Pouring It Forward: Oregon Brewers Tap Into Clean Water Advocacy for Earth Month

April 8, 2025 –  Oregon’s brewing community knows better  than anyone that  “Great beer starts with clean  water!” 

Right now, we have a huge opportunity to secure the largest expansion of river protections in Oregon  history. This effort would protect watersheds, critical fish and wildlife habitat, carbon-storing forests, and  world-class recreation opportunities – not to mention the #1 ingredient in every single beer! So Oregon’s  brewing community is stepping up to show their support for this historic campaign by releasing special  Wild & Scenic Earth Month Collaborations throughout the month of April. 

Senator Wyden’s River Democracy Act proposes a bold expansion of new river protections across  Oregon. This historic legislation calls for protecting over 3,200 miles of Oregon’s waterways as federally  designated and protected  Wild & Scenic Rivers.  The  River Democracy Act  is the result of a  groundbreaking grassroots river nomination process, multi-years of vetting, and the work of hundreds of  activists and river enthusiasts advocating for their backyard rivers, drinking watersheds, fishing holes,  hiking trails, kayak routes, and love of the wildlands and rivers of Oregon. Over 15,000 river nominations  were received from the public. Additionally,  over  50 Oregon breweries sent a letter to Senator Wyden  voicing their strong support for protecting Oregon’s rivers, creeks, and streams. 

To keep the momentum going and help advance this historic proposal, more than a dozen Oregon  Brewshed  ®  Alliance partners are releasing Wild & Scenic  Earth Day Collaboration Series beers  during Earth Week in honor of their watersheds!  Coleman  Agriculture and Yakima Chief Hops have  generously donated Citra®, Mosaic®, Simcoe® and Amarillo® hops to participating breweries who in  turn brewed special beers to honor their respective brewsheds and raise awareness about the need to  protect Oregon’s rivers. 

Participating breweries are:  pFriem Family Brewers,  Sunriver Brewing Co., Deschutes Brewery, Cascade Lakes Brewing, Parallel 45 Brewing, Old Standby Brewing, Oak Union Brewing, 7 Devils  Brewing, Coattails Brewery, Little Beast Brewing, Xicha Brewing, Grand Fir Brewing, Breakside  Brewery, Silver Falls Brewing and Leikam Brewing. 

“Seeing the snow-capped peaks just beyond the hop fields reminds us how lucky we are to have access to  such pristine water. It is also a reminder that we have the responsibility to protect these river systems, not  just for the next harvest but also for the next generation. We don’t just grow hops in the Pacific  Northwest, we live and recreate here. Scenic and healthy waterways are an important part of our lives. We  are thrilled to partner with our friends at Coleman Agriculture to support the environmental advocacy  work of the Oregon Brewshed Alliance,” says Levi Wyatt, Yakima Chief Hops Manager of Corporate  Social Responsibility. 

“From growing, to processing and brewing; I think the central importance of water across the beer  industry is a really cool connection point we all share and can enthusiastically get behind. We are thrilled  to be working with Yakima Chief, the Brewshed ®  Alliance  and even more breweries than last year on the  Wild & Scenic Beer Series!” said Coleman Agriculture’s Program Manager Garrett Weaver. 

“Supporting the passage of the River Democracy Act should be a top conservation priority for anyone  who values clean water and Oregon’s amazing brewing community,” said Oregon Wild’s Jonathan Jelen. 

About the Watersheds & the Beers They Inspired 

Hood River Brewshed  – The West Fork Hood River and  Cold Springs Creek (Tamanawas Falls) are two of  the waterways in this brewshed that stand to gain new protections via the River Democracy Act. 

Oregon Wild IPA  (available on draft and in cans) ,  pFriem Family Brewers  –  Crafted with purpose, 

Earth Day IPA combines Salmon-Safe hops from Coleman Agriculture with malt from Admiral 

Maltings using Western Rivers Conservancy’s eco-driven barley, resulting in a refreshing West Coast  IPA. The barley was grown as part of WRC’s efforts to preserve key riparian habitat along the John  Day River. The result is a bright, fruit-forward and citrusy IPA! 

