Portland District News Releases

Willamette Valley reservoirs face drought, Army Corps to discuss at public meetings

Press Operations — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:11:00 GMT

Army water managers will hold two virtual information sessions on Tuesday, May 19, to discuss severe drought conditions and the summer forecast for the Willamette Valley’s 13 reservoirs. According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, it is the sixth driest in terms of water year precipitation to-date since 1980 in the Willamette Valley. Low rainfall and snowpack have created widespread drought conditions across the region, impacting the efforts to refill the reservoirs and keep them full.

Limited boat ramp availability at Willamette Valley reservoirs this fall and winter

Press Operations — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:29:41 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, urges boaters to confirm boat ramp

Corps considers future changes that may impact Willamette Valley System operations, maintenance

Press Operations — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:17:04 GMT

Army engineers and planners are considering major changes that may impact the continued operations and maintenance of the Willamette Valley System (WVS). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) staff continue developing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for WVS operations and maintenance in accordance with authorized project purposes, while meeting Endangered Species Act (ESA) obligations to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of listed species.

Corps developing long-term plans for Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes, wants public input

Press Operations — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:42:11 GMT

The land-use plan (Master Plan or MP) for Cottage Grove and Dorena lakes is out-of-date, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is in the process of updating it. Corps staff are seeking input from the public on MP development during four upcoming information sessions.

Corps anticipates insufficient water year

Press Operations — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District is anticipating an insufficient water year as it refills its 13 Willamette Valley and two Rogue River Basin reservoirs for the upcoming recreation season.

Free camping for tree planting

Press Operations — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 16:03:48 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites volunteers to celebrate National Public Lands Day by planting trees and shrubs at Schwarz Campground below Dorena Dam, Saturday, Sept. 30. The event supports the nation’s largest single-day volunteer restoration effort for America’s public lands. Scouts, youth groups, civic clubs, families and individuals are encouraged to participate in the event.

Dorena Reservoir water levels to increase during hydrosurvey

Press Operations — Wed, 31 May 2017 16:50:40 GMT

PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase Dorena Reservoir water levels from May 31 to June 9 to conduct hydrographic surveys throughout the reservoir. The pool will be held up to one foot higher during the surveys (from 832.5 to 833 feet). Some marina facilities may lose functionality or become unsafe at the 833 foot elevation level.

Construction to begin in Schwarz Park

Press Operations — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:00:24 GMT

Users of Schwarz Park near Cottage Grove, Ore., will have their serenity temporarily disrupted by minor construction over the next few weeks.

Cottage Grove pool hosts Water Safety Play Day

Press Operations — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:57:00 GMT

The Warren H. Daugherty Aquatic Center in Cottage Grove, Ore., will host a Water Safety Play Day Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about swimming and boating safety through a variety of fun activities at this free event.

Corps seeks comments on environmental assessment of Creswell water supply proposal

Press Operations — Tue, 06 May 2014 16:53:10 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comment on its draft environmental assessment of a proposal to supply 437 acre-feet of surplus water to the City of Creswell, Ore.

Corps to double Dorena Dam water releases

Press Operations — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Residents and visitors near Dorena Dam and Reservoir should be alert for higher water releases from the dam over the next few days, resulting in higher Row River flows and more rapid lowering of reservoir water levels.

Volunteers invited to improve Schwarz Campground

Press Operations — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:24:00 GMT

The Corps invites volunteers to plant trees and improve a trail in Schwarz Campground below Dorena Dam Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012.