Document Actions
Working with partners to ensure this regional water management planning project improves habitat and water quality conditions for native species, recreation, and aesthetics
Conservation Policy Initiative
REGIONAL PLANNING (WISE PROJECT)
The WISE Project is an ambitious proposal to re-plumb an extensive network of diversions and canals along Bear and Little Butte creeks near Medford, Oregon, to improve the health of the Bear Creek and Little Butte Creek watersheds.
The project hopes to improve irrigation water delivery and water and habitat quality by increasing stream flows during the irrigation season. The National Center is working to ensure flow needs for the range of native fishes that use Bear and Little Butte Creeks are assessed to make sure the implications of any flow recommendations are fully understood.
Along with our conservation partners, we intend to make sure water from this project designated for instream benefits is legally protected as “instream” water so that the anticipated benefits of the project are enjoyed by the fishes of these streams.
Photo by Steve Whitney.
