Restoring streamflow. Improving water quality

Help Restore the
Deschutes River Basin

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The Challenge
a river flowing through a rocky canyon
The Problem

Meeting the Water Needs of the Basin

For generations, rives have been over-allocated.
Smarter water management today means healthier rivers tomorrow.

Streamflow Restoration

Restoring river flows and improving water quality, supporting healthy river habitats and more resilient communities.

Modernizing Water Use

Introducing new and innovative solutions for long-standing water supply issues, benefitting rivers and farmers.

Ecosystem

Planning for Change

Ensuring water resilience in the face of a dynamic and uncertain future shaped by shifting environmental conditions.

Restoring Streamflow and Improving Water Quality

Join Our Mission
A close up of rocks in the water.
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
Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to KnowOregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know
News
December 20, 2024

Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know

Oregon's New Groundwater Rules: What You Need to Know

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Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central OregonBeneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon
Videos
December 16, 2024

Beneath the Surface: Navigating Oregon's New Groundwater Rules and Their Impact in Central Oregon

Learn about the largest change in Oregon's water policy and how it will affect water in Central Oregon.

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Wyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal InvestmentWyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal Investment
News
October 25, 2024

Wyden, Merkley: Conservation Projects in Central, Eastern & Southern Oregon Earn $95.7 Million in Federal Investment

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced over $95 million in federal funding for five rural Oregon conservation projects, aiming to enhance natural resources, tackle the climate crisis, and support farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners across Central, Eastern, and Southern Oregon.

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Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028
News
October 11, 2024

Fall Fish Rescue to Take Place October 18 – 20, with Restoration Efforts Aiming to Eliminate Need by 2028

The Deschutes River Conservancy and Deschutes Basin Board of Control are hosting the annual Lava Island Fish Rescue from October 18–20, with long-term restoration projects expected to eliminate the need for these rescues by 2028.

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Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes BasinReflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin
News
September 13, 2024

Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin

DRC Communications Intern Jenna reflects on her summer working in the Deschutes Basin, and provides some of her key takeaways.

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DRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program ManagerDRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program Manager
News
September 6, 2024

DRC Welcomes Alex Ehrens as Program Manager

DRC is excited to welcome Alex Ehrens as a Program Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

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Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now AvailableHome Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now Available
News
July 29, 2024

Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes River Basin - Now Available

The DRC is reprinting their book, Home Waters: Stories of the Deschutes Basin, and you can get your copy today!

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DRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James FaughnanDRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James Faughnan
News
July 24, 2024

DRC Welcomes New Office Manager, James Faughnan

DRC is excited to welcome James Faughnan as our new Office Manager! Join us in congratulating him on this exciting opportunity.

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Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!
News
July 19, 2024

Welcome Jenna, Our New Communications Intern!

Welcome Jenna as the DRC's new communications intern! Look out for her work in the basin!

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Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed
News
July 9, 2024

Central Oregonian - Funding announced for Lower Crooked River Watershed

Bureau of Reclamation awarding nearly $300,000 to Crooked River Water Quality Partnership

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Program Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water LeasingProgram Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water Leasing
News
July 1, 2024

Program Updates: Water Conservation, Steelhead Habitat, and Water Leasing

The Deschutes River Conservancy is advancing critical water management projects including the McKay Creek Water Rights Switch for steelhead habitat, strategic basin-wide water conservation efforts, and expanding the Annual Water Leasing Program to enhance river flow and support regional sustainability.

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Notes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field MonitoringNotes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field Monitoring
News
June 27, 2024

Notes from the Field: Cows, Snakes and Pollen – A Reflection on a Season of Field Monitoring

Join DRC's James O'Brien as he reflects on the happenings while monitoring flows.

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Drought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation DistrictDrought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Videos
June 22, 2024

Drought in Central Oregon - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District

Drought is threatening farming in Central Oregon. Listen to Jefferson County farmers, ranchers, and their stewardship partners explain the challenges they are facing and how they are responding.

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Deschutes River Conservancy Announces Introduction of Reauthorization Legislation in CongressDeschutes River Conservancy Announces Introduction of Reauthorization Legislation in Congress
News
May 28, 2024

Deschutes River Conservancy Announces Introduction of Reauthorization Legislation in Congress

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer introduced the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act into the House of Representatives.

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Shaping the Future: Conservation, Restoration, and Flow Management in the Upper Deschutes RiverShaping the Future: Conservation, Restoration, and Flow Management in the Upper Deschutes River
Videos
April 3, 2024

Shaping the Future: Conservation, Restoration, and Flow Management in the Upper Deschutes River

Discover collaborative water conservation efforts and their impact on the Upper Deschutes River. Featuring insights from Bridget Moran and Lisa Seales.

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

Popular water series, “Raise The 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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A River Runs Through It: Collaborative Strategies for the Future of the Crooked RiverA River Runs Through It: Collaborative Strategies for the Future of the Crooked River
Videos
February 5, 2024

A River Runs Through It: Collaborative Strategies for the Future of the Crooked River

Join us on Feb 28 at Meadow Lakes Golf Course, Prineville, to discuss water conservation and Crooked River management. Register now!

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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: 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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    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.

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