The Horizon
All the latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon
What We Lose Without the Roadless Rule
The Trump administration has announced its plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Check out our primer to come up to speed on the importance of the Roadless Rule, learn what can be expected next, and find out how you can plug in to defend public lands in Central Oregon and beyond from this new threat.
A national call to protect old-growth forests
Forests pull carbon out of the atmosphere, and it accumulates in living trees and soil. In this way, mature forests act as carbon sinks, where the world’s forests absorb a net 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 per year. Let the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management know large trees are worth more standing.
Notes from the Field: An Ode to Public Lands
For 50 years, Oregon’s statewide land use system, envied and emulated nationally and internationally, has provided for planned and relatively sustainable patterns of development balanced by prudent restraint.
Success in our case to Protect the Ochocos
In a victory for public lands, wildlife, and native fish, Judge Marco Hernández ruled that the Forest Service failed to satisfy its legal obligation to study the environmental impacts of a major new trail system for off-road vehicles, and to ensure that sensitive habitat for elk, wolves, and native fish are protected.
Federal Judge Rules 137-Mile Off-Road Vehicle Trail System Would Harm Elk Habitat
A victory in Central Oregon LandWatch’s fight to protect elk habitat and quiet recreation opportunities in the Ochoco National Forest came out Monday, August 27th, 2018.
Devastating Tree Kill Along Highway 20
Many dying trees along Highway 20 between Sisters and Black Butte are planned to be cut down because they were sprayed with a deadly herbicide over the course of three consecutive years. These aren’t just any trees, but trees that the public had earlier saved, and the killing of the trees was easily avoidable.
New Ally in Fight to Save Ochoco Wildlife
The Oregon Hunters Association filed suit in federal district court to oppose the Forest Service's plan to build a 137-mile off-road vehicle trail system through the heart of elk and deer habitat in the Ochocos.
Who should apologize for expensive and harmful Tumalo Creek project?
Tumalo Creek provides a peaceful refuge, outdoor recreation opportunities and crystal-clear cold water to the Middle Deschutes River. Although it is known as one of Central Oregon’s iconic gems, the Bend City Council voted to build a $60+ million water project to take more water from the creek.
Central Oregon LandWatch Files Comprehensive Challenge to Defend the Ochoco Mountains
Today, Central Oregon LandWatch filed a detailed challenge to a Forest Service decision to carve up the Ochoco National Forest by creating a 137-miles off-road vehicle (ORV) route system.
Only in hindsight does the protection of a place seem obvious
A vast majority of LandWatch's work centers around Oregon's state wide land use planning system, but the importance of preserving public lands on a national level is not lost on us.
Source Spotlight: Paul Dewey
The "kid from Kansas" continues his tireless quest to preserve the local environment