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 BCD Initiative's Top Three Moments of 2017
This spring, we launched the BCD Initiative to build momentum and support for the Bend Central District's transformation into a vibrant, healthy, and resilient mixed-use neighborhood with safe connections between east and west Bend.
Waterskiing and Wildlife - My take
Waterskiing is a luxury amenity, not a human right. A healthy Mule Deer population however, is a human right, as it is indicative of a healthy, life-sustaining ecosystem that extends far beyond its positive impacts on Deschutes County’s economy and way of life.
Central Oregon LandWatch Honored with Two Nominations for City Club’s Conversation of the Year Award
City Club of Central Oregon has nominated four finalists for its newly minted “Conversation of the Year” award. Central Oregon LandWatch, a land use advocacy non-profit, played a key role in two of four of the nominations – for the UGB agreement that led to the Westside Transect and for the restoration of Whychus Creek.
ACTION ALERT - Mule Deer habitat at risk
Tonight, the Deschutes County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on whether to weaken critical wildlife habitat protections in the Metolius Deer Winter Range. This is an opportunity for you to make your voice heard!
Guest column: The truth matters on Tumalo Creek
A recent bombastic opinion column by Victor Chudowsky muddies the water on Tumalo Creek and needs correction.
New Ally in Fight to Save Ochoco Wildlife
The Oregon Hunters Association filed suit in federal district court to oppose the Forest Service's plan to build a 137-mile off-road vehicle trail system through the heart of elk and deer habitat in the Ochocos.
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.
Announcing our initiative to encourage mixed-use development in Bend’s Central District
We are following up on our successful in the Bend Urban Growth Boundary planning process by advocating for the “BCD Initiative” to implement a key component of that Plan. The BCD Initiative will be featured at City Club of Central Oregon’s forum, “Bend’s Central District: What Will Future Urban Density Look Like in the Center of Our City?” on Thursday, August 17th, 2017.
Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee Application
Serving on this committee is a unique opportunity to be a part of the land use process that safeguards Oregon’s environmental heritage and allows regular citizens to exercise their basic right to participation in the land use process.
New Job Posting: Event Coordinator (Temporary)
We are looking for a successful and enthusiastic event planner with excellent interpersonal skills to produce community awareness of our BCD Initiative and build support for Central Oregon LandWatch’s mission.
Finding the balance between protecting neighborhoods and managing growth
Central Oregon LandWatch recognizes the urgent need to increase housing choices for people across the income spectrum. We also believe that existing Bend residents should be considered in the planning process as much as developers and potential new residents.
Central Oregon LandWatch Files Comprehensive Challenge to Defend the Ochoco Mountains
Today, Central Oregon LandWatch filed a detailed challenge to a Forest Service decision to carve up the Ochoco National Forest by creating a 137-miles off-road vehicle (ORV) route system.
ODOT needs your input on urban design issues
This questionnaire will help ODOT better understand your experience using highways in cities and must be filled out by June 30, 2017.
Only in hindsight does the protection of a place seem obvious
A vast majority of LandWatch's work centers around Oregon's state wide land use planning system, but the importance of preserving public lands on a national level is not lost on us.
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.
