Protect Owyhee Canyonlands

21/12/2024

Thank you News Network!

Rich biodiversity and scenic beauty is vulnerable to industrial development, change, and unregulated recreation.

🏞️https://latinonewsnetwork.com/opinion/a-national-monument-for-owyhee-a-needed-call-to-preserve-history-and-nature-in-the-west/
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Protect Owyhee Canyonlands

19/12/2024

ICYMI: The Owyhee Canyonlands was featured in The Guardian!

In their recent piece highlighting stunning canyons from around the world, they included one of the most beloved landscapes in southeastern Oregon.

The article features breathtaking places like Leslie Gulch, known for its dramatic tuff formations—a result of rhyolite ash from a volcanic eruption over 15.5 million years ago.

The geological and natural values of this landscape rank on a global scale, and the time to is now. Urge Senator Ron Wyden to fulfill his promise and secure protections for these lands by tagging him in the comments below.

Check out the full story in The Guardian: “Gorge-ous: The World’s Grandest Canyons – In Pictures.”

Photo: Mark Darnell

17/12/2024

Last April, Chad Brown from Love Is King led a group of BIPOC artists, activists, and creators on an unforgettable journey through the Owyhee Canyonlands. As they rafted the serene waters and gathered around the campfire, they shared stories and drew inspiration from the rugged beauty surrounding them.

Their journey didn’t end there. Last month, these leaders sat down with Senator Ron Wyden for a powerful roundtable, shining a light on the need for lasting protections for this one-of-a-kind landscape.

Now it’s time for all of us to speak up. Let’s make sure the call for permanent protection is heard loud and clear. Tag Senator Wyden in the comments below and let’s keep the momentum going!



Love is King Sen.Ron Wyden

08/11/2024

Now more than ever before, we need Oregon's leaders to stand up for the Owyhee.

Former Oregon State Rep, Peter DeFazio, did a great job summarizing why the time for action in the Owyhee is now in his recent op-ed for the Oregonian: https://bit.ly/3UImlnZ

You should check out the whole thing but in case you don't have time here's a quick breakdown:

-In 2014, the idea of an Owyhee National Monument gained support, but it didn’t succeed

-Senators Wyden and Merkley saw how much Oregonians cared about the Owyhee and decided to work on protections

-For 5 years, the Senators met with groups who care about the Owyhee—tribes, ranchers, hunters, anglers, environmental and recreation groups

-Then, they introduced a bill to protect 1.1 million acres from development, manage livestock grazing with science, create a citizen committee to manage it, and put 30,000 acres in Trust for the Burns Paiute Tribe

-For this to become law, a similar bill needed to pass in the House of Representatives

-Rep. Cliff Bentz introduced a House bill last Friday. It offers some protections for nearly 1 million acres, but it has BIG problems

-It removes protections from 1.6 million acres of wildlands, changes 50 years of law by blocking the BLM from conserving 3.5 million acres, removes science-based grazing management, and fills the citizen committee with industry reps

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden could create an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument if Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley ask him to. 🇺🇸 This is why we need action now! Please tag them below so they hear us. 🙏

17/10/2024

For some, an outing with no Starbucks for 100 miles, nonexistent cell service, and no trail to follow might sound like a place to avoid at all costs. For others, it might be exactly the adventure you’re looking for 😈

The West Little Owyhee River is an off-the-beaten-path tributary of the Owyhee River, hidden within Louse Canyon, a rugged landscape carved by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. This stretch of the Oregon Desert Trail offers hikers dramatic rock towers and crystal clear water. It is home to redband trout, golden eagles, and other raptors that nest along its steep canyon walls. 🦅

But this place is not for the faint of heart! Those who venture along the West Little Owyhee must be ready for unpredictable weather like sudden storms and extreme temperatures. 🌪️ The terrain here can be rugged, with bone-chilling river crossings and heart-pumping rock scrambles on amidst steep canyon walls. 🧗‍♂️

