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
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.
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Weigh in to help guide Deschutes County over the next 20 years.
Winter Newsletter 2022
Take a look at our winter newsletter for updates on the Crooked River, wildlife habitat across Deschutes County, and what makes up a “Complete Community” here in Central Oregon.
A New River Democracy Act introduced to Congress
Earlier this month, Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced an updated version of the River Democracy Act.
Community calls on elected leaders to help Save Skyline Forest
On a brisk and beautiful morning, we delivered the Save Skyline Forest Community Letter to our elected officials.
Winter closures in effect to protect wildlife
As of December 1, winter road closures are in effect for four areas in the Deschutes National Forest.
A win for Crook County! Destination resort off the books
A new destination resort in Crook County is officially off the books.
Bend’s Midtown Crossings: A Victory Years in the Making
After years of sustained advocacy, improvements to the Midtown crossings are coming - and soon!
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.