deschutesriver.orgDeschutes River Conservancy | Streamflow Restoration in Central Oregon

-- I'm Ready To Help What We're Doing How to Help News & Resources About Us Contact The Deschutes River Conservancy Supports Social Justice Recent events in the United States are a reminder to us at the Deschutes River Conservancy of the deep inequities and racism in our nation. We stand with those who speak out against these and other injustices. read the entire statement 50+ Reasons Why We Love The Deschutes Basin Thank you for helping us celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day this week by sending in your reasons you love the Deschutes Basin. As promised, here they are! See The 50+ Reasons Improving flows in McKay Creek The DRC is partnering with McKay Creek farmers and Ochoco Irrigation District to restore natural flows to McKay Creek. Find out more about McKay Creek WE'RE WORKING TO RESTORE STREAMFLOW ​​AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN THE DESCHUTES BASIN We’re lucky to have this beautiful river but the systems that manage it were created 100 years ago, and now it’s suffering Act Now to Save the Deschutes River The Deschutes is a natural jewel in the heart of our community. But many of us are unaware that the river upstream of Bend is in big trouble. Its ecology is at a tipping point and showing steep declines in fish, wildlife and vegetation. We must act now before it is too late. See more River Stories The problems are fixable and we're all working together to conserve water and​ solve them Basin Wide Planning Planning for sustainable water management practices to support the river and other users into the future. Find Out More About Basin Wide Planning Water Rights Transfers DRC's transfers program acquires and transfers water rights to be permanently protected instream. Find out about Water Rights Transfers Water Management Sharing water to meet the modern needs of rivers, cities, and farms. Find Out More About Water Management Streamflow Restoration The Deschutes Basin is over-allocated. We work cooperatively in the basin to restore flows in local streams. Find out about streamflow restoration Groundwater Mitigation The DRC Groundwater Mitigation Bank creates temporary credits through instream leases. Find out about Groundwater Mitigation Everyone will win if we can fix this The streamflow challenges currently facing the Deschutes Basin trace back more than 100 years. Settlers put the Basin's water to work pursuing a successful future for local agriculture ​but not considering the environmental ​impact. Today we know far more about the need to protect ecosystems while supporting livelihoods. We're fortunate to be in a basin with enough water for all — provided it's properly managed. By rethinking and rebalancing how we use and share water, we can and will have enough water for fish, farms, and families. We've Made Great Progress Living in the high desert, we all rely on the Deschutes River and its tributaries. When we began restoring streamflow and improving water quality over 20 years ago, the landscape looked much different. Whychus Creek in Sisters ran dry in the summer, the Middle Deschutes, downstream from Bend had only 20% of the flow it has today, the Crooked River downstream from Smith Rock suffered from low flows and high stream temperatures. Streamflow Restoration Accomplishments *CFS = Peak protected flows May - September WE COULD USE YOUR HELP Conservation Tips 7 tips for conserving water in and around your home. Conserve Water Donate Be part of river restoration in Central Oregon. Support Donation Volunteer Check here for opportunities to volunteer for the Deschutes River Conservancy. I'd Like To Volunteer How we’re organized Founded in 1996 as a collaborative, multi-stakeholder organization, the DRC's Board of Directors makes decisions by consensus and is comprised of key public and private interests including farming, ranching, timber, development, hydro-power, recreation, tribes, and environment. We are a small, dedicated team of water professionals who are passionate about our local streams and communities. Together we've been able to make amazing progress in the basin and are looking forward to one day seeing a sustainably restored Deschutes Basin. Let's Stay In Touch Get email updates about the Deschutes Basin, upcoming events and how you can help. We're working to restore streamflow and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin © 2020 Deschutes River Conservancy - 700 NW Hill St., Suite 1, Bend, O​R 97703 - (541) 382-4077 - Site Map...