deschutesriver.orgRestoration in Central Oregon | Deschutes River Conservancy

Who We Are Board of Directors Stewards of the Deschutes river’s future Meet the Team Meet team driving our conservation effortsLearn about our mission & vision Deschutes Basin History Get to know the Deschutes River Basin and help us Raise the Deschutes Accomplishments Restoration and reintroduction milestones in the Deschutes Basin Want to know more about how you can make a difference? Contact Us Where We Work Upper Deschutes River The upper reach of the Deschutes River running from Little Lava Lake to Bend. Crooked River A tributary of the Deschutes River flowing through Prineville to Lake Billy Chinook. McKay Creek A tributary of the Crooked River flowing out of the Ochoco Mountains. Tumalo Creek A tributary of the Deschutes River joining the Middle Deschutes north of Bend. Whychus Creek A tributary of the Deschutes River flowing through Sisters joining the Deschutes just above Lake Billy Chinook. Middle Deschutes River The middle reach of the Deschutes River flowing from Bend to Lake Billy Chinook. All Reaches We bring together diverse stakeholders to solve water issues. Want to know more about how you can make a difference? Contact Us What We Do Streamflow Restoration Streamflow restoration programs for ecosystem health Water Quality Our initiatives to improve water quality in rivers Education Outreach Outreach for community and ecosystem awareness Water Transactions Our work in water transactions for conservation Collaborative Planning Sustainable water management with collaborative planning Irrigation Modernization Discover our projects aimed at river ecosystem health Technical Reports Key Findings and Recommendations Programs & Tools Explore our actions for river restoration and conservation Want to know more about how you can make a difference? Contact Us Get Involved Events Help Protect and Restore Our Rivers Donate Support Our Mission and Donate to River Conservation Today Subscribe Subscribe for Updates on River Conservation Efforts and News How to Help Find the different ways you can make an impact Want to know more about how you can make a difference? Contact Us Donate Now Donate Now Restoring streamflow. Improving water quality Help Restore the Deschutes River Basin Stay Current Subscribe to monthly river news and water updates. Contribute Be part of river restoration in Central Oregon. Attend an Event Learn about upcoming DRC events. The Challenge The Problem Meeting the Water Needs of the Basin Join us in protecting our water resources for generations to come. Habitat Restoration Restored flows create opportunities for improved water quality, decreased temperatures, and habitat restoration. Modernizing Water Use Increasing efficiency in water delivery and on-farm use creates opportunities for conservation. Adapting to Change Dramatic flow fluctuations lead to degraded fish habitats and poor water quality. Restoring Streamflow and Improving Water Quality Join Our Mission 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. Programs & Tools Water Transactions Facilitating water rights leasing and transfers to enhance streamflow Learn More Irrigation Modernization Modernizing irrigation systems to increase efficiency and restore river flows Learn More Water Quality Decreasing temperatures and addressing nutrient issues to ensure cold, clean water Learn More Streamflow Restoration Streamflow restoration programs for ecosystem health Learn More Collaborative Planning Building consensus to balance water use and meet regional needs Learn More Education Outreach Empowering communities to understand and engage with basin water issues Learn More Locations Where we work throughout the Deschutes Basin View Reaches Upper Deschutes River Crooked River McKay Creek Tumalo Creek Whychus Creek Middle Deschutes River Discover the Latest News Stay informed with our latest articles and updates. News & Videos News February 26, 2024 A Fond Farewell to Tara Langston: Reflecting on Nine Years of Impact Reflecting on the impactful journey of Tara Langston as we bid her a fond farewell after nine years filled with achievements and lasting impact. Read more News February 8, 2024 Popular water series, Raise Rhe 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! Read more 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. Read more 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. Read more News December 16, 2023 Staff Spotlight: Rebekah Altman – Development Director Learn more about Rebekah Altman, Development Director at our company and her role in driving growth and success. Read more 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. Read more Funders December 7, 2023 $12.2 Million in State Funding Awarded for Deschutes Basin Water Conservation & Flow Restoration Projects $12.2 million in state funding awarded for Deschutes Basin water conservation and flow restoration projects, benefiting the environment & communities. Read more News December 2, 2023 Staff Spotlight: Ben Kittell - Development and Communications Coordinator Meet Ben Kittell, our Development and Communications Coordinator. Discover how he drives success through effective strategies and collaborations. Read more News November 25, 2023 Staff Spotlight: Tara Langston - Director of Finance and Administration Meet Tara Langston, the talented Director of Finance and Administration who is dedicated to driving financial success and efficient operations for our company. Read more News November 18, 2023 Staff Spotlight: Jim Bond - Program Director Meet Jim Bond, our Program Director and discover how his expertise is transforming our organization. Learn more about his leadership skills and achievements. Read more News November 15, 2023 Collaborative Efforts in Focus: Deschutes Basin Hosts Joint Water Caucus for Insightful Water Management Tour Discover the collaborative efforts in Deschutes Basin with a joint water caucus for insightful water management. Join the tour for valuable insights. Read more News November 11, 2023 Staff Spotlight: Marisa Hossick - Communications Director Meet Marisa Hossick, our Communications Director. Discover how she drives effective communication strategies for our organization. Read more Press Releases November 8, 2023 "Raise the Deschutes" Seminar series returns for a second season expanding across Central Oregon Discover the latest insights at our "Raise the Deschutes" seminar series now expanding across Central Oregon. Join...