News

 

COALITION OF RIVER ADVOCATES HOST​​ 

“SPRINGS TO SPROUTS” FIELD TRIP

Collaborative Deschutes River education and exploration tour held​​ June 10

 

 

A coalition of Deschutes River stakeholders, including High Desert Food and Farm Alliance, Deschutes Basin Board of Control, and the Coalition for the Deschutes,​​ hosted​​ an all-day field trip on Saturday, June 10, aimed at educating the community about the critical, and often intricate, role of the Upper Deschutes River​​ in Central Oregon.

The “Spring to Sprouts:​​ River to Farm Field Trip” began​​ with a visit to the Deschutes River at La Pine State Park, downstream from Wickiup Reservoir of the Deschutes River’s headwaters at Little Lava Lake. The tour continued to the North Canal Dam in Bend, where water is diverted for​​ agriculture,​​ and will conclude at two farms in Jefferson County, which rely on the Deschutes River for irrigation. Participants at each stop gained insight into the river’s remarkable region-wide impact and learn about the collaborative efforts underway to create long-term sustainable solutions for habitat,​​ agriculture​​ and recreation.​​ 

“We are thrilled to be part of a coalition that is working together to manage our region’s water responsibly,”​​ said​​ Gail Snyder executive director for Coalition for the Deschutes. “Spring to Sprouts is a unique opportunity for the public to see first-hand the river’s impact on our food supply, and to learn about conservation efforts to protect and restore the natural habitat while meeting the water needs of our community.”

 

About the DBBC

The Deschutes Basin Board of Control represents eight irrigation districts in Oregon’s Deschutes Basin. The districts supply water throughout the Deschutes Basin to 8,700 patrons across 155,662 acres. The districts work in partnership with conservation groups and local, state and federal agencies to increase instream flows in rivers and​​ creeks,​​ while improving fisheries passage and ecologically important habitat. Since 2000, the districts have increased instream flows by nearly 80,000 acre-feet in the Deschutes River, Little Deschutes River, Ochoco Creek, Whychus Creek, Tumalo Creek and Crescent Creek, benefitting salmon, steelhead, bull trout, Oregon spotted frog and other species. For more information on the irrigation districts and their conservation efforts, visit dbbcirrigation.com.​​ 

 

About the Coalition for the Deschutes​​ 

The mission of the Coalition for the Deschutes is to work for the restoration and protection of the Deschutes River and its watershed through education and advocacy so that fish and wildlife can thrive and future generations can enjoy and benefit from a healthy river and watershed.

 

About the HDFFA:​​ 

High Desert Food and Farm​​ Alliance is​​ a 501(c)3 non-profit serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. The mission is to support a community-based food system in Central Oregon to increase access to​​ fresh​​ healthy food, support sustainable farm land use and foster relationships among farmers and consumers.​​ 

 

 

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T & H Farm, Culver Oregon

Springs to Sprouts Tour

Shon Rae