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
The Land Use System That Makes Oregon Different
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Oregonians were increasingly troubled by unbridled growth and the urban development sprawling across the state's farmland and forests. In 1973, Governor Tom McCall made an impassioned plea to the Oregon legislature to enact a statewide land use planning program to protect Oregon's threatened agricultural and forest industries.
Protecting farmland, preventing sprawl
If you visited a produce stand in Central Oregon this past summer, you likely came across local vegetables, herbs, and seeds grown every year in Jefferson County.
Press release: A win to protect farmland from sprawl!
LUBA decides in favor of LandWatch’s challenge to an urban growth boundary expansion. As Jefferson County is home to the most productive agricultural land in Central Oregon, LandWatch was concerned that the UGB expansion would permanently convert prime farmland away from agricultural use without any need to expand the UGB.
Wild trout in Whychus Creek need cold, clear water
No more excuses. It’s time for the County to require Thornburgh Resort to make good on its promises to mitigate for its effects on fish and wildlife.
Press Release: A win to protect rural lands from industrial development
On Friday, June 18, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals issued a remand of Deschutes County’s previous decision to approve industrial development near Deschutes Junction.
Press Release: Victory in the Ochoco National Forest!
On Monday, June 14, a settlement was reached between Central Oregon LandWatch, Oregon Wild, and the U.S. Forest Service to exclude sensitive riparian habitat from a proposed logging project in the Ochoco National Forest.