DRC worked with several landowners to transfer 0.87 cfs of senior water rights off of developing lands at the edge of Sisters (2012 – 2016). The Whychus Creek irrigation diversion was a fish barrier and…
Media
Solving Flow Issues in the Deschutes River ›
The Deschutes River brings so much to our lives. It inspires our runs, walks and rides. Its powerful waters work hard to bring life to our region, but we can live in Bend for many…
Changing the Story in the Deschutes River – A Letter From DRC Executive Director, Tod Heisler ›
A confluence of forces in our basin today is shaping a bright future for our beloved Deschutes River. To me, the river is not only a fabulous recreational attraction but a spring-fed ecological marvel. Since…
Salmon and Steelhead Habitat to be Restored in McKay Creek ›
The McKay Water Rights Switch will restore natural flow to the middle reach of McKay Creek by allowing landowners in this reach to trade their private McKay Creek water rights for Ochoco Irrigation District (OID)…
10 Years of Art for RiverFeast ›
Ten years ago, Susan Lucky Higdon created unique artwork for the Deschutes River Conservancy’s first RiverFeast event. Susan painted the Deschutes River view from a beautiful property owned by former DRC board member Dr. Ray…
This year, at land camp…. ›
DRC’s Program Manager, Natasha Bellis, presented on a water rights panel last week at the Northwest Land Camp with fellow flow restoration colleagues Caylin Barter of The Freshwater Trust and Lisa Pelly and Jacquelyn of Trout Unlimited.…
Why groundwater makes the Deschutes so unique ›
This winter has been a refreshing change from the recent past. Central Oregon’s snowpack is 138% of average. Skiers are ecstatic and irrigators look forward to plentiful water supplies this summer as the snowpack melts…
DRC Program Director, Kate Fitzpatrick speaks at OSU Cascades today ›
Kate Fitzpatrick presented to students in a Desert Watershed Management class at OSU Cascades today. Drawing on the successful partnerships and restoration successes in Whychus Creek, the group discussed how to innovate on these tools…
Exciting things are happening in the lower Crooked River! ›
Crooked River Stream Temperature Modeling As part of the Deschutes Basin Study, Portland State University has developed a temperature model that assesses the relationship between reservoir levels, streamflow and stream temperature in the lower Crooked…