Statement from Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe on Winchester Dam

The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians has issued the following statement regarding recent work at Winchester Dam on the North Umpqua River in Roseburg:

“The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians is closely monitoring the repairs and reservoir drawdown at Winchester Dam.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe enlisted several of its Natural Resources staff to assist the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife with fish salvage at Winchester Dam.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe’s priority is safeguarding the native fish species, including minimizing the impact to the Pacific lamprey, a species of significant cultural importance to the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Any impact to the native fish species could have serious implications for Cow Creek Umpqua lifeways.

We firmly reiterate our enduring commitment to vigilantly monitor the situation and protect the lamprey and other native fish species, upholding a tradition that has defined the Tribe since time immemorial.”

For inquiries, please contact Lindsay Campman, Communications and Marketing Manager for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians at lcampman@cowcreek-nsn.gov or (541) 529-9159.