Protecting and conserving water resources
Conservation
An important part of the LCCC's mission is helping club members get involved in protecting and conserving rivers and our water resources.
Part of why many of us choose to live in Oregon is because the state is endowed with an impressive number of beautiful rivers. The club has advocated for protecting many of these under Wild and Scenic Rivers laws. The work continues with new sections of rivers being considered for Wild and Scenic protection. While every river is unique, the goal of the LCCC is to assure clean, free-flowing rivers. We also support efforts to restore native salmon runs while preserving safe recreational opportunities.
Just as important as gaining protection for rivers is the hard work of maintaining fair access to Oregon rivers by all citizens. LCCC members work with non-profits and state departments to maintain and expand access to whitewater runs throughout the state. We are lucky in that the State’s Public Trust Doctrine allows public use of river/stream beds and banks of state-owned waterways. All navigable (even by the smallest of boats) waterways are public. Public access is allowed up to the ordinary high water line. You’re also allowed to venture briefly onto adjacent private property if necessary to, for example, avoid a river obstruction or to retrieve a paddle.
Each year, the LCCC makes an annual financial contribution to worthy conservation and access efforts. In 2025-26, the LCCC is donating to Western Rivers Conservancy, whose motto is “sometimes to save a river you have to buy it”. This strategy has been effective in preserving critical habitat as well as securing permanent public access including recreational use.
The LCCC believes that everyone has a right to enjoy our rivers. For that reason, we do not oppose commercial outfitters guiding people who lack the skills to run rivers on their own. On the other hand, when access to a river is limited, the LCCC believes everyone should have the same chance to get on the river. We support management schemes that do not favor one group over another.
Club members are encouraged to write political leaders to make sure that laws and regulations promote the goals of protecting river quality and water quantity.
LCCC trip participants always pack out everything we take on any river outing. Club members also frequently volunteer to help clean up trash from sections of rivers left by less considerate users. It's one way to visibly demonstrate our commitment to conserving and restoring the quality of Oregon rivers.