We improve water management in our region and HELP restore critical habitats for fish and wildlife in our rivers and wetlands.

restoring rivers and springs

State and Federal policies over the past century have facilitated the damming, dredging, channelizing, and dewatering of our rivers. The future of the Deschutes River for the next 30 years is on the table, being decided through federal permitting under the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. 

Using state and federal water policy and legal expertise, LandWatch works to defend our rivers and springs by restoring critical habitat for fish and wildlife and reducing water waste across Central Oregon.

Through OUR Wildlands & Water PROGRAM, we work to:

• Assure compliance with State and Federal water laws. 

• Advocate for State and Federal water policies to enhance stream flows and water quality. 

• Litigate federal, state and local government decisions that adversely affect critical fish and wildlife habitat. 

• Collaborate with key partners to pursue shared agendas for water use and stream restoration in the Deschutes Basin. 

Current initiatives

Restoring The Deschutes River Basin

The Deschutes River is a national treasure. Designated as both a National Wild and Scenic River and a State Scenic Waterway, the Deschutes is the largest spring-fed river in the United States. It has also long been known as the “Peculiar River” for its remarkably even year-round streamflow, more than any other river in the US.

Unfortunately, due to chronic mismanagement of our water resources, the Upper Deschutes has suffered a significant ecological decline over the past century. We advocate for sensible, incentive-based strategies that can work to restore the river.

Monitoring the Crooked River

The Crooked River is a critically important area for native fish and wildlife and an iconic Central Oregon waterway—and it’s drying up, bringing the urgent need for improved water management into stark relief.

Protecting The Metolius Basin

In Central Oregon, our rich quality of life depends on the natural beauty of the forests, mountains, and high desert that surround us. One of the crown jewels of the entire state is the aqua blue Metolius River, its stunning headsprings, and its ancient forests.

The Metolius Basin was once threatened by clearcuts and destination resorts, but thanks in large part to LandWatch’s Founder Paul Dewey's unwavering defense of the area, it is now protected as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC).

Water Updates