Oregon Leaders Are Trying to Save the Deschutes River. Here’s Why that’s so Hard

An Oregon Law Lets One Wealthy Region Turn the Desert Green. When Drought Hits, Farmers Pay the Price.

In the high desert of Central Oregon, the Deschutes River is a lifeline for farmers and landowners — but a century-old water law entitles just a few thousand people to more than half of its volume.

Oregon leaders are trying to save the Deschutes River. Here’s why that’s so hard

Oregon and other Western states have so far rejected any legislation that restricts what people can grow or how efficient they must be: Opposition to change is strong because water rights are a form of property rights. Water rights also raise property values and can bring agricultural tax breaks.

The Deschutes River goes to the water-rich few during drought. Farmers are paying the price

A century-old Oregon water law lets one wealthy region turn the desert green while water-starved ag fallows commercial crops. The post The Deschutes River goes to the water-rich few during drought. Farmers are paying the price appeared first on High Country News.