Thanks to partnerships between the Deschutes River Conservancy, and local irrigation districts, new solutions have been developed to restore over 115 cubic feet per second of flow to the Middle Deschutes during the summer months. Water leasing agreements with irrigators keeps the river flowing, fostering a healthy ecosystem for people, plants and wildlife. The project covers a a 35-mile section of the river between the city of Bend and Lake Billy Chinook, Oregon.
State / Province: Oregon
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Urban Conservation in Wasco County
We are partnering with the Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to install more efficient irrigation systems in The Dalles, Oregon. 17.5 acres of lawn, landscaping, and cemetery will be equipped with five smart controllers that use local weather to adjust irrigation. This will help conserve water in a region experiencing historic drought and failing reservoirs.
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Saint Mary’s Irrigation System Upgrade
This project aims to improve agricultural efficiency, conserve water, and protect local water resources in Oregon’s Mill Creek watershed. By upgrading irrigation systems, it will help reduce water use while supporting the environment. As part of the project, Saint Mary’s Academy’s 17.5-acre irrigated area will receive five smart controllers that adjust water use based on real-time weather data. Additionally, an existing water diversion will be replaced with a modern pumping system and underground sprinklers, which will work with the smart controllers to optimize irrigation. To further support the local ecosystem, the project will also install advanced fish screens approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to safeguard steelhead and other native fish.
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Lytle Creek Nitrate Removal
Led by the Deschutes River Conservancy, this project supports the coordination of a water quality monitoring partnership as well the implementation of a water quality improvement project on Lytle Creek in Central Oregon. Coordination activities will include finalizing the Crooked River Water Quality Partnership Strategic Action Plan, establishing a governance framework for the Partnership, and producing reports documenting progress towards the Partnership’s goals.