I'm Ready To Help

  • Improving flows in McKay Creek

    The DRC is partnering with McKay Creek farmers and Ochoco Irrigation District to restore natural flows to McKay Creek.

    Find out more about McKay Creek
    Improving flows in McKay Creek

  • Latest Upper Deschutes Basin Study Information

    The Basin Study Work Group hosted public houses to learn more about the available strategies to restore rivers and meet community needs into the future. If you missed them you can see them here.

    See the latest basin study
    Latest Upper Deschutes Basin Study Information

WE'RE WORKING TO RESTORE STREAMFLOW ​​AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN THE DESCHUTES BASIN

We’re lucky to have this beautiful river

but the systems that manage it were created 100 years ago, and now it’s suffering

  • Act Now to Save the Deschutes River

    The Deschutes is a natural jewel in the heart of our community. But many of us are unaware that the river upstream of Bend is in big trouble. Its ecology is at a tipping point and showing steep declines in fish, wildlife and vegetation. We must act now before it is too late.

  • Change The Story

    The Deschutes River runs through the heart of Central Oregon. For the past century, the river has been managed to serve irrigation needs. This has had a negative impact on flows and the health of the river. Together with our community, the Deschutes River Conservancy is helping to change the story of the Deschutes River.

  • River Voices of the Next Generation

    Central Oregon kids speak up about what the river means to them.

  • Why I Love the River

    Peace. Well-being. Togetherness.

    As you wish these things for your loved ones this holiday season, take a moment to remember how the river provides many of these gifts and enriches our lives daily.

The problems are fixable and we're all working together to conserve water and​ solve them

Everyone will win if we can fix this

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The streamflow challenges currently facing the Deschutes Basin trace back more than 100 years. Settlers put the Basin's water to work pursuing a successful future for local agriculture ​but not considering the environmental ​impact. Today we know far more about the need to protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods. We're fortunate to be in a basin with enough water for all — provided it's properly managed. By rethinking and rebalancing how we use and share water, we can and will have enough water for fish, farms, and families. 

We've Made Great Progress

Living in the high desert, we all rely on the Deschutes River and its tributaries. When we began restoring streamflow and improving water quality over 20 years ago, the landscape looked much different. Whychus Creek in Sisters ran dry in the summer, the Middle Deschutes, downstream from Bend had only 20% of the flow it has today, the Crooked River downstream from Smith Rock suffered from low flows and high stream temperatures.

Streamflow Restoration Accomplishments

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*CFS = Peak protected flows May - September

 

WE COULD USE YOUR HELP

Conservation Tips

Conservation Tips

7 tips for conserving water in and around your home.

Conserve Water
Volunteer

Volunteer

Check here for opportunities to volunteer for the Deschutes River Conservancy.

I'd Like To Volunteer

 

How we’re organized

Founded in 1996 as a collaborative, multi-stakeholder organization, the DRC's Board of Directors makes decisions by consensus and is comprised of key public and private interests including farming, ranching, timber, development, hydro-power, recreation, tribes, and environment. We are a small, dedicated team of water professionals who are passionate about our local streams and communities. Together we've been able to make amazing progress in the basin and are looking forward to one day seeing a sustainably restored Deschutes Basin.