Sometimes work near rivers, streams, wetlands, or floodplains may cause erosion, remove protected vegetation, or impact water quality and fish habitat.

If you see activity that appears to be damaging a waterway or occurring without proper protections, you can contact the appropriate agency to ask questions or report concerns.

Examples may include:

• Stripping away all streamside vegetation, revealing bare ground
• Dumping soil, gravel, or debris near or in water
• Heavy equipment operating in a stream
• Severe erosion or sediment entering the water
• Removal of large healthy trees near streams
• Work occurring directly within a stream channel

Not all work near water requires a permit, and some activities may already be approved. When in doubt, it is okay to ask questions.

When possible, documenting:

• the location
• photos
• timing of the activity
• and what you observed

can help agencies better evaluate concerns.

Who should I contact?

Jackson County

Rogue River 

JSWCD is not a regulatory agency, but we can help point you toward the appropriate contact when you have questions or concerns about work near rivers, streams, wetlands, or floodplains.