How many lakes are there in Oregon?
There are about 6,150 lakes and reservoirs larger than one acre, for a total of more than 520,000 acres. Question: How many of these lakes are state-owned due to navigability? Answer: It is difficult to say exactly how many lakes meet the federal navigability test for state ownership. However, in 1921 the Legislature enacted a law (ORS 274.430) stating all lakes that were meandered by the federal government are “declared to be navigable and public waters” and vesting the title to the submerged and submersible lands of such lakes in the State of Oregon. There are 75 lakes that have been meandered. According to a 1924 federal surveyor´s report, two lakes (North Tenmile and Tenmile) should have been meandered during the original survey. There are an additional 15 lakes where past reports indicate there is sufficient evidence to support a title navigability claim. Of these, the State has actively pursued ownership on three – North Tenmile, Tenmile and Lake Ewauna (Klamath County). Question
