SUMMER 2016 VOL. 10 NO. 2 NEWSLETTER OF THE CONSERVANCY

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TOD HEISLER

Artist: Susan Luckey Higdon PHOTO: DRC STAFF Celebrating Twenty Years of Conservation Work in the Deschutes Basin

Twenty years ago, a small group of District, flows have increased signifi- irrigation purposes, and upstream people came together with a vision cantly below the district’s pumps. from irrigation diversions, so the of leaving our rivers and streams tools we have used in the past will better than they found them. Bend While these reaches have vastly not be enough to solve this complex was on the precipice of a population improved, we still have work to do. and far-reaching problem. boom, and the Deschutes River and Work like this is only possible The solution to restoring the Upper its tributaries had already been over- through building trust and strong allocated for nearly 100 years. Deschutes River lies in the way we relationships. Working with our use and manage water in Central Since 1996, the Deschutes River partners, the DRC has used flow . Our century old system will Conservancy has brought stakehold- restoration tools such as piping and not meet the changing demands for ers together across the basin to lining canals, water rights leasing, water in our basin. Cities with grow- restore 200 cubic feet per second and instream transfers to make real ing populations are challenged to (cfs) to our rivers. progress in these reaches. meet future water needs. Increased pressure from drought and litigation What does that look like? 20 years After 20 years, an area that has seen practically no restoration is the have created insecurity for commer- ago, Whychus Creek ran dry two out cial farmers who depend on unreli- of every three summers. Today the Deschutes River upstream from Bend. These 30 miles below Wickiup able junior water rights from the creek often flows at the minimums Deschutes River to grow crops. established by the Oregon Depart- Dam are designated as a Wild and ment of Fish and Wildlife. Scenic river, but outdated river Restoring flows to the Upper De- management practices have left this schutes will require the DRC to The Deschutes River below Bend reach unhealthy and in decline. consider not only environmental used to drop to an inhospitable concerns, but also social and eco- trickle in the summer. Today flows Recurring droughts and the recent Oregon spotted frog litigation have nomic interests. Solutions for the have increased four-fold during July river will need to be balanced with and August. brought this long-suffering section of the Deschutes into the spotlight. the other important water demands. In the Crooked River, through a part- The degraded reach is located below Continued on page 2... nership with North Unit Irrigation a federal dam authorized only for

DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY 1 John Allen USDA, Deschutes National Forest Rick Allen Continued from page 1

Jefferson County To find this balance, the DRC has been As a community, we need to act together Ron Angell At Large facilitating a two year process called to understand all water interests. We need Bob Bell the Upper Deschutes Basin Study. The to be informed. Choosing to ignore this At Large Basin Study will conclude in 2018 and problem will not make it go away. We need Bruce Bischof will assess the opportunities and water you to care about this great resource and At Large