Most importantly, there is no cell service and it is difficult for emergency services to access. If you are brave enough to take on the conditions on the ground, make sure to carry a satellite communication device and be self-sufficient. Roads can become impassable when wet, and hikers should be cautious of rattlesnakes along the trail. 🚨 This is an adventure for only the most prepared explorers! 🚨

But unfortunately for anyone who hasn't already had the chance to venture out there, this canyon is now facing the looming threat of future energy and mineral development. That's why we're asking for a national monument designation to . By doing so, we can save these unparalleled opportunities for solitude and adventure—not just for ourselves, but for our kids, and their kids. Want to learn more? Head over to https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

📸: Devin Dahlgren & Jim Davis

08/10/2024

"When you have the shot lined up, you better take it." 🏀🎯

The latest piece on the Owyhee from the Willamette Week expertly explains how Oregonians have the biggest conservation opportunity in the West right here in our backyard, and now all we need is for Senator Ron Wyden to be willing to take the shot!

Shoutout to our friends over at Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Oregon Natural Desert Association for speaking up for this incredible landscape and making a strong case for why permanent protections for this place can't wait any longer. to ! Learn more and check out the full article here: https://bit.ly/3NgrCyT


Photo Credit: Leon Werdinger & Mark Darnell

01/10/2024

What does a mountain lion call a pronghorn? Fast food! ⚡🍔

That's because pronghorns are the fastest land mammals in North America, and the second fastest IN THE WORLD—only cheetahs are quicker—reaching speeds of up to 55 mph! 🏃💨

And where do these incredible speedsters roam? Right here in the Owyhee Canyonlands! Protecting this incredible place would ensure that they have hundreds of thousands of acres of sage-brush steppe to roam in and rely on for their survival during the harsh winter months.

So anyways, here's some fun facts to celebrate these amazing ungulates:

1️⃣ Not an Antelope: Despite what many people call them, pronghorns ARE NOT antelopes—they belong to their own unique family, making them one-of-a-kind in North America. 🦌✨

2️⃣ Marathon Runners: Not only are they fast, but pronghorns can sustain high speeds over long distances. Talk about endurance athletes! 💪🏅

3️⃣ Historic Residents: Pronghorns have roamed North America for millions of years, long before the formation of the Rocky Mountains. They’re true survivors! 🌎🕰️

4️⃣ Sharp Eyesight: With eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, pronghorns have a 320-degree field of vision, helping them spot danger from afar. 👀

5️⃣ Migratory Patterns: Some pronghorn herds migrate up to 150 miles between summer and winter ranges. Protecting their migration routes is key!🚶‍♂️

Pronghorns are one of the ultimate symbols of the wild, open spaces of the American West, so let's make sure they have the opportunity to keep thriving in the Owyhee for generations to come. Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley, the time to act is now—help us protect this crucial habitat by designating the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument! 🌍💪

📸: Greg Burke

05/09/2024

In July, leaders from the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe traveled to Washington, DC, alongside members of our coalition from the Oregon Natural Desert Association to advocate for protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands.

These tribal leaders delivered formal resolutions of support for designating an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument to the Biden administration, marking a significant moment in our shared journey to protect this incredible place.

That's because the Owyhee is more than just a landscape to them—it holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance for these tribes, representing a connection to their ancestors and a legacy that must be preserved.

We are profoundly honored to have the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and the Fort McDermitt Paiute Shoshone Tribe join our movement to safeguard the Owyhee for future generations. Their support strengthens our collective voice and underscores the importance of this designation, and we hope that Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley will listen to their call to immediately protect this amazing place.

