The Grande Ronde River Basin Study is an attempt to help local residents increase their understanding of agricultural and natural resource issues in the Grande Ronde Watershed. The objectives of the study were to characterize current resource conditions, discuss flooding, low late-season flows, water quality and fish habitat issues. This report should serve as a basis for future land management planning and conservation efforts. Land uses in the Watershed are mainly crop production, livestock grazing, timber production and recreation. Many jobs in the area are tied to these activities.
Watershed health is an important issue in the study area.
One of the best indicators of watershed health is water quality. Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality has listed many streams in the Watershed as Water Quality Limited. High water temperature, greater than what the dwindling stocks of spring chinook, summer steelhead and other cold-water fish can tolerate, is the most widespread problem. Excessive algae growth spurred by high nutrient levels causes additional problems. Develop, evaluate and enact alternative measures for floodplain use that maintains agricultural productivity and increases the capacity for flood storage.