BOARD OF DIRECTORS management alternatives that will help Nathan Boddie share with your friends why our river is At Large us meet the future needs of fish, farms important. Linda (Bo) Bonotto and families. At Large At the Deschutes River Conservancy, this Mike Britton These solutions will require change, has been and will be our mission for the Irrigation and change is difficult. Local irrigation next 20 years. Together we can restore Bobby Brunoe, Vice-Chair districts were allocated most of the The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs streamflow and improve water quality in Doug DeFlitch water from the river and struggle to use the Deschutes Basin. US Department of the Interior it efficiently with century-old infrastruc- Chris Gannon ture. Changing how this water is man- Crook County aged, shared and used is how we will Nancy Gilbert At Large restore the Upper Deschutes. Kyle Gorman State of Oregon Water Resources Dept. Ellen Grover, Secretary Karnopp Petersen LLP Jay Henry, Chair At Large Craig Horrell Large scale restoration is Ex Officio - Central Ore. Irrigation District achieved through partnerships Michael LaLonde with irrigators to pipe or line At Large Water leaking canals. Farmers Richard Macy 20YEAR benefit by becoming more Irrigated Agriculture Conservation efficient with pressurized Jim Manion water. The conserved water Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises is returned to the river as a IN PROGRESS Jade Mayer, Treasurer legally protected instream At Large FLOW PROGRAM water right using Oregon’s Gregory McClarren + 1.33 TOTAL Conserved Water Program. RESTORATION CFS Environment Tom Nilan PHASE 7 OF MAIN 119.6 Hydroelectric REPORT CANAL PIPING CFS Damien Nurre (Three Sisters Recreation & Tourism Irrigation Vacant District) Grazing/Livestock John Shelk Timber Water Rights Water William Smith Transfers Rights Leasing Land Development an annual program Mike Tripp IN PROGRAM AVERAGE WATER LEASED Environment PROGRESS TOTAL ANNUALLY OVER Alan Unger 20 YEARS Deschutes County + 4.1 20.6 Ted Wise CFS CFS 60 State of Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife FLOW TOTALS CFS FROM DRC PROJECTS The DRC works with The Transfers Program districts and landowners Tod Heisler Executive Director acquires and transfers water rights for permanent to lease unused water Bill Caram Finance & Admin. Director instream and instream use. rights STAFF Bea Armstrong Development & 200 protect it with the same Communications Director priority date as the DRC partners and other CFS original water right. Kate Fitzpatrick Program Director stakeholders have protected Other Crooked Leasing provides Brett Golden Program Director additinal flows by transfering Streams River significant instream Gen Hubert Program Manager water rights instream. Kelsey Wymore Program Associate Tumalo Whychus benefits while meeting Marisa Hossick Outreach Manager Creek Creek state beneficial use Debbie Conners Office Coordinator Deschutes requirements for the River water right holders.

2 DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY 300 cfs 250 cfs DRC Streamflow Restoration Progress Report

DRC STREAMFLOW DRC STREAMFLOW HISTORIC TARGETS PROGRESS-TO-DATE 0 LOW FLOW

*We still have a lot of work to do in restoring streamflow in the Upper Deschutes River. Since we began working in this area, winter river levels have typically run at about 150 cfs. However, in recent winters,flows have been at their lowest levels in years. In order to save as much water as possible in Wickiup and Crane Prairie Reservoirs for the next summer, this reach of the river has typically run at a minimum until the irrigation season begins the following April. Working with irrigation districts and the Oregon Water Resources Department, the DRC is designing a set of projects that hold promise for meeting the critical water needs of farmers and improving winter flows. We look forward to creating viable, lasting solutions for everyone. This collaborative approach to water management issues in the Deschutes Basin is truly the key to 100 our success. cfs

32cfs 33cfs 74cfs

25 cfs

1.5 cfs 21 cfs

30 cfs 14 cfs 20 cfs 0 cfs 0 cfs 23 cfs upper middle DESCHUTES RIVER* DESCHUTES RIVER TUMALO creek WHYCHUS creek crooked river

“Whychus Creek is my forever “No natural resource is of greater impor- Neighbors place. This amazing and powerful tance to the economic well-being of Central creek flowing year round now is Oregon than our rivers. Rivers drive the of the River economic engine by providing a critical an incredible gift to us all.” “The increased flow in the Middle element of agricultural and recreational Deschutes is notably different from when CHRIS CONVERSE opportunities. The Deschutes River Conser- I first moved to Bend 21 years ago. The Pine Meadow Ranch along Whychus Creek vancy, through it’s collaborative efforts, has homeowners in North Rim are very support- been successful in reaching consensus to ive and grateful for the work and mission of help assure the future sustainability of the the DRC. My wife and I are so pleased that watershed. We, as landholders, realize the the North Rim Fund, through the Oregon importance of this work and support the work Community Foundation, chose to support of the Deschutes Partnership. Water binds the DRC in this important way.” together the community in which we live.”

DONNIE CASTLEMAN BOB BURGESS North Rim Homeowner along the Middle Deschutes Ranch at the Canyons Homeowner along the Crooked River

DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY 3 What You Need to Know DRC STREAMFLOW GOALS Upper Deschutes Winter Flows 300 cfs About the Deschutes Middle Deschutes Summer Flows 250 cfs

WINTER SUMMER

Flows are held back to fill the reservoir to ensure enough water is available for summer irrigation.

