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River News - In The Media

Irrigators Prepare For Less Water - Strategies and Tips

July 10, 2023

Irrigators Prepare For Less Water

Farmers and ranchers in Deschutes Basin warned of water curtailments. Board of Control announces lower water availability due to dwindling levels.

U.S. tribal nations face legacy of poor drinking water

July 8, 2023

U.S. tribal nations deal with a legacy of poor drinking water

Learn about the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in the U.S. with access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these issues, bringing much-needed attention to health disparities on reservations.

Deschutes Basin irrigation districts prepare to curtail water

July 6, 2023

Deschutes Basin irrigation districts prepare to curtail water due to drought

Oregon's high snowpack won't increase irrigation water this year. Deschutes Basin districts may cut water by mid-July due to low river flow.

Klamath River dam demolition project commences

July 5, 2023

Dam demolition begins on Klamath River

Witness the historic removal of the first of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. The demolition of Copco 2 marks the beginning of the largest dam removal project in U.S. history.

Forest Service and Trust for Public Land Acquire Portion of Crooked River for Riverfront Trail Access

June 30, 2023

Forest Service, Trust for Public Land acquire, protect portion of Crooked River for riverfront trail access

The Trust for Public Land and U.S. Forest Service protect 97 acres of riverfront access along the Crooked River for public use. Learn more here.

Closure of Summer Chinook Salmon Fishing on Columbia River

June 28, 2023

Summer chinook salmon fishing to close on Columbia River

Don't miss out on summer chinook fishing on the Columbia River! The season closes Friday from Astoria-Megler Bridge to Priest Rapids Dam.

Merkley: Ag bill includes $5 million for Arnold, N. Unit Irrigation canal piping

June 22, 2023

Merkley: Ag bill that passed out of committee includes $5 million for Arnold, N. Unit Irrigation canal piping projects

Sen. Jeff Merkley secures major investments in Oregon agriculture, rural housing, food assistance, and rural business priorities in the FY24 Senate bill. Over $5 million for community-initiated projects.

Wyden and Merkley push for Deschutes River Conservancy reauthorization

June 20, 2023

Wyden, Merkley seek reauthorization for Deschutes River Conservancy

Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley introduce Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act to Senate. Bill referred to Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Deschutes River Conservancy Seeks Congressional Funding for Conservation Efforts

June 20, 2023

Deschutes River Conservancy Requests Congressional Funding

Oregon’s U.S. Senators are working to reauthorize federal funding for the Deschutes River Conservancy, ensuring continued support for conservation efforts.

Crook County residents fear mining company polluted their water. Investigation in Oregon

June 13, 2023

Crook County residents fear mining company polluted their water. Here’s how Oregon investigated

Federal lawmakers are taking action against a state agency for mishandling complaints of water contamination by a mining company in Crooked County.

Editorial: The untimely demise of a crucial bill on water rights

June 11, 2023

Editorial: One of the best bills that died was about water rights

Oregon must start valuing water as a precious resource. Changes may not be popular, but necessary to prevent oversubscribed water rights. Embrace change or face a fate like Phoenix.

Save Arnold Canal Files Lawsuit to Stop Canal Piping Project

June 8, 2023

‘Save Arnold Canal’ files lawsuit to stop canal piping project

Learn about the lawsuit filed by property owners against Arnold Irrigation District to halt the piping of 12 miles of main canal, a project aimed at conserving millions of gallons of water.

Community celebration at Festival of the Land in Culver

June 3, 2023

Festival of the Land brought people to Culver to celebrate community

Join us at the Crooked River Day Use Area for a celebration of Central Oregon's rich history and culture along the banks of Lake Billy Chinook.

Float the Deschutes River in Bend for a refreshing summer adventure

May 26, 2023

Float the Deschutes River in Bend for cool summer fun

Experience the ultimate summer adventure floating the Deschutes River from Riverbend Park to Drake Park. A scenic trip through town that takes 60-90 minutes.

Guest Column: Commissioner Adair on Arnold irrigation project

May 24, 2023

Guest Column: Commissioner Adair is wrong about Arnold irrigation project

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair's actions have raised concerns about her commitment to county stewardship. Her flip-flopping on the Arnold Irrigation District's project reveals questionable priorities and political motivations.

Bend Gathers at Hayden Homes Amphitheater to Celebrate Life of Bill Smith

May 24, 2023

Bend gathers at Hayden Homes Amphitheater to celebrate life of Bill Smith

Join nearly 2,000 people at Hayden Homes Amphitheater in Bend to honor Bill Smith, the visionary behind the Old Mill District. Celebrate his life.

Editorial: Pipe canals in the Arnold Irrigation District

May 22, 2023

Editorial: Pipe canals in the Arnold Irrigation District

Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair raises concerns about Arnold Irrigation District's canal project, sparking ongoing debate on canal piping.

Central Oregon drought: worst in state history, climatologist says

May 19, 2023

Central Oregon drought was the worst in state history, state climatologist says

Despite recent precipitation, Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties are still experiencing drought conditions, varying from moderate to extreme levels.

Mild Spring Brings Relief to Rivers and Reservoirs After Drought Years

May 19, 2023

Mild spring gives rivers and reservoirs a reprieve following years of drought

Wickiup Reservoir in Central Oregon is holding strong, supplying vital water for farmers in Jefferson County. Despite the season, levels remain high.

Guest Column: Oregon must invest in Deschutes water now

May 18, 2023

Guest Column: Oregon needs to invest in Deschutes water now

Learn about the ongoing water supply issues in the Deschutes Basin due to years of drought. Rivers like the Deschutes and Crooked are suffering from lack of water.

Reopened trail section offers Deschutes River access and habitat protection

May 11, 2023

Reopened trail section offers Deschutes River access, habitat protection

Discover three new access points and 2,000 feet of split-rail fence along the riverbank habitat area near Riverbend Park. Restoration, protection, and enhanced access await on the west side of the river.

Snowmelt sending area reservoir levels higher, one nears capacity

May 3, 2023

Snowmelt sending area reservoir levels higher, one is about to reach capacity

The Prineville Reservoir is filling up with water at a rapid rate, a positive sign that the severe drought in Central Oregon may finally be coming to an end.

Central Oregon rivers and streams to rise early next week due to warmer weather

April 28, 2023

Warmer weather will cause Central Oregon rivers and streams to rise early next week

Get ready for spring in Central Oregon as the snow melts and water levels rise in local rivers and streams. Say goodbye to winter chores and hello to warmer weather!

Lake Simtustus Trail offers solitude and stunning High Desert views