Rick Gurule is one of several students who've documented the fragility of the McKenzie watershed.
Rick grew up on the river as a boater and fisherman, and has watched how it has changed over his lifetime.
Over the past year, he been studying the McKenzie River as one of several students who took part in the MyMckenzie project, a environmental studies service learning course designed to connect the science of watershed health with the craft of visual communication and storytelling.
Through this experience, Rick has confirmed why, in his words, "the McKenzie River remains one of the healthiest rivers in America."
On the MyMckenzie Stories web page, Rick and his fellow students tell their stories in pictures and words.
study by UO economists, released just before the Rose Bowl, has been picked up by the media far and wide.