Wickiup Reservoir

Fish can become stranded Upper Deschutes Upper Deschutes when flows get too low. 20-1200 cfs 1800 cfs Depending on the water year, flows will vary. Dramatic seasonal high and low flows lead to degradation of fish habitat, river bank erosion, and, consequently, silt deposits downstream.

Tributaries and natural springs add flow to the river above Benham Falls Benham Falls.

Bend Bend Irrigation diversions around Bend reduce 550 cfs 1800 cfs streamflows in the Middle Deschutes.

Middle Deschutes 550 cfs Middle Deschutes 130-160 cfs

Low flow and increased water temperature impact fish habitat

Lake Billy Chinook Lake Billy Chinook

Healthy communities need healthy rivers Why do we find ourselves in this situation? When large-scale agriculture began in Central What does cfs mean? Oregon a century ago, the Deschutes River was thought to be a nearly unlimited resource. A cubic foot per second We now know that isn’t the case. But in many ways, the way we manage the river traces is how the flow of a river back to those early days – and pressure on the river grew as more people moved to the area. is measured by quantity over time. To visualize Today, the Deschutes River remains vitally important. To some, it’s economic livelihood. this, it takes 24.4 cfs to To others, it’s a source of recreation and rejuvenation. And there is enough water for all, fill an Olympic-sized pool provided we re-think the way we manage the river. We’re making progress. With your help, in one hour. we’ll continue to do so.

4 DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY FINANCIAL SUMMARY Together We Can Restore The DRC is dedicated to restoring streamflow and improving water quality the Deschutes River in the Deschutes Basin. To date, We have achieved unprecedented restora- tion results through the implementa- As a community, we have an opportunity before us. We want to ensure that our tion of collaborative projects with our river is well managed—for fish, farms and families. We care about our river and local partners.

we care about our community. Assets 2015 Current Assets $1,638,520 We invite you to join in the new movement the DRC is launching called We the Other Assets $232,014 River. What is it? It’s an opportunity to better understand the issues facing the Total Assets $1,870,534 Deschutes and to unite as a community to show support for the river. When we stand together, we have a better chance of solving complex water management Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities $746,429 issues without litigation. Decisions made today will have lasting effects for years Long-term Liabilities $143,240 to come. Net Assets $980,865 Total Liabilities & Net Assets $1,870,534 Your voice is important. Be an active participant—help restore our river. Revenue and Support How can you help? Grants and Contributions $1,817,361 Contributions and Events $261,108 • Conserve water in your home and on your property. Other $250,595 • Support efforts to make local irrigation districts more efficient and modern. Total Revenue & Support $2,329,064

• Attend DRC events. REVENUE BY SOURCE • Host a house party and help us cultivate river stewards. Federal 2% Consulting Foundations & • Attend community river events & presentations to learn more about how & Other 6% Corporations 30% the river is managed.

State • Organize a DRC presentation in your workplace. 24% Contact [email protected]

• Contact us for a free We the River sticker. National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Individuals 22% Thank you for your support of the river and the DRC. We hope you will be a part 16% of the solution and join us in the We the River movement. PROGRAM EXPENSES

Restoration 0.9% Administration 9.7% Communications 6.8%

Fundraising 4.2%

Permanent Transfers 2.4% Temporary Transfers 1.8% Leasing of Water Rights 5%

Water Conservation 69.2%

DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY 5 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT DONATIONS MADE FROM JANUARY 1, 2015 - DECEMBER 31, 2015

