The Deschutes River between Bend and Lake Billy Chinook is a scenic gem with the potential to support world-class recreation and functioning aquatic ecosystems.  However, irrigators legally divert most of the river's water at the City of Bend.  The resulting warm water and limited habitat downstream of Bend limits other uses of the river.

Improving conditions in the Deschutes River downstream from Bend requires restoring summer streamflow.  Our cooperative efforts have restored almost 100 cfs of streamlow to this reach.  We intend to continue these efforts and meet our 250 cfs streamflow target through water purchases, water conservation, and water leasing.