream flow and habitat conditions includes:

  • Delineating fish use and distribution for each segment;
  • Documenting the ecological value of the waterway for fish;
  • Evaluating current habitat and water quality conditions; and
  • Evaluating the potential benefits of acquired water on fish habitat.

The Oregon Water Trust compiles data on the species present, their habitat needs, and endangered species listing status; instream conditions, and the relation of instream conditions to riparian, upslope, and watershed conditions and activities.

Partners

Oregon Water Trust works with local and community groups, agency staff, and others.

Oregon Water Trust's board of directors represents tribal perspectives.

Project History

It has been over 17 years since the Oregon Water Trust completed its first paid lease with a rancher on Buck Hollow Creek in the Deschutes Basin.[3] In 1994, the Oregon Water Trust water portfolio amounted to two leases totaling 1.4 cubic feet (0.040 m3) per second (40 L/s). Today, their portfolio has grown to 160 ft³/s (4,500 L³/s) protected for instream use in 86 streams. Over the year, this constitutes 52,896 acre-feet (65,246,000 m3) of water.

The Oregon Water Trust has implemented projects in basins which include the Deschutes, John Day, Willamette, and Rogue rivers.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Neuman, Janet; C. Chapman (1999). "Wading Into the Water Market: The First Five Years of the Oregon Water Trust" (PDF). Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation. 14: 139–40. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2006-09-17. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
  2. ↑ Scarborough, Brandon; H.L. Lund (2007). Saving Our Streams: Harnessing Water Markets, A Practical Guide. Bozeman, MT: The Property & Environment Research Center (www.perc.org). p. 22. ISBN 0-9760244-4-6.
  3. ↑ Neuman, Janet; Cheyenne Chapman (1999). "Wading Into the Water Market: The First Five Years of the Oregon Water Trust" (PDF). Journal of Environmental Law and Litigation. 14: 146–48. Archived from the original (pdf) on 2006-09-17. Retrieved 2007-06-28.
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