PO BOX 1812
BEND, OR  97709    Coordinator:  Ryan Houston    rhouston@deschuteswatersheds.org
www.RestoreTheDeschutes.org
The Council meets the second Monday of every month at 6pm. 

Farewell Bend Park is located in Bend, Oregon, along the Deschutes River near the base of the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge.  Featuring a natural marsh area, it is a popular launching location for float trips on the river.  While having a landscaped park near more natural areas provides excellent opportunities for park visitors to learn about nature, it is vital to strike the appropriate balance between those landscaped park areas and the natural wetlands and riparian zones.  A partnership developed among the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, Bend Metro Park and Recreation District, Deschutes River Conservancy, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Deschutes Mitigation and Enhancement Fund.  The goal was to restore 2,500 feet of Deschutes River frontage at the Farewell Bend Park.  In spring 2004, the project was implemented, including three acres of native riparian planting and in-stream wetland restoration.  More than 1,300 native riparian plants were installed.  Most of the planting was completed by teams of community volunteers of all ages.  The project is improving water quality, increasing fish and wildlife habitat, and providing a long-term educational opportunity for the users of the park.