In the Media Archives - DRC News & Resources

Bend Bulletin - Ballot offers voters an option to fund Deschutes County conservation projects

October 18, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Ballot offers voters an option to fund Deschutes County conservation projects

The Nov. 5 ballot includes a measure that, if passed, would create a permanent tax levy to provide significant new funding for the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, allowing it to expand its conservation projects to improve water and soil health in Deschutes County.

Bend Bulletin: Guest column: How to avert a future groundwater crisis

October 18, 2024

Bend Bulletin: Guest column: How to avert a future groundwater crisis

Groundwater levels in the Deschutes Basin are rapidly declining due to reduced precipitation and overpumping, threatening domestic wells, wildlife habitats, and future growth, necessitating urgent conservation efforts and policy changes.

Capitol Press - How Trump’s return may impact public, private land management

October 13, 2024

Capitol Press - How Trump’s return may impact public, private land management

The return of Donald Trump to the presidency raises concerns about potential rollbacks of environmental protections in Oregon, with environmentalists fearing harm to federal lands and endangered species, while loggers, farmers, and others see opportunities for less restrictive regulations and improved resource management.

Bend Bulletin - Years-long restoration project brings fish and wildlife back to Whychus Creek near Sisters

October 11, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Years-long restoration project brings fish and wildlife back to Whychus Creek near Sisters

Fish and wildlife are slowly returning to a creek near Sisters thanks to a years-long restoration project. Volunteers gathered Friday to plant hundreds of native flowering plants, called forbs, along Whychus Creek.

Bend Bulletin - Deschutes Basin water is focus of U.S. House hearing in Redmond

October 8, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Deschutes Basin water is focus of U.S. House hearing in Redmond

A U.S. House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries held a field hearing in Redmond, Oregon, where representatives and local stakeholders discussed water shortages in the Deschutes Basin, highlighting collaboration efforts like the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan and the ongoing challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, and conservationists.

Bend Bulletin - Ochoco Preserve restoration turns farmland to floodplain near Prineville

October 5, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Ochoco Preserve restoration turns farmland to floodplain near Prineville

The Deschutes Land Trust is transforming the 185-acre Ochoco Preserve near Prineville from former farmland into a restored floodplain, with efforts focused on improving habitat for wildlife, restoring streamflow, and planting native vegetation to crowd out invasive species, while also creating public trails and connections to the Crooked River Wetlands Complex.

Bend Bulletin - Kotek kick-starts multistate, tribal plan to increase native fish in Columbia basin

September 30, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Kotek kick-starts multistate, tribal plan to increase native fish in Columbia basin

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order to ensure state agencies collaborate effectively to support the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative, a federal program partnered with tribal nations and Washington State, investing over $1 billion to restore wild fish populations in the Columbia River Basin, including provisions for dam removals and enhancing tribal clean energy production.

Bend Bulletin - No 'forever chemicals' found in Deschutes River, boosting prospects for Warm Springs' water system fixes

September 24, 2024

Bend Bulletin - No 'forever chemicals' found in Deschutes River, boosting prospects for Warm Springs' water system fixes

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs reported that the absence of PFAS and other contaminants is expected to reduce construction costs for a new water filtration plant on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Bend Bulletin - Conservation projects in the wings as irrigation districts prepare to shut off water

September 14, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Conservation projects in the wings as irrigation districts prepare to shut off water

As cooler weather approaches and harvests wrap up, irrigation districts across Central Oregon are preparing to shut off water and initiate significant conservation projects, such as the Arnold Irrigation District's ongoing effort to pipe 3.7 more miles of canal to conserve water and extend irrigation seasons, amidst a broader regional push led by the Deschutes River Conservancy to facilitate $6 million in infrastructure upgrades.

September 14, 2024

OPB - Groundwater rights in Oregon just got even more valuable. Here’s why

Oregon has implemented new groundwater rules to halt the decline of water levels, affecting about 40,000 home wells statewide. The Oregon Water Resources Commission's decision means future applications for groundwater rights may be denied, aiming to preserve water availability based on scientific data, though existing rights remain unaffected.

A Tale of Two Rivers - Running from First Street Rapids to Archie Briggs Canyon (and bac

September 6, 2024

Bend Bulletin - A Tale of Two Rivers

A stretch of the Deschutes River Trail highlights the impact of irrigation diversions, where the river transitions from full and powerful near First Street Rapids to a diminished stream at Sawyer Park, illustrating how water management has altered the river’s flow over time.

