The McKenzie River watershed lies just east of Eugene and extends nearly to the crest of the Cascade mountains. The upper 2/3 of the watershed lies within the Willamette National Forest. Its source: pristine springs that bubble up through ancient lava flows into Clear Lake. The river flows over scenic Sahalie and Koosah falls before reaching a series of dams and diversions used to generate power by the Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB), and finally feeding a productive valley of filbert farms, industrial timber lands, and rural communities.

The McKenzie's clear, cold water and lush forests are valued by many, and for many reasons:

Drinking water for 200,000

Public forestlands in the upper McKenzie are the produce clean source water for Eugene-area residents. Healthy older forests are nature's perfect water-quality control: their canopies keep streams cool, their deep organic soils act as sponges and filters - keeping sediment from running off and releasing water slowly into the watershed. According to EWEB, the public utility that generates power and filters water for the Eugene area, residents drink some of the best water in the nation. There is no doubt that the relatively pristine nature of the McKenzie's headwaters help make this so.

Historic and current logging in both the upper and lower watersheds, however, endanger this clean water supply by increasing EWEB's cost and ability to treat water with higher sediment levels.

Recreational opportunities

Its location makes the McKenzie River one of Eugene's favorite backyard playgrounds - offering great fishing, boating, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and other recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike.

In 2004 alone, over 21,900 visitors came to enjoy the forests, world-class trails and waters of the McKenzie.

Fish & Wildlife Habitat

The McKenzie's streams and forests provide critical habitat for numerous endangered and threatened species, including Northern spotted owl, spring Chinook salmon, Bull trout, and Oregon chub.

This area is also vital habitat for elk, black bear, mountain lion, otter, mink, red tree vole, flying squirrel, and many other species that rely on healthy forests for survival.

Healthy Local Economy

Clean waters, healthy populations of fish and wildlife, and beautiful forests keep the Eugene area and eastern Lane County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These benefits, found in Eugene's backyard, help recruit businesses and workers to the area.

In addition, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds have helped diversify the small-town economies along the McKenzie, by supporting bed and breakfasts, guiding outfits, outdoor gear retailers and other businesses.

Threats to the watershed and forest

Unfortunately, logging on our public lands in the McKenzie threatens many of the river's important values. Click here to learn more.

McKenzie River Protection Project

In 2004, Oregon Wild joined forces with other Eugene-area conservation groups to mount a campaign to raise awareness about the threats to Eugene's drinking watershed and to try and stop more than 3,000 acres of scheduled logging. Support for the 2005 campaign was overwhelming, from local recreation businesses, college professors, conservation groups, and local government.

Oregon Wild is committed to continue working to safeguard the McKenzie's clean water and beautiful forests for future generations. We engage in public outreach and work with the Forest Service towards a less-controversial and more sustainable future for the McKenzie's forests.

Take Action!

Although the public overwhelmingly wants to see the McKenzie's remaining mature and old-growth forests protected, the McKenzie River Ranger District still hasn't quite gotten the message. You can help protect this important watershed by urging the Forest Service to move in a new direction.