“We always say, ‘You need great water to make great beer’. We are lucky to live in a watershed  abundant with beautiful, clean, crisp water. Water is the primary ingredient in beer, and all brewers  should be obsessed with protecting this irreplaceable natural resource.” – Rudy Kellner, CEO, pFriem 

Tumalo Creek / Bridge Creek Brewsheds  – The namesake  Tumalo Creek as well as the headwater streams  like Bridge Creek are some of the waterways in this brewshed that stand to gain new protections via the River  Democracy Act. 

Oregon Wild WC IPA  (draft in Bend Public House) , Deschutes  Brewery  –  Big West Coast hop character  from Simcoe, Mosaic, Amarillo and Citra hops.

“Protecting Oregon’s rivers is paramount to our craft, our passion for the outdoors, and our home.  Thanks for all the hard work Oregon Wild!“  – Robin Johnson, Head-brewer, Deschutes Public House 

Blossom Bar Pale Ale  (available on draft at Bend),   Cascade Lakes Brewing –  Classic American ale  named for a notoriously tricky rapid on the Wild & Scenic Rogue River. Just enough Caramel and  Victory Malt to support a 100% Simcoe hop bill. A balanced beer with a bright citrus, fruity and  slightly piney aroma. 

“Clean water is essential for life. Clean water is also essential for excellent beer. Some of us would  argue that excellent beer is essential to an excellent life. Let’s all work together for clean water.”  -Ryan Schmiege, Cascade Lakes Brewmaster 

Upper Deschutes Brewshed  – Fall River and key tributaries  of the iconic Metolius River both stand to gain  new protections via the River Democracy Act. 

Alluvial IPA  (draft) , Sunriver Brewing Co. –  A collaborative  IPA brewed with Oregon Wild, along  with our friends at Coleman Agriculture and Yakima Chief Hops. Hopped exclusively with 

Oregon-grown hops sourced directly from Coleman’s fields, this beer features the brightest varieties  available to a brewer. Alluvial throws big notes of mixed berries, candied grapefruit, evergreen, and  passionfruit. 

“Great beer requires great water, and as such, we’re obligated to promote stewardship and protection  of our water sources. Ultimately, it’s an investment into both beer quality and our natural resources.” – Brett Thomas, Director of Brewing Operations, Sunriver Brewing 

Bull Run Brewshed  – Oregon Wild and partners helped  to increase protections for Portland’s drinking water  in 1996 and further protected it in 2001. 

Third Stone From the Sun Pale Ale  (available as draft  at the brewery) , Leikam Brewing –  Mosaic,  Simcoe and Amarillo hops shine through with a light and crisp malt bill.

“Water is essential to beer production and we have the best water in the world! The beautiful Bull Run  watershed is perfect for making clean, crisp beers. We need to protect our water and make sure that we  continue to have this incredible and vital resource.”      -Sonia Marie Leikam, Owner, Leikam Brewing 

Brewshed Alliance Pale Ale  (draft only at Slabtown  and Milwaukie) , Breakside Brewery –  Pale Ale  featuring Amarillo Cryo, Mosaic Cryo, Citra, and Pomelo Euphorics. 

“Continued access to the incredible Bull Run water is a huge reason why we can make great tasting  beers. It is the perfect blank canvas to play off of and we are incredibly lucky to be able to use it.”  – Dylan Norby, Brewer, Breakside Brewing 

Good Prevails  (draft),  Grand Fir Brewing –  Modern  take on classic NW Pale Ale. Clean, light malt  base with a kiss of honey sweetness. Bursting with the finest Coleman-grown Cryo Citra, Simcoe and  Amarillo. 

