Restoring streamflow. Improving water quality.

Help Restore the
Deschutes River Basin

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The Challenge
a river flowing through a rocky canyon
The Problem

Meeting the Water Needs of the Basin

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

Streamflow Restoration

Restoring river flows and improving water quality, supporting healthy river habitats and more resilient communities.

Modernizing Water Use

Introducing new and innovative solutions for long-standing water supply issues, benefitting rivers and farmers.

Ecosystem

Planning for Change

Ensuring water resilience in the face of a dynamic and uncertain future shaped by shifting environmental conditions.

Restoring Streamflow and Improving Water Quality

Join Our Mission
A close up of rocks in the water.
Conservation in Action

Protecting Our Rivers

The Deschutes River Conservancy is dedicated to restoring streamflow and improving water quality in the Deschutes River Basin through collaborative programs and partnerships since 1996. By bringing together stakeholders and implementing market-based solutions, we have successfully restored up to 350 CFS of flow in the basin, equivalent to over 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour.

350

Flows Restored

Basin-wide, DRC and our partners have restored over 350 cubic feet per second to our rivers and streams.

100+

Miles of Canals Piped

Open canals lose up to half of their water diverted for irrigation, while piping conserves this water, keeping it instream.

375

Annual Water Transactions

Leasing unused water from irrigation patron facilitates opportunities for voluntary market-based water exchange.

What We Do

Restoring Streamflow. Improving Water Quality.

Water Transactions

Facilitating water rights leasing and transfers to enhance streamflow

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Irrigation Modernization

Modernizing irrigation systems to increase efficiency and restore river flows

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Water Quality

Decreasing temperatures and addressing nutrient issues to ensure cold, clean water

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Streamflow Restoration

Streamflow restoration programs for ecosystem health

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Collaborative Planning

Building consensus to balance water use and meet regional needs

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Education Outreach

Empowering communities to understand and engage with basin water issues

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Locations

Where we work throughout
the Deschutes Basin

View Reaches
a river in the middle of a forest

Upper Deschutes River

a river running through a rocky landscape

Crooked River

a stream in the forest

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

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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Drought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictDrought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Videos
June 22, 2024

Drought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District

Drought is threatening farming in Central Oregon. Listen to Jefferson County farmers, ranchers, and their stewardship partners explain the challenges they are facing and how they are responding.

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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.

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    DRC News & Videos

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

    Learn More