Win for forest and farmlands

last updated July 16, 2025

Grasshopper Overlook photo by Helena Virga

Victory! Douglas County has withdrawn its latest attempt to rezone protected farm and forestland! Photo by M.O. Stevens, license CC BY-SA 3.0.

Douglas County Takes Back Attempt to Increase Residential Sprawl

We’re celebrating another legal win for Oregon’s lands and communities: Douglas County has withdrawn its latest attempt to rezone protected farm and forest lands for residential development—thanks to the persistence of our clients and the legal support of Crag.

This decision is a major victory for working lands, wildlife habitat, and public participation in land use decisions.

A juvenile Pacific lamprey stranded in the mud in Winchester Reservoir. (Bob Hoehne, courtesy of Native Fish Society)

Oregon’s land use system helps protect forests, farms, and wildlife habitat from residential sprawl. Photo of an Urban Growth Boundary by Oregon Metro.

A Pattern of Sprawl, Stopped Again

Douglas County has been trying, unsuccessfully, to open up large swaths of farm and forest land for residential sprawl. These proposed amendments would have allowed development outside of urban growth boundaries, threatening thousands of acres of agricultural and forested areas that provide essential habitat for Roosevelt elk, Columbian white-tailed deer, and other wildlife. They would have also increased wildfire risks and undermined the long-term viability of Oregon’s land use planning system.

For the third time, the County pushed forward its proposal. This time, they didn’t even notify the public—including the same community members and organizations who had successfully challenged earlier versions of this proposal. That’s not just unfair—it’s illegal.

What this win means

  • Thousands of acres of farm and forest land are protected, for now—from residential development.
  • Big game habitat remains intact, helping protect Oregon’s iconic wildlife.
  • Public participation is reaffirmed as essential in land use decisions that impact communities and the environment.
  • Urban growth boundaries are upheld, ensuring that growth happens where infrastructure exists—not at the expense of rural land and natural resources.

Rezoning would have threatened thousands of acres of agricultural and forested areas that provide essential habitat for Roosevelt elk, Columbian white-tailed deer, and other wildlife. Photos by USFWS, Jake Bonello.

What’s next?

The County may try again. But this time, thanks to our clients’ persistence, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in.

Crag will continue to stand alongside communities to ensure land use decisions are fair, lawful, and in line with Oregon’s values. That means preserving working lands, protecting wildlife, and strengthening public participation in decisionmaking. 

A juvenile Pacific lamprey stranded in the mud in Winchester Reservoir. (Bob Hoehne, courtesy of Native Fish Society)
Trilliums in Forest Park. Photo by Eric Wriston.

Thanks to our clients’ persistence, the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on future rezone decisions. Left Photo of Crag staff by Maura Fahey. Right photo by Rick Obst, license CC BY 2.0.

Our Clients

We’re proud to represent 1000 Friends of Oregon, Friends of Douglas County, and Shelley Wetherell—tireless advocates for sustainable land use and environmental protection in Douglas County.

Resources

Interested in learning more? Check out our victory post from 2019 about Douglas County’s previous attempt to rezone this land.

Support our work

Crag Law Center is a nonprofit legal center that provides free and low-cost services to people and organizations fighting to protect our environment. Wins like this are only possible because of your support. If you believe in keeping Oregon’s forests, farms, and wildlife habitat protected, consider making a monthly donation to support our work. 

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