Restoring McKay Creek’s Natural Flows

McKay Creek flows 37 miles from the Ochoco National Forest to its confluence with the Crooked River near Prineville. Along the way, it passes through working lands primarily used for livestock and forage production. In summer, irrigation diversions in the middle reach (river miles 6–12) often leave the creek with little or no flow—creating fish passage barriers, raising stream temperatures, and reducing habitat quality.
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The McKay Creek Water Rights Switch is a voluntary program designed to restore year-round flow in this stretch of the creek. We are working with landowners from river miles 6 to 12 to replace their McKay Creek water rights for more reliable water from the Ochoco Irrigation District (OID), sourced from Prineville Reservoir. In return, their existing creek rights—totaling 11.2 CFS—will be protected and dedicated instream to support fish and habitat.

This switch benefits both people and the river:

• For landowners: More dependable water, fewer seasonal shortages, and potentially increased property value.
  
  
• For OID: A stronger patron base and greater long-term stability.

The project also complements other restoration work in the basin. It supports upstream floodplain restoration, protects investments by partners like the Deschutes Land Trust and Crooked River Watershed Council, and lays the groundwork for improved fish passage and riparian health across the watershed.