Up to 90% of the water used in Central Oregon supports local agriculture. Much of the irrigation system was developed more than 100 years ago with technology that’s now outdated. Today, the DRC works closely…
Project Updates
Some successes from this year we would like to share with you:
Crooked River In the past year, DRC and our partners have improved fish habitat in the Crooked River by ensuring streamflows up to six times greater than they had been in the past. We expect to improve…
Whychus Creek revived through combined efforts
Restored flows in Whychus Creek meandering through The Deschutes Land Trust’s Camp Polk Meadow Preserve. Whychus Creek in Sisters has made a huge comeback in the past several years through the collaborative efforts of the…
Another project brings us closer to our goal for Whychus Creek
The native fish habitat found in Whychus Creek plays an integral role in steelhead reintroduction efforts underway in the basin. Through a series of instream flow restoration projects, the Deschutes River Conservancy, in partnership with…
Irrigation districts share water for mutual gain
Central Oregon Irrigation District (COID) is in the process of piping almost one mile of their I-Lateral canal, located near the Alfalfa Store & Feed. The conserved water from this project will be transferred to…
Salmon and Steelhead Benefit from Longterm Funding in Central Oregon
The Deschutes River Conservancy recently hosted a project tour for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Bonneville Power Administration, primary funders that have been integral in shaping our conservation efforts for the past 10…
Making History in River Restoration
From the Desk of the Executive Director, Tod Heisler In 2011, the Deschutes River Conservancy surpassed the state’s 20 cfs flow target on the upper reach of Whychus Creek, a feat never before achieved on…
Restoration in the Crooked River: Largest Water Conservation Project in Oregon’s History
This winter, we broke ground with North Unit Irrigation District on the first phase of the largest streamflow restoration initiative in Oregon’s history. When completed, this initiative will restore up to 190 cubic feet…