Sixty years after the construction of the Pelton Round Butte Dam Complex, migrating salmon and Steelhead are returning to the Upper Deschutes Basin. Come learn about the history and ongoing restoration efforts to support these iconic fish species.
Press Releases
‘Raise the Deschutes’ Seminar Series Continues in 2023 With Seminar on Indigenous Water Rights
On January 26th, the Deschutes River Conservancy is hosting its 6th Raise the Deschutes seminar series. This month’s seminar will be exploring the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs’ profound cultural connection to water.
Second Year of Water Bank Seeks to Ease Water Shortages for Junior Irrigators and Rivers
The water bank is a program that is a local, flexible, and voluntary water management tool, which allows for easier movement of water to meet farmer and river needs in times of scarcity.
DRC awarded $1.37 million to ease drought hardship in Central Oregon
Funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy was included in a $20.5 million package for a suite of 13 drought resiliency projects in five Western states. The Deschutes Basin was the only project site to be selected in Oregon.
New Water Management Program Will Ease Water Shortages for Junior Irrigators and Rivers
The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC), in partnership with Central Oregon Irrigation District and North Unit Irrigation District, is launching the 2022 Deschutes Water Bank Pilot Program. The program is a local, flexible, and voluntary water management tool, which allows for the easier movement of water to meet farmer and river needs in times of scarcity.
Deschutes Land Trust and Deschutes River Conservancy Partner to Boost Water Flows in Whychus Creek
The Deschutes River Conservancy and Deschutes Land Trust announced today a water rights transfer that will help return more water to Whychus Creek, providing a buffer for future drought years.
Deschutes County invests $1.45 million in relief funds for water conservation project
The Deschutes County Commission has approved an additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment of $1.45 million for an On-Farm Efficiency Water Conservation Investment project. “The money couldn’t come at a better time as Central Oregon endures another year of extreme drought,” Fitzpatrick concluded. “Impacts are being felt in every stream and every irrigation district throughout the Deschutes Basin.”
Deschutes Basin Irrigation Districts Remain Firmly Committed to HCP
Despite extreme and persistent drought conditions this summer, all eight irrigation districts belonging to the DBBC remain firmly committed to implementing the conservation measures outlined in the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan.
Deschutes River Conservancy receives funding from Coors Seltzer to Help Stabilize Whychus Creek Flows
Redband and Steelhead Trout in Whychus Creek to Benefit through funding from the Coors Seltzer Change the Course program.