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
Holding Sprawl at Bay
Farmers and ranchers deserve affordable access to the land they need to grow food for our communities. Central Oregonians deserve to know their tax dollars aren’t subsidizing luxury sprawl. And all of us deserve to know that the working landscapes that make this place special will remain for generations to come.
Much Ado About Farm Stands
Recently, we saw a fiery online debate about farm stands, agritourism, and DLCD Farm Stand rulemaking process. If you witnessed or participated in the recent dialogue but had a nagging feeling that you weren’t being told the whole story, this blog post is for you.
Crypto, data centers, and the fight for Oregon’s farm fields
When a data center came knocking, Christmas Valley farmers weren’t interested. Read on for the backstory on a significant win for Christmas Valley and Lake County, and an update on an ongoing challenge to preserve agricultural land in Jefferson County.
The Case Against Spot Zoning
Oregon’s land use planning system is hailed as a model for preserving its unique agricultural and forest landscapes while fostering sustainable growth.
Despite this, a troubling trend has emerged in recent years: spot zoning of farm and forest lands.
A wide-open way of life
Central Oregon’s rural lands offer iconic scenic vistas, sustain complex high desert ecosystems, and enable a thriving regional agricultural economy.
Farmers Markets in Central Oregon
When you stock up on local food, you’ll enjoy fresher, seasonal food with greater nutritional value.
Bonus: You get shorter transportation distances and a stronger local economy, too!
State reaffirms preservation of 710 acres of farmland in Lower Bridge Valley
On January 24, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed LandWatch’s and co-petitioners’ win at the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) concerning Deschutes County’s attempt to rezone 710 acres of farmland for sprawling luxury development.
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.
A farmland victory five years in the making
After nearly five years of ongoing appeals, we are happy to announce a victory for farmland in Jefferson County! Last month, the Jefferson County Planning Commission denied an application for development on agricultural land just south of Madras.
Fighting to save farmland in Jefferson County
LandWatch is stepping up to challenge the conversion of over 60 acres of prime farmland in Jefferson County