“The best beer starts with the best ingredients. We are so incredibly fortunate to be living in the  beautiful and lush PNW where our drinking water is so pure. Like an artist, brewing beer with this  pristine water is like having the best canvas which, in turn, provides the ultimate foundation in order  to craft the perfect beer. I feel so lucky to be able to not only be using these waters for my craft, but to  be supporting the conservation and protection of our Oregon’s rivers and watersheds.”  – Whitney Burnside, Owner, Grand Fir Brewing 

Clackamas Brewshed / Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer  –  The River Democracy Act calls for protecting the  Oak Grove Fork, a critical tributary of the Clackamas River. 

Oak Grove  (cans and draft at accounts that carry Oak Union) , Oak Union Brewing –  A modern  American Hefeweizen utilizing ingredients from the PNW. Pure Oregon Malt with Meridian and  Luminosa hops. 

“Whether it’s clean air or clean water, Oak Union adopts an Earth first policy. Our home town sits  along the Willamette and thus, we’re surrounded by the life it supports. To not recognize the  importance of our ecosystem is to be blind to life itself. From a pristine, clear pint of Oak Union’s beer  to the bald eagle that soars over our house on occasion, we value a healthy world. It’s all connected  and it all matters.”                                   – Trevor Lauman, Owner/Brewer, Oak Union Brewing 

North Santiam Brewshed  – A 22+ mile stretch of the  North Santiam River stands to get Wild & Scenic River  protections as part of the River Democracy Act, as well as the Breitenbush River, Whitewater Creek, and French  Creek, which all feed into the North Santiam River. 

Tres Carlos  (Draft & cans at Little Beast, Xicha on  draft),  Xicha Brewing and Little Beast collab  –  This was a double collab Extra Pale Ale, brewed twice, once at each respective brewery. Each used a  different German Pilsner malt, rolled oats and the same hop bill (Chinook, Amarillo and El Dorado) 

“Beer is mostly water, great water makes great beer. Water also grows the rest of the ingredients in  beer and is essential for human existence.”  – Little Beast & Xicha Brewing 

Chehalem Creek Brewshed  – Consisting largely of state  and private forestlands, the Chehalem Creek  brewshed in Yamhill County benefits from the Private Forest Accord, which Oregon Wild and partners helped  advance to significantly improve and modernize forest management practices across ten million acres of  private forestlands. 

 Newberg-based Coattails Brewing will be launching a “Brewshed Alliance” series of various styles  of beer in 2025.  Watch for them around the Willamette  Valley, particularly in wine country. 

 “I have been collecting spring water from Sunset Springs off of Hwy 26 on the way to the coast.  I  bring stacks of stainless drums and it takes over an hour to fill up about 250 gallons. It makes the  world of difference especially since our well water at the farm isn’t the tastiest in its untreated form.”  – Nathan Etzel, Owner, Coattails Brewing 

Luckiamute River Brewshed  – Consisting largely of  state and private forestlands, this brewshed benefits  from the Private Forest Accord, which Oregon Wild and partners helped advance to improve forest  management practices across ten million acres of private forestlands. 

Three Wild & Scenic Guys  (draft )  Parallel 4 5 Brewing  – A collaboration brew with  Old Standby  Brewing.  This is a big, hazy IPA featuring Coleman-grown  Simcoe, Amarillo, and Mosaic hops. 

Abiqua & Silver Creek Brewshed  – Consisting largely  of state and private forestlands, the Abiqua and Silver  Creek brewsheds benefit from Oregon Wild’s work to advance the Private Forest Accord as well as work to  secure Habitat Conservation Plans for the Santiam forest that safeguards waterways with larger buffers and  upland protections.

Locally Sourced  (draft only, found in multiple places around Oregon),  Silver Falls Brewing –  A Double Dry Hopped West Coast IPA featuring Coleman Hops. Simcoe, Cryo Mosaic & Cryo  Amarillo. 

“Water is one of, if not the largest part of brewing.  With great water comes great beer.”  – Jacob Hutter, Brewer, Silver Falls Brewing 

Coos River Brewshed  – Consisting largely of state and private forestlands, the Coos River brewshed in  southwest Oregon benefits from both the aforementioned Private Forest Accord as well as the Habitat  Conservation Plan that helps safeguard the Elliott State Forest. 

