Protect Owyhee Canyonlands

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. 🌎💚

17/05/2024

The Owyhee is calling - Can you hear? 🔔📞

Join us for a special evening filled with vivid stories and insights from the Owyhee Canyonlands' top explorers and advocates. 🗣️ You'll be able to experience the vast expanse of the Owyhee Canyonlands without ever having to leave Eugene!

🗓️ When: Wednesday, May 22 from 6:00 - 8:00pm
📍 Where: WildCraft Cider Works in Eugene
💰 Cost: FREE but pls RSVP

Trust us, you won't want to miss out on this unique 3D art experience 🎨 hosted by the coalition working to permanently with a national monument designation! 🛡️🌳 It's an evening packed with engaging conversations, free prizes, and a chance to mingle over complimentary food and drinks—all while supporting Oregon's beautiful public lands.

RSVP here: bit.ly/3ymUQbb

03/05/2024

🌍✨ Just a few days before Earth Day, we linked up with our friends over at & at the Earth Day Fair in Bend!

🌲🗨️ We spent the day together, chatting with other eco-minded Oregonians about how cool it would be to have the greatest conservation opportunity in the West right here in our backyard... BUT HOLD UP, we already do with our proposal for an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument! That’s why we were also collecting signatures for our petition, which over 45,000 people have already signed so far!

🤝💚 We’re truly grateful to have as coalition partners in our mission to protect one of the most rugged and remote areas in the lower 48 — a real hidden gem of Oregon that deserves permanent protection. If you agree, tap the 🔗 in our bio and add your signature to the petition!

08/04/2024

Hi internet! Meet Leslie Gulch:

In 1882, a cattle rancher named Hiram E. Leslie was working in what was then called Dugout Gulch when he was struck by lightning, earning the area a new name: Leslie Gulch. 🌩️🐄

This remote part of Southeast Oregon is full of colorful honeycombed rock formations and steep towers made of Leslie Gulch Tuff, a type of volcanic ash. Does anyone else think this kinda looks like Southern Utah, but dipped in fudge?! 🏜️🍫

Bighorn sheep live amidst these striking rock formations, in addition to elk, mule deer, and bobcats. 🐏🦌🐆 Five exceptionally rare plant species are found here as well: Ertter’s groundsel, grimy ivesia, Owyhee clover, Packard’s blazing star and sterile milkvetch. 🌿🌺🍃

By preserving areas like Leslie Gulch, we ensure the survival of rare species and save these stunning sights for future generations! Help us by heading over to our website to sign the petition today: https://t.co/QzeM0lWsYh

🚧🚫IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you are planning to visit the Owyhee anytime in the near future please be aware that road conditions in the Owyhee are currently not suitable for traveling due to mud and snow. If you would like to get real time updates on travel conditions or tips on how to best venture out into the Owyhee, please check out our friends over at Friends of the Owyhee!

📸: Jim Oleachea

02/04/2024

Did you know that 80% of Oregonians agree that the Owyhee Canyonlands deserve to be permanently protected? Yet, astonishingly, only 5% of this vast expanse of ecological wonders is currently safeguarded. 🦅

That's where we come in. ✊

We are working to create a monumental movement to , and we want your help! 🤝

Sign the petition today to join the more than 20,000 voices 📣 that have urged elected officials to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands a national monument. Together we can make a difference: bit.ly/protectowyheenow 🌎💚

26/03/2024

🌞🏕️ There's absolutely no better feeling than waking up cozy in your sleeping bag, unzipping your tent, and watching the sunrise over the Owyhee Canyonlands!

