The biggest decision-point in our lifetimes for the future of the Deschutes River Basin was triggered last week when irrigation districts submitted a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Suffice to say, the plan put forth by the irrigation districts does not sufficiently address the scale of the River’s problem.

Flows in the Upper Deschutes become a relative trickle in the winter. They get as low as 20 cubic feet per second. People may disagree about what exactly would be a “healthy” flow. Nobody looks at 20 cfs and cheers. Ten times that would be a start

Three factors combined to cause the Deschutes River’s low flow as it passes through the city: slight releases from Wickiup Reservoir, nearly half average flow from the Little Deschutes River and temporary irrigation diversions, or “stock runs.”

We learned how current practices are causing the Upper Deschutes River to be dewatered in the winter months and flooded during the irrigation season.

he Deschutes River is many things: it's home to fish and wildlife, it drives our economy, it's the source of water for agriculture, it's a place for recreation..

nce considered a model for river health, today the Deschutes is in trouble. Learn more about our work to restore the Deschutes here.