Media

River News - In The Media

Injunction sought against Oregon irrigation pipeline

October 13, 2020

Injunction sought against Oregon irrigation pipeline

Opponents in Central Oregon seek to halt the replacement of open canals with pipelines in Tumalo Irrigation District. Request for restraining order filed.

State Land Board recognizes Opal Springs fish passage project and ONDA's Jefferson Jacobs

October 13, 2020

State Land Board honors Opal Springs fish passage, ONDA's Jefferson Jacobs

The Opal Springs Volitional Fish Passage project receives State Land Board Award for efforts to remove fish migration barrier in Crooked River watershed.

Ochoco Irrigation's request for Bowman Dam fish passage waiver denied

October 9, 2020

Ochoco Irrigation's request for Bowman Dam fish passage waiver rejected

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission denies fish passage waiver for Bowman Dam in a split 5-1 vote after hearing from 28 stakeholders.

Drought stirs fears of Dust Bowl near Madras

October 8, 2020

Drought stirs fears of Dust Bowl near Madras

Learn about the impact of persistent drought in Central Oregon, affecting farmers and leaving wide swaths of land exposed to the elements.

Murky Waters: Agreement on Mirror Pond Stalls Out Again

October 6, 2020

Murky Waters: An agreement over what to do with Mirror Pond stalls out again

The Bend Park and Recreation District board is divided on dredging Mirror Pond. Some want a new public process, others say decisions were already made. Time for the excavator?

Commission to consider fish passage waiver at Bowman Dam

October 6, 2020

Commission meets online Oct. 9 to consider fish passage waiver at Bowman Dam

The Commission will review a fish passage waiver for the Ochoco Irrigation District's hydroelectric project at Bowman Dam on the Crooked River.

Northeast Oregon steelhead run over Bonneville Dam

October 5, 2020

Northeast Oregon steelhead run has made it over Bonneville Dam

Over 2,500 Grande Ronde and Imnaha steelhead have passed Bonneville Dam, with 2,550 expected to reach their home waters for spawning. Follow their journey.

ODFW staff urges denial of Ochoco's Bowman Dam fish passage waiver request

October 3, 2020

ODFW staff urges denial of Ochoco's Bowman Dam fish passage waiver request

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission staff recommends rejecting Ochoco Irrigation District's request for a waiver of fish passage requirements at Bowman Dam. Protecting wildlife and habitats is crucial.

Priday Ranch near Madras sold to Deschutes Land Trust

September 30, 2020

4,500-acre Priday Ranch north of Madras sold to Deschutes Land Trust

The Deschutes Land Trust's latest conservation project, Priday Ranch, spans 4,500 acres near Madras. Learn more about this exciting acquisition today.

Deschutes Land Trust secures Madras ranch land, creeks for conservation

September 30, 2020

Deschutes Land Trust secures Madras ranch land, 10 miles of creeks for conservation

The Deschutes Land Trust secures Priday Ranch, a 4,500-acre conservation project near Madras. Protecting nature for future generations.

Editorial: The Importance of Debating Water Policy

September 30, 2020

Editorial: Water policy needs debate

Discover the ongoing debate on water conservation in Central Oregon and why more action is needed. Find out how to contribute to this important cause.

Fires delay Whychus Creek dam removal project

September 29, 2020

Fires postpone Whychus Creek dam removal

Restoring Whychus Creek has been a long process involving multiple funding sources and teamwork. The removal of the last dam will support reintroduction of Chinook and steelhead, transforming the once-dammed waterway into a vital habitat.

Water conservation at Ochoco Irrigation District: A reality, not a dream

September 28, 2020

Water conservation is no pipe dream for Ochoco Irrigation District

Learn about the Ochoco Irrigation District's plan to install 16.8 miles of buried pipe in the High Desert near Prineville to conserve water for the Crooked River.

Guest column: Leadership needed to restore our resources

September 22, 2020

Guest column: Leadership needed to restore our resources

Experience the thrill of high flows as kayakers navigate surging waters in town. Meanwhile, the Ice Crit race leader faces heartbreak on the icy course.

Plans laid for dam removal in Whychus Creek - Environmental Restoration Project

September 22, 2020

Plans laid for dam removal in Whychus Creek

Learn about the ongoing efforts to remove the Plainview Dam, allowing fish to migrate freely in Whychus Creek after decades of being blocked.

Steelhead season peak on Lower Deschutes River - Best time to fish

September 19, 2020

Steelhead season set to peak on Lower Deschutes

Discover why The Deschutes is a top spot in the West for steelhead fishing. Learn from an expert biologist about the unique river conditions and tips for success.

Sisters plans to repurpose former ranch land for trails or wastewater projects

September 17, 2020

Sisters looks to develop former ranch land for trails or wastewater projects

Learn about the necessary expansion of the wastewater system onto 50 acres in a growing city of 3,000 residents expected to reach over 5,000 by 2040.

Deschutes River Conservancy and COID Partner to Enhance Farm Water Efficiency

September 16, 2020

Deschutes River Conservancy, COID seek to boost farms' water efficiency

Discover the new on-farm program by Deschutes River Conservancy and Central Oregon Irrigation District to boost irrigation efficiencies and save water.

Reservoir drained, Deschutes water flow in danger of decline

September 15, 2020

With reservoir drained, Deschutes water flow in danger of decline

Wickiup Reservoir in Central Oregon, crucial for ranchers and farmers, drained to bare bottom. Farmers struggle with water cutbacks, biologists fear for fish and wildlife.