On March 29, essential protections for large trees in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington were fully reinstated!

Wild Lands, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchApril 4, 2024Old Growth Trees

Listen to some familiar melodies. While simply beautiful to our ears, birdsong has a variety of important and complex functions in communication among different species of birds.

Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMarch 27, 2024Birds, nathan's notes

6 Tips for Fully Immersing Yourself in the Central Oregon Springtime

A practical guide to appreciating seasonal changes, deepening your local natural history knowledge, and relishing the longer daylight hours.

It's time to define the future of Deschutes County

What do we want Deschutes County to look like in 20 years? The County is asking for your input on its draft update to the Comprehensive Plan.

Deschutes County moves towards mule deer protections

We’ve got exciting news about Deschutes County’s Wildlife Inventory Update. On May 12, the Deschutes County Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (WA-MD).

Rural Lands, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMay 16, 2023

Losing migration corridors

Reducing hiding cover to 13% in migration corridors is a drastic loss of habitat. This is only a fraction of the necessary forest cover mule deer need to survive.

Wild Lands, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMay 11, 2023

Take the survey by May 5: Deschutes County 2040

Take action: Join us in asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife. Take the survey by May 5.

Rural Lands, Take Action, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMay 3, 2023

A river ecosystem on the brink

What’s in the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Plan? We need more from the draft plan. Take action by May 1 and ask U.S. Fish and Wildlife for specific and tangible conservation actions.

Water, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchApril 25, 2023Oregon spotted frog

The disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County?

A wildlife inventory update - time to take action!

Rural Lands, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchApril 24, 2023wildlife habitat

Notes from the Field: The Jays

Jays are strikingly beautiful birds with plumage in various shades of blue: azure, cerulean, cobalt, sapphire, and slate

Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMarch 24, 2023Jays, Birds, nathan's notes, wildlife, Wildlife Habitat

Healthy habitats save wildlife

Our regional identity is connected to our wildlife. They are a hallowed part of what makes this place exceptional and distinct. Now is the time to speak up for Central Oregon’s wild creatures.

Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchJanuary 26, 2023

Winter Newsletter 2022

Take a look at our winter newsletter for updates on the Crooked River, wildlife habitat across Deschutes County, and what makes up a “Complete Community” here in Central Oregon.

Central Oregon LandWatch, Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchDecember 27, 2022newsletter

Community calls on elected leaders to help Save Skyline Forest

On a brisk and beautiful morning, we delivered the Save Skyline Forest Community Letter to our elected officials.

Skyline Forest, Wildlife Habitat, WildfireCO LandWatchDecember 6, 2022Skyline Forest

FAQ: Save Skyline Forest

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about Skyline Forest and the community campaign to conserve it.

Skyline Forest, Wildlife Habitat, WildfireCO LandWatchOctober 27, 2022Skyline Forest

Bull Flat: The Gateway to Skyline Forest

The population on the Bull Flat wildlife area is important not only because it is rare but also because it has been extensively studied over several decades.

Notes from the Field: Frogs

Springtime frog song reminds us of the ubiquity of these otherwise shy amphibians, even here in the high desert of Central Oregon.

Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchMay 9, 2022wildlife habitat, wildlife, Spotted Frog

Help us pass the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act!

Did you know that Oregon has the highest likelihood of wildlife crashes among west coast states? There’s a bill that would change that. Help us get the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act over the finish line!

Wildlife Habitat, PolicyCO LandWatchFebruary 22, 2022wildlife crossings

Winter road closures keep mule deer safe and healthy

Respecting seasonal road closures protects important habitat that helps Central Oregon’s mule deer population survive the winter.

Defending Habitat in Deschutes National Forest

Two recently released forest service project plans have caught our eye. The Green Ridge Project and the Klone Management Project both seek to weaken protections for mule deer habitat by reducing deer hiding coverage below 30%.

Wildlife Habitat, Wild LandsCO LandWatchDecember 7, 2021mule deer, Wildlife Habitat, Deer Winter Range

Deschutes County can step up to protect mule deer

Mule deer populations in Deschutes County declined an alarming 56% since 2004. This iconic species needs our help before it's too late.

Wildlife HabitatCO LandWatchDecember 6, 2021mule deer

Updates