No new destination resort in Crook County!
Crossing Trails application withdrawn
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.
Map of the area around the proposed resort near Powell Butte and Prineville, OR.
At an initial public hearing in July, dozens of neighbors spoke out opposing the resort proposal. Not one person testified in favor. LandWatch recognized the concerns over the impacts that 750 resort dwellings would bring to the Powell Butte farming community, including increased groundwater use, the displacement of wildlife, impacts on wetlands, transportation, and more.
LandWatch was pleased to hear that the applicant recognized that this massive resort development was costly and unnecessary for Crook County and Central Oregon and withdrew the development application.
Concerns over water, infrastructure, & Sprawl
Crook County, U.S. Drought Monitor updated August 11, 2022
During an exceptional drought, new groundwater use could have impacted neighboring wells and farms. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Crook County faces the worst water conditions across the state, with much of the county currently under “Exceptional Drought” conditions.
This is a time when growth should be directed inside our cities to fight climate change. New housing located far away from regional cities requires residents to drive long distances to access most services, like grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and healthcare. This type of planning encourages sprawl which comes at a high infrastructure cost to cities and counties and worsens the climate crisis by doubling down on automobile dependence.
LandWatch is thankful to the Powell Butte community and others who participated in the public input process over the Crossing Trails application. It takes widespread community efforts to stand against harmful development in our region’s rural farmland and open spaces.
Looking Ahead in Crook County
In 2008, Crook County voters passed Ballot Measure 7-47 to prevent any more destination resort development in the county. However, the proposal for Crossing Trails got in just under the wire, and in 2009 Crook County approved the Crossing Trails destination resort on 580 acres of land west of the Prineville Airport and bordering the Powell Butte farming community. Though it was approved, the developer failed to build the resort for over 13 years, until a new developer earlier this year applied to develop the property with new plans.
With this application withdrawn, Central Oregon will likely see one less destination resort development. With growing concerns over groundwater use, the impacts of sprawling development, and the effects of climate change, this is good news for our region.
Find more information about this proposal and withdrawal here or read a recent news article here.
Central Oregon ranch land: Wasim Muklashy
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.