Since the 2010 implementation of the Selective Water Withdrawal (SWW) Tower in Lake Billy Chinook and new water management at the Pelton-Round Butte dam complex, river users have observed extensive environmental changes in the lower Deschutes River. The DRA formed in 2013 to investigate those changes. Thus far, the DRA has documented many ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS in the lower Deschutes River related to warm water discharge temperatures, shifts in hatch timing and declines in aquatic insect populations, and the rampant proliferation of nuisance algae throughout the river.

When water chemistry, algae production, and macroinvertebrate populations change rapidly in a river system there is cause for alarm.

Jonah and Greg’s presentation will provide an overview of the conservation issues in the lower Deschutes River, then focus on the DRA’s most recent monitoring research findings, followed by a discussion of current advocacy work and where the DRA’s efforts are headed in 2017.

Sign up for DRA emails: http://www.deschutesriveralliance.org/section.cfm?wSectionID=2199

DRA Website: http://www.deschutesriveralliance.org/

SSW Tower underwater-artist depiction