04/09/2024

Smiles for miles at PCT Days! 😁🚶‍♀️

We had a blast meeting all the incredible folks who came out to show their love for the Owyhee Canyonlands at PCT Days! Your big smiles and bigger hearts remind us why we’re so passionate about turning this wild wonderland into a national monument. 🙌💚

The adventure’s just getting started! Let’s keep this good vibe rolling and protect the Owyhee’s epic landscapes, cool critters, and jaw-dropping views for generations to come. 🌍✨

Ready to make history? Drop a comment below and tag Senator Ron Wyden —because he’s one of the key leaders who can help make the Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument a reality! By showing your support, you’re helping to amplify the message that Oregonians want to see these lands protected.

22/08/2024

🚨 Big news for the Owyhee Canyonlands! 🚨

Oregon's own Governor Tina Kotek just sent a powerful letter to President Joe Biden, Senator Ron Wyden, and Senator Jeff Merkley urging them to permanently protect our beloved Owyhee Canyonlands! 🛡️💚

Governor Kotek highlights the incredible collaboration of tribes, conservationists, ranchers, and business owners all united in protecting this national treasure. If Congress can't get it done, she’s calling on President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to make it happen. ✊

You can check out the full letter here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hCUdpJbJKGpbQySUym2x39EUJMZV2hh-/view?usp=sharing

13/08/2024

The Lower Owyhee Canyonlands is a treasure trove of geological wonders and recreational delights. Like, who wouldn't want to raft through 48 miles of pristine river, navigating Class II, III, and IV rapids, and getting to stop and soak in natural hot springs like Ryegrass and Greely Bar? 🚣‍♂️💦 Count us in! 🙋‍♀️

If you are not into float trips, fear not, because there are still incredible sights to be seen in the area that can be accessed on foot via a 5-mile loop. Chalk Basin, with its colorful layers resembling a prehistoric cake, was formed 16 million years ago when hot lava flowed over moist lake beds, baking the clay into natural brick layers. These stunning formations are not just beautiful but are key to understanding our planet’s past. 🌋🔍

⚠️WARNING⚠️

The road to chalk basin trailhead requires a high clearance, 4x4 vehicle, and is impassable if wet. The region is incredibly remote and 🥵 HOT TEMPERATURES 🥵 make this trail inaccesible during most of the summer. Please recreate responsibly, plan ahead and prepare before heading out into the❗️MOST remote and rugged terrain❗️in the Lower 48.

We want to ensure future generations get to share these awe-inspiring experiences in the Owyhees by designating an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument. Monument status would permanently protect access to these recreational sites from threats like mining and industrial development. Learn more here: www.protecttheowyhee.org

📸: John Aylward & Greg Burke

08/08/2024

Even though 73% of Oregonians would like to see the Owyhee Canyonlands permanently protected, political gridlock continues to stall action for the 1.1 million acres of public lands right here in our backyard.

This recent editorial from The Bulletin does a great job of summarizing the ongoing struggle to protect this incredible area. Despite efforts from Senators Wyden and Merkley to pass a comprehensive bill, opposition and delays persist. Read more here: bit.ly/4dsvVCg

📣 It's time for our leaders to take decisive action. Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Jeff Merkley, we are urging you to call upon President Joe Biden to designate an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument.

📸: Priscilla Macy-Cruser

07/08/2024

Have you ever seen a crane dance? 💃❓

Sandhill cranes grace the Owyhee Canyonlands during their spring and fall migrations, using its wetlands and riparian zones as crucial stopover sites. 🦅💦 These magnificent birds, with their striking red crowns and graceful courtship dances, are not only a sight to behold but also vital indicators of ecosystem health. 🌍🔍

They depend on healthy wetlands and riparian areas for foraging and nesting, requiring a mix of open water, marshy areas, and grasslands free from pollution and human disturbance. So, the cranes' nesting success and population stability reflect the overall health of the wetland environment, making them excellent bioindicators for conservation efforts. 🐦🌿

By designating the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument, we can protect these essential habitats from the threats of development and climate change. Ensuring safe stopover points for Sandhill cranes will help maintain their population and preserve the incredible biodiversity of the region. 🛡️💚