Trillium IPA  (Draft only at both coastal locations),  7 Devils Brewing Co. – Trillium IPA highlights  Citra, Mosaic, and Simcoe hop varieties with help from Coleman Agriculture’s generous donation of  hops for the Oregon Brewshed Alliance Earth Day beer. This clean IPA will bring subtle sweetness to  a refreshing hop crispness that celebrates the renewal of Spring embodied by the appearance of the  Trillium flower in our natural forests. 

“Oregon’s watersheds connect all life and landscapes across our beautiful state. Protecting and caring  for these vital systems is essential to maintaining the delicate balance between land, sea, and all who  depend on them. As brewers, our dedication to clean water is not just fundamental to our craft—it’s a  responsibility that extends far beyond the brew floor. It starts at the source. 

Water’s great cycle begins and ends in the ocean, and as a coastal brewery, we are fortunate to witness  its full journey. This connection deepens our commitment to stewardship, ensuring that the water we  rely on today remains pure for generations to come. From the beer we brew to the food we enjoy,  protecting clean water sustains the quality of life we cherish.”  – Carmen Matthew, Co-owner, 7 Devils Brewing Co. 

For more information, please contact: 

Jonathan Jelen, Oregon Wild –  jj@oregonwild.org  /  (503) 720-6780 

 vy Hover, Coleman Agriculture –  ivy@colemanag.com  / (503) 269-3239 

Levi Wyatt, Yakima Chief Hops –  levi.wyatt@yakimachief.com  / (509) 571 -1277 

About the Oregon Brewshed® Alliance / Coleman Agriculture / Yakima Chief Hops 

Launched by Oregon Wild in 2015, the  Oregon Brewshed®  Alliance  is a coalition of brewing  businesses, brewing community partners, and conservationists who understand the value of clean water  and protected forest watersheds. The Oregon Brewshed® Alliance supports Oregon Wild’s conservation  work to protect and restore the wild lands, wildlife, and waters that make our state a great place to live,  work, and enjoy great beer. Great beer doesn’t start at the tap –  great beer begins with clean water.  Beer is  over 90% water, after all, and that water is a product of the land that it flows through. 

Coleman Agriculture  has been a proud member of the  Oregon Brewshed® Alliance for the last five  years. As hop growers, the Oregon watershed is crucial to our day-to-day operations. As a seventh  generation family farm, maintaining the Oregon watershed is crucial to the sustainability of the farm for  the next generation. We are hyper-conscious not only of the water we use for irrigation, but also the effect  we have on the watersheds via our management practices. This is why we take measures to limit our  water inputs via drip irrigation, minimize runoff and erosion with cover cropping and  participate in  sustainability certification programs such as Salmon Safe to limit our use of inputs that might negatively  affect watersheds. 

Hops require a significant amount of irrigation to grow, and the quality of that water directly affects the  yield and health of the plants. Elevated alkalinity levels in irrigation water can lead to an increase in the  soil pH, which can make certain nutrients like zinc, manganese, and iron less available for uptake. 

Coleman has experienced firsthand the need to treat irrigation water due to poor quality and understand  the very real business and environmental costs associated. By designating more river coastlines as Wild &  Scenic via the River Democracy Act, we protect our watershed from potential industry related  contaminants that could compromise the water quality we depend on to grow our hops. 

Yakima Chief Hops  – Land use change and water availability are the greatest environmental risks facing  the hop industry. Working in partnership with conservation organizations such as Oregon Wild, YCH is  helping to invest in watershed protection and restoration programs in hop producing regions to ensure  access to clean water for growers, brewers and recreationalists alike. These agroforestry efforts also  benefit freshwater ecosystems as well as our communities. Since its inception in 1988, YCH has been  rooted in environmental stewardship, with the firm understanding that healthy hops require healthy  waterways. YCH values the opportunity to expand our reach by partnering with Oregon Wild on  initiatives such as the River Democracy Act, which actively advocates on behalf of our local landscapes  and stakeholders.