BEND, Oregon — Public discourse in Bend, Oregon, as captured in letters to the editor published on June 26, 2025, highlights two significant regional issues sparking concern among residents: the proposed Thornburgh resort development and a provision within a pending Senate reconciliation bill that could impact public land access.
The correspondence, featured in The Source Weekly, reflects deep-seated anxieties about environmental stewardship, the recognition of tribal treaty rights, and the future of outdoor recreation vital to Central Oregon’s identity and economy.
Contention Over Thornburgh Resort Development
A primary focus of the published letters is the contentious Thornburgh resort development. The project is currently under active deliberation by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners, the local governing body tasked with reviewing and potentially approving the extensive plan.
Critics voicing their opposition through the letters argue that the proposed development demonstrates a fundamental disregard for indigenous science and the established treaty rights of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Specifically, concerns cite potential violations of the Treaty of 1855, a foundational agreement that guaranteed specific rights to the tribes, including access to traditional fishing and gathering grounds.
The letters emphasize that the project poses significant potential negative impacts on critical natural resources, including water, fish, and wildlife. Advocacy is strong for the protection of scarce water resources in the high desert environment, support for affordable housing solutions (contrasting with resort development), and the unwavering upholding of treaty rights.
A central point of opposition against the Thornburgh project is its projected substantial water consumption, estimated to be up to six million gallons daily. Opponents contend that such a demand is unsustainable and detrimental in a region already facing water scarcity challenges.
Public Lands at Risk from Senate Bill
The second major issue raised in the letters pertains to a provision reportedly included in a Senate reconciliation bill. This provision has ignited fears about the future of public lands across the Western United States.
According to the concerns articulated, the proposed legislation could mandate the sale of a vast amount of federally managed land – estimated to be between 2.2 and 3.3 million acres – spread across 11 Western states. Central Oregon, specifically Deschutes County, stands to be significantly affected.
Local concerns are particularly acute regarding the potential impact on outdoor recreation infrastructure. Letters highlight that the targeted lands in Deschutes County include over 60 mountain bike trails, essential assets for the local outdoor recreation community and tourism industry.
Emmy Andrews, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, is quoted in the provided summary expressing concern that these public lands, currently accessible for recreation, could become privatized. Such a shift, proponents of public access argue, would have severe negative consequences for outdoor recreation, an activity vital to the local economy and the physical and mental well-being of residents who rely on these areas for leisure and exercise.
Intersecting Concerns for Central Oregon’s Future
The letters to the editor published on June 26, 2025, collectively paint a picture of a community grappling with complex decisions about growth, resource management, and the balance between development and preservation. Both the Thornburgh resort debate and the potential public land sales intersect on themes of environmental sustainability, economic impact, and the fundamental rights of indigenous peoples and the public to access and benefit from shared resources.
The public input, as documented in The Source Weekly, underscores the high stakes involved in these deliberations before the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and potentially in the broader legislative landscape. Residents are actively seeking to influence decisions they believe will profoundly shape the future character and livability of Central Oregon.
The debates reflect a broader national conversation about land use, water rights, and the recognition of historical treaties in the context of modern development and legislative action. The outcomes of these discussions are being closely watched by stakeholders across the region.
