It has taken years, so many in fact that many had stopped following the story.  But thanks to Sen Merkley's and Rep Walden's efforts the bill was passed this Thursday (December 11th).  It is a win-win for fish and wildlife, the regional economy, the city of Prineville, regional irrigation districts, and opens up possible environmentally acceptable hydropower options.

We need to acknowledge that this is another success story for collaborative efforts by Deschutes basin stakeholders.  Thanks especially to Trout Unlimited national for their long standing assistance, and to the Warm Springs tribes, American Rivers, WaterWatch, Deschutes Basin Board of Control, the City of Prineville, NW Steelheaders, Deschutes River Conservancy, the Crooked River Watershed Council, and Central Oregon Flyfishers.

Michael Tripp, Deschutes Trout Unlimited #552

Read more:

http://www.tu.org/blog-posts/connecting-the-dots-on-the-crooked-river

Congress passes Bowman Dam bill

Congress OKs Crooked River water, Bowman Dam bill

http://walden.house.gov/s2014/merkley-walden-deliver-crooked-river-agreement-as-legislation-passes-senate/