Media

River News - In The Media

Concerns rise in Central Oregon over decreasing snowpack in the Cascades

February 15, 2022

Worries grow in Central Oregon over dwindling snowpack in the Cascades

Concerns are rising as snowpack in the Cascades dwindles, signaling a potential fourth year of drought for Bend and Central Oregon. Despite a brief surge to 130% of average levels, dry and warm weather has quickly diminished those gains.

West megadrought worsens to driest in at least 1,200 years

February 14, 2022

West megadrought worsens to driest in at least 1,200 years

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Guest Column: Water bank gives hope for the future of farming

February 10, 2022

Guest Column: Water bank gives hope for the future of farming

Discover how farmers in North Unit Irrigation District and other districts in Central Oregon are facing the challenges of water scarcity in the wake of the worst season on record. Learn about the impact of below normal precipitation on reservoir levels and the potential for an even worse 2022 season.

Exploring the Fascinating World of Frogs

February 9, 2022

What about the frog?

Farmers and ranchers in Jefferson County sacrificed water for endangered species like the spotted frog. Did their efforts make a difference? Find out here.

Merkley and Wyden secure $1.3M grant for Deschutes Basin water bank

February 9, 2022

Merkley, Wyden announce $1.3M grant for Deschutes Basin water bank

Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden secure $1.37M grant to combat drought in Central Oregon. Find out how this funding will make a difference.

Discover the purpose of Crooked River Wetlands Complex

February 8, 2022

What does the Crooked River Wetlands Complex do?

Discover the purpose of the Wetlands complex in the dead of winter. Uncover the mystery behind this facility that many users are unaware of.

Heatwaves and climate change threaten Central Oregon glaciers

February 7, 2022

Heatwaves, climate change pushing Central Oregon glaciers closer to extinction

Discover how a series of heat waves in Central Oregon last summer not only led to heat-related deaths and crop failures but also hastened the melting of glaciers in the region.

Deschutes River Conservancy secures federal funds for water bank; senators ensure future funding

February 7, 2022

Deschutes River Conservancy gets federal funds for water bank; senators seek to assure future funding

Learn about the $20.5 million funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy in Oregon, part of a drought resiliency project in five Western states.

Oregon farmers launch water bank pilot to combat drought

January 17, 2022

Drought-stricken Oregon farmers embark on water bank pilot

Discover how the Deschutes River Conservancy's water bank pilot program in Central Oregon incentivizes COID patrons to save irrigation water in 2022, benefiting drought relief and supporting farmers and the Upper Deschutes River ecosystem.

Irrigators meet to plan for the upcoming year

December 22, 2021

Irrigators meet to plan for the coming year

Join over 100 farmers and ranchers at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to plan for the upcoming irrigation season. Can't make it in person? Watch online with 50 others.

California snow drought ends, other states still face shortage

December 20, 2021

California snow drought ends in dramatic fashion, while other states still deal with shortage

Discover how multiple atmospheric river events have boosted California's snowpack from 18% to 98% in just two weeks. Learn more from Julie Kalansky at CW3E.

Editorial: A needed win for water - the water bank is back

December 19, 2021

Editorial: A needed win for water: the water bank is back

Discover a unique water bank pilot program in Central Oregon Irrigation District, facilitating water exchange to benefit North Unit Irrigation District in Jefferson County.

Easement prevents land development near Deschutes River for now

December 18, 2021

View easement staves off development of land near Deschutes, for now

Bend-based property developer Pahlisch Homes has no immediate plans to build in Deschutes Canyon near Mt. Bachelor Village, even if they acquire the land from Central Oregon Irrigation District.

On-farm efficiency grant for Central Oregon farmers and ranchers

December 17, 2021

On-farm efficiency grant available for Central Oregon farmers and ranchers

Apply for the On-Farm Efficiency Grant from HDFFA in Central Oregon! Get up to $4,000 for infrastructure upgrades, equipment, and more to boost farm resilience. Invest in your operation today.

Deschutes River 'water bank' pilot program to ease shortages for junior irrigators

December 17, 2021

New Deschutes River ‘water bank’ pilot program aims to ease shortages for junior irrigators

Discover the 2022 Deschutes Water Bank Pilot Program, a local and flexible water management tool for farmers and river needs in times of scarcity.

State grants $17 million aid to drought-hit Jefferson County

December 15, 2021

State grants $17 million in aid to drought-hit Jefferson County

Lawmakers in Salem approved a $17.1 million package to assist drought-hit areas, including Jefferson County. Farmers in Jefferson County have been hard hit by recent droughts, with water allocations slashed midseason after an exceptionally hot and dry June.

Editorial: Legislature supports Central Oregon housing and drought relief efforts

December 15, 2021

Editorial: Legislature comes through for Central Oregon housing and drought

Learn about the impact of Senate Bill 5561 on Jefferson County and the North Unit Irrigation District, which provides water for 59,000 acres of farmland. Farmers in the district must efficiently use water due to junior water rights and limited resources in the Deschutes Basin.

Salmon swim free as infrastructure money flows

December 11, 2021

Salmon to swim free as infrastructure money flows

Discover how the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package is creating a billion-dollar program to open congested salmon migration corridors, vital for their journey from the ocean to spawning grounds.

Upper Klamath wetland restoration stirs concern among irrigators

December 8, 2021

Upper Klamath wetland restoration stirs concern among irrigators

Learn about the controversial wetland restoration project in Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, raising concerns about water shortages for farmers.

Trout fishing tips for the Lower Deschutes River

December 7, 2021

Scaled down for trout on the Lower Deschutes

In a year with fewer steelhead, we must target Deschutes redsides for fly fishing. These strong rainbows are a worthy consolation prize.

State approves funding for 2 Central Oregon water projects

December 7, 2021

State OKs money for 2 Central Oregon water projects

Oregon regulators have authorized $7.5 million for water projects, with $1.8 million granted for Deschutes County irrigation and Jackson County water supply protection. Additional funding pending state availability.

Nonprofit Grants for Water-Efficiency Upgrades for Farmers

December 4, 2021

Nonprofit offers grants to farmers for water-efficiency upgrades

The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance is offering grants to help Central Oregon farms and ranches improve water efficiency during the extreme drought.

Infrastructure bill funding for Bend-Redmond piping project