Water Efficiency in the Deschutes River Basin

For more than ten years, American Rivers has been a leader in protecting and restoring streamflows in the Deschutes River basin. Healthy flows are particularly important to ensure that there is sufficient habitat for salmon and steelhead that are being reintroduced into the upper basin (the reintroduction is the result of our successful negotiations in the Pelton Round Butte hydropower relicensing, which opened more than 200 miles of historic habitat). 

We are working collaboratively with local stakeholders, including irrigation districts and the City of Prineville, to develop a comprehensive plan that will improve water management and use in the upper basin and ensure the adequate protection of endangered species.  Our involvement is also ensuring that unique ecological, recreational, and scenic values are protected. 

Flowing east off the Cascade Mountains, the Deschutes River in central Oregon begins its more than 200 mile journey to the Columbia, supporting a premier steelhead and rainbow trout fishery.  Because of its ecological and recreational value, various reaches in the Deschutes basin have also been designated as Wild and Scenic rivers.  Yet for many years, the Deschutes has also suffered from the impacts of extensive agricultural development, power generation, and population growth in Bend, one of the fastest growing areas in the state. 

As global temperatures increase, scientists have found that rivers like the Deschutes, that are sourced by groundwater, will continue to have late summer flows and play an increasingly important role in the region’s efforts to protect and restore salmon and steelhead populations.  American Rivers will continue to ensure that the Deschutes and other critical rivers are protected, especially in light of population growth and global warming.