RIVER STEWARD ($1,000+) Jim and Dory Delp Harold G. Brainerd & Nicki J. Barrett Joanne Richter and Sara Wiener The OCF Acme Bader Coummunity Fund Margaret & Darryl Doke Brainerd Paul Riedmiller Bank of the Cascades John and Elisabeth Farwell Brooks Resources Richard and Dorothy Robinson Bruce and Jodie Bischof Win and Laurel Francis Hill Street General Partnership Bill and Debbie Scherrer Blue Cove Foundation Kevin and Theresa Freihoefer Linda L. Burgel Kim and Toby Scott Linda Bonotto and Jerry Colonna Leigh Fulwood Brad Chalfant and Brenda Johnson Search North America, Inc. Donnie and Heidi Castleman G5 Search Marketing, Inc. Mike Supkis and Heidi Chapman-Supkis Jack and Sandy Sinton Cissy Patterson Foundation Karen Berky and Tim Galvin Romir Chatterjee Jay and Stephanie Stanley Margaret Ann Cole Nancy Gilbert and John Stephenson Mark and Melinda Clark Ed and Rosalie Tank CultureWatch NW Karen and Michael Girard Jerry Colonna Steve and Gail Tidwell Deschutes River Amphitheater LLC The Gordon Family Nancy Conner John H. Vanlandingham IV Kenney & Cheryl Griffiths Ron and Beth Hanson Gretchen Dakin Robin and Irene Vora Ren Harris/Paradigm Winery Danny and Kathy Huff Deschutes Home Owners Association, Bruce and Patrice Wade Peter R. Heisler Ted Johnson Inc. Jay Waldron James and Grace Hoffman Julie Keil* Stephen D. Dixon Greg Weatherby The OCF Ronna and Eric Hoffman Fund Spencer Krueger and Mary Lefevre David and Grace Duerson Boyd Wickman and Mimi Graves Mike and Sue Hollern John and Jane Lanier Cal and Alice Elshoff M. A. Willson Michael and Chi-mene LaLonde Bob and Elizabeth Lende Brad and Danelle Emery Dennis and Valerie Wood Lincoln Charitable Fund Helen M. Lilley Nancy and Satch Esperancilla Dawn Yamada Shane Lundgren James and Denise Mahoney Dale and Virginia Evans Pat and Marv Yoshinaka Liz Main Eric and Julie Main Thomas N. Foster Zimmerman Family Foundation Steven Michel Jade Mayer and Romy Mortensen Lara Fowler Rob and Sally Miller/Mt. Jefferson Gregory and Carter McClarren Stephen Frank IN-KIND DONATIONS Farms Inc Sarah Medary Scott Fuson Alta Colina Winery & Vineyard The Estate of Beth Miller Dennis and Julie Miller Steven and Patricia Gabbe Angelina Organic Skincare Nelson S. Talbott Foundation Gary Moss Lawrence Gelb Anthony’s Restaurant The OCF-North Rim Deschutes Mark Murzin & Kris Knoernschild Michael and Sandy Gianotti Lee August River Fund Pat and Al Neufeldt/P.A.N. Investment Kyle Gorman Bargreen Ellingson Oregon’s Wild Harvest, Inc. Inc Thaddeus A. Grudzien Bellatazza Portland General Electric Chuck and Debbie Newport Peter Gutowsky Bend Brewing Company Wallace and Elizabeth Preble Josh and Jen Newton Paul and Liz Haberman Linda Bonotto and Jerry Colonna Mel and Dee