Whether you grew up in Central Oregon or just recently moved to the high desert, the effects of population growth are on everyone’s mind. How we respond to the change will define what it is like to experience this landscape for generations to come.

Our role as watchdog is to sound the alarm and draw attention to threats to the quality of life of our region and the very land beneath us.

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.

Growth in Deschutes County continues to outpace the rest of the state. But as places like Bend continue to boom, how can the county grow responsibly? We hear details from Ben Gordon, the executive director of Central Oregon LandWatch, and Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang.

In September of 2020, we watched wildfires ignite across Oregon in one of the most devastating fire seasons on record. How can we plan for a safer future in our fire-adapted landscape?

“I support organizations that protect beautiful spaces from overdevelopment, urban sprawl and resource/access inequalities. Thank you for your work!” - Amanda P.

We defend & plan for Central Oregon’s livable future. Check out our Summer 2021 print newsletter for a midyear update.

While we can celebrate some big victories for wildlife and conservation efforts, it’s clear we’ve got more work to do.

For 50 years, Oregon’s statewide land use system, envied and emulated nationally and internationally, has provided for planned and relatively sustainable patterns of development balanced by prudent restraint.

Today, we say farewell to Moey Newbold, our Director of Urban Planning. After a decade of fierce advocacy work with Central Oregon LandWatch, Moey is stepping down from her position to embark on new adventures.

We are excited to announce that a generous donor has agreed to match donations dollar for dollar - up to $50,000. That means every dollar you give will be doubled. We know we can reach this goal, but we need your support!

On May 12, LandWatch hosted a community virtual Open House where we were joined by 50+ community members to plan for Central Oregon’s livable future. Since last year, LandWatch has been undergoing a strategic planning process to set our sights on facing the new challenges to our region. We were excited to share that mission and vision with our community.

Oregon’s land use planning system may be our most effective tool to fight climate change.

A note from our Executive Director, Ben Gordon.

This Saturday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Register here. A chance to raise important issues with Representative Jason Kropf and Commissioner Phil Chang.

LandWatch’s 2021 Legislative Advocacy Kickoff event was a thundering success! On February 4, we “zoomed” in together, with our Executive Director, Ben Gordon, leading off as our emcee and outlining the importance of our legislative work. Read more…

A letter from Jonathan Manton, our lobbyist in Salem. Read more to get to know Jonathan and our priorities for the 2021 Oregon State legislative session.

2020 has challenged us all ways we didn’t know were possible. We have seen how Central Oregon rallies together when the going gets tough. Despite the many shifts, from zoom staff meetings to all-virtual events, we have some notable numbers to reflect on this season.