The Bend to Redmond Corridor
Google earth view: Highway 97, looking south from Redmond towards Bend.
Better planning for the stretch between the two cities
Along Highway 97 between Bend and Redmond, much of the landscape remains open, protected for farming, open space, and historic rural residential development.
However, we are seeing more applications to convert land to allow for industrial development. Last fall, Deschutes County approved industrial uses on land zoned for exclusive farm use adjacent to Highway 97.
If this decision stands, it could set a precedent for allowing more industrial uses along this corridor.
Earlier this month, we filed a Notice of Intent to Appeal a Deschutes County decision that converts 20 acres of land zoned Exclusive Farm Use to Rural Industrial.
The Rural Industrial zone allows a wide array of intensive industrial uses that are not compatible with this rural stretch of scenic Deschutes County. The land has water rights and is suitable for farming; it has direct access to Highway 97. Industrial traffic will threaten safety on this dangerous stretch of highway.
Industrial activities belong inside our cities, and we’re taking a stand against Deschutes County’s allowing scattershot industrial activity throughout our cherished rural landscapes.
Wasim Muklashy
Protecting Farms and Forests
As a watchdog for Central Oregon, we continue to monitor land use actions across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, challenging and defending against inappropriate development on rural lands. We support our agricultural communities and open space by stopping sprawl from encroaching on farm and forest land, and preserving open landscapes, clean water, and fresh air.