Deschutes River Conservancy News

Notes from the Field – Take Aways from the Central Oregon Farm Fair

The 42 annual Central Oregon Farm Fair at Jefferson County Fairgrounds (Feb. 3 & 4) was well attended by farmers seeking information about their water supply for the coming year, programs to improve conservation practices, reports on crop research, and re-certifications for safe use of on-farm chemicals. Here are our takeaways from the two days of seminars and discussions. 

(Podcast) Bend Don’t Break with the Source Weekly: Sharing Water

Kate Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Deschutes River Conservancy, talks with Source Publisher Aaron Switzer about the new water bank pilot project for the North Unit Irrigation District, which allows farmers to obtain water from other water rights holders.

New Water Management Program Will Ease Water Shortages for Junior Irrigators and Rivers

The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC), in partnership with Central Oregon Irrigation District and North Unit Irrigation District, is launching the 2022 Deschutes Water Bank Pilot Program. The program is a local, flexible, and voluntary water management tool, which allows for the easier movement of water to meet farmer and river needs in times of scarcity.

Notes from the Field: Wickiup Reservoir

It was a great day in the field observing the importance of restoring flows in the Upper Deschutes with DRC staff and our partner at the US Forest Service. Observing the current conditions and the impacts of more than 70 years of modified river flows reinforces the importance of restoring flows in the Upper Deschutes.

2021 Impact Report and 2020 Financials

This year’s report includes a message from our executive director, a closer look at our approach in the basin, our current main initiatives, how we’re responding to a changing climate, a look at 25 years of flow restoration, a review of our 2020 financials, and our 2020 supporter acknowledgments.