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.

USACE developing long-term plans for Fern Ridge Lake, requests public input

Press Operations — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:23:28 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) invites the public to participate, virtual or in-person, to help update the nearly 40-year old Fern Ridge Master Plan during two upcoming public meeting about the Willamette Valley lake.

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, partners host Long Tom River dam modification info session

Press Operations — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:25:46 GMT

The City of Monroe, Oregon, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have entered an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to study the feasibility of improving fish passage near the Monroe drop structure on the Long Tom River. Public participation and feedback are important, and the Corps and its partners will seek input during an info session Nov. 3, 4-5 p.m.

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.

Fern Ridge controlled burn may impact Highway 126

Press Operations — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:11:07 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers alerts motorists in the Eugene, Ore., area that a controlled ecological burn planned for southeast of Fern Ridge Reservoir today may cause intermittent delays to traffic on Oregon State Highway 126 between Eugene and Veneta.

Fern Ridge controlled burn may impact Highway 126

Press Operations — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 22:17:32 GMT

The Corps alerts motorists in the Eugene, Ore., area that a controlled ecological burn planned for southeast of Fern Ridge Reservoir this week may cause intermittent delays to traffic on Oregon State Highway 126 between Eugene and Veneta.

Long Tom Watershed Council and local farmer receive service awards from Corps of Engineers

Press Operations — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:24:18 GMT

EUGENE, Ore. -- The Long Tom Watershed Council has received the Department of the Army Outstanding

Fern Ridge's endangered butterfly population doubles

Press Operations — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:30:00 GMT

The population of endangered Fender’s blue butterflies has doubled at Fern Ridge Reservoir since last year, continuing a trend of positive population growth since it was first detected on Corps lands.