A RIVER BASIN IN NEED OF FLOOD CONTROL AND ENHANCEMENTS
The unfinished Elk Creek Dam has been discussed for several years because of the numerous flood and stream control benefits it can provide. In 1985 a study by the Oregon Water Resource Commission found that the completion of the Elk Creek Dam was critical to Rogue Basin enhancement, but in spite of that finding, some mis-informed people and a misguided Governor managed to prevent its completion.
Now, with continuing pressure the Corp of Engineers has agreed that the approximately 50% completed portion of Elk Creek Dam must be breached to allow fish to pass above the dam. Elk Creek Dam is a very needed resource and must be completed not breached. Due to the usual low water flows in the summer and fall the stream has little or no measurable spawning or fish population development, but with completion that could be improved with the chance that some fish may begin to spawn between the dam and its confluence with the Rogue river and with a big bonus of flood control in winter/spring and cooler water flow in the summer, relieving some pressure on Lost Creek Dam to release water for temperature control. Also, many people believe it could be a ready resource for irrigation in the Sams Valley area north of Medford, truly another major bonus. The Corp of Engineers wants funding to breach the dam in December 2001 or January 2002. All those who wish to prevent the breaching and want to see the dam completed should contact the U S Army Corp of Engineers District, Attn; CENWP-PM-E, P O Box 2046, Portland, Ore. 97208-2946 by ending date Nov. 23 2001, and then our Congressmen, and the President to request they do the right thing and complete the dam. Why not use the money that is requested by Smith and Widen to remove Savage Rapids Dam to fund completion of the Elk Creek Dam????? Contact Three Rivers Watershed Council Inc. a non-profit corporation for the benefit of the people P O Box 880, Rogue River, Ore. 97537.