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Deschutes River Conservancy News and Updates

June 25, 2025

Tracking Change in the Upper Deschutes: What We’re Learning About River Health

The 2024 Upper Deschutes River Mitigation and Enhancement (M&E) Annual Report offers a look at how aquatic ecosystems in the Deschutes River basin are responding to evolving water management practices and restoration efforts.

June 18, 2025

Three Sisters Irrigation District Completes Final Piping Project— A Major Milestone in the Ongoing Restoration of Whychus Creek

The final section of canal piping in the Three Sisters Irrigation District (TSID) has been completed, marking a major milestone in streamflow restoration, on-farm efficiency, and renewable energy generation.

June 4, 2025

Avion Water Customers: Help our Rivers When It Matters Most

Blue Water is a monthly donor program that allows Avion Water customers to contribute directly to the DRC’s instream leasing work. These small monthly donations—often less than $2—support the restoration of streamflows in Tumalo Creek and the Deschutes River by compensating landowners who voluntarily leave water in the stream rather than using it for irrigation.

May 24, 2025

Trout Creek: Supporting Steelhead in the Lower Deschutes

Trout Creek is a key tributary to the Deschutes River and supports one of the largest native steelhead runs in the basin.

April 29, 2025

WATCH | Fish, Flows, and the Future: Conservation and Management in the Deschutes Basin

Join experts Megan Hill, Natural Resources Manager for the Pelton Round Butte Project, and Jason Wilcox, Fisheries Program Manager, as they discuss fish recovery in the Deschutes Basin. Explore how habitat restoration, hydropower management, and strategic partnerships are safeguarding vital fish species like redband trout, steelhead, and salmon amid changing river conditions. Moderated by DRC Program Manager Lisa Seales.

April 7, 2025

Congressional Support Builds for the Deschutes River Conservancy

Congresswoman Janelle Bynum and Senator Jeff Merkley are introducing a bill to reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy, paving the way for $2 million in annual federal funding to support river restoration in Central Oregon. The effort builds on bipartisan momentum from the previous legislative session.

March 24, 2025

Deschutes Basin Board of Control 2025 Town Hall – Key Takeaways

The 2025 Deschutes Basin Board of Control Town Hall highlighted progress in water conservation, irrigation modernization, and habitat restoration for a more sustainable basin.

February 24, 2025

Welcome Grant Traynor to the Deschutes River Conservancy!

DRC is excited to welcome Grant Traynor as a Project Manager! Please join us in giving him a warm welcome as he embarks on this new chapter with the DRC!

February 20, 2025

WATCH | Raising the Deschutes: Challenges and Solutions for Our Rivers

In this seminar, experts dive into the critical water challenges facing the Deschutes Basin, including low streamflows and water quality concerns. Through case studies and collaborative initiatives, you'll learn about ongoing efforts to balance ecological health with agricultural and recreational needs, ensuring a resilient water future for the region.

February 3, 2025

Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Announce Move to New Office Space in the Old Mill District

The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) are excited to announce their move to a new office along the Deschutes River in Bend’s Old Mill District.

January 28, 2025

Welcoming Maggie Anderson to the DRC Team!

DRC is excited to welcome Maggie Anderson as a Project Manager! Join us in congratulating her on this new opportunity.

January 15, 2025

Securing the Future of the Deschutes: Progress, Partnerships, and a Shared Vision

The Deschutes River Conservancy is making significant progress in restoring river flows, enhancing habitats, and securing a sustainable future through innovative water conservation projects, policy advocacy, and strong community partnerships.

December 20, 2024

Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know

December 16, 2024

WATCH | Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon

Learn about the largest change in Oregon's water policy and how it will affect water in Central Oregon.

October 25, 2024

Wyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal Investment

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced over $95 million in federal funding for five rural Oregon conservation projects, aiming to enhance natural resources, tackle the climate crisis, and support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across Central, Eastern, and Southern Oregon.

October 11, 2024

Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028

The Deschutes River Conservancy and Deschutes Basin Board of Control are hosting the annual Lava Island Fish Rescue from October 18–20, with long-term restoration projects expected to eliminate the need for these rescues by 2028.

September 13, 2024

Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin

DRC Communications Intern Jenna reflects on her summer working in the Deschutes Basin, and provides some of her key takeaways.

September 6, 2024

DRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program Manager

DRC is excited to welcome Alex Ehrens as a Program Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

July 29, 2024

Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now Available

The DRC is reprinting their book, Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes Basin, and you can get your copy today!

July 24, 2024

DRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James Faughnan

DRC is excited to welcome James Faughnan as our new Office Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

July 19, 2024

Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!

Welcome Jenna as the DRC's new communications intern! Look out for her work in the basin!

July 9, 2024

Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed

Bureau of Reclamation awarding nearly $300,000 to Crooked River Water Quality Partnership

July 1, 2024

Program Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water Leasing

The Deschutes River Conservancy is advancing critical water management projects including the McKay Creek Water Rights Switch for steelhead habitat, strategic basin-wide water conservation efforts, and expanding the Annual Water Leasing Program to enhance river flow and support regional sustainability.

June 27, 2024

Notes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field Monitoring

Join DRC's James O'Brien as he reflects on the happenings while monitoring flows.

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