H.R. 2537: Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025, aims to amend existing legislation concerning the management and conservation efforts related to the Deschutes River in Oregon. The main components of the bill include the following:

Reauthorization of the Working Group

The bill seeks to reauthorize the Deschutes River Conservancy Working Group. The group will continue its role in overseeing conservation efforts in the Deschutes River Basin. Key details include:

• The Working Group will consist of a board of directors made up of between 10 to 15 members.
• Members will be nominated and must represent various community interests, including:
  • 2 members from the environmental community.
  • 2 members from the irrigated agriculture community.
  • 2 members from the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.
  • 1 member representing the hydroelectric production community.
  • 1 member from a relevant federal agency.
  • 1 member from a state agency, such as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Oregon Water Resources Department.
  • 1 member from a local government unit in the basin.

Adjustments to Administrative Provisions

The bill makes several adjustments related to the administrative costs and provisions of the Working Group:

• The duration of the Working Group’s authorization will be extended to 2032.
• The allowable administrative costs for running the Working Group will increase from 5 percent to 10 percent of the federal funding allocated for these efforts.

Overall Purpose

The primary goal of the Deschutes River Conservancy Reauthorization Act of 2025 is to ensure the ongoing protection and management of the Deschutes River's resources, balancing recreational, environmental, and agricultural needs through a collective approach involving various stakeholders and representatives from the community.

Relevant Companies

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