Preserving Farms & Forests
We protect our rural lands for open space and livelihoods in forestry, farming, and ranching.
Central Oregon’s rural lands are home to iconic vistas, intricate high desert ecosystems, and a bustling rural agricultural economy. LandWatch ensures our rural lands stay rural and unspoiled by inappropriate development.
Preserving Farms and Forests
As a watchdog for Central Oregon, we continue to monitor land use actions across Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, challenging and defending against inappropriate development on rural lands. We support our agricultural communities and open space by stopping sprawl from encroaching on farm and forest land, and preserving open landscapes, clean water, and fresh air.
Key Strategies:
Monitor threats to rural lands, including proposed development.
Advocate to ensure Oregon’s land use laws continue to protect rural lands.
Enforce state land use laws through litigation.
Interested in using your voice to preserve forests and farm lands in Central Oregon?
How To Participate in Land Use Applications
Under Oregon’s unique land system, public involvement is foundational with “Civic Participation” enshrined as Goal 1 of Oregon’s 19 statewide planning goals.
Anyone can comment on land use applications, no matter where they live or how they are impacted.
But, it’s not particularly easy! We’ll be the first to admit: getting involved in local land use planning can be intimidating, confusing and technical. That said, the rewards for public participation can be great, as providing written or oral testimony on a land use application could convince a county official to make a decision you agree with.
To help more interested parties get involved, Central Oregon LandWatch is creating a set of step-by-step guides that explain how to track and engage with land use proceedings.
Our first guide, specific to Deschutes County, is available now. Jefferson and Crook County guides available soon.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Farm and Range Land
At LandWatch, our mission remains rooted in protecting our open spaces and safeguarding livelihoods in farming, ranching, and forestry. We enforce land use laws to sustain local wildlife, protect clean air and water, and defend Central Oregon’s farming future. Preventing unnecessary rural sprawl supports our agricultural communities.
Read more about our recent Rural Lands work.
