By MICHAEL KOHN The Bulletin When April comes around, the Deschutes becomes a tale of two rivers. The Upper Deschutes from Wickiup Dam to Bend is filling fast, benefiting farmers and wildlife. Meanwhile, the Middle…
In the Media
Above average snowpack helps Prineville Reservoir fill for second year running
Prineville Reservoir nears full capacity for the second time in two years due to above-average snowpack, benefiting agriculture, recreation, and wildlife, while emphasizing the need for careful water management in Central Oregon.
City of Bend is offering cash incentives to residents who tear out their lawns
Bend residents can earn up to $3,000 through a turf-removal rebate by converting lawns into xeriscapes to conserve water and reduce infrastructure demand, available until 2024 or funds run out.
Guest Column: Meeting Central Oregon’s water challenges
Jefferson County farmers, facing severe drought impacts and economic challenges, value Michael Kohn’s articles on water issues, as local agriculture, a cornerstone of the economy with deep family and innovation roots, seeks resiliency through collaborative efforts and strategic resource management.
Water allotments for Jefferson County farmers inch higher but hardships aren’t going away
By MICHAEL KOHN The Bulletin Farmers in Jefferson County will receive a higher water allotment for the second year in a row as drought conditions continue to ease across Central Oregon. Yet the amount of…
Rising population, shrinking water: Central Oregon works to solve chronic water troubles
Central Oregon is grappling with water shortages exacerbated by rapid population growth, challenging the region to find sustainable solutions. The Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative is one initiative bringing together diverse stakeholders to conserve water and address the uneven distribution of resources, highlighting the importance of collaboration in managing environmental challenges.
Explainer: The complex history of canals in Central Oregon
By MICHAEL KOHN For more than a century, Central Oregonians have thrived — and at times withered — because of the web of irrigation canals that stretch deep into the High Desert. The history of…
VIDEO: Central Oregon is a giant sponge. So why has it been in a drought for so long?
Discover why Central Oregon remains dry despite above-average snowpack, as the region’s volcanic, sponge-like geology plays a crucial role in water absorption and release, impacting drought and water availability.
As Oregon enforces its water use requirements, small farmers face the consequences
Oak Song Farm’s struggle with Oregon’s water rights regulations highlights the challenges small farms face in navigating complex laws that threaten their sustainability and livelihood.