Outstanding Resource Waters 2027

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Aron Borok, 503-229-5050

DEQ is conducting a rulemaking to designate the designate the following waters in the Rogue River basin as Outstanding Resource Waters.

Wild and Scenic Illinois River

• The 46.6 mile stretch of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River from the upstream boundary of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest downstream to Nancy Creek
  
• All direct tributaries of the Wild and Scenic Illinois River from the National Forest boundary downstream to Lawson Creek, excluding Deer Creek
  
• All associated wetlands, small lakes and ponds including Game Lake at the headwaters for Horse Sign Creek
  

View documentation

Rough and Ready Creek

• All of Rough and Ready Creek including Rough and Ready Lake
  
• All tributaries, springs, associated wetlands and other waters of the Rough and Ready Creek watershed, excluding the reach of Parker Creek after it enters private land
  

This project was identified as a high priority during the 2024 Water Quality Standards Triennial Review, which included an ORW nomination process.

ORW designation provides the highest level of protection to water quality under DEQ's antidegradation policy (OAR 340-041-0004). When designating outstanding state or national resources as ORWs, DEQ must establish policies to maintain and protect existing water quality and water quality values of these waters. 

Advisory committee