The Horizon

Oregon’s 2025 legislative session is heading into its final weeks, and LandWatch is proud to report that it’s shaping up to be a good year for us in Salem.

The combined effects of a warmer and drier climate, more people living in fire-prone areas and vegetation and debris built up over years of fire suppression are leading to more severe fires that spread faster and put people, wild lands and economies at risk. Prescribed burns are a solution, but the U.S. Forest Service need the staffing, data and research to carry them out.

Wildfire is essential in our landscape, and an expected element of living, working, and playing in Central Oregon. As we plan for the future, we must learn to coexist with fire.

Cascade East Transit is offering free rides, expanded service, and fantastic prizes from June 2—8 during Try Transit Week! We checked in with Derek Hofbauer from CET to learn more about Central Oregon’s many transportation options.

The 2025 fire season is projected to be more intense than the 2024 season fire leaders said, but emergency response agencies have begun preparing early

Urban sprawl doesn’t solve the underlying problem of America’s housing shortage—it is the underlying problem.

Shared Post from the smart growth minds at strongtowns.org

On May 7, 2025, Thornburgh’s troubled attempt to revise its Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan will come before the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners again.

LandWatch is advocating for a data-driven approach that ensures Bend’s new tree code continues to support both streamlined housing development and the health of our urban forest.