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
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.
Groundwater survey: How should we use groundwater?
OWRD recognizes there is an issue with over-allocation of groundwater resources. Right now, they are seeking our input on how to move forward and shape a groundwater permitting system that supports the quality of our aquifers while also serving the senior water rights holders and current domestic well uses in each basin.
Crossing Trails: Another destination resort in Crook County?
Crossing Trails, a proposed destination resort in Crook County near Powell Butte, has begun making waves in the local community.
Where is the groundwater going?
Groundwater in Central Oregon is declining. But it should be an infinite resource. What’s really going on?
ACTION ALERT: Protect Tumalo Falls!
The City of Bend has applied to continue using its archaic and imprecise method of diverting water from the source spring. With climate change, receding snow packs and glaciers will impact the springs meaning less and less water will flow over Tumalo Falls in the future.
Guest column: Who should pay for irrigation canal piping?
Local angler and blogger, Yancy Lind weighs the costs and benefits of asking the public to fund piping of Tumalo Irrigation District's canals in this Guest Column that was published in The Bulletin on May 15, 2018.
An Historic Victory: The Battle for the Metolius
The Metolius Basin was once threatened by clearcuts and destination resorts, but thanks in large part to our Executive Director Paul Dewey's unwavering defense of the area, it is now protected as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC).
Who should apologize for expensive and harmful Tumalo Creek project?
Tumalo Creek provides a peaceful refuge, outdoor recreation opportunities and crystal-clear cold water to the Middle Deschutes River. Although it is known as one of Central Oregon’s iconic gems, the Bend City Council voted to build a $60+ million water project to take more water from the creek.
New Study: Unequal Water Allocations on Upper Deschutes Waste Water, Promote Inefficiency
A new study, released May 10, 2017, finds that when it comes to allocating water from the Upper Deschutes River for irrigation purposes, less is more.
LandWatch Prevails in Case to Protect from More Development in Southern Deschutes County Forests
LandWatch argued against the County’s proposal at the Land Use Board of Appeals because it is a one-size-fits-all solution that may make any problem worse.
Draining Oregon - A look into Oregon's underground reservoirs
Are we running out of groundwater? The Oregonian/Oregon Live found that permits to pump groundwater are given out despite the fact that the state doesn't know how much water is actually available.
County’s Plan for Groundwater Contaminants Won’t Help the Community
The public interest group believes the County’s overreaching proposal to allow sewers in rural southern Deschutes County would not solve public health or environmental issues South Deschutes County faces, and instead might make matters worse.
Rock, River, Recharge Recap
We learned how current practices are causing the Upper Deschutes River to be dewatered in the winter months and flooded during the irrigation season.