The Land Trust is pleased to share that we've received $3 million dollars in funding from the Bureau of Reclamation to help continue the Ochoco Preserve Project.

The Ochoco Preserve Project is a multi-year project to create healthy streams, flourishing native plants and wildlife, and new connections for the community at Ochoco Preserve in Prineville. The Land Trust completed the first phase of the project in 2022. This new funding will allow the Land Trust to move forward with phases 2 and 3 of the project.

Phase 2 will include restoration of the lower section of the Crooked River and Ochoco Creek and will be implemented in 2024. Phase 3 will include restoration of the upstream section of the Crooked River as well as construction of trails and pedestrian bridges and will be implemented in 2025. The Land Trust is still working on raising the funds necessary for trails and bridges in phase 3.

Then end result will be more than 2 miles of new main stream channels, nearly 1.5 miles of side channels, more than 11 acres of wetlands, nearly 37 acres of floodplain, and 75 acres of surrounding habitat. These restored areas will dramatically increase habitat for fish and wildlife, help slow flood waters and store groundwater, and help mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Ochoco Preserve Project will also soon provide low-impact accessible recreation opportunities that allow the local community to enjoy and connect with the natural world, gain physical and mental health benefits, while also ensuring that our meadows and streams remain protected and available for generations to come.

We look forward to sharing more about this project as we move into implementation!

Learn more:

• About the Ochoco Preserve Project.
• About Ochoco Preserve.