Trout Creek is a major tributary to the Deschutes River in central Oregon, and the largest producer of steelhead in the entire Deschutes Basin. However, until recently Trout Creek was running dry in the late summer months due to water withdrawals for irrigation. In addition, cattle grazing along streambanks were denuding riparian vegetation and raising water temperatures.

In the middle of this troubled waterway lay Trout Creek Ranch, a 3,000-acre property with premier fish habitat, 3.7 miles of streambanks and senior water rights to Trout Creek flows. The ranch also provides diverse habitat for wildlife, including Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, bald eagle, three nesting pairs of golden eagles, osprey, Swainson's hawk and Townsend's big-eared bat.

A group of conservation-minded citizens purchased Trout Creek Ranch in 1994 and began an aggressive restoration effort. When the landowners began looking for a permanent steward for the land, Western Rivers Conservancy offered a solution. In a partnership with PGE and the Oregon Water Trust, Western Rivers Conservancy purchased the ranch in 1999, transferred the property to PGE for long-term management, and donated the water rights instream. Protection of this ranch will allow water to flow in Trout Creek throughout the entire year. A conservation easement is now in place over the ranch, ensuring full restoration of the varied habitats.

Back to previous page