The Washington-Oregon Coastal River Basin Sara Coffey Abstract: The Washington-Oregon Coastal subregion includes the entire western coast excluding the Columbia River Basin. This area was formed by regional uplift in the Cenezoic Epoch. The soils are derived from sedimentary rocks, rocks of volcanic origin, loess, marine sediment, and alluvium. This subregion experiences a humid climate with a strong marine influence. Currently there are 446,000 inhabitants that rely heavily on forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and recreation. Irrigation is only necessary in the summer months but it is the highest consumptive use. Water related problems in this area include encroachment of salt water, flooding, erosion, pollution, and siltation. This paper focuses on the Pony Creek, which is located on the Southern Oregon Coast. It is in the Coos Bay area east of Charleston. The Coos Bay-North Bend Water Board (CBNBWB) has proposed a plan to raise the Upper Pony Creek, an existing dam, to triple the water supply for the area. The Upper Pony Creek dam is up stream from the Lower Pony Creek dam; neither of these dams do not have fish passage. This creates a conflict, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife argues that fish passage is necessary or alternative mitigation measures for the fish must be followed. CBNBWB argues that no fish will reach the Upper Pony Creek because the Lower Pony Creek does not have fish passage. The dam is necessary for the community and mitigation measures will enhance the fish habitat on the Lower Pony Creek system.   Key References:       Return to Water Resources Papers page.