Raff North Unit Irrigation District Peter Hall Brasada Ranch Renton Family Foundation Evan Owens Harris Farms/Gary and Camille Harris Bronwen Jewelry Peter and Leslie Richter Larry Paulson and Viviane Ugalde Lena Hartshorn Buccola Group Bill and Sharon Robbins Jeff and Mari Perreault Ms. Judith A. Himes Cascade Catering Company The Seattle Foundation Stephen Pool Steve Hussey The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Nancy and Greg Serrurier Steve and Jane Poss Bob Huston Springs Reservation The OCF Shelk Fund Jim and Mitzi Putney Jim and Wendy Inkster Confluence Fly Shop/Tye Krueger William and Patricia Smith Bill and Lura Reed Ann Jackson Coyote Willow Loren Smith The OCF-Rick and Diane Rupp Greg and Catherine Jensen Mike and Gail Davis The OCF Stensland Cultural Fund Family Fund Karl & Annissa Johnson/ Deschutes Brewery, Inc. Sun Country Tours, Inc. Sally Russell KFJ Builders, Inc Devore’s Good Food Store Thomas Tongue and Andrea Tongue Jim and Barbara Snow Ingria Jones Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps Trout Magazine Taylor Northwest LLC Dick Kellogg Dave and Sandy Dunahay Dan Wieden and Priscilla Bernard Henry and Marcy Tenenblatt Valerie Kirby Elevation Tent Rental Wieden Alan and Beverly Unger Kroger Faveur Boutique Warm Springs Power & Water James Larsen Fields Farm RIVER CHAMPION ($250-$999) Enterprises Bob Lorenzen Fin & Fire Cal and Marsha Allen Kermit and Diane Yensen Craig and Jane MacCloskey Five Pine Lodge Bill and Debbie Amerongen Mark MacIntyre Flatbread Community Oven Anonymous RIVER SUPPORTERS ($1-$249) David E. Magaret Foot Zone Rimrock Ranch David A. Abbott Properties LLC Steven and Cynthia Magidson Win Francis Willard Bartlett, III Jim and Heidi Adcock Marny Maslon Good Drop Wine Shoppe Brian Bell and Karen Shepard Nick Allen Charles & Elouise Mattox Greg’s Grill John Belsick John Allen and Julie Truax-Allen Lewis and Sylvia McFarland Susan Luckey Higdon George Blankenship & Shereda Kathy Baker-Katz and Larry Katz Sara Mead Nicholas Hill/Drink Tanks Benfield Manuel and Coleen Baptista William B. Merrill Hola! Restaurant & Bar The OCF-EH & ME Bowerman Advised Bob and Natalie Barss Merry Ann Moore and Rob Corrigan Hood River Adventures Fund Jay Beckstead and Paula Stenberg Mal Murphy Margaux Hought Bob and Dellie Brell Paul and Marilyn Beem Lolly and James Nelson Justicia Artisan Jewelry Robert Brunoe Bend Broadband Dan Pebbles and Charlotte Oakes Hodge Kerr Louis Capozzi The Drake Magazine Kate Porter Tye Krueger William and Anne Carwile Ken and Linda Bierly Jarold and Dorothy Ramsey LuLu’s Boutique Corol Ann and Todd Cary George and Susan Boehlert Michael Reidy Mari Lassa Jeff Curtis John Rice Nelson and Joanne Mathews *deceased

