OWRD recognizes there is an issue with over-allocation of groundwater resources. Right now, they are seeking our input on how to move forward and shape a groundwater permitting system that supports the quality of our aquifers while also serving the senior water rights holders and current domestic well uses in each basin.

Weigh in to help guide Deschutes County over the next 20 years.

A letter from Ben Gordon, Executive Director

On August 17, Deschutes County Commissioners will determine the fate of 710 acres in the Lower Bridge Valley near Terrebonne.

On Wednesday, August 10, the developer of a proposed destination resort called Crossing Trails withdrew their application, shutting a door on this 750-dwelling resort application on farmland near Powell Butte.

On August 17, Deschutes County Commissioners will determine the fate of 710 acres in the Lower Bridge Valley near Terrebonne.

Last week, a private developer withdrew an application to purchase 400 acres of state-owned land at Cline Buttes near Redmond, Oregon. What does this mean for the controversial resort development?

On July 29, a private developer withdrew an application to purchase 400 acres of state-owned land at Cline Buttes near Redmond, Oregon. After months of widespread opposition to the proposed public land sale, this withdrawal is a resounding win for Central Oregon communities.

Will 400 acres of public land go to Thornburgh Resort? We finally have the long-awaited answer to that question: No. This is a huge win for Central Oregon’s livable future!

Crossing Trails, a proposed destination resort in Crook County near Powell Butte, has begun making waves in the local community.

Will the 400-acre tract go to the developers of Thornburgh Resort? The State Land Board is expected to make a decision on the sale during a meeting on Tuesday, August 9, at 9:30 a.m.

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. 

Early this spring, LandWatch testified in opposition to a proposal to remove agricultural land protections on 710 acres near Terrebonne, to rezone the property for rural residential development. We took a stand alongside neighboring farmers and ranchers to protect this area for farm use. Here is the update.

On April 19, 2022, Central Oregon LandWatch filed an appeal to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) over an application related to a proposed sewer project in Tumalo.

What's happening behind the scenes? This week, we've got a series of on-the-ground updates for Central Oregon.

An application to rezone 710-acres from farmland to rural residential is scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday.

Central Oregon community rallies together to oppose possible land sale to resort developers. On March 10, 2022, over 200 people attended a virtual public hearing over a proposed land sale from the Department of State Lands to a private resort developer. Thornburgh

Right now, 400-acres of public land at Cline Buttes might get fenced off, sold to a private luxury resort development.
Luckily, the Department of State Lands is asking for public input. Have something to say? So do we.

Taken from GIS mapping software, this short video shows the growth of single-family houses on rural areas in Deschutes County between 1980 - 2017.

We’re committed to protecting Central Oregon’s farmland. So, last month, we filed a legal challenge at the Land Use Board of Appeals to do just that.