The Horizon
The latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon
Rooting for Junipers
Bend residents have an opportunity — before March 11 — to submit comments on the continued implementation of the city’s tree code priorities and regulations, as developed by the Tree Regulation Update Advisory Committee. LandWatch will be encouraging the City of Bend to continue including junipers as both a regulated and priority tree under the updated code, and hope you’ll join us.
Headlong Into Oregon’s 2026 Legislative Session
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.
Progress on Neighborhood Commercial in Bend
Having more businesses in our neighborhoods is a natural part of healthy urbanization and would support how much of the community would like to live. So, LandWatch is partnering with Bend YIMBY to find ways to make this happen.
The Future of Bend’s Growth
Important decisions that will guide Bend's growth for the next 20 years are in the works and on the horizon.
What’s Next for the Bend Central District and our Midtown Crossings?
There is a lot of work ahead to continue to unlock the potential of the BCD—but we are well on our way to this part of our city becoming one of Bend’s most incredible Complete Communities. We are so excited about the transformative changes underway and for the future of this area.
An Update on Sisters’ Urban Growth Boundary Expansion
The City of Sisters is wrapping up its Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion process with a new expansion area that will serve Sisters’ future well.
LandWatch has been engaged in Sisters’ growth since the start of the Comprehensive Planning process in 2020, and over the past year, we’ve helped guide progress as part of the Sisters UGB Steering Committee.
Is Bend Protecting Enough of its Urban Forest?
The City of Bend’s first annual review of its new tree code has just been completed—and so far, pretty good.
In reviewing one year of data, it seems the tree code is helping the city strike a tricky balance between the need to preserve trees and the need to develop housing.
Meet The Man Who Speaks for Bend’s Trees
Get to know Ian Gray, the City of Bend’s new and first-ever Urban Forester. With experience shaping city canopies across the West, he brings a clear vision for a thriving, climate-resilient Bend.
Moving Toward a More Balanced Transportation System
In Deschutes County, over half of daily trips are under 3 miles. . That means there is great potential for many of those trips to be done by walking, biking, rolling or by bus if our transportation infrastructure supports safe, connected, and appealing travel.
A Powerful Presence in Salem
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.
Coexisting With Fire
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.
Looking for a Great Way to Get Around? Try Transit!
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.
America Should Sprawl? Not If We Want Strong Towns
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
A New Tree Code Built on Compromise
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.
Is Bend The “Strongest Town” In the Country?
Bend has advanced to the Final Four in the national Strongest Town Contest—an exciting recognition of the work being done to create a more sustainable, resilient, and livable city.
Your vote can help propel Bend to the championship!
Pressing Forward
In the first month of the new administration, environmental advocates have faced a maelstrom of threats to the foundations of environmental protection and community well-being.
At LandWatch, we are determined to stay focused on the positive changes we can affect. We are here to defend the land and water of Central Oregon and ensure a livable future for all its residents — and we won’t settle for anything less.
Key Housing & Transportation Bills to Watch
Our Cities & Towns team is focused on two key priorities during Oregon’s 2025 legislative session: affordable housing and transportation.
We’ve detailed some of the key opportunities on our radar in Salem this year that will move Complete Communities forward in our cities and towns east of the Cascades.
An Intentional Approach to Growth in Sisters
The City of Sisters and its residents have been hard at work planning to accommodate a 20-year supply of needed housing and employment lands.
Five UGB concept alternatives will be discussed at a Dec 9 Open House. Thanks to their thoughtful approach, the City is poised to preserve the attributes that make Sisters the distinctive town it is today.
Act Local Challenge!
There are many ways to contribute to your community as an individual, with a group, or through local government. There are larger commitments, as well as simple actions, formal and informal, and all of it adds up to a more Complete Communities in this place we call home. So, how might you act locally? We’ve compiled a list of ideas!
Act Local for Climate and Community
Rapid growth presents us with a challenge and an opportunity: to grow well and with intention so that our communities are more vibrant, affordable, inclusive, and climate-resilient. So let’s take a look at what we can do to act locally for our climate and community.