This article outlines our efforts at the Deschutes River Conservancy in Oregon to revitalize streamflow and enhance water quality in the Deschutes River basin. It highlights our collaborations with diverse stakeholders and the significant impact our conservation initiatives have on local ecosystems and communities.
In the Media
Central Oregon irrigation districts break ground on major piping project
A major irrigation project in Terrebonne broke ground Friday. The Arnold, North Unit and Ochoco irrigation districts are working on a series of upgrades and piping of irrigation canals in their respec
Merkley joins 3 C.O. irrigation districts, nonprofits to break ground on $120 million in canal piping projects
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., joined leaders from three Deschutes River Basin irrigation districts and nonprofits Farmers Conservation Alliance and Energy Trust of Oregon to break ground Friday on a series of projects to modernize critical irrigation infrastructure serving 2,500 farmers and producers and 85,000 acres of land across Central Oregon.
State likely to deny Redmond’s application for future groundwater
The state, which has proposed new rules to Oregon’s groundwater permitting process, has signaled that the city of Redmond’s application for a future groundwater permit, would likely be denied.
History of irrigation in Central Oregon on tap
The story begins in the late 1800s when Central Oregon was experiencing a large influx of homesteaders. Hundreds of enthusiastic settlers came to get their free piece of land.
Little Did I Know: The dam history of the Deschutes River
I have some questions about the dam history of the Deschutes River. The river originates at Little Lava Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. And while most rivers cut their own path, the Deschutes had a much more dramatic and sudden change.
MERKLEY, WYDEN ANNOUNCE DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today that the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act cleared a major hurdle by passing out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Lawmakers seek more funds for well repair amid declining aquifer levels
A state program that helps pay for the cost of repairing wells could receive additional funding next year. That’s good news for the scores of homeowners who have seen their wells dry up amid drought and climate change challenges.
U.S. Senate panel looks at groundwater pollution in Oregon
Across rural Oregon, state and federal laws don’t protect clean drinking water. That’s because these safeguards exclude private domestic wells, with consequences that were highlighted by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley.