The Horizon
All the latest updates on our work defending rural lands, creating livable cities and towns and preserving wild lands and water throughout Central Oregon
A wide-open way of life
Central Oregon’s rural lands offer iconic scenic vistas, sustain complex high desert ecosystems, and enable a thriving regional agricultural economy.
Farmers Markets in Central Oregon
When you stock up on local food, you’ll enjoy fresher, seasonal food with greater nutritional value.
Bonus: You get shorter transportation distances and a stronger local economy, too!
State reaffirms preservation of 710 acres of farmland in Lower Bridge Valley
On January 24, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed LandWatch’s and co-petitioners’ win at the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) concerning Deschutes County’s attempt to rezone 710 acres of farmland for sprawling luxury development.
Another significant setback for Thornburgh Resort
LandWatch prevailed at Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeal in appeals of Deschutes County’s decision to approve Thornburgh Resort’s Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan (FWMP).
High Desert Cottage Pie
A comforting winter recipe that features ingredients that can be locally sourced in Central Oregon. It is also incredibly flexible and can be made vegetarian, dairy-free or gluten-free.
It's time to define the future of Deschutes County
What do we want Deschutes County to look like in 20 years? The County is asking for your input on its draft update to the Comprehensive Plan.
Another triumph over rural sprawl
Recently, LandWatch prevailed in a community effort to halt yet another instance of development interests seeking to convert agricultural land into rural sprawl.
County Commissioners reverse decision to limit destination resorts
On August 9, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reversed their approval of LandWatch’s proposed amendments to the county code that would have limited new, luxury destination resorts in Deschutes County.
710 acres of agricultural land saved from sprawling development
Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals ruled in favor of LandWatch’s appeal of Deschutes County’s controversial decision to approve a developer’s application to rezone 710 acres of agricultural land in Lower Bridge Valley.
OWRD proposes denial of Thornburgh's request for water rights
On July 25, the Oregon Water Resources Department issued an order proposing denial of water rights requested by the developers of Thornburgh Resort.
Time to limit large-scale, luxury development on rural land
Will you support our application to limit large-scale, luxury resort development in Deschutes County?
To shape Central Oregon's future, learn from the past
There are glimpses of abundance all around us. We have Oregon’s land use planning system to thank.
Deschutes County moves towards mule deer protections
We’ve got exciting news about Deschutes County’s Wildlife Inventory Update. On May 12, the Deschutes County Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (WA-MD).
We’re going to the Land Use Board of Appeals over Thornburgh Resort
On May 8, Central Oregon LandWatch filed a notice of intent to appeal Deschutes County’s Approval of the Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan for Thornburgh Resort.
A win at the Land Use Board of Appeals!
A win at the Land Use Board of Appeals! Stopping industrial sprawl between Bend and Redmond.
Take the survey by May 5: Deschutes County 2040
Take action: Join us in asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife. Take the survey by May 5.
The disappearance of mule deer from Deschutes County?
A wildlife inventory update - time to take action!
A Joint Letter to Deschutes County
12 organizations submitted a joint letter on the ongoing Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan update. We’re asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife.
Press Release: Recommended approval to limit new destination resort development
On March 23, the Deschutes County Planning Commission voted 3 to 1 in favor of recommending approval of Central Oregon LandWatch’s application to amend the county’s zoning code to limit new destination resort development.