The BLM recently announced that they will be conducting an instream flow analysis for recreational use on the Wild and Scenic sections of the lower Crooked River and Middle Deschutes. If you have experience running the Crooked River from Smith Rocks to Hollywood Road or Billy Chinook Reservoir or the Deschutes from Big Falls to Billy Chinook Reservoir, the BLM would like to hear from you.
The format of the study will be a survey so those who have run either of these rivers at a range of flows are especially encouraged to particpate. The BLM needs a minimum of 6 individuals with experience at multiple flow levels and seeks representation from the Central Oregon paddling community. The paddlers who volunteer will be provided with additional information on the study and further instructions on how to participate. There may also be a meeting in Bend to discuss the recommended flows in fall 2004.
This flow study will provide information on water quantity need for minimum, adequate and optimum flows for various types of watercraft. Flows will not be immediately affected by the study, but future cooperative efforts or water acquisition would be influenced by the flow needs for recreation as documented in this study.
For information and to become involved please contact
Tom Mottl
Recreation Planner
Bureau of Land Management
541-416-6859
American Whitewater’s John Gangemi who has assisted with flow studies across the country is available to provide local volunteers with technical assistance.
Special thanks to local volunteer Jason Rackley whose Oregon Kayaking website has helped raise the visibility of these rivers.
Additional Background
From the Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan (DEIS released October 2003).
The Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River is a 20 mile stretch of the river from Odin Falls downstream to the upper end of Lake Billy Chinook. This stretch of river goes through several isolated BLM parcels at the upstream (southern) end of the corridor, then through the Steamboat Rock parcel of BLM administered lands west of Terrebonne, and through BLM and Crooked River National Grasslands BLM administered lands along the western edge of the Crooked River Ranch community.
There are several access points along this stretch of river, however, most access is blocked by private development. The greatest concentration of access points to the river corridor occur from local roads within Crooked River Ranch, although the dense, convoluted road network at the Ranch makes it difficult for visitors to find these access points. None of these access points except for Steelhead Falls Campground are signed or developed. Recreational uses identified in the W&S River plan (BLM, December, 1992, BLM-OR-PT-93-11-1792) include fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, wildlife and nature observation, expert kayaking and rafting, picnicking, swimming, hunting, and photography. Based on regional and national significance, recreation opportunities available within the river corridor were identified as being outstandingly remarkable.
The Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River corridor is located on the east side of Crooked River Ranch, and is a 9.8 mile stretch of the river. The same outstandingly remarkable recreation opportunities are identified for this Wild and Scenic River stretch as the Middle Deschutes Wild and Scenic River. Access is almost impossible to this stretch of river, which is bordered mostly by private land and confined by steep canyon walls. Several hazardous trails do provide access to the river, and are generally used only by anglers. The one safe access trail (Hollywood Road) has been closed for several years after a private landowner installed a locked gate at their property line.