710 acres of agricultural land saved from sprawling development
Aerial view of the 710 acres in Lower Bridge Valley. Photo: Ryder Redfield
LUBA remands controversial rezone in Lower Bridge Valley
The fight for 710 acres of agricultural land outside of Terrebonne has reached a new milestone.
On July 28, 2023, Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) ruled in favor of LandWatch’s appeal of Deschutes County’s controversial decision to approve a developer’s application to rezone 710 acres of agricultural land in the Lower Bridge Valley.
LUBA found that the Board of County Commissioners’ decision to approve the application to rezone this exclusive farm use (EFU) property for rural residential development was inconsistent with state law.
Map view of the 710-acre area. Map courtesy of Deschutes County
LandWatch appealed the Board of County Commissioners’ decision alongside our co-petitioners at Oregon’s Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD), 1000 Friends of Oregon, Keystone Ranch, Judge Paul Lipscomb, and Redside Ranch.
Our coalition believes the County’s approval violates Oregon’s laws designed to protect farmland for farm use and direct growth inside urban growth boundaries.
This decision will preserve the vast, open landscapes and rolling hillsides that support regional agricultural economies and provide welcome habitat for wildlife.
Lower Bridge Valley. Photo: Caitlyn Burford
Keeping farmland, farmland
As farmland across the country hits record-high prices, it is more important than ever to defend agricultural properties so working farmers and ranchers are not priced out by land with artificially increased value based on speculative development. By strictly limiting housing on farmland, the Oregon’s land use laws are intended to keep prices low enough for farmers to buy land or expand their operations.
Abundant local produce. Photo: Kendal Brobst Schiff
The Lower Bridge Valley is recognized by Deschutes County as a highly productive agricultural area. Here, thriving farms and ranches produce an array of local food and products, like award-winning wines and fresh produce you’ll find around Central Oregon’s farmers’ markets, restaurants, and grocery stores.
“The proposed subdivision threatened neighboring farms and ranches. LUBA's decision is good news for wildlife, as these 710 acres have been identified by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as essential mule deer and elk habitat,” says Staff Attorney Carol Macbeth.
For over 36 years, Central Oregon LandWatch has worked tirelessly to ensure critical rural values remain an abiding part of our livable future.
This ruling is an unambiguous win for agricultural livelihoods, wildlife, open space, and rural lands.
Wasim Muklashy
A Watchdog for Central Oregon
As a watchdog for Central Oregon, we will continue to defend against sprawl on Central Oregon’s farmland and forests, and protect open space, wildlife habitat, and water resources.
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