The current water report from Oregon Water Resources Department Region Manager, Kyle Gorman The Water Year so far has been a remarkable improvement from last year. Although, the reservoirs are still showing some lingering effects…
Deschutes River Conservancy News
Restoring the Deschutes River, preserving the Oregon spotted frog
We all know that rivers need water. Here, in the Deschutes Basin, we are fortunate to have an abundant supply of water from an extraordinary spring-fed river, but today the use of that water is…
Some like it hot – but not fish
July was hot; the hottest month on record according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Combine that with an unusually warm winter, dismally low snowpack and drought declaration in 90% of Oregon and…
Water conservation for the future
With drought declarations now in the majority of Oregon’s 36 counties, water is top of mind. Here in the Deschutes Basin, our situation is serious, but not as grim as in some places. We benefit from…
Finding Opportunity For Conservation in How We Use Water
This year, water is top of mind. With drought declarations throughout the Western United States, communities are working to better manage a limited supply of water. Through regulatory and voluntary measures, many are finding ways…
Water planning for the future: what does it look like?
Whychus Creek will flow this summer, revealing both promise and a challenge. For nearly 20 years, the DRC has partnered with local water interests to collaboratively restore flows in our rivers and streams. This approach…
Drought in Whychus
Whychus Creek depends entirely on snowmelt for streamflow. With historically low snowpack in the Cascades this winter, water is in very short supply. State water and emergency managers have recommended a drought declaration for Deschutes County,…
Spring is here! But what happened to winter?
Spring is finally here, but what an unusual winter! Unseasonably warm temperatures resulted in very little snowpack and an average amount of precipitation that allowed reservoirs to fill in the Upper Deschutes Basin ahead of…
Local Rancher Credits Whychus Creek Conservation Efforts with Spectacular Harvest
“If someone were to have asked me five years ago: What would be your fantasy addition to your ranch? I would have said a center-pivot irrigation system that would improve my crop and save water.…