Securing the Future of the Deschutes: Progress, Partnerships, and a Shared Vision

The Deschutes River is more than just a river—it’s the foundation of our community. We are driven by an unwavering belief in a future where the Deschutes River thrives, supporting the people, wildlife, and landscapes that rely on it.

Our mission is to restore and protect our local rivers and streams through collaboration, innovation, and ensuring real results on the ground. This past year, our partnerships have been transformative:

• Water conservation projects saved over 25 cubic feet per second (cfs), water that will be permanently protected in the Upper Deschutes River in the winter. By 2028, theUpper Deschutes River, which has trickled to as low as 2%of its natural levels, will reach 50% of its natural flow. By 2033, we will see 80% of its flow restored—an unprecedented achievement that’s only possible through the collaboration of irrigation districts to increase efficiency and share water with those facing scarcity.
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• Our instream leasing program restored 80 cfs of flow to basin rivers this year. In the Middle Deschutes, leases contributed 25% of the summer flow below Bend. We protected an additional 6 cfs in this reach through permanent instream transfers.
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• We leased 6 cfs in Trout Creek, enhancing habitat for migrating wild steelhead, and 16 cfs in Whychus Creek, building on permanent flow restoration to support reintroduced steelhead and native redband trout.
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• For the coming year, we secured over $30 million in direct project funding for irrigation modernization projects and $1 million to catalyze partner work on habitat and water quality.
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• Perhaps most exciting of all, the McKay Creek WaterRight Switch is on track for 2025-2026. This project restores a critical tributary in Crook County to its natural hydrograph and supports rearing habitat for migrating steelhead.In addition to our work on the ground, we develop and advocate for policy changes that help accelerate restoration, recognizing that 20th century water law is ill equipped to solve modern-day water problems.

Through our Raise the Deschutes Seminar Series, we are educating and empowering the community to take an active role in protecting our rivers. These accomplishments aren’t just milestones; they’re the building blocks of a sustainable future for the Deschutes River.

This work is deeply personal—for me and for all of us at the DRC. It’s about ensuring that the natural beauty, vital resources, and ecological integrity of the Deschutes River endure for generations to come.

Our progress would not be possible without the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, our partners—including farmers, Tribes, local governments, and dedicated volunteers—and, of course, you.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. With your continued support, we will secure a sustainable future for the Deschutes River and for all who rely on it.

Kate Fitzpatrick

Executive Director, Deschutes River Conservancy