Reflections on a Summer Working in the Deschutes Basin
This summer, I was thrilled to join the Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC) as a communications intern. My role involved creating content for DRC social media, helping plan and implement events, and supporting the organization's overall communications responsibilities.
I recently graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Political Science and am currently pursuing a master's in Public Policy, with a focus on sustainability and environmental policy. I came across the DRC through my studies and, with support from Stanford Public Policy program, was able to receive funding to work for the DRC.
Coming into my work at the DRC, I was unfamiliar with much of the Deschutes Basin. I’d spent some time in Bend and studied water policy in other regions, but my time at the DRC opened my eyes to everything this incredible place has to offer. After ten weeks, here are some of my biggest takeaways:
1. Collaboration is Key in the Deschutes Basin
One of the first events I attended was a Pelton Fisheries Workshop at OSU Cascades, hosted by PGE and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. What really struck me was how many different organizations were involved in the basin. I met people from the Deschutes Land Trust, Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Central Oregon Land Watch, US Fish and Wildlife, NOAA, and many more. What was even more remarkable was how well everyone seemed to know each other. This event was just one example of the strong collaboration across organizations, something I witnessed repeatedly in the Deschutes Basin.
2. Partner Organizations and Community Members are eager to help one another
Throughout my time at the DRC, I was continuously impressed by how eager people were to help one another. I saw this firsthand during a Raise the Deschutes event where we toured irrigation diversions in Bend. I was amazed by how interested the local community was – many of them having already been on many of our tours and seminars. Partner organizations also came out to support, whether by leading parts of the tour or just showing up to learn more.
I also got the chance to pitch in myself. I volunteered with my coworkers at a fish rescue event at Ochoco Preserve, hosted by the Deschutes Land Trust. We traded our office clothes for waders and spent the morning saving fish in a section of the Crooked River undergoing restoration. It was another great example of how everyone in the basin comes together to protect our rivers. Despite the early start and muddy waters, the mood was upbeat.
3. Remarkable Progress Has Been Made in Reaches such as Whychus Creek
One of the highlights of my summer was visiting Whychus Creek. The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council (UDWC) was doing some stream sampling, and I jumped at the chance to visit this area I’d heard so much about.
Before restoration, Whychus Creek ran dry 2 out of every 3 years. Two decades later, a significant amount of water is now protected in Whychus Creek as a result of instream water transfers facilitated by the DRC. With water protected year-round in the creek, restoration work supported more complex habitats for fish and wildlife while also restoring the creek to its historic floodplain
The project site we were sampling on Whychus Creek was restored in 2016. As we moved along our site, I was struck by how healthy and vibrant the creek and surrounding ecosystem looked. Seeing Whychus made me excited about what’s possible for other sections of the basin.
4. Ongoing Challenges Remain for the Basin
While we've made amazing progress in the basin, there’s still a lot of work ahead. The Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) was a big win for balancing the needs of wildlife, agriculture, and local communities, but it’s just the beginning. The real challenge lies in implementing the plan effectively, which will take continuous collaboration and effort.
At the same time, Central Oregon continues to face the realities of drought. This, combined with rising temperatures, has left farmers and fish struggling for water. Adding to the complexity is the region’s rapidly growing population, which is expected to double by 2050.
In the coming years, the demands on water for municipal use, agriculture, and recreation will only increase. To balance these competing needs while protecting the basin’s rivers and ecosystems, we’ll need ongoing commitment from both local leaders and the community. It’s inspiring to see groups like the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative dive into these critical water allocation and management issues, working together to find solutions that benefit everyone. As I’ve learned this summer, we need even more innovative water management solutions to navigate the increasing unpredictability of water supplies.
5. Now is the Time to get involved in protecting our rivers for now and the future
The challenges we face can feel daunting, but I’ve seen firsthand how much can be accomplished when people work together.
One great way to start getting involved is by participating in events like Raise the Deschutes to learn more about local water issues and solutions firsthand. For a more hands-on experience, there are always opportunities to volunteer, like helping out with fish rescue efforts or habitat restoration projects.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the Deschutes Basin for yourself. My experiences this summer, whether walking along the Deschutes River Trail, hiking along the Metolius River, or paddling throughout the basin, have helped me connect with nature and remember why protecting these spaces matters so much. Our rivers are essential to the life, beauty, and community of Central Oregon, and preserving them for future generations is a responsibility we all share.
I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute to this work this summer at the DRC, and I’m excited to see what comes next for the Deschutes Basin. As I move forward in my academic and professional career, I’ll take these lessons and experiences in the Deschutes Basin with me.
