Oregon Dam Rehab: Balancing Water, Wildlife, and Farmers
Published Date: 6/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA and Forest Service are updating plans to fix Clear Branch Dam in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest because it doesn’t meet safety rules. They’re exploring different ways to keep irrigation water flowing safely while protecting fish and nature. The project timeline is extended with a new 30-day comment period and a fresh public meeting, so locals and agencies can share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Irrigation supply alternatives examined
The EIS will examine alternative ways to meet Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) safety standards for Clear Branch Dam while also meeting the Middle Fork Irrigation District's (MFID) stated purpose to supply clear and dependable irrigation water to its patrons in the Hood River watershed near Parkdale, Oregon.
Potential forest plan amendments identified
The agencies will identify substantive provisions for potential amendments to the 1990 Mt. Hood National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (as amended) as part of the EIS for the Clear Branch Dam Remedial Project. These potential amendments relate to managing National Forest System lands in the Clear Branch watershed on Mt. Hood National Forest.
Endangered species impacts will be studied
The project area includes bull trout listed under the Endangered Species Act and designated Critical Habitat; the EIS will examine impacts to these species and their habitat in the Clear Branch watershed on Mt. Hood National Forest.
Recreation and natural amenities analyzed
The EIS will analyze expected impacts of the Remedial Project on significant recreation resources and natural area amenities within the Clear Branch watershed, which could affect recreation users and local businesses tied to those amenities in Hood River County, Oregon.
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