Restoring streamflow. Improving water quality

Help Restore the
Deschutes River Basin

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Subscribe to monthly river news and water updates.

Contribute

Be part of river restoration in Central Oregon.

Attend an Event

Learn about upcoming DRC events.

The Challenge
a river flowing through a rocky canyon
The Problem

Meeting the Water Needs of the Basin

Join us in protecting our water resources for generations to come.

Habitat Restoration

Restored flows create opportunities for improved water quality, decreased temperatures, and habitat restoration.

Modernizing Water Use

Increasing efficiency in water delivery and on-farm use creates opportunities for conservation.

Ecosystem

Adapting to Change

Dramatic flow fluctuations lead to degraded fish habitats and poor water quality.

Restoring Streamflow and Improving Water Quality

Join Our Mission
Conservation in Action

Protecting Our Rivers

The Deschutes River Conservancy is dedicated to restoring streamflow and improving water quality in the Deschutes River Basin through collaborative programs and partnerships since 1996. By bringing together stakeholders and implementing market-based solutions, we have successfully restored up to 350 CFS of flow in the basin, equivalent to over 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour.

350

Flows Restored

Basin-wide, DRC and our partners have restored over 350 cubic feet per second to our rivers and streams.

100+

Miles of Canals Piped

Open canals lose up to half of their water diverted for irrigation, while piping conserves this water, keeping it instream.

375

Annual Water Transactions

Leasing unused water from irrigation patron facilitates opportunities for voluntary market-based water exchange.

What We Do

Restoring Streamflow.
Improving Water Quality.

Water Transactions

Facilitating water rights leasing and transfers to enhance streamflow

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Irrigation Modernization

Modernizing irrigation systems to increase efficiency and restore river flows

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Water Quality

Decreasing temperatures and addressing nutrient issues to ensure cold, clean water

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Streamflow Restoration

Streamflow restoration programs for ecosystem health

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Collaborative Planning

Building consensus to balance water use and meet regional needs

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Education Outreach

Empowering communities to understand and engage with basin water issues

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Locations

Where we work throughout
the Deschutes Basin

View Reaches
a river in the middle of a forest

Upper Deschutes River

a river running through a rocky landscape

Crooked River

a stream in the forest

McKay Creek

a stream in the woods

Tumalo Creek

a river in the woods

Whychus Creek

a river flowing through a rocky gorge

Middle Deschutes River

Discover the Latest News

Stay informed with our latest articles and updates.

News & Videos
A Fond Farewell to Tara Langston: Reflecting on Nine Years of ImpactA Fond Farewell to Tara Langston: Reflecting on Nine Years of Impact
News
February 26, 2024

A Fond Farewell to Tara Langston: Reflecting on Nine Years of Impact

Reflecting on the impactful journey of Tara Langston as we bid her a fond farewell after nine years filled with achievements and lasting impact.

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Popular water series, “Raise Rhe Deschutes" presented in Prineville with collaborative strategies for the future of the crooked riverPopular water series, “Raise Rhe Deschutes" presented in Prineville with collaborative strategies for the future of the crooked river
News
February 8, 2024

Popular water series, “Raise Rhe Deschutes" presented in Prineville with collaborative strategies for the future of the crooked river

Join us in Prineville for "Raise the Deschutes", a popular water series featuring collaborative strategies to shape the future of Crooked River. Don't miss out!

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Stewarding Oregon’s Rivers: The Role of Businesses in Water and Wildlife ConservationStewarding Oregon’s Rivers: The Role of Businesses in Water and Wildlife Conservation
News
January 31, 2024

Stewarding Oregon’s Rivers: The Role of Businesses in Water and Wildlife Conservation

Discover how businesses in Oregon are playing a crucial role in conserving water and wildlife. Learn about the impact of stewardship on our precious rivers.

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We're Hiring: Finance and Operations DirectorWe're Hiring: Finance and Operations Director
News
January 6, 2024

We're Hiring: Finance and Operations Director

Join our team as a Finance and Operations Director. Apply now for this exciting opportunity to lead and grow with us.

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Staff Spotlight: Rebekah Altman – Development DirectorStaff Spotlight: Rebekah Altman – Development Director
News
December 16, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Rebekah Altman – Development Director

Learn more about Rebekah Altman, Development Director at our company and her role in driving growth and success.

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Staff Spotlight: Lisa Seales – Program ManagerStaff Spotlight: Lisa Seales – Program Manager
News
December 9, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Lisa Seales – Program Manager

Meet Lisa Seales, our exceptional Program Manager! Learn about her valuable contributions and expertise in effectively managing programs.

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$12.2 Million in State Funding Awarded for Deschutes Basin Water Conservation & Flow Restoration Projects$12.2 Million in State Funding Awarded for Deschutes Basin Water Conservation & Flow Restoration Projects
Funders
December 7, 2023

$12.2 Million in State Funding Awarded for Deschutes Basin Water Conservation & Flow Restoration Projects

$12.2 million in state funding awarded for Deschutes Basin water conservation and flow restoration projects, benefiting the environment & communities.

