By Zachary Collier, The Register-Guard

In a historic effort to protect Oregon’s cherished waterways, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley recently introduced the River Democracy Act. 

Fortified by 2,500 Oregonians nominating more than 15,000 streams and rivers, this bill will safeguard for future generations roughly 4,700 miles of our rivers and streams, increasing the percentage of protected waterways from just 2% to 6%. Many celebrate this bill as a victory for Oregon’s plant and wildlife populations and unique landscape — and rightfully so. Rough and Ready Creek — one waterway up for protection — serves as home to the highest concentration of rare plants in Oregon. Silver Creek, another proposed waterway, is one of the most productive native steelhead streams in the Rogue River Basin. 

Read the full article HERE.