A collaborative effort for Wallowa County’s water future
By Tracy Christopher on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY — A recent community meeting, titled “Homing the Wallowa: We Can All Live Together,” brought together various stakeholders to discuss collaborative solutions for water management in the Wallowa Valley. The event, held on Saturday, September 20th, featured presentations from local experts, tribal leaders, and conservation groups, all focused on a shared goal of sustainable water use for the benefit of both people and the environment.
The meeting began with the unveiling of a new wood carving created by local artists Steve Arment and Joan Gilbert. Following the dedication, Aaron Miles, Director of Natural Resources for the Nez Perce Tribe, shared the Tribe’s perspective on water management and conservation. Miles emphasized the importance of collaboration and acknowledged the history of the Nez Perce in the Wallowa Valley, stating, “Our goal is to find a way that we can all live together and all enjoy what we want to have here”. He highlighted the Nez Perce Tribe’s deep connection to the land and water, noting their history of managing resources for future generations.
Miles also detailed the Tribe’s work in resource management, including the use of modern technology like LIDAR to analyze land and track changes in the environment. He spoke about the Tribe’s efforts to reacquire land and their commitment to restoring wetlands and streams to support native fish populations.
A key focus of the meeting was the well-being of the region’s fish, particularly the Sockeye and Chinook salmon. One speaker recalled large Chinook runs in the upper Wallowa River from his childhood, with groups of up to 42 salmon spread over hundreds of feet of the river. He expressed concern that with current water flow rates, fish passage is at risk. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to create a stronger river system with enough water for “volitional fish passage over the Wallowa Lake Dam”.
The event concluded with an open community meal and additional presentations by the Deschutes River Conservancy, the Sisters Water District, who will share their own experiences with piping and pressurization. The organizers underscored that the event’s purpose was not to challenge local farmers, but rather to find collaborative solutions so that everyone—including agriculture—can thrive in the region.
