Deschutes River Conservancy News

What Happened to Wickiup?

In April of 2018, things were looking pretty good for the upcoming irrigation season. Wickiup Reservoir was completely full despite increased winter flow releases to support the Oregon spotted frog and despite a snowpack in the Cascades that was well below average. As you have seen, things did not work out nearly as well as expected.

Things are changing for the river and for canals. Here’s why.

The Source Weekly recently published a story illustrating community concerns about the effects of irrigation improvements on groundwater levels and private wells. The piping of canals has been a controversial topic in Central Oregon over…