Rooted in Action
LandWatch members are leaning into local advocacy during uncertain times.
In a time of national uncertainty and political upheaval, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and adrift. But here in Central Oregon, our community continues to show that local action is a steadying force—and a source of hope. Our members and supporters are deeply engaged in the issues that shape our shared future.
Amy
Amy Sabbadini
People like Amy Sabbadini, a former teacher turned advocate, remind us of the power of getting involved in the things that matter to you.
“As a classroom teacher, I was bombarded with the blowback of legislative and District decisions,” she said. “I decided to get active instead of just complaining. My teacher's union taught me how to advocate for my students and fellow teachers, how to influence policy, get strong candidates elected, and become a leader myself. That education in civic engagement helps me contribute to all the issues I care about—including land use planning decisions.”
Raised in a family of activists, Amy brings that sense of responsibility to her work to protect the natural world. “When it comes to environmental issues, there is no down time. Apathy is not an option. Once I left classroom teaching, I had the flexible schedule and energy to be more of an advocate on a range of topics.”
To dive deeper into regional land use planning and empower herself to be a more impactful advocate in those spaces, Amy participated in the Land Use Leadership Initiative hosted by LandWatch and 1000 Friends of Oregon in 2022. “This is a very accessible region to be an effective advocate. Our elected officials are easy to talk to, and we have so many nonprofits doing excellent work keeping the public informed when there's an opportunity to have our voices heard.”
Malcolm
Malcolm Costello
Originally from England and a frequent visitor to Central Oregon since the 1990s, Malcolm Costello moved to Bend in 2022 and made local action a priority. Malcolm was inspired to join LandWatch when the local gravel riding community he is a part of learned they were losing access to Skyline Forest. “This seemed a significant blow and when I found out COLW was willing to fight for access I wanted to be part of it.”
Soon after, he learned about our work to rejuvenate the Bend Central District. He was “captivated by the critical thinking behind Complete Communities, how clearly it and other strategies are communicated, and the focus on keeping the BCD meaningful and affordable to those who live and work there today.”
Today, Malcolm’s greatest passion is in preserving and enhancing the rural farms and forest lands that have made Central Oregon such a delight for him to explore by bike over the last 33 years. “The roads, trails, and splendid vistas we enjoy today are incredibly special and have only remained this way thanks to the amazing insight and drive of Governor Tom McCall and the innovative Senate Bill 100, signed into law in 1973—a legislative framework designed to manage urban growth, protect farms and forest lands, and conserve natural resources.”
This is his advice to fellow advocates now: “While we protest attacks on our lands and our communities at the federal level, we can make an immediate impact at the state, county, and city level through the guidance of Central Oregon Landwatch and similar environmental action groups. Such work is tangible, effective, and measurable. And as such is ultimately constructive and satisfying when we might otherwise, or in other locations, feel disheartened. Take heart, and fight for what you love and want to preserve and enhance.”
Jim
Jim Tolles
Jim Tolles was inspired to become an advocate from an early age. “I grew up in a family that was very politically aware. Politics and taking action have always been in my field of vision.”
Over the course of his life and career, Jim’s experienced personal transformation and gained valuable insight into how beliefs do and do not evolve. “I've dramatically changed as a person through the years,” he said, adding that he knows “what it is like to free myself of narrow or incorrect views and to accept a reality that is different or even counter to what I once believed.”
His experience has made him empathetic to how others want to believe what they're used to believing, and that allows him both to listen, and, in some cases, to persuade people to entertain different perspectives and potentially adopt them.
Advocating for solutions to help tackle the climate crisis has proven to be particularly motivating for Jim. “Over the last twenty years, I've heard so much discussion about climate change, and I've seen exceptionally little actual change. The U.S. Energy Information Administration states that 83% of energy consumption in 2023 was a combination of natural gas, petroleum, and coal. We need to do better. I can do better in advocating for change.”
Asked how his engaged advocacy helps keep him feeling grounded and hopeful, Jim recalled a recent trip to Salem with LandWatch staff for a 2025 Legislative Session lobby day. “I've seen and met so many caring, kind people working hard to make a kinder and more just society. When I met with representatives in Salem in April for a lobby day, I saw hard working people who represent us—not corrupt politicians (a caricature to which too many people resort). Being engaged and meeting people who are elected officials or who are working in organizations for sustainable change recharges my hope batteries.”
Effective Advocacy—Powered By You
In these turbulent times, it’s the grounded, local efforts that carry us forward. Thank you to all who speak up, stay engaged, and advocate courageously. Your action is a demonstration of hope that is essential for protecting the places we love.
By supporting Central Oregon LandWatch, you’re choosing thriving communities for everyone, protecting rural lands for agriculture, and defending wild lands and waters for wildlife.
Now through June 20, every dollar donated will be matched up to our $75,000 goal. And, if we inspire 50 people to join LandWatch or to contribute more than their last gift, we’ll unlock an additional $25,000 in support.
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