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
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.
Capitol Gains: Oregon’s 2025 Legislative Session Unpacked
Six months of nonstop bill tracking, analysis, advocacy, and collaboration kept the entire LandWatch team busier than ever and on our toes every step of the way. It was well worth the effort, though, and now, it’s time to take a look back at everything that transpired.
Looking Back on Oregon's 2024 Legislative Session
Over just 32 days after it began, Oregon’s 2024 legislative session delivered a mixed bag for environmentally-minded housing and land use advocates. Here’s our take on what went well, what could’ve been better, and what we’ll be working on next.
We’re ready for Climate-Friendly & Equitable Communities
Take action! Let your elected leaders know that Oregonians are still ready for Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities and that’s why we oppose HB 2659.
Legislative Recap & Plans to Reconvene to Address COVID-19
As frontline defenders of Central Oregon’s rural lands, water, and wildlife and as proponents of sustainable, attractive, prosperous communities, another of the arenas in which LandWatch actively engages is legislative advocacy. We track bills, conduct background research, work with partner organizations, meet with legislators, provide testimony, and participate in crafting legislation. We work to support and strengthen good bills and to oppose, defeat, limit, or mitigate bad bills.
What we're watching in Salem
In addition to our other efforts in protecting forests and high desert, rivers and springs, fish and wildlife, and well-designed communities, Central Oregon LandWatch engages energetically in legislative advocacy. T
An Historic Victory: The Battle for the Metolius
The Metolius Basin was once threatened by clearcuts and destination resorts, but thanks in large part to our Executive Director Paul Dewey's unwavering defense of the area, it is now protected as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC).
Action Alert: Stop HB4079 From Eroding Our Quality of Life
Currently, a bill is moving quickly through the Oregon State Legislature that threatens our quality of life under the guise of providing affordable housing.
Action Alert: Protect Oregon, Stop SB 25
We live in Oregon for a reason. Whether your reason is the mountain views, golden fields, or the solitude you find while enjoying the pristine outdoors, you likely have our land use system to thank for protecting our land. Now, that system is under attack.