Community Engagement Underway to Shape Future of Upper Rogue River

Medford, Oregon– Several Oregon state agencies are collaborating to gather public input on the future use and preservation of a 31-mile stretch of the Upper Rogue River, running from the former Gold Ray Dam site to Lost Creek Dam. The Oregon Departments of Parks and Recreation (OPRD), Fish and Wildlife, State Lands, and the Oregon State Marine Board have initiated this effort to understand the desires and concerns of Jackson County residents and visitors regarding this scenic waterway.

To start this overall dialogue, Oregon’s Kitchen Table, a community engagement organization, has been enlisted to conduct surveys and coordinate discussions in English and Spanish. These engagements are scheduled to take place until July 5.

This initiative follows earlier community discussions led by OPRD regarding a potential jet boat concessionaire agreement at TouVelle State Recreation Site last year. Concerns raised during that process regarding recreational impacts and wildlife habitat preservation prompted a broader conversation about the Upper Rogue River’s management beyond the scope of TouVelle.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to participate by sharing their perspectives through surveys available in multiple languages and by attending community conversations. The latter will include in-person events at various locations and virtual gatherings on Zoom.

Key dates for upcoming community conversations include:

May 22, 6-8 p.m. (Zoom, English with Spanish interpretation)
May 30, 6-8 p.m. (Shady Cove Middle School, Spanish interpretation available by request)
June 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Touvelle State Park, Spanish interpretation available by request)
June 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (Jackson County Library, Medford Branch, bilingual session in English and Spanish)

Following the conclusion of these engagements, Oregon’s Kitchen Table will compile a report summarizing the community’s feedback. The insights gathered will be made available to the public and will guide future management decisions by the involved state agencies.

For further information or to connect with community groups, please contact Eliot Feenstra directly at info@oregonskitchentable.org.