Rogue Water Forum 

September 5, 2025 | Central Point 

Help Shape the Future of Water in the Inland Rogue 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP 

Building a Resilient Water Future 

Water shapes everything in the Rogue Valley — our farms and forests, our homes and health, our economy and ecosystems. Yet today, our region faces mounting pressures: shrinking summer streamflows, rising wildfire risk, aging water infrastructure, and competing demands across communities and sectors. 

Without proactive, coordinated planning, these challenges will only grow more severe. But we have a choice — to work together across boundaries to better understand the issues, share knowledge, and craft solutions that reflect the needs and values of our region. 

The Rogue Water Forum is a first step to bring diverse water interests together for better coordination and proactive planning. It is a chance to come together, exchange perspectives, and chart a path forward. Irrigation districts and other irrigators, water conservation groups, municipalities and other interested community members will be provided a summary of what we know about the Inland Rogue region already. Participants will talk about what we still need to know, and how we might work together, to prevent water crises that are already happening elsewhere in Oregon. 

We can’t afford to wait. And we can accomplish more together than any one organization or sector could do alone. 

Forum Purpose & Goals 

The Rogue Water Forum is a collaborative gathering designed to address the water challenges facing the region. Hosted by the Inland Rogue Water Resilience Group (IRWRG), this event will bring together regional leaders, agency representatives, and community members to share knowledge, engage in meaningful discussions, and chart a path forward for sustainable water management. Goals for the forum include: 

1. Inform & Educate 

• Present the goals and potential of place-based water planning. 

• Share findings from our review of the state of water in the region, including vulnerabilities and data gaps. 

2. Engage & Listen

• Gather insights on water needs, priorities, and community concerns. 
• Facilitate discussions on lived experiences and future goals. 

3. Empower and Activate

• Launch meaningful community involvement in water planning. 

• Build a shared narrative about water challenges and opportunities in the region that supports action and funding. 

Audience & Participants 

The Forum welcomes a broad spectrum of participants who influence or are impacted by the future of water in the region, including: 

• Regional Leaders & Decision Makers: Policy makers, business leaders, Tribal representatives, farmers and producers, and others who shape water-related decisions. 

• Agency & Organizational Staff: Professionals from local, state, and federal agencies, conservation groups, and research institutions. 

• Community Members: Residents interested in water issues and local solutions. 

While the Forum centers on the “Inland Rogue” region—Jackson and Josephine Counties—we recognize the interconnectedness of our landscapes and invite participants from across the broader Rogue Basin. 

What Attendees Gain 

By attending the Rogue Water Forum, you will: 

• Help shape how the Rogue region adapts and collaborates around critical water issues. 

• Contribute to efforts that bring funding and resources to address pressing water vulnerabilities. 

• Participate in meaningful discussions on water challenges, potential solutions, and future scenarios. 

• Connect with other stakeholders and experts working toward sustainable water management. 

This isn’t just a meeting—it’s the beginning of a long-term effort to build a collaborative, adaptive water future. Your voice matters. Join us. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP 

About the Inland Rogue Water Resiliency Group 

The Inland Rogue Water Resiliency Group (IRWRG) is a growing partnership of local agencies and watershed organizations working together to address water challenges in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The group formed in 2024 out of a shared concern about water scarcity, climate change impacts, and the lack of a coordinated regional strategy. 

IRWRG is convened by Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District and the Rogue River Watershed Council, with support from the Oregon Water Resources Department. Together with core partners, they are working to build a collaborative, community-driven approach to regional water planning. 

The group is preparing to apply for Oregon’s Place-Based Planning Fund and is hosting the Rogue Water Forum as a foundational step in that process. This event will help identify shared priorities, build partnerships, and lay the groundwork for inclusive, long-term planning. 

As part of this effort, IRWRG has partnered with Oregon State University researchers to review current knowledge about water resources in the Inland Rogue region. Key findings will be shared at the Forum to support informed discussion and highlight opportunities for action. 

The Forum will also kick off broader community engagement, with future opportunities for input and involvement as the planning process unfolds.