Should 400-acres of public land go to Thornburgh Resort?

The Department of State Lands wants to hear from you!

Next week, the Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) is reviewing a request to sell 400 acres of public land to the developers of Thornburgh Resort.

The proposed resort has drawn widespread criticism from concerned residents across Central Oregon.

Over the past year, there has been mounting alarm over the resort’s proposed water use (using up to 6 million gallons per day) and the effects on fish, wildlife, and nearby groundwater levels. Hundreds of you have participated in multiple Deschutes County land use hearings over the proposed development, which could add up to a thousand luxury homes and three golf courses to this rural landscape.

A view of Mt. Jefferson from Cline Buttes:
Central Oregon LandWatch

This week, DSL is actively seeking public input on whether to privatize 400 acres of scenic public lands at Cline Buttes.

These beloved public lands don’t belong behind a fence.

The background on the proposed sale

The Department of State Lands (DSL) is a statewide agency that manages Oregon’s state-owned lands.

The trails at Cline Buttes Recreation Area:
Bureau of Land Management

They are required by the Oregon Constitution to “manage lands under its jurisdiction with the object of obtaining the greatest benefit for the people of this state, consistent with the conservation of this resource under sound techniques of land management.” (Article III, Section 5)

DSL is also required, when selling any state lands, to consider their scenic and recreational value to the public. (ORS 273.051)

If you are interested in learning more about next Thursday’s hearing and the proposed sale, you can read through the DSL Staff Report or the initial Public Notice and Map.

Where is the land in question?

Click on the various maps below to view larger images.

Map showing area of proposed sale
Source: Cline Buttes Recreation Area

Map showing proposed tracts for sale
Source: Courtesy of Robert Sharpe

Take action

The Department of State Lands is asking for your input. This is your last chance to tell DSL how much you value Cline Buttes and that you want it to remain public land.

1. Write in through the online Public Comment Form. This form is an easy way to submit your comment to the public record. Make sure to include the transaction number for this potential sale: 63509-LS

What should I write?

The most influential public comments are just that: perspectives from the public. The personal views of people like you are what truly matters regarding public land use decisions.

How will this affect you? You don’t need to be an expert to write in. Trust your gut and share what matters most to you. Maybe it is concern over the resort’s proposed use of water or protections for wildlife habitat. Maybe you enjoy the mountain bike trails and want to preserve public land access to Cline Buttes. Maybe you are concerned about losing public land to private development interests. Whatever resonates with you most is what you should share here.

Write in and submit a comment

2. Attend the public hearing on March 10, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. This hearing is open to all individuals (registration not required). Just showing up conveys the widespread opposition to the privatization of these public lands.

Attend the virtual public hearing

3. Sign on to this community letter. We are gathering signatures from community groups, local businesses, and individuals who oppose the sale of this public land to Central Land and Cattle, LLC for the development of Thornburgh Resort.

Add your name to the letter

A view of Cline Buttes from Redmond: Central Oregon LandWatch

Help share the word

Do you know someone who may be interested in this issue?

Please share this email with any individuals, groups, or organizations that come to mind. We have less than a week to get the word out and could use your help.