“The Last 100 Miles: The Fight for the Lower Deschutes River”

The Last 100 Miles: The Fight for the Lower Deschutes River portrays the degradation of one of
the finest trout and salmon sanctuaries in the world. The Deschutes River is fed by rain and snow
from the rugged mountains of central and eastern Oregon. Dams built 60 years ago wiped out
prolific salmon and steelhead runs, yet the remaining 100 miles of free-flowing river became one
of the region’s beloved destinations for whitewater adventure and fishing.

“We love this river,” says local naturalist and fishing guide Amy Hazel, who has lived near the
Deschutes for 30 years. “It means everything to us, so we’re going to do everything in our power
to save it.” Hazel, alongside a trio of water and fisheries scientists, were puzzled by signs of
trouble they observed in the river after Portland General Electric altered operations of the Pelton-
Round Butte hydroelectric dam complex in 2010. Those changes have put the last 100 miles of
the Deschutes River at risk.

Unlike many modern ecological problems, this one can be fixed. The Last 100 Miles depicts
individuals who love the Deschutes River and together are raising their voices.
This Lane County premiere of The Last 100 Miles is organized by the Deschutes River Alliance
(DRA). The Deschutes River Alliance is a science-based advocacy organization seeking
collaborative solutions to threats facing the Wild and Scenic Deschutes River and its tributaries.
DRA advocates for cooler, cleaner water, a healthy ecosystem, and the recovery and protection
of robust populations of resident and anadromous fish. Learn more: deschutesriveralliance.org
The film will be introduced by Director Michael Peterson. After the film, please join us for a
Q&A Panel of on-screen talent moderated by DRA Executive Director Sarah Cloud. Beer
generously provided by Steeplejack Brewery of Portland.