Continuing to make it R.A.I.N.

At the start of 2024, invasive weeds experts, herbicide applicators, environmentalists, and the river recreation community came together to form the Rogue Aquatic Invasives Network (R.A.I.N.). The main goals of R.A.I.N. are to identify locations of infestations of parrotfeather and water primrose, control the spread of these aquatic weeds, and grow the community that stewards both the Rogue and Applegate rivers.

During the summer of 2025, it became immediately clear that the efforts of 2024 had significantly slowed the growth of these aquatic weeds within the Rogue River from Whitehorse County Park downstream. Sites that were covered in parrotfeather and/or water primrose in 2024 were scant of these aquatic weeds in 2025. For example, a site that had taken 4 hours to clear in 2024 only took a half an hour to an hour to clear in 2025. Amazing, right?

Additionally, a backwater slough just upstream of the Whitehorse County Park boat ramp that had been plagued by mats and mats of both parrotfeather and water primrose has received lots of attention this summer. In August and early September, folks from R.A.I.N., as well as the public, have come out to volunteer a day to work in the slough pulling up several rafts’ worth of these weeds. As you can see from the photos below, the area has really opened up, allowing more access to wildlife.

Efforts are expected to continue next summer. During both 2024 and 2025, a handful of whitewater outfitters joined R.A.I.N. to help protect the Rogue River. For 2026, the hope is to recruit fishing guides and other Rogue River recreationists to keep the momentum and continue to make it R.A.I.N.!

Interested in learning more? Head over to https://www.stream-smart.com/rogue-aquatic-invasives-network-r-a-i-n/ and check our website and theirs for future volunteer opportunities!