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
How big trees can help fight climate change
If left to age, the mature, large trees in Oregon’s eastern forests can play a big role in combating climate change. In a study on national forest land in Oregon’s forests east of the Cascade Range, large-diameter trees accounted for only 3% of trees but stored 42% of the total above-ground carbon.
Drought exposes a broken water system. Here’s what we can do.
This needs to be our last season of water scarcity. It’s time for reform. First, Oregon needs to modify how “beneficial use” of water is defined, monitored, and regulated to realign water priorities to meet 21st-century needs.
A 710-acre rezone? We’re standing with the ranchers
An application to rezone 710-acres from farmland to rural residential is scheduled for a hearing next Tuesday.
Let’s not lose another big tree
What happened along Phil’s trail should never happen again in Oregon’s national forests. Despite the public outcry and demands to leave these big trees standing, the marked trees were logged last week. Like you, we are devastated by this news.
Commercial logging on Phil’s Trail?
Why are the biggest, oldest trees marked for removal in the Deschutes National Forest?
Press release: A call to protect Cline Buttes
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
And that’s a wrap! Oregon’s legislative session comes to a close
Oregon’s legislative session comes to a close. For the last 32 days, LandWatch has been actively engaged in the fast-paced, high-stakes game in Salem. We’re happy to report back with good news from the Capitol.
Should 400 acres of public land go to Thornburgh Resort?
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.
Skyline Forest: The Burning Question
Skyline Forest and Bend share a border within the wildland-urban interface (WUI) that is essential for managing wildfire risk to our communities.
Can transportation tackle climate change? You bet!
Transportation access is also a big piece of the puzzle in creating more equitable communities. We need to create a city where access to a car is not a requirement for holding a job or getting to a grocery store. Take action by February 28!
Help us pass the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act!
Did you know that Oregon has the highest likelihood of wildlife crashes among west coast states? There’s a bill that would change that. Help us get the Wildlife Crossings Investment Act over the finish line!
Sign on to a letter of support for Midtown Crossings!
There’s a chance to take action for improvements to Bend’s Midtown Crossings. Sign on to this letter of support by Monday, February 14th.
Opportunity Areas: Our next great neighborhoods
Developments don’t pop up overnight, even though it can sometimes feel that way. What’s happening around Bend, and what’s coming next?
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.
40 years of farm land in Central Oregon
Taken from GIS mapping software, this short video shows the growth of single-family houses on rural areas in Deschutes County between 1980 - 2017.
Fighting for farmland in Deschutes County
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.
We met our match!
It is no exaggeration to say we couldn’t do this work without you and as more challenges lay just over the horizon, we are ready to defend and plan for Central Oregon’s livable future. Onward and upward to 2022!
Where is the groundwater going?
Groundwater in Central Oregon is declining. But it should be an infinite resource. What’s really going on?
Thornburgh Resort is at it again. Take action before next Tuesday’s hearing!
The public continues to voice its worry over water use in the high desert. A destination resort authorized for a water use rate of up to 6 million gallons a day continues to generate widespread concern.
Protecting farms and forests
In 2021, we reviewed over 2,000 proposed development applications, checking for compliance with environmental and land use laws. This past spring, LandWatch took on one particular case at the Land Use Board of Appeals that stood to set a dangerous precedent for Central Oregon’s rural lands.