Our History
DRA's Environmental Victories: Our Advocacy and Science at Work
Since its inception in 2014, the Deschutes River Alliance has championed environmental causes, culminating in recent wins. From hosting the First Annual Troutfest in the summer of 2023 to receiving the Frank Moore Conservation Award , the DRA's relentless advocacy upheld water quality standards, safeguarding the lower Deschutes.
Science Accomplishments
Honored with the Frank Moore Conservation Award, given annually by Fly-Fishers International Oregon Council.
Established a water temperature-monitoring array in the lower Deschutes River.
Three years of our aquatic insect hatch survey, designed by Rick Hafele, to gather data on hatch timing and densities.
Conducted multiple years of aquatic insect monitoring, led by aquatic entomologist Rick Hafele.
A 2013 science meeting with multiple agencies and PGE. Our science plans have been a product of that meeting.
Two 3-day water quality monitoring synoptics, at multiple sites on the lower Deschutes, performed in summer 2014.
A thermal imaging study of the lower Deschutes & the area around the Pelton-Round Butte Dam, conducted in 2014.
Two years of algae and water quality studies on Lake Billy Chinook and the lower Deschutes River.
One year of continuous water quality monitoring on the lower Deschutes, at a location one mile below the Dam.
Advocacy Accomplishments
460 people (and counting) have viewed the State of the Deschutes webinar, posted on Youtube.
The first annual Troutfest was held in Maupin on June 2nd, 2023.
In 2017, achieved an important legal victory for clean water advocates across the US, affirming citizens’ right to enforce water quality requirements at hydroelectric projects.
In 2016, filed a Clean Water Act lawsuit against PGE, in an attempt to enforce water quality requirements at the PRB Complex.
In 2015, appealed the Low Impact Hydropower Institute’s certification of the PRB Complex. Conditions were imposed as a result of our interventions.
In 2015, along with the signatories to the PRB license, met with PGE to ask for measures to lower river temperatures when high temperatures pose a risk for fish.
In 2015, gathered 5 conservation group signatories to the FERC license for the Pelton Dam, to discuss the problems resulting from selective water withdrawal.
In 2015, appealed the Low Impact Hydropower Institute’s certification of the PRB Complex. Conditions were imposed as a result of our interventions.
Beginning in 2011, conducted multiple meetings with PGE. These meetings included discussions of the problems being seen in the lower river by guides and rec. users.
How to Support the DRA
Everyone wants clean, healthy water in the Deschutes River. Oregonians cherish our clean and healthy waterways to provide drinking water, wildlife habitat and recreational activities. The lower Deschutes River is a federally designated Wild & Scenic River, and a national treasure. It must be protected for the environmental and economic health of Central Oregon. We believe by working together we can return the lower Deschutes River to full health. The Deschutes River Alliance is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3).