Last October at our annual photo contest unveiling event, I stood with other Oregon Wild staff, volunteers, and supporters as the baton was passed from one leader to the next.

Regna Merritt, after over 20 years with the organization (10 at the helm), was moving on and our current Executive Director Scott Shlaes was grabbing the reins. It was an exciting time. We huddled closer to the podium as Regna passed the microphone to Scott. It was fitting that he said thanks and raised a glass of pure, delicious Bull Run water to toast Regna's accomplishments with the organization.

For years, under Regna's leadership, Oregon Wild fought to keep the forests cradling the Bull Run reservoir safe from logging and other development. We were successful in passing the Bull Run and Little Sandy Protection Acts to keep the watershed safe.

But, in recent years a one-size-fits-all federal regulation threatened the quality of Bull Run water by requiring unnecessary treatment for the microorganism cryptosporidium.

Well, we got the good news from state clean water officials on Tuesday that the treatment facility is no longer needed!

Here's a round-up of news articles on the subject:

• The Oregonian
• OPB News
• Portland Tribune

Also, here's a great video from OPB detailing the history of the Bull Run.