Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Announce Move to New Office Space in the Old Mill District
Bend, OR – February 3, 2025 – The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) are excited to announce their move to a new office along the Deschutes River in Bend’s Old Mill District. After nearly 30 years of dedicated work to protect and restore the Deschutes Basin, this move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both organizations. For the DRC, this transition comes as the team expands to meet growing needs and as both organizations tackle new conservation opportunities. Moving to the new space offers room to grow and collaborate on future initiatives.
The new office in the historic Mill A Building is above Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe, putting the organizations near fellow river enthusiasts. Leased in partnership with William Smith Properties, the space provides a central and collaborative location that will enable the organizations to strengthen partnerships, engage the community, and continue advancing conservation efforts. The inspiring views of the Deschutes River will serve as a daily reminder of the mission to protect and restore the watershed.
“We’ve outgrown our previous space, and this move comes at the perfect time,” said Kate Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Deschutes River Conservancy.“The new location allows us to grow, build new partnerships, and inspire our team with a direct connection to the river we strive to protect. With new staff members joining and an ongoing focus on advancing conservation projects, this office will serve as a hub for collaboration and innovation.”
In addition to the move, theDRC and UDWC are looking forward to hosting an open house in the spring to welcome the community into their new space and celebrate this new chapter together.
“The UDWC has helped restore and protect the Deschutes River over the years through the Old Mill District and we host the annual Deschutes River Cleanup int he Old Mill District and other stretches of the river each summer. UDWC staff are looking forward to the inspiration that comes with being close to the river every day and continuing our work to restore and protect the Deschutes River and watershed. ,” said Kris Knight, Executive Director of the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council. “This move enhances our ability to build on nearly three decades of conservation efforts and engage the community in preserving our local watershed.”
The Old Mill District also expressed enthusiasm about the move. “We are thrilled to welcome the Deschutes River Conservancy and the Upper DeschutesWatershed Council to the Old Mill District,” said Beau Eastes, Marketing Director for the Old Mill District. “Their work plays a critical role in protecting the Deschutes River, which is the heart of our community. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to preserving the natural beauty and health of the watershed for generations to come.”
The move aligns with both organizations’ long-term goals of scaling their impact and restoring streamflows, water quality, and habitat in the basin. As the Deschutes Basin enters its next big conservation phase, the DRC and UDWC are well-positioned to lead the charge in collaborative and sustainable watershed education and management.
For more information about the Deschutes River Conservancy, please visit www.deschutesriver.org.
For more information about the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, please visit www.upperdeschuteswatershedcouncil.org.
About the DeschutesRiver Conservancy
The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) was formed in 1996 with a mission to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin. The DRChas a multi-stakeholder board and, through collaborative efforts, has restored up to 350 CFS (equivalent to over 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools per hour) of flow in the basin with non-litigious, voluntary, and market-based programs.
About the UpperDeschutes Watershed Council
Since 1996, the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) has worked to protect and restore the 2,000,000-acre Upper Deschutes River Watershed through collaborative projects in habitat restoration, watershed education, and long-term monitoring. With local support from landowners, citizens, and representatives from local governments and agencies, the UDWC leads voluntary and collaborative efforts to improve watershed conditions.
About the Old MillDistrict
Celebrating more than 20 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and dynamic mixed-use developments, the Old Mill District is located on 270 acres that formerly housed one of the largest sawmill operations in the world. The rich history of the land is coupled with spectacular mountain views, scenic river vistas and an extensive trail system to enjoy the outdoors.More than 55 local, regional, and national retailers and businesses call theOld Mill District home. Bend’s Old Mill District – the most unique shopping, dining, living, and entertainment experience in the region. www.oldmilldistrict.com.
