Water for Crooked River fish

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden recently introduced legislation (HB 2060, the “Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act) that will change the manner in which water in Prineville Reservoir is allocated. This legislation would allocate water to the City of Prineville and increase the rights of irrigators to water without consideration for the Crooked River, the needs of fish and wildlife, or recreational boaters.   

The abundant natural resources in Central Oregon make it a great place to live and recreate. The area’s rare mix of urban, rural, and active lifestyles coupled with outstanding outdoor qualities makes it a highly sought destination for new residents, businesses, and visitors alike.  Prineville Reservoir and the Crooked River are resources enjoyed by thousands of Central Oregonians as well as a destination fishery for anglers from all over the Pacific Northwest.

The positive economic impact of the river will only increase if the ongoing reintroduction of salmon and steelhead is successful There are no provisions in the bill for fish and wildlife. Speaking for the angling community, we are concerned the needs of a river, which has been neglected for decades, are not being addressed in the bill.

Steelheaders call on our legislators to craft legislation to make this happen and urge you to contact Rep. Walden as well as Senators Wyden and Merkley on this important issue. Please include the following talking points in your communications: 

  • Authorize water releases for DOWNSTREAM fish and wildlife, not just irrigation and flood control.
  • MORE THAN 50% of the water STORED in Prineville reservoir is unallocated, use some of it for fish and wildlife as well as the City of Prineville.
  • PROVIDE ASSURANCES TO Honor existing irrigation rights without sacrificing DOWNSTREAM fish and wildlife.
  • Protect important spawning beds when moving the Wild & Scenic boundary.
  • Ensure the restoration of McKay Creek by guaranteeing year round flows WATER WILL BE RETURNED INSTREAM.
  • Release City of Prineville mitigation water at times most beneficial to fish and wildlife.

Contact Rep. Walden HERE
Contact Sen. Wyden HERE
Contact Sen. Merkley HERE

Links for more info
Joint letter to Senator Merkley and Wyden
Crooked River issues paper by Deschutes Basin Chapter member Tom Davis 
Bend Bulletin guest opinion article by Deschutes Basin Chapter President Yancy Lind
Bend Bulletin guest opintion article by Deschutes Basin Chapter member Tom Davis
Bend Bulletin guest opinion article by WaterWatch of Oregon
Source Weekly editorial
Detailed talking points
Q&A