6 DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT DONATIONS MADE FROM JANUARY 1, 2015 - DECEMBER 31, 2015

Jennifer McCrystal/Cottonwood Café William and Patricia Smith Charles Hinson Laird Norton Foundation McKay Cottage In memory of Julie Keil Mike and Marisa Hossick Lamb Foundation Montana Fly Company Nancy Vaughn Genevieve E. Hubert Meyer Memorial Trust Mt Bachelor Ski Resort In memory of Sue Nakada Rod and Gail Juranek National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Namaspa Mark Long Oregon Community Foundation Damien Nurre/Deep Canyon Outfitters TIGHT LINES AUCTION DONORS Kim and Reidun Lundgren Oregon Water Resources Department Old Mill District Ron and Margaret Angell Andy Maphet Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Outward Bound Tammy Baney Nelson and Joanne Mathews Portland General Electric Oxford Hotel Joe Bankofier Al McMicking US Bureau of Reclamation Pastini Pastaria Alex and Nancy Beattie Randy and Sandra Miller Jeff Perin/The Fly Fisher’s Place Paul and Marilyn Beem Bill and Beverly Miller IRRIGATION DISTRICTS Pine Tavern Bob and Bonnie Bell Mal Murphy Arnold Irrigation District Norm and Gloria Ploss Brian Bell and Karen Shepard Gary and Rachel North Irrigation District Rainshadow Organics Bend Broadband Brian O’Keefe and Diane Larrick REI Bigfoot Beverages Oregon Lottery LaPine Cooperative Water Association Lindsey Robinson Linda Bonotto and Jerry Colonna Brett Palmateer Lone Pine Irrigation District Rogue Wilderness Adventures Bruce and Pamela Brody-Heine Norm and Gloria Ploss North Unit Irrigation District Anthony Ross Gene and Cande Buccola Ronald L. Salter Ochoco Irrigation District Sarah’s Raw & Vegan Cafe at the Cafe Buccola Group Bill and Kathy Schoderbek Swalley Irrigation District of Life Frank and Jane Cammack Tim Seeberg Three Sisters Irrigation District Scott Fly Rod Company Kelli Cammack Matt Singer and Jenna App Tumalo Irrigation District Sisters Movie House Todd and Corol Ann Cary Sunriver Resort Sojourn Adventures, Inc. Mike and Gail Davis Timberline Construction Sparrow Bakery William Davis Jeff and Patti Wieland WATER DONATIONS/ Sun Country Tours, Inc. Deschutes Brewery, Inc. Gabe Williams TEMPORARY INSTREAM LEASES Sunriver Resort Doorn & Associates, CPAS, LLC Joshua and Sunshine Willis Avion Water Company Tate & Tate Catering Dave and Sandy Dunahay Kristian Willman and Shon Rae Bend Park & Recreation District The Feather’s Edge Benn Eilers City of Bend Three Creeks Brewing Roger Fisher RESTRICTED GRANTS City of Redmond University of Oregon Athletic Depart- Jim and Patti Garske & PROJECT FUNDERS City of Sisters ment Nancy Gilbert and John Stephenson Avion Blue Water WorldMark Bend Seventh Mountain Benjie and Dede Gilchrist Bella Vista Foundation Keith Cyrus/Aspen Lakes Resort Frank Groundwater Bonneville Environmental Fund Jim Hart Y Knot Shoes Mike and Amber Hayes Bonneville Power Administration Terry Holzapple Kenn and Elaine Heckman Collins Foundation Ochoco Valley Ranch GIFT MADE IN HONOR Tod Heisler and Cris Himes Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Rimrock Ranch OR IN MEMORIAM John C. (Jack) and Anne Heisler Deschutes Brewery Rimrock Valley Ranch LLC Barbara J. Andrew High Plateau Ventures LLC Jubitz Foundation Participating Irrigation District Patrons In memory of Jack Heisler, and in honor of his son, Tod Heisler Ron and Margaret Angell Thank you to all our donors who wish to remain anonymous. We greatly appreciate your support of our work! In memory of Julie Keil Dennis and Rebecca Beeks In memory of Homer Baker Beatrice Dick In memory of Homer Baker Kent Duffy In memory of Homer Baker Michael and Ann Feinberg In honor of our nephew, Brett Golden Caroline A. Homer In memory of Homer Curtis Baker Dane and Stephanie Klindt In memory of Homer Baker Blake Livingston In memory of Eddy Miller Jade Mayer and Romy Mortensen In honor of Tim Green Ronald and Sonja McHale In memory of Homer Baker Mary Norville In honor of my son, John Norville Wayne Ryan In memory of Homer Baker THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED RIVERFEAST THIS SUMMER!

DESCHUTES RIVER CONSERVANCY 7 NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID BEND OR PERMIT NO 11 700 NW HILL STREET STE. 1 BEND, OREGON 97703

DESCHUTESRIVER.ORG

WE THE RIVER We are pleased to announce that RiverFeast 2016 was our SAVE THE DATE | MAY 6, 2017 most successful event to date. Thank you to everyone who attended or supported the DRC. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate the river and to officially kick-off the We the River campaign. As we move into fall, we invite you to become a River Steward by making a donation, sub- scribing to our e-newsletter and joining the We the River movement. WeTheRiver.org. We will keep you informed of future events and presenta- tions. Thank you for caring about your river and supporting the Deschutes River Conservancy. Artist: Susan Luckey Higdon

For more information visit us at www.deschutesriver.org or call 541.382.4077.

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