Wildfire has always been part of Central Oregon’s landscape, but in today’s world of increasing heat and a growing development footprint in fire-prone areas—the risks we face are also increasing.

Thankfully, land use planning is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools we have to reduce wildfire risk over time.

A recent decision by Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals marks significant progress in our long-running advocacy to ensure the landscapes, farmlands, water, and natural places that define Deschutes County are managed responsibly.

With just 35 days on the clock, LandWatch is coming into the 2026 legislative session focused, coordinated, and ready to advocate for what matters most in Central Oregon: communities where people can afford to live and thrive, rural lands that remain productive and protected, and wild lands that support the wildlife and outdoor pursuits that define our region.

Farmers and ranchers deserve affordable access to the land they need to grow food for our communities. Central Oregonians deserve to know their tax dollars aren’t subsidizing luxury sprawl. And all of us deserve to know that the working landscapes that make this place special will remain for generations to come. 

Either voluntarily or by enforcement, we call on Deschutes County to honor that covenant by ending its practice of spot zoning.

Originally published as a Guest Column in the Bend Bulletin on 08/27/2025.

LandWatch’s Rural Lands team recently won a case challenging Deschutes County’s decision to rezone 65 acres of irrigated farmland before Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

Recently, we saw a fiery online debate about farm stands, agritourism, and DLCD Farm Stand rulemaking process. If you witnessed or participated in the recent dialogue but had a nagging feeling that you weren’t being told the whole story, this blog post is for you.

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.

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.

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.

When a data center came knocking, Christmas Valley farmers weren’t interested. Read on for the backstory on a significant win for Christmas Valley and Lake County, and an update on an ongoing challenge to preserve agricultural land in Jefferson County.

Oregon’s land use planning system is hailed as a model for preserving its unique agricultural and forest landscapes while fostering sustainable growth.

Despite this, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years: spot zoning of farm and forest lands.

Central Oregon’s rural lands offer iconic scenic vistas, sustain complex high desert ecosystems, and enable a thriving regional agricultural economy.

When you stock up on local food, you’ll enjoy fresher, seasonal food with greater nutritional value.

Bonus: You get shorter transportation distances and a stronger local economy, too!