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The Challenge
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Our mission is to

Restore Streamflow and Improve Water Quality in the Deschutes Basin

For generations, rivers have been over-allocated.
Smarter water management today means healthier rivers tomorrow.

Water Transactions

Annual Water Leasing and Permanent Water Rights Transfer programs restore flows while the Mitigation Bank helps balance water demands.

Irrigation Modernization

86% of the water in the basin is used for irrigation. Conservation opportunity lies in piping leaking canals and increasing efficiency in on-farm water use.

Ecosystem

Collaborative Planning

We convene basin stakeholders to create consensus-driven plans that balance water use and restore river systems for the benefit of all.

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Locations

Where we work throughout
the Deschutes Basin

View Reaches
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Upper Deschutes River

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Crooked River

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McKay Creek

a stream in the woods

Tumalo Creek

a river in the woods

Whychus Creek

a river flowing through a rocky gorge

Middle Deschutes River

Discover the Latest News

Stay informed with our latest articles and updates.

News & Videos
WATCH | Fish, Flows, and the Future: Conservation and Management in the Deschutes BasinWATCH | Fish, Flows, and the Future: Conservation and Management in the Deschutes Basin
Videos
April 29, 2025

WATCH | Fish, Flows, and the Future: Conservation and Management in the Deschutes Basin

Join experts Megan Hill, Natural Resources Manager for the Pelton Round Butte Project, and Jason Wilcox, Fisheries Program Manager, as they discuss fish recovery in the Deschutes Basin. Explore how habitat restoration, hydropower management, and strategic partnerships are safeguarding vital fish species like redband trout, steelhead, and salmon amid changing river conditions. Moderated by DRC Program Manager Lisa Seales.

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Congressional Support Builds for the Deschutes River ConservancyCongressional Support Builds for the Deschutes River Conservancy
News
April 7, 2025

Congressional Support Builds for the Deschutes River Conservancy

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum and Senator Jeff Merkley are introducing a bill to reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy, paving the way for $2 million in annual federal funding to support river restoration in Central Oregon. The effort builds on bipartisan momentum from the previous legislative session.

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Deschutes Basin Board of Control 2025 Town Hall – Key TakeawaysDeschutes Basin Board of Control 2025 Town Hall – Key Takeaways
News
March 24, 2025

Deschutes Basin Board of Control 2025 Town Hall – Key Takeaways

The 2025 Deschutes Basin Board of Control Town Hall highlighted progress in water conservation, irrigation modernization, and habitat restoration for a more sustainable basin.

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Welcome Grant Traynor to the Deschutes River Conservancy!Welcome Grant Traynor to the Deschutes River Conservancy!
News
February 24, 2025

Welcome Grant Traynor to the Deschutes River Conservancy!

DRC is excited to welcome Grant Traynor as a Project Manager! Please join us in giving him a warm welcome as he embarks on this new chapter with the DRC!

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WATCH | Raising the Deschutes: Challenges and Solutions for Our RiversWATCH | Raising the Deschutes: Challenges and Solutions for Our Rivers
Videos
February 20, 2025

WATCH | Raising the Deschutes: Challenges and Solutions for Our Rivers

In this seminar, experts dive into the critical water challenges facing the Deschutes Basin, including low streamflows and water quality concerns. Through case studies and collaborative initiatives, you'll learn about ongoing efforts to balance ecological health with agricultural and recreational needs, ensuring a resilient water future for the region.

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Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Announce Move to New Office Space in the Old Mill DistrictDeschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Announce Move to New Office Space in the Old Mill District
News
February 3, 2025

Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Announce Move to New Office Space in the Old Mill District

The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) are excited to announce their move to a new office along the Deschutes River in Bend’s Old Mill District.

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Welcoming Maggie Anderson to the DRC Team!Welcoming Maggie Anderson to the DRC Team!
News
January 28, 2025

Welcoming Maggie Anderson to the DRC Team!

DRC is excited to welcome Maggie Anderson as a Project Manager! Join us in congratulating her on this new opportunity.

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Securing the Future of the Deschutes: Progress, Partnerships, and a Shared VisionSecuring the Future of the Deschutes: Progress, Partnerships, and a Shared Vision
News
January 15, 2025

Securing the Future of the Deschutes: Progress, Partnerships, and a Shared Vision

The Deschutes River Conservancy is making significant progress in restoring river flows, enhancing habitats, and securing a sustainable future through innovative water conservation projects, policy advocacy, and strong community partnerships.

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Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to KnowOregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know
News
December 20, 2024

Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know

Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know

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WATCH | Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central OregonWATCH | Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon
Videos
December 16, 2024

WATCH | Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon

Learn about the largest change in Oregon's water policy and how it will affect water in Central Oregon.

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Wyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal InvestmentWyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal Investment
News
October 25, 2024

Wyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal Investment

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced over $95 million in federal funding for five rural Oregon conservation projects, aiming to enhance natural resources, tackle the climate crisis, and support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across Central, Eastern, and Southern Oregon.

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Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028
News
October 11, 2024

Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028

The Deschutes River Conservancy and Deschutes Basin Board of Control are hosting the annual Lava Island Fish Rescue from October 18–20, with long-term restoration projects expected to eliminate the need for these rescues by 2028.

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Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes BasinReflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin
News
September 13, 2024

Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin

DRC Communications Intern Jenna reflects on her summer working in the Deschutes Basin, and provides some of her key takeaways.

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DRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program ManagerDRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program Manager
News
September 6, 2024

DRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program Manager

DRC is excited to welcome Alex Ehrens as a Program Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

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Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now AvailableHome Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now Available
News
July 29, 2024

Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now Available

The DRC is reprinting their book, Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes Basin, and you can get your copy today!

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DRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James FaughnanDRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James Faughnan
News
July 24, 2024

DRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James Faughnan

DRC is excited to welcome James Faughnan as our new Office Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

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Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!
News
July 19, 2024

Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!

Welcome Jenna as the DRC's new communications intern! Look out for her work in the basin!

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Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed
News
July 9, 2024

Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed

Bureau of Reclamation awarding nearly $300,000 to Crooked River Water Quality Partnership

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Program Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water LeasingProgram Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water Leasing
News
July 1, 2024

Program Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water Leasing

The Deschutes River Conservancy is advancing critical water management projects including the McKay Creek Water Rights Switch for steelhead habitat, strategic basin-wide water conservation efforts, and expanding the Annual Water Leasing Program to enhance river flow and support regional sustainability.

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Notes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field MonitoringNotes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field Monitoring
News
June 27, 2024

Notes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field Monitoring

Join DRC's James O'Brien as he reflects on the happenings while monitoring flows.

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    Take a Deeper Dive

    Raise the Deschutes

    Nearly 90% of the river's streamflow is diverted for irrigation, drastically reducing water levels.

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    Technical Reports

    Seasonal flow disruptions lead to degraded fish habitats and poor water quality.

    Learn More

    DRC News & Videos

    Porous soil causes significant seepage, wasting half of the water diverted for irrigation.

    Learn More