Juneteenth, marking the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in 1865, symbolizes freedom, resilience, and unity. Parallels exist between this historic event and the shared responsibility of water conservation and river restoration.
Media
Deschutes River Conservancy News
June 10, 2023 – Bend’s First Global Water Dance ›
Join us at noon on Saturday, June 10th at Bend’s Drake Park Public Amphitheater for a worldwide event rooted in dance, community, and the love of water. DRC’s Finance Director and lifelong dancer, Tara Langston will be opening the event with some words about dance and water.
Events
May 24 – Many Voices, One Plan: The Future of Water in the Upper Deschutes ›
From the Cascades to Lake Billy Chinook, the Deschutes River has been over-tapped for decades. Fish, farmers, and families all depend on water supplies that are impacted by drought and climate change. The Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative, a consortium of more than 45 stakeholders, is working to accelerate funding, market-based solutions, and implementation of water conservation projects in the basin to help meet demand. Come learn about this work and give the Collaborative your feedback on how you see Central Oregon meeting its water needs in the future.
Videos
Many Voices, One Plan: The Future of Water in the Upper Deschutes ›
From the Cascades to Lake Billy Chinook, the Deschutes River has been over-tapped for decades. Fish, farmers, and families all depend on water supplies that are impacted by drought and climate change. The Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative, a consortium of more than 45 stakeholders, is working to accelerate funding, market-based solutions, and implementation of water conservation projects in the basin to help meet demand. Come learn about this work and give the Collaborative your feedback on how you see Central Oregon meeting its water needs in the future.
Press Releases
Guest Column: Oregon needs to invest in Deschutes water now ›
Despite the recent rain, the Deschutes Basin has experienced several years of extreme and extended drought, exacerbating long-standing water supply issues. Rivers such as the Deschutes and Crooked don’t have the water they need.
Deschutes River Conservancy News
Notes from the Field: Exploring Restoration Efforts in the Trout Creek Watershed ›
Join us on a tour of the Trout Creek watershed, where restoration efforts have revitalized in-stream habitat, reintroduced beavers, and enhanced streamflows for steelhead, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich natural heritage, including the fascinating discovery of sabertooth salmon fossils.
Deschutes River Conservancy News
Flyfishers Club Annual Event Raises Funds for Trout Creek Restoration ›
DRC’s Kate Fitzpatrick and James O’Brien recently had the honor of attending the Flyfishers Foundation and Flyfishers Club of Oregon annual event in Portland. They shared an update on DRC’s innovative work in the Deschutes…
Deschutes River Conservancy News
Auction Item: 3-Day Fishing Trip to Fitzpatrick Homestead Benefit Trout Creek ›
Bid on a 3-day, 2-night fishing trip to the Fitzpatrick Homestead on the Lower Deschutes River. Funds raised will support DRC’s streamflow restoration project on Trout Creek – prime steelhead habitat. Made possible by The Flyfishers Foundation and the Bachman Family.
Events
April 24 – Saving Water for Fish and Farms: Modernizing Central Oregon’s Irrigation Infrastructure ›
Did you know 80-90% of the water in rivers across the Western US is diverted for irrigation? Piping leaky canals and upgrading on-farm irrigation saves water, making farms more productive and efficient while allowing more water to remain instream. Learn how these tools have worked to restore Whychus Creek and how they are being used to help fish and farms across the Deschutes Basin.