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
Who Stands to Gain from UGB Growth?
This article from The Bulletin includes a table with all of the property owners who might be included in an urban growth boundary expansion.
Planning for Wildfires and Development
At the May 2015 City Club of Central Oregon Forum, Ray Rasker, Executive Director of Headwater Economics discusses this topic.
Urban Growth Boundary Update: Expansion Scenarios
Last week, the Boundary Committee reviewed three scenarios for where and how Bend could allow new lands to be developed for employment and housing purposes.
Bend UGB Planning Workshop Excludes Examination of Wildfire Risk
There was one important thing missing in this planning scenario: an assessment of wildfire risk.
Bend UGB Steering Committee Decides to Include Wildfire Risk in Assessment
At the UGB steering committee meeting, Executive Director Paul Dewey advocated for including wildfire risk to potential UGB lands as part of the planning process
Unpermitted Water Ski Lakes Must Go through proper channels
The lakes developed by KC Development Group in Tumalo destroyed wildlife habitat and were built in a rural residential area without the proper permits.
Future of Skyline Forest Uncertain After Sale
The recent sale of the Skyline Forest, the foothills of our Three Sisters Mountains, might mean its new owners will partition and develop the area.
Low Snowpack means Oregon might not be Insurable for Wildfire
This year's frightfully warm winter, as predicted by climate change models, means there will be less snowpack to buffer forest fires during fire season. The repercussions might include losing wildfire insurance for the state.
Action Alert: Protect Oregon, Stop SB 25
We live in Oregon for a reason. Whether your reason is the mountain views, golden fields, or the solitude you find while enjoying the pristine outdoors, you likely have our land use system to thank for protecting our land. Now, that system is under attack.
Mule Deer Populations are on the decline
Mule deer populations are declining across the West. In Central Oregon this decline has been attributed, in large part, to habitat loss due to human developments.