Watching Over Wild Lands

 
 

We ensure Central Oregon’s wild lands are protected to support biological diversity and critical wildlife habitat.

 
 
“It really is a pleasure contributing to an organization that accomplishes so much.”
— Denise & Robert, Central Oregon LandWatch Members
 
 
 
 

Defending Wild Places

In close coordination with partners, LandWatch continues to bring its expertise and legal skills to defend and strengthen policy and legal protections for the region’s natural resources. We participate in the planning and management of our region’s federal public lands. 

We are a legal voice for our region’s wild ecosystems, including their fish and wildlife, water quantity and quality, and native forests.

Through our Wild Lands & Water Program, we work to:

  • Monitor state and federal lands management proposals for significant threats to wildlife. 

  • Advocate for strong state and federal environmental laws and land management policy to support biological diversity and critical wildlife habitat. 

  • Enforce and strengthen federal and state environmental laws and land management policy related to wild lands through legal action and administrative advocacy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wildfire & Wild Lands

With the threat of climate change and climate-driven wildfire across Central Oregon, we know that careful management of our wild lands is critical. We will continue in our watchdog role to review, comment, and litigate when needed, against harmful encroachment into wild spaces.

We live in a fire-adapted landscape.

With the right policies in place, we can live safely in this fire-prone landscape while protecting the ecosystems that rely on fire to flourish.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wild Lands Updates

Featured
A Mule Deer’s Life
A Mule Deer’s Life

LandWatch’s new Livable Future Forum will provide a place for discussion and dialogue about the key environmental issues of our time and the solutions that we can put into place locally. On Oct 3, 2024, we will talk about the factors leading to local mule deer population decline and the critically-needed solutions available to help them.

A Win in the Ochocos
A Win in the Ochocos

In August, the U.S. Forest Service issued its final decision regarding an important timber sale on the Ochoco National Forest — and we’re pleased to report that the Forest Service ultimately made significant improvements to the Mill Creek project, providing meaningful safeguards for forest ecosystems and the wildlife that depend upon them.

What Does the Future Hold For America’s Old-Growth Forests?
What Does the Future Hold For America’s Old-Growth Forests?

LandWatch and partners across the country are calling on the Forest Service to strengthen protections for the United States’ remaining old-growth and mature forests.

Join us by adding your name to our petition today!

Safe Passages
Safe Passages

Creating wildlife crossings is a practical, cost-effective move that is also an act of empathy that insists that animals have a right to safety, just as we humans do.

Victory for Large Trees Affirmed
Victory for Large Trees Affirmed

On March 29, essential protections for large trees in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington were fully reinstated!

73,000 acres of Ochoco National Forest in question
73,000 acres of Ochoco National Forest in question

This past fall, we were concerned to see a series of projects proposing large tree logging across a total of 73,000 acres on the Ochoco National Forest.

It's time to define the future of Deschutes County
It's time to define the future of Deschutes County

What do we want Deschutes County to look like in 20 years? The County is asking for your input on its draft update to the Comprehensive Plan.

 
 
 

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