US Army Corps of Engineers ®

News Release

Portland, Ore.—If you want to gain a better understanding of how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages its Lost Creek and Applegate lakes in the Rogue River Basin, you’re a perfect candidate for two public meetings the Corps will hold in May.

The first meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 22 in the Grants Pass City Council Chambers at 101 NW A St., in Grants Pass, Ore. The second meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Gold Beach City Council Chambers at 29592 Ellensburg Ave., in Gold Beach, Ore.

This year, the Rogue River watershed was experiencing lower-than-normal amounts of rainfall in the first part of April. In addition, the snow at higher elevations is melting about a month early. As a result, summer and early fall natural flows most likely will be lower than in recent years. In spite of these conditions, Corps hydrologist Russ Davidson said both lakes will fill for the summer recreation season.

At the meetings, Corps representatives will present proposed plans for achieving target lake levels and releases, as well as listen to meeting participants about individual concerns or comments.

"We hope to hear from as many river users as possible," said Davidson, "especially the irrigators, river guides, anglers and boaters. Our plans will effect the flow in the Rogue and Applegate rivers, as well as the lake levels during the summer and fall," he said. "We must operate our projects first and foremost for our authorized flood damage reduction and fisheries purposes," Davidson said. "But we also recognize the vast number of river users who depend on us to balance our operations as equitably as possible. We do our best to develop our plans to meet as many needs as possible. If we can’t meet someone’s needs as much as they would like, though, we would like an opportunity to discuss it with them," he said. "That’s why we hold these meetings each year."

The Corps has already presented its proposed plans to a number of agencies. These agencies include the Oregon Water Resources Department, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Oregon State Marine Board, the National Marine Fisheries Services and the U.S. Forest Service.

Comments from these agencies, paired with those expected from meeting participants, will help the Corps modify the plans to best serve Rogue Basin communities while also meeting the authorized flood damage reduction uses of the lakes.

In addition to comments received, each year's operating plans are based on water runoff outlooks and water release recommendations.

Corps projects in the Rogue Basin are operated to serve multiple needs: flood damage reduction, irrigation, fisheries, water supply, water quality and lake recreation. The Corps' goal is to effectively balance these competing needs to serve the region and its people.