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River News - In The Media

Exploring the Rich History of Irrigation in Central Oregon

October 10, 2023

History of irrigation in Central Oregon on tap

Discover the story of Central Oregon in the late 1800s, as hundreds of homesteaders flock to claim their piece of land in this exciting historical tale.

Little Did I Know: The Dam History of the Deschutes River

October 6, 2023

Little Did I Know: The dam history of the Deschutes River

Explore the fascinating dam history of the Deschutes River, which originates at Little Lava Lake in the Deschutes National Forest. Witness the dramatic and sudden change that sets this river apart from others.

Merkley and Wyden announce Deschutes River Conservancy reauthorization bill passes Senate committee

September 26, 2023

MERKLEY, WYDEN ANNOUNCE DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY REAUTHORIZATION BILL PASSES SENATE COMMITTEE

Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden celebrate as Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act advances in U.S. Senate Committee.

Lawmakers push for increased funding to repair wells amidst aquifer decline

September 13, 2023

Lawmakers seek more funds for well repair amid declining aquifer levels

Learn about a state program providing funding for well repairs, offering relief to homeowners facing drought and climate change impacts. Additional funding may be on the way.

U.S. Senate panel examines groundwater pollution in Oregon

September 11, 2023

U.S. Senate panel looks at groundwater pollution in Oregon

Discover how state and federal laws in rural Oregon fail to protect clean drinking water, leaving private domestic wells vulnerable. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley sheds light on the consequences.

Central Oregon Irrigation District launches campaign to save water

September 5, 2023

Central Oregon Irrigation District launches campaign to save water

Learn how the Central Oregon Irrigation District is tackling water conservation during a drought to ensure sustainable agriculture for its patrons.

Merkley, Wyden call for federal drought resiliency investments in Deschutes, Klamath, Rogue River basins

August 24, 2023

Merkley, Wyden urge federal drought resiliency investments for Deschutes, Klamath and Rogue River basins

Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden advocate for prioritizing Klamath, Deschutes, and Rogue River Basins in federal funding for drought and climate resiliency projects.

Drought Continues, New Water Laws on the Horizon

August 16, 2023

Drought Ongoing, New Water Laws Incoming

Discover how Central Oregon is working to improve drought conditions, but it will take time and intentional planning for water capacity to fully recover.

Oregon Legislature Allocates $50 Million for Irrigation Modernization Projects

August 7, 2023

Legislature dedicates $50 million to irrigation modernization projects across Oregon

Oregon lawmakers allocate $50 million for irrigation district modernization, enhancing state infrastructure. Stay updated on this crucial development.

Volunteers comb Deschutes River for annual cleanup efforts

July 29, 2023

Volunteers combed the Deschutes, both from above and below, for annual river cleanup

Join hundreds of volunteers in Bend as they clean up the Deschutes River, with scuba divers pulling up trash and oddities during the annual event.

Farmer's patience waning for 30-year Deschutes River restoration plan

July 25, 2023

Farmer's patience wearing thin for 30-year plan to raise the Deschutes

Learn about the compromise reached between irrigation districts in Central Oregon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect wildlife and support farmers.

Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand Clean Water Access in Tribal Communities

July 19, 2023

Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Expand and Improve Access to Clean Water in Tribal Communities

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden's legislation aims to provide safe sanitation and clean drinking water to rural and underserved communities, including Native American Tribes like the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

Drought threatens Central Oregon farmers after promising spring

July 16, 2023

After a promising spring, drought again stalking Central Oregon farmers

Water management officials are concerned about the lack of significant snowmelt runoff despite higher snowpack levels due to the overly dry landscape absorbing water too quickly. Learn more about the impact on river flow.

Jefferson County farm efficiency impresses city tour goers

July 13, 2023

Jefferson County farm efficiency impresses city tour goers

Discover the beauty of Fox Hollow Ranch as visitors witness the carrot umbels producing seeds. Join the 30 people who explored the farm on a sunny July afternoon.

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