The water rights were retained by the previous owner, Bob Russell. Oregon’s “Trout Unlimited” made a deal to buy the rights from Russell, and was given two years to raise the money for the purchase.
It will cost just under $600,000 and the mill foundation hopes to raise $91,000 of that to help complete the purchase.
It’s the foundation’s part of the partnership. By doing that, it can use the water to power the mill, and keep its historic status by leasing it from “Trout Unlimited” for just a dollar a year.
“Trout Unlimited” and the Butte Creek Mill Foundation are currently seeking funding for the project through state grant programs and private donations. This effort has reached a critical point in the campaign as grant applications are reviewed by funders.