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
Time to rein in large-scale, luxury resort development
It’s time to reign in large-scale, luxury resort development in Deschutes County. We’re asking the County to limit new proposed resort development in line with Oregon state law. Will you support our application?
Where's the ranch?
LandWatch recently celebrated a win at the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). In February, LUBA ruled in LandWatch’s favor regarding a decades-old facility on land outside Sisters. This win sets an important precedent by invalidating a misinterpretation of state and local land use law and will help prevent fragmentation of the agricultural land base in Deschutes County.
County Commissioners hold hearing over Thornburgh Resort proposal
On February 1, the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners will review the latest development application from Thornburgh Resort.
The Bend to Redmond Corridor
Industrial sprawl between Bend and Redmond? Not on our watch.
Press Release: 142 acres near Crooked River Ranch
We filed an appeal to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals over 142 acres in Jefferson County.
Press Release: LandWatch appeals controversial rezone of 710 acres of farmland
On January 4, Central Oregon LandWatch filed a Notice of Intent to Appeal the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) decision to remove agricultural land protections on 710 acres near Terrebonne.
Sign up for a "Meeting in a Box" with Deschutes County!
Weigh in to help guide Deschutes County over the next 20 years.
A win for Crook County! Destination resort off the books
A new destination resort in Crook County is officially off the books.
Thornburgh Resort Proposal Under Review
Comment period open through November 7 on the latest development application from Thornburgh Resort.
Thornburgh Resort proposal under review
On October 24, a Deschutes County Hearings Officer will review the latest development application from Thornburgh Resort.
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.
Deschutes County poised to remove farmland protections
A letter from Ben Gordon, Executive Director
Update: Contentious re-zone of 710 of farmland would harm water and wildlife
On August 17, Deschutes County Commissioners will determine the fate of 710 acres in the Lower Bridge Valley near Terrebonne.
No new destination resort in Crook County!
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.
Protect Deschutes County farmland: 710 acres in the Lower Bridge Valley
On August 17, Deschutes County Commissioners will determine the fate of 710 acres in the Lower Bridge Valley near Terrebonne.
Cline Buttes: What does this mean for the controversial resort development?
Last week, a private developer withdrew an application to purchase 400 acres of state-owned land at Cline Buttes near Redmond, Oregon. What does this mean for the controversial resort development?
Press Release: A win for public land at Cline Buttes
On July 29, a private developer withdrew an application to purchase 400 acres of state-owned land at Cline Buttes near Redmond, Oregon. After months of widespread opposition to the proposed public land sale, this withdrawal is a resounding win for Central Oregon communities.
Breaking: A win for public land at Cline Buttes!
Will 400 acres of public land go to Thornburgh Resort? We finally have the long-awaited answer to that question: No. This is a huge win for Central Oregon’s livable future!