Who We Are

We work to protect the health and vitality of the lower Deschutes River, ensuring its sustainability for future generations. Our focus is on the scientific understanding and revitalization of crucial habitats. We strive to protect the natural beauty and integrity of this remarkable waterway for future generations.

Our Mission

The Deschutes River Alliance is a non-profit (501c3) science-based advocacy seeking collaborative solutions to the threats facing the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River and its tributaries. We advocate for colder, cleaner water, a healthy ecosystem, and the recovery and protection of robust populations of resident and anadromous fish.

Our Vision

A lower Deschutes River that is the confluence of a healthy ecosystem, sustainable economy, and vibrant community. 

We embrace the call to create a legacy of shared prosperity along the shimmering currents of the lower Deschutes River.

Strong Communities

The Deschutes River Alliance operates on a strong foundation built through collaboration and community engagement. Through our cooperative efforts, we raise awareness and foster growth as communities throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest unite for a healthy lower Deschutes River.

Our Priorities

We aim to raise awareness, advocate for change, educate, and collaborate with communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers to ensure the well-being of the lower Deschutes River, fostering a collective voice for its preservation and restoration.

    • Apply strategic pressure on governing agencies, whenever warranted, to drive meaningful action and progress.

    • Forge meaningful connections with elected officials and influential individuals to garner support for our cause and amplify our advocacy efforts.

    • Build coalitions of like minded individuals and organizations to protect Oregon’s waterways and aquatic life.

    • Facilitate accessibility to scientific knowledge, ensuring that it reaches everyone and empowers them to make informed decisions.

    • Forge connections with partners through immersive and hands-on experiences, creating meaningful opportunities for learning and engagement.

    • Raise public awareness about the critical challenges affecting the lower Deschutes River and highlight viable solutions.

    • Amplify the voices of community partners, foundations, and stakeholders to exert greater influence on decision makers, including the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

    • Foster collaborative relationships with community partners, foundations, and stakeholders to collectively address the issues and promote positive change for the river's well-being.

    • Press for accountability in adherence to existing law and policy among corporations, businesses, and land and water management agencies with interests or regulatory responsibility on the lower Deschutes River.

    • Extend the Deschutes River Alliance community to include all individuals who cherish and utilize the lower Deschutes River.

    • Foster strong coalitions with our partners, joining forces to amplify our impact and achieve shared goals.

    • Deploy a diverse range of actions, spanning from advocacy to restoration projects, to collaborate with and involve the community in our efforts.

Our Values

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to science-based solutions, collaborative efforts, justice for communities, celebration of diversity, and the empowerment of education.

  • We ground our work in robust scientific research, ensuring our efforts are rooted in evidence-based knowledge.

  • We bridge gaps and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, uniting users of the river towards a common purpose.

  • We tackle the challenges of the river basin with ingenuity and resourcefulness, striving for lasting solutions that stand the test of time.

  • With a shared passion for the river, we come together as a unified force, driven by a collective vision for its future.

  • By working to protect and restore the Deschutes River Basin we support the diverse peoples and communities that are dependent upon the river for their livelihoods and well-being.

  • We celebrate the richness of a diverse river ecology and embrace the varied community of river users, valuing the interconnectedness of all its components.

  • We empower the public through education, raising awareness about the pressing issues impacting the river and empowering individuals with the knowledge to contribute to its relief.

A River for Everyone

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice at the DRA

 The lower Deschutes River is a national treasure that should be both enjoyed and protected by everyone. The Deschutes River Alliance welcomes all that value the river and want to see it thrive. We strive for a river that is the confluence of a healthy ecosystem, sustainable economy and vibrant community.

The Deschutes River Alliance recognizes that the lower Deschutes River (Towarnehiooks) runs through the traditional and current lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Tenino and many other Nations. We offer respectful recognition to the Native communities in our region and the importance of the river in their communities and cultures.

Donate to the DRA Now


Every $1 donated to the Deschutes River Alliance goes to fight for a healthy and sustainable lower Deschutes River.