Lying at a crossroads for connectivity between the Rockies and the Cascades, and between forested and shrub-steppe ecosystems, this fast-growing region is home to a diverse and active population with growing influence in the state. In addition, the Deschutes River is critically important to the ecological, economic, and cultural well-being of central Oregon.

Funding here is focused on areas defined by the Deschutes River Basin upstream of Lake Billy Chinook. Our goal within this region is to achieve strong conservation goals supported by a broad set of diverse constituencies.

Our specific goals for Central Oregon

• Improved growth management planning plus local and state policy agendas that incorporate the conservation voices of stakeholder groups

• Increased support from decisionmakers for Central Oregon’s conservation goals

• Engaged and proactive hunter, fisher and recreational constituencies seeking local, state and federal policies that reflect strong conservation principles

• Increased state and local funding for open space and wildlands protection in the Deschutes River watershed