OUR MISSION

        Our goal is the restoration and preservation of the Smith River Watershed.  Through the combined efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, we undertake projects that create fish habitat, restore water quality, and provide for the overall environmental health of our river and creeks.

Description

The Smith River Watershed lies in the very northern portion of the Southwestern Oregon Region.  It is bounded by Highway 101 on the west, Highway 126 to the north, and Highway 38 to the south.  The region lies within both Douglas and Lane counties and occupies 139,567 acres of land.  The Smith River Watershed is a dramatic landscape.  Steep mostly forested slopes descend into scenic river valleys.  River valley roads provide access to scenic vistas from bridges that cross streams.  Visitors to the area return year after year to seek recreation in a secluded setting.  Undeveloped recreational areas can be found along portions of the main stem of the Smith River and along the North Fork of the Smith River.  The watershed has a series of high ridges from Goodwin Peak (elevation 1826'), to Mt. Grayback (elevation 2255'), to Roman Nose (elevation 2856), to Fern Top (elevation 1896), to the lowest point which is Hudson Slough (elevation 150').   Fifty-six percent of The Smith River Watershed is managed under federal ownership; of that 56%, 30% is managed by the USDA Forest Service and the other 26% is managed by the BLM.   Various state and county agencies manage 2% of the watershed and the remaining 42% is under private ownership.  Wassen Creek, and the North Fork of the Smith River are designated as Key Watersheds by the Northwest Forest Plan.  Key Watersheds are a component of the Aquatic Conservation Strategy and are a focal point of restoration activities.

Smith River Watershed

Salmon navigating upstream over

Smith River Falls