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Staff Spotlight: Ben Kittell - Development and Communications CoordinatorStaff Spotlight: Ben Kittell - Development and Communications Coordinator
News
December 2, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Ben Kittell - Development and Communications Coordinator

Meet Ben Kittell, our Development and Communications Coordinator. Discover how he drives success through effective strategies and collaborations.

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Staff Spotlight: Tara Langston - Director of Finance and AdministrationStaff Spotlight: Tara Langston - Director of Finance and Administration
News
November 25, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Tara Langston - Director of Finance and Administration

Meet Tara Langston, the talented Director of Finance and Administration who is dedicated to driving financial success and efficient operations for our company.

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Staff Spotlight: Jim Bond - Program DirectorStaff Spotlight: Jim Bond - Program Director
News
November 18, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Jim Bond - Program Director

Meet Jim Bond, our Program Director and discover how his expertise is transforming our organization. Learn more about his leadership skills and achievements.

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Collaborative Efforts in Focus: Deschutes Basin Hosts Joint Water Caucus for Insightful Water Management TourCollaborative Efforts in Focus: Deschutes Basin Hosts Joint Water Caucus for Insightful Water Management Tour
News
November 15, 2023

Collaborative Efforts in Focus: Deschutes Basin Hosts Joint Water Caucus for Insightful Water Management Tour

Discover the collaborative efforts in Deschutes Basin with a joint water caucus for insightful water management. Join the tour for valuable insights.

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Staff Spotlight: Marisa Hossick - Communications DirectorStaff Spotlight: Marisa Hossick - Communications Director
News
November 11, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Marisa Hossick - Communications Director

Meet Marisa Hossick, our Communications Director. Discover how she drives effective communication strategies for our organization.

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"Raise the Deschutes" Seminar series returns for a second season expanding across Central Oregon"Raise the Deschutes" Seminar series returns for a second season expanding across Central Oregon
Press Releases
November 8, 2023

"Raise the Deschutes" Seminar series returns for a second season expanding across Central Oregon

Discover the latest insights at our "Raise the Deschutes" seminar series now expanding across Central Oregon. Join us for season 2!

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Staff Spotlight: James O'Brien - Project ManagerStaff Spotlight: James O'Brien - Project Manager
News
November 4, 2023

Staff Spotlight: James O'Brien - Project Manager

Meet James O'Brien, our talented Project Manager and discover how he helps bring projects to success with his expertise and leadership skills.

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Staff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office ManagerStaff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office Manager
News
October 28, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office Manager

Get to know Ali Engemann, our talented Office Manager in the latest Staff Spotlight. Discover how she keeps our office running smoothly and efficiently.

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Staff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office ManagerStaff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office Manager
News
October 28, 2023

Staff Spotlight: Ali Engemann - Office Manager

Meet Ali Engemann, an exceptional Office Manager at the forefront of smooth operations and efficient processes. Get to know her in our Staff Spotlight!

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Deschutes water bank aims to restore streamflows, get farmers water they need, secure water for future municipal needsDeschutes water bank aims to restore streamflows, get farmers water they need, secure water for future municipal needs
News
October 26, 2023

Deschutes water bank aims to restore streamflows, get farmers water they need, secure water for future municipal needs

Deschutes Water Bank - restoring streamflows, helping farmers and securing water for future municipal needs.

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BackyardBend's New Film Series "Water is Everything" Features Kate Fitzpatrick from Deschutes River ConservancyBackyardBend's New Film Series "Water is Everything" Features Kate Fitzpatrick from Deschutes River Conservancy
News
September 15, 2023

BackyardBend's New Film Series "Water is Everything" Features Kate Fitzpatrick from Deschutes River Conservancy

Discover "Water is Everything," a captivating film series by BackyardBend. Join Kate Fitzpatrick as she enlightens us about the Deschutes River.

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Harnessing Community and Innovation: The Success Story of Three Sisters Irrigation DistrictHarnessing Community and Innovation: The Success Story of Three Sisters Irrigation District
News
September 1, 2023

Harnessing Community and Innovation: The Success Story of Three Sisters Irrigation District

Learn how Three Sisters Irrigation District leveraged community and innovation for success in this inspiring story.

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Direct2 Aviation Announces Donation Plan to Deschutes River ConservancyDirect2 Aviation Announces Donation Plan to Deschutes River Conservancy
News
August 24, 2023

Direct2 Aviation Announces Donation Plan to Deschutes River Conservancy

Direct2 Aviation supports the Deschutes River Conservancy with a generous donation plan. Join us in preserving our natural resources!

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    Take a Deeper Dive

    Raise the Deschutes

    Nearly 90% of the river's streamflow is diverted for irrigation, drastically reducing water levels.

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    Technical Reports

    Seasonal flow disruptions lead to degraded fish habitats and poor water quality.

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    DRC News & Videos

    Porous soil causes significant seepage, wasting half of the water diverted for irrigation.

    Learn More