The very first goal of Oregon’s Land Use Planning Program, Goal 1: Citizen Involvement, established broad rights for public participation in land use decisions. This requirement for public involvement sets Oregon apart from other states.

In August 2022, Skyline Forest was closed to all public access due to increased seasonal fire risk. The area remained closed as a part of the Tumalo Winter Range Closure that protects habitat for mule deer through March 31. As of now, Skyline Forest remains closed.

Recently, we’ve heard concern from the community about active forest management operations that are removing trees from Skyline Forest

In 1973, Oregon voters passed Senate Bill 100, creating our revolutionary land use planning system. For 50 years, it has defined our landscapes and communities – bringing us an Abundant Oregon.

We’ve got exciting news about Deschutes County’s Wildlife Inventory Update.  On May 12, the Deschutes County Planning Commission recommended the adoption of the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (WA-MD).

Reducing hiding cover to 13% in migration corridors is a drastic loss of habitat. This is only a fraction of the necessary forest cover mule deer need to survive.

We’ve been monitoring the Green Ridge Project proposed by the Forest Service since 2017. This project involves thinning and logging on nearly 25,000 acres of national forest just north of Sisters in the Metolius Watershed. 

The Cougar Rock Project is a proposed project located near Black Butte on the Deschutes National Forest that proposes to conduct “thinning, mowings, and prescribed burning” on around 3,000 acres, primarily within mule deer winter range. 

On May 8, Central Oregon LandWatch filed a notice of intent to appeal Deschutes County’s Approval of the Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Plan for Thornburgh Resort.

A win at the Land Use Board of Appeals! Stopping industrial sprawl between Bend and Redmond.

After nearly a year, oral argument was held before Magistrate Judge Halmann on May 1. We were represented by Crag Law Center at the U.S District Court in Pendleton, challenging the Forest Service’s unlawful repeal of the “21-inch rule” that opened up over 7 million acres of national forest to large-tree logging.

Take action: Join us in asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife. Take the survey by May 5.

What’s in the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Plan? We need more from the draft plan. Take action by May 1 and ask U.S. Fish and Wildlife for specific and tangible conservation actions.

 A wildlife inventory update - time to take action!

We want to express our deepest gratitude to TallTreeTrust for their outstanding generosity in supporting our $50k for 50 Years Challenge Match.

12 organizations submitted a joint letter on the ongoing Deschutes County Comprehensive Plan update. We’re asking Deschutes County to do better to protect our land, water, and wildlife.

Three amazing local businesses are supporting LandWatch in recognition of Earth Month. Thank you Dudley’s bookshop, Stirling Sustainability, and Paulina Springs Bookshop!

Weigh in to help guide Deschutes County over the next 20 years.

Today, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to Foghorn Labs, a digital marketing agency supporting our organization.