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.
Ground Work
Next time you’re traveling back from Suttle Lake, marveling at the beauty in all directions, know that soon, you, your friends and family, and the wildlife that call this spectacular place home, will all be able to safely reach their destination.
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 Mule Deer’s Life
LandWatch’s new Livable Future Forum will provide a place for discussion and dialogue about the key environmental issues of our time and the solutions that we can put into place locally. On Oct 3, 2024, we will talk about the factors leading to local mule deer population decline and the critically-needed solutions available to help them.
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.
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.
Another significant setback for Thornburgh Resort
LandWatch prevailed at Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeal in appeals of Deschutes County’s decision to approve Thornburgh Resort’s Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan (FWMP).
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.
The disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County?
A wildlife inventory update - time to take action!
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.
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.