Exciting News! LandWatch Preserves Habitat Protections For Riparian Wildlife!

LandWatch succeeded in preserving habitat protections for wildlife species who depend on wetlands and riparian areas throughout Deschutes County!

It may not always be obvious why Central Oregon LandWatch focuses on land use policies to protect our natural resources, but this exciting win is a clear example of the real-life impact of our work.

Last year, Deschutes County tried to weaken vital protections for wetlands and riparian habitat by changing its Flood Plain Zone. The County’s proposal would have allowed increased development near rivers and streamsthroughout the County, compromising critical wildlife habitat. 

Without our team of front line defenders, this seemingly innocuous change would likely have gone unnoticed until it was too late. Instead, we asked you to submit comments to the County in favor of keeping protections for species like river otters, Yellow Warblers, and jackrabbits – and more than 30 of you did!

When the Deschutes County Commissioners approved weakening the Flood Plain Zone anyway, Central Oregon LandWatch appealed the decision to LUBA. After LandWatch made its arguments to LUBA, the County withdrew its decision. This means that all of the wildlife that rely on riparian areas and wetlands in Deschutes County will continue to be protected by the County's Flood Plain zone.
 
Thank you for making it possible for Central Oregon LandWatch to be on the frontlines giving our region’s wildlife a chance to survive in the face of pressure to develop our precious natural areas in rural areas.