Spring Chinook Salmon (also referred to as springers) are an essential species to the rivers of the Oregon Coast. Not only are they a keystone species in the ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of the river and its food web, but the spring Chinook Salmon run has cultural and spiritual significance for local tribes and communities, who have relied on the fish for sustenance for thousands of years.

The North Umpqua River and its wild fish are invaluable public treasures for our community and our state. For decades, these resources have been diminished by Winchester Dam, a structure whose sole purpose is to provide recreation for a few private homeowners. The dam owners, Winchester Water Control District, have failed to maintain the structure for the past 30 years. This neglect has resulted in major infrastructure problems that threaten our fish, water quality, and community safety. In 2023, attempted dam maintenance resulted in the mortality of hundreds of thousands of Pacific Lamprey, water quality violations, and blocked volitional fish passage. But there is hope. Native Fish Society is invested in our mission of restoring the North Umpqua River to its former glory, reviving wild, native fish population and returning the river to a free-flowing state, providing unimpeded access to more than 160 miles of cold water habitats for native fish.

Habitat restoration is essential to the survival and recovery of important wild fish populations, such as spring Chinook salmon, winter steelhead, and Cutthroat trout, that call the Molalla River home. By restoring degraded areas and reconnecting critical spawning and rearing habitats, we can create more suitable habitats for wild fish to thrive. This can help to increase the size and health of wild fish populations, improve water quality, and enhance the overall ecological health of the river. Habitat restoration can also provide valuable benefits for other species and the surrounding community, such as improved water resources, increased recreational opportunities, and a more resilient ecosystem. By investing in habitat restoration, we can help to secure the future of wild fish in the Molalla River and support a healthy, productive ecosystem for generations to come.