Reducing Nutrient Loads
What is The Freshwater Trust doing here?
Like many rivers in heavy agricultural regions, the Deschutes in Eastern Oregon is experiencing high nutrient loads from runoff. While the term “nutrient” may sometimes mean something good, in this case the nutrients include phosphorous and nitrogen. These nutrients can be detrimental to waterways as they encourage algae blooms that kill fish and lower water quality.
To reduce these harmful nutrient loads, The Freshwater Trust (TFT) is working with regional partners and landowners to upgrade irrigation systems. Some of these efforts include improving funding opportunities to offset the cost of irrigation upgrades, as these costs can be a significant barrier to change. We’re also trying to make the waterways more resilient and resistant to runoff by planting native trees and vegetation streamside to bolster riverbanks.
Why is this important?
Many landowners in the Deschutes River basin depend on agricultural income for their livelihood, but due to drought conditions and outdated equipment, the more they try to get out of the land, the more risk they put themselves and the river.
By stepping in with innovative solutions and using a multi-pronged approach to addressing high nutrient loads, TFT and partners can help landowners and other stakeholders find mutually beneficial solutions to the problems in the Deschutes.
Since our technology allows us to “x-ray” nature and prioritize projects that will make the most significant environmental improvement for the lowest cost, it’s easier for us to identify which irrigation sites should be upgraded first. Our findings will guide landowners, municipalities, and other regional stakeholders as they make critical decisions to help the basin.
How can you support these efforts?
One key way to support our efforts is through donations. TFT ensures that every dollar you give delivers measurable results that will make a difference in a timeline that matters. You can make a one-time gift or become a regular monthly donor today.
You can also support us by staying connected through our regular newsletter and emails. Sign up today to get the latest TFT news.
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Want to take a deeper dive?
Learn more about the Deschutes River basin and other related stories in the following links.
