Download the Petition to Complete Elk Creek Dam

With the unprecedented growth of the Rogue Valley, and legal action to transfer to the Klamath Basin 30,000 acre-feet of ground water from our Rogue Basin watershed, it is now imperative for the construction of the Elk Creek Dam to be approved, funded and completed.

At the current time Jackson County cannot supply the water needed for irrigation in any year drier than the “average water year." In addition, the Rogue River is 300,000 to 800,000 acre-feet short of meeting water requirements in the Wild and Scenic section of the river. Elk Creek Dam will assure consistent water flow- both to Elk Creek and Rogue River. Unless action is taken, the current water deficit will grow.

Elk Creek Dam will be environmentally sound. A completed dam will provide sufficient water flows to salmon and other fish, especially during periods of drought. Last year’s debacle in the Klamath Basin demonstrated the need for a sound water policy that balances ecology and economics. Rep. Greg Walden has secured funding for a permanent trap-and-haul facility at the site. This will ensure that endangered fish can move upstream through Elk Creek. In addition, an agreement that removes Gold Rey Dam and completes Elk Creek Dam may be an acceptable compromise for all concerned parties. Gold Rey is on the main channel of the Rogue River, while Elk Creek is one of the river’s many tributaries.

Elk Creek Dam will provide flood abatement. The Rogue River Basin is frequently vulnerable to flooding. Thus, Elk Creek Dam’s water retention capabilities would help avoid the extensive and expensive damages that have been experienced in the past. Southern Oregon will be better protected if the original flood abatement plan is completed.

Elk Creek Dam could provide a regional source of electrical power. We are at war with international terrorists. In our open society all Americans are vulnerable to terrorist attacks on electrical power sources and transmission towers. As in other regions, it would be wise for Southern Oregon to upgrade its infrastructure for power generation. In addition, Southern Oregon has been threatened with power shortages due to extreme California power demands. International terrorism and high electricity demands justify the need for an additional electrical power source for our region. Therefore Elk Creek Dam’s design could be modified to include an electrical power generation capability.

Elk Creek Dam will provide water for farms and families. Elk Creek Dam could provide valuable irrigation water to thousands of acres of good farmland across the Sams Valley area of northwestern Jackson County. Oregon’s economy depends on its natural resources, yet Oregon suffers the highest unemployment rate in the country. Food production is a key source of jobs for Southern Oregon, and additional irrigation water will boost farm production and create new agricultural jobs. Further, completing Elk Creek Dam would give jobs to Southern Oregon workers that need employment. Ideally, bid requirements will favor contractors that hire local workers.

Elk Creek Dam will provide excellent recreational resources for families. Both Lost Creek and Applegate dams are enjoyed by thousands of hikers, campers, boaters and fishers every year. The completion of Elk Creek Dam will provide spectacular recreational facilities to help meet the needs of Southern Oregon’s rapidly expanding population. Broadening the region’s recreational resource base will lessen the strain on the environment that surrounds other recreational locations.

In conclusion, there are legal challenges to transfer an additional 30,000 acre feet of water from the Rogue River Basin to the Klamath Basin. This challenge for water, which is desperately needed by Rogue Valley farmers, orchards and citizens, underscores the need for immediate action to complete the Elk Creek Dam. It is an important water storage project that is vital to the economy and quality of life for Southern Oregon.