We defend and plan for central oregon’s livable future.

Central Oregon LandWatch has been creating well-planned cities and protecting wild, open spaces across the region since 1986.

Amid the pressures of increasing development and a changing climate, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to planning is critical to the future of Central Oregon. LandWatch exists to guide development where it belongs and protect the land and water that sustains our communities and ecosystems. 

LandWatch is at the forefront of defending our region’s waterways, wildlife, farms, and forests and promoting vibrant and sustainable cities and towns. As an environmental watchdog and land use advocate, LandWatch defends the natural richness that Central Oregonians cherish.

With deep community support, LandWatch succeeds thanks to a thoughtful, multi-pronged approach.

STRONG LEGAL DEFENSE

We use the power of federal and state law to defend and protect the natural environment. We continually monitor proposed land use development, timber sales, and water use across Central Oregon.

SOLUTIONS-ORIENTED Policy

We bring our expertise in land use planning to guide the way to a sustainable future that balances growth and development with natural resource protection and centers community voices.

PARTICIPATORY ADVOCACY

We organize community engagement on critical natural resource and urban growth decisions through education, outreach, and encourage public participation on land use matters.

We Are an Environmental and Land Use watchdog For Central Oregon

While Oregon has environmental and land use laws in place, a law is only as strong as the will to enforce it.

Though many state and federal agencies and local governments have been charged with stewarding the environments we inhabit, competing interests often lead to decisions that skirt those required protections. 

As a watchdog for Central Oregon, we continually monitor proposed land use development, timber sales, and water use across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. When we see a violation of federal or state environmental or land use law, we sound the alarm. We advocate for public input when possible and instigate lawsuits when necessary. 

With the right laws in place, we have the tools we need to ensure a sustainable future for all of Central Oregon.

OUR core beliefs

A deeply-held set of values about the intrinsic worth of biodiversity and equality and inclusion guides all of our decisions.

• The land, the river, plants, animals, and living beings have intrinsic value and are essential for human well-being.  

• Our region's lands must be defended from urban sprawl and inappropriate resource extraction.   

• The benefits and burdens of land use policy and decision-making should be distributed equitably.

• Thinking and planning multiple generations ahead is essential to achieving sustainability.