📸: Cregg Large

30/07/2024

🏕️ There's magic in camping with friends in the Owyhee Canyonlands, cooking meals over the fire, and sharing stories beneath a sky full of stars! ✨🌙

Every Oregonian deserves to have this incredible experience, and that's why we're trying to for future generations with a national monument designation. Let's make sure everyone can enjoy the beauty, peace, and camaraderie that comes with venturing into the Owyhee with loved ones. 🎒💚

What's your favorite camping memory in the Owyhee? Share with us in the comments below! 📢

📸: Go Wild: American Adventures

08/07/2024

Now that's a view to die for 👀🏞️💀

JUST KIDDING! No danger is necessary for this view ⚠️🚫 it's easily accessible via a short hike. 🚶‍♂️👟

Here at the Owyhee Canyon Overlook, you have a birds eye view of the Owyhee River Canyon Wilderness Study Area, showcasing 126 miles of serpentine canyons that plunge between 500 and 1,000 feet deep.🦅🌊

This dramatic landscape has been shaped by millions of years of erosion, carving deep canyons into the volcanic basalt, creating a stunning panorama that highlights the unique geological makeup of the Owyhee Canyonlands. 🌋🔍

So, whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a picturesque spot to unwind, this overlook provides a breathtaking perspective on one of Oregon's most remote and majestic environments. Grab your camera, because every angle is a snapshot waiting to happen! 📸

We are on a mission to permanently , so these incredible views are still visible for many generations to come. If you wanna learn more head over to: protecttheowyhee.org

Photo credit: Greg Shine (BLM)

04/07/2024

Who needs fireworks when you have the Owyhee's stunning night skies? 🌌✨ This 4th of July, let's celebrate nature's beauty by advocating for national monument status to protect these incredible views for generations.

Did you know that 80% of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution? 🌠 The Owyhee Canyonlands boast some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a perfect spot for stargazing.

Help us preserve this natural wonder by sharing this post to let your friends know that you're among the 73% of Oregonians that support the designation of an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument! 🌍💪

📸 Photo Credit to AJ Carter & Gary Calicott 👏

28/06/2024

Why just bask in the sun when you can Basque in history? 🌞🕰️

Get yourself a lil' slice of España 🇪🇸 right here in Oregon! At Birch Creek Historic Ranch, you can step back in time ⏳ to the early 1900s, where a Basque sheepherder 🐑 and a West Virginia cattle rancher 🐄 put their roots down deep. They built a whole complex now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 19 historic buildings, a water wheel, and those iconic Basque-style stone walls.

Just a stone's throw from the ranch, Birch Creek Canyon is nestled in a dramatic landscape of cream and chocolate-colored hills and towering red cliffs. The canyon awaits with its lush greenery and diverse wildlife—including bighorn sheep! 🐏 Whether you're into hiking, birdwatching, or just soaking in the scenic views, there’s something here for everyone. It's the perf spot for those looking to soak up nature and history all in one go.

Plan your visit between May and October for the best access, and check out the link in our bio to see how you can help protect Birch Creek for future generations! 🌍💖 You can help us make a difference—let know we need to preserve our history!

📸: Larry Moore

22/05/2024

🌟 We love seeing happy faces out exploring the Owyhee!🌟

Back in April, Love is King organized a five-day river float trip in the Owyhee Canyonlands, showcasing the stunning landscapes and helping build a more diverse outdoor recreation community. 🚣‍♂️🌿

Love is King champions the joy of inclusive outdoor experiences, making nature accessible and welcoming for everyone, particularly those from marginalized communities. Their mission enhances conservation efforts with a focus on diversity and inclusion. 🤝💚

We were honored to have them bring some folks out here to explore the Owyhee! We wholeheartedly agree that EVERYONE deserves a chance to experience just how awesome this place is.

That's exactly why we're all about protecting it—for countless future generations to discover this stunning corner of our state and bond with the natural world. 🌎💚