Deschutes River natural flow starting to turn the corner after historic lows

August 28, 2024

Bend Bulletin - Deschutes River natural flow starting to turn the corner after historic lows

Despite two years of above-average snowpack, the Deschutes River's natural flow remains below historical averages, leading to continued reliance on reservoirs for irrigation and mixed results for farmers.

Salmon will soon swim freely in the Klamath River for first time in a century once dams are removed

August 27, 2024

Salmon will soon swim freely in the Klamath River for first time in a century once dams are removed

For the first time in over a century, salmon will soon have free passage along the Klamath River as the largest dam removal project in U.S. history nears completion, restoring the river’s natural flow and habitat.

Proxy Falls is one of Oregon’s must-see waterfalls

August 19, 2024

Proxy Falls is one of Oregon’s must-see waterfalls

Proxy Falls, a popular Oregon waterfall, offers a 1.6-mile loop trail with stunning views of both Upper and Lower Proxy Falls, including a challenging but rewarding descent to the base of the lower falls.

Growing algal bloom prompts OHA warning for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus

August 9, 2024

Growing algal bloom prompts OHA warning for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus

A health advisory has been issued for Lake Billy Chinook and Lake Simtustus due to a suspected harmful cyanobacteria algal bloom, with residents advised to avoid water activities in affected areas and take precautions for both human and pet safety.

Redmond Achieves Reduction in Water Usage

August 6, 2024

Redmond Achieves Reduction in Water Usage

A need to conserve water prompted the City to bolster its conservation efforts, leading to reductions in its water usage by over 30% in June and July compared to usage in 2023 through initiatives such as installing Smart Irrigation Systems, conducting audits, upgrading infrastructure, and launching public awareness campaigns.

Central Oregon Irrigation District to receive up to $15 million from USDA for Water Saving Commodity Program

August 4, 2024

Central Oregon Irrigation District to receive up to $15 million from USDA for Water Saving Commodity Program

More good news for improving irrigation district infrastructure for our partners in the Deschutes basin: COID selected for funding to support innovative water conservation efforts and improve long-term water reliability in the Deschutes Basin.

Emergency repairs could be done by Friday after lava tube breaches COID irrigation canal, creates 40-foot sinkhole

July 30, 2024

Emergency repairs could be done by Friday after lava tube breaches COID irrigation canal, creates 40-foot sinkhole

Some residents may have noticed higher than normal flows recently in part of the Deschutes River. This increase is the result of a canal breach, highlighting the importance of piping century-old irrigation canals to avoid these unforeseen water management issues.

'The problem is getting worse': Deschutes River Cleanup volunteers remove record trash haul from the waterway

July 28, 2024

'The problem is getting worse': Deschutes River Cleanup volunteers remove record trash haul from the waterway

Volunteers collected a record amount of trash during the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council's 28th annual Deschutes River Cleanup, highlighting the worsening problem of river pollution.

Cascade Business News - Understanding the Age of Groundwater

July 25, 2024

Cascade Business News - Understanding the Age of Groundwater

The Nature Conservancy is conducting a project to estimate the age of groundwater in Oregon to aid in sustainable water management by sampling wells and springs to analyze isotopes, which will inform community planning for future water use.

Northern section of Deschutes River Trail is an easy, accessible summertime hike

July 17, 2024

Northern section of Deschutes River Trail is an easy, accessible summertime hike

The northern section of the Deschutes River Trail, connecting Tumalo State Park and Riley Ranch Nature Reserve, offers a flat, scenic hike of over 3 miles roundtrip with minimal foot traffic, making it a suitable option for summer outings.

New Oregon water boss targets difficult task of rapidly modernizing outdated laws

July 17, 2024

New Oregon water boss targets difficult task of rapidly modernizing outdated laws

Ivan Gall, recently confirmed as Oregon's top water regulator amid bipartisan calls for change, faces the challenge of modernizing water management and addressing both overallocated water resources and increasing demand exacerbated by climate change.

30-year plan to save fish, frogs, in Deschutes Basin has made gains but challenges remain

July 12, 2024

30-year plan to save fish, frogs, in Deschutes Basin has made gains but challenges remain

In Central Oregon, eight irrigation districts and the city of Prineville have committed to the Deschutes Basin Habitat Conservation Plan, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve water by piping canals, enhancing the Deschutes River habitat for wildlife, and adhering to strict future water release goals despite concerns about the pace of progress.

Bend Bulletin - As heatwave continues, Bend shines spotlight on its water curtailment plan