Court of Appeals rules against short-term rentals on Clackamas County farm and forest land
The Oregon Court of Appeals recently ruled that short-term rentals are not allowed on farm or forest land without a permit. This is a big win for 1000 Friends and a big win for farmers.
Oregon has new land use rules that create better communities and help combat climate change
At its July 21, 2022, meeting, the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC ) adopted rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation while creating more equitable communities by planning for diverse and affordable housing and transportation choices.
1000 Friends signs on to River Democracy Act letter
Oregon is home to more than 110,000 miles of rivers and streams. Across the state, only 2,173 miles of rivers and streams are currently designated as Wild and Scenic, but, thanks to Senator Wyden and Merkley’s River Democracy Act of 2021, an additional 4,700 miles of streams and rivers may soon be protected.
Ruling in Josephine County protects 90 acres of forestland from development
In a win for 1000 Friends of Oregon and Rogue Advocates, the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) ruled against Josephine County’s request to turn about 90 acres of forestland into a residential subdivision.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a big deal for Oregon’s transportation future
While it feels like far longer than just a few months ago when President Biden signed the Federal Infrastructure Bill – also called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 – it was the largest single investment in infrastructure in over 40 years, including the largest ever allocations for transit funding, and for bridge maintenance and repair.
Press Release | Farm protection, conservation groups celebrate Appeals Board ruling that protects high-value farmland, clean water, and salmon habitat in the Lower Columbia
Land Use Board of Appeals overturned Columbia County’s effort to rezone 837 acres of high-value farmland in the midst of prime salmon habitat. The decision affirms community sentiment from farmers, business owners, and people that live along the rail lines to the site.
Help Oregon's Communities Prepare for Wildfires
The Board of Forestry is seeking public input on wildfire risk mapping criteria before voting on the rules in June. The Board needs to hear from you that adopting these fair and comprehensive rules is critical to increase community safety & preparedness, reduce future wildfire risk, and build resiliency to withstand the increasing severity and frequency of wildfires in Oregon.
Douglas County legal decision protects big game habitat, prime forestland and farmland
In a win by 1000 Friends — representing Friends of Douglas County — for residents of Douglas County, the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) remanded a decision by the Douglas County Commission to essentially create a new type of zone through an ordinance that would allow for more development in areas of fire risk, big game habitat, and farm and forestland.
Press Release | Local farmer, farm protection group, and river advocates challenge rail yard for proposed refinery at Port Westward
Columbia County’s decision to approve a 400-car rail yard amid sensitive drainages, wetlands, and high-value farmland drew criticism from Oregon’s lead land use agency and opposition from local farmers and regional advocacy groups.
Ruling in Lake County determines that junkyards are not allowed on agricultural lands
1000 Friends of Oregon represented petitioners in their fight against Lake County over the County’s decision to allow a junkyard and auto wrecking yard on farmland.