Protecting land & restoring aquatic habitat for native species

The Deschutes Partnership is comprised of three non-profit organizations – the Deschutes Land Trust, Deschutes River Conservancy and Upper Deschutes Watershed Council.

Our Goal

Restore habitat conditions in the Upper Deschutes Basin to support viable populations of Oregon spotted frog, reintroduced salmon and steelhead, and other native species.

Post Aquatic Habitat for OSF Strategic Action Plan: Read About our Initiative for Oregon Spotted Frog.

Post Fish Habitat Restoration in the Upper Deschutes Basin Strategic Action Plan (Updated 2025): Learn About Deschutes Partnership Outcomes for Salmon, Steelhead, and Native Trout.

Upper and Little Deschutes Subbasins

The Upper and Little Deschutes Subbasins, south and upstream of the city of Bend, are vitally important for recovery of threatened Oregon spotted frog, supporting 54% of all designated critical habitat throughout the species’ range.

Crooked River

The Crooked River watershed spans nearly 3 million acres and was historically responsible for nearly 50% of the steelhead production in the upper Deschutes Basin.

Whychus Creek

Whychus Creek is a 40-mile-long tributary of the Deschutes River in Central Oregon and the focus of intensive restoration and reintroduction of salmon and steelhead.

Metolius River

One of the crown jewels of Oregon, the Metolius River and its tributary, Lake Creek, provide critical habitat for the spawning and rearing of spring chinook and sockeye salmon.