October 2026

Project Status 

Scotts Mills Dam removal is on indefinite hold. The project received an OWEB grant to fund the work in 2020 but never got approval from the landowners to move forward (Marion County on one side, a private landowner on the north side of the creek). In summer 2023, Pudding River WC received a grant to restart community engagement around the project. We talked to hundreds of community members, did a lot of research on different options, and put together what we learned into outreach materials and videos for the community.

One thing is clear – whatever side they are on, local residents want action taken, either to repair or remove the dam. The dam continues to deteriorate each year, so our hope is that conversations can begin again around how to move forward on this issue and find a path forward.