Explore a conversation with key figures from the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative, a unique coalition in Central Oregon addressing complex water challenges through cooperation, featuring insights from Tribal and municipal leaders, conservationists, and farmers.
In the Media
Lake Billy Chinook pumping project moves forward as North Unit tries to overcome water shortage
Farmers in Jefferson County have long eyed Lake Billy Chinook as a possible source of irrigation water to green up their parched fields. North Unit Irrigation District says a plan to tap into the vast water body is finally taking shape.
Five years of drought behind them, Central Oregon reservoirs making a comeback
Wickiup Reservoir is filling up at its fastest rate in six years, giving some water watchers further hope that the painful drought impacting Central Oregon is easing. As of Monday, Wickiup was 61% full with…
Water shortages loom large at Jefferson County Farm Fair
When farmers get together these days anywhere in Central Oregon, water is usually a main talking point. That was the case this year at the Central Oregon Farm Fair & Trade Show.
With a boom, John C. Boyle Dam drawdown begins on Klamath River
The next big phase of the Klamath River Dam removal started this week. It’s the largest dam removal in U.S. history and is expected to last through 2024.
Blizzard may rescue Oregon’s snowpack
After a bleak start to winter, Mother Nature hit Oregon mountain ranges with a foot of snow or greater last week — and much more could be on the way. The blizzards could boost Oregon’s snowpack to above normal for this time of the year, but much more snow will be needed before April.
Deschutes basin snowpack less than half of normal
Snow levels are well below last year at this time when snowpack in the region was 107% of normal. Poor snow also impacts agriculture because farmers and ranchers rely on snowmelt in the Cascades to water their fields during the growing season.
Ranch wins legal battle over Oregon water storage rights transfers
The Oregon Court of Appeals has determined state regulators are authorized to transfer water storage rights under certain circumstances, effectively overturning a government policy established five years ago.
‘Something we can all celebrate’: $6.6 million in federal funds going to two Deschutes River restoration projects
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced this week more than $51 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for 18 projects in eight states to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems, including two Central Oregon projects totaling $6.6 million focused on the Deschutes River.