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
Planning for Sisters’ future
The City of Sisters is gathering community input on two important projects that guide potential development and zoning changes – changes that will help determine what this community looks like for generations.
FAQ: Save Skyline Forest
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers about Skyline Forest and the community campaign to conserve it.
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.
Bull Flat: The Gateway to Skyline Forest
The population on the Bull Flat wildlife area is important not only because it is rare but also because it has been extensively studied over several decades.
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
Water bank pilot project renewed for a second year
This past year, Central Oregon saw the launch of the Deschutes Water Bank Pilot Program. This program is an innovative, voluntary, and market-based solution to addressing water shortages in the Deschutes Basin.
Guest column: Is Central Oregon the West's water future?
Central Oregon recently made national headlines when The Washington Post hailed local water infrastructure projects as “the future of the American West.” Indeed, improving the efficiency of our century-old water infrastructure is key to ushering in a modern era of water management–but it’s far from a panacea.
What's ahead for wildfire safety in Oregon?
Last year, Oregon legislators passed a comprehensive bill (SB 762) to address wildfire preparedness and resiliency across the state. Share what changes you want to see locally to minimize wildfire risk for Central Oregonians.
Press Release: Over 122,000 call on federal government to protect older forests from logging
Environmental groups, including LandWatch, delivered more than 122,000 public comments urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to protect mature and old-growth forests and trees on federal public lands from logging as a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy.
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.
Pinnacle Partner Spotlight: Worthy Brewing Company
Worthy Brewing Company takes trees seriously. They have been advocates for healthy and resilient forests in Central Oregon and beyond. Worthy is a Pinnacle Partner of Central Oregon Landwatch, helping to fund our programs and initiatives that support Oregon’s big trees and mature forests.
Defending the cold, clear water of the Metolius River Basin
Right now, Oregon has the chance to designate the Metolius River as an Outstanding Resource Water.
A national call to protect old-growth forests
Forests pull carbon out of the atmosphere, and it accumulates in living trees and soil. In this way, mature forests act as carbon sinks, where the world’s forests absorb a net 7.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 per year. Let the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management know large trees are worth more standing.
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.