We're committed to ensuring our kids and grandkids get to enjoy these same precious experiences, and that's why we're on a mission to 🌱

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

📸: John Aylward

14/03/2024

🎉 In honor of the International Day of Action for Rivers, let's celebrate the stunning Owyhee River! 🌊 Here are just a few of our favorite things about the Owyhee River:

Wild & Scenic since 1984 🏞️
SO. MUCH. BIODIVERSITY! 🦅
Class II-IV boating 🛶
Darkest skies in OR 🌌
Volcanic rocks galore! 🌋

Our outfitter friends have a unique grasp of just how special this place truly is. That's why ROW Adventures, Momentum River Expeditions - Northern California & Oregon Rafting, Orange Torpedo Trips, & Ouzel Outfitters are joining us in our call to and you can help too! Sign the petition today: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

11/03/2024

We 💚 seeing all these happy faces standing up for the Owyhee!

Our coalition partners at Environment Oregon have been canvassing neighborhoods, informing Oregonians about why we need to for future generations.

Next week, they will be hosting a celebration of the Owyhee Canyonlands with local expert stories, a unique 3D art installation, action opportunities, and an outdoor gear giveaway. We would love to see you there!

🗓️ Date: March 19, 2024 | 🕑 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center in Portland
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: Open to anyone and everyone interested in protecting our natural landscapes!
💰 Cost: FREE! Light refreshments will be served.

Check out the details and RSVP here: https://environmentamerica.org/oregon/center/events/explore-the-owyhee-canyonlands/

08/03/2024

🎉 Our petition to has officially surpassed 20,000 signatures! WOOHOO! 🙌

Can you imagine you and 20k of your closest conservation allies all speaking up for the Owyhee? That's enough people to:

Fill Madison Square Garden (and then some!) 🏟️
Make a human chain that's 30 kilometers long 🤝
Fill two of the world's largest cruise ships! 🚢🚢
Sing happy birthday loud enough you could hear it from the moon! 🌕🎶

Okay, so maybe we made up the last one, but you get the point. We are so excited to have so many people join our mission to secure permanent protections for Oregon's most wild and rugged public lands. And don't worry if you haven't signed just yet, there's still time to head over to our website and lend your voice to the Owyhee: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

05/03/2024

🌿✨ Big news! Thanks to the dedicated efforts of countless environmental advocates, over 400,000 acres in Eastern Oregon (including parts of the Owyhee Canyonlands❗) have gained enhanced environmental protection. This is HUGE! We are grateful to President Joe Biden's administration & the Bureau of Land Management for making history by elevating the wilderness values of more unprotected public lands than ever before. 🤯

This historic move, resulting from a new Bureau of Land Management plan, includes these key areas of the Owyhee Canyonlands:

💥Jordan Craters
🌊 Three Forks
🐑 Leslie Gulch

Now it's time to protect the other critical areas of the Owyhee, permanently, through the designation of an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument. 🏞️💪

📸: C. Hansen

01/03/2024

Check out the latest Bend Bulletin Guest Column underscoring the critical need to safeguard Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands. 🌿📣

Designating the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument is crucial to preserving this irreplaceable natural wonder for future generations. In her compelling column, Mary Fleischmann, the leader of the Central and Eastern Oregon Bitterbrush chapter of the Great Old Broads for Wilderness, eloquently details the decades-long effort towards securing permanent protection for the Owyhee. She emphasizes the immediate action needed from Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and President Biden to ensure its preservation.

We agree, Mary. We need to for all Oregonians to treasure and enjoy for many generations to come. The time to act is now!

You can read the whole column here ⬇

This coming Presidents Day, as I reflect on all of those who have held our land’s highest office, I am inspired by the legacy of conservation set by so many,

20/02/2024

🌿 In December, Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a Senate Resolution for a national biodiversity strategy. This is fantastic news!

We know that any plan to preserve biodiversity in the great state of Oregon will require permanently protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands. This region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 200 unique wildlife species, and it's also one of the largest intact sagebrush steppe habitats left in the American West. 🦌

We applaud your remarkable leadership in conservation, Senator Merkley, and we hope that you will listen to the growing chorus of voices calling for the creation of an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument. 📸: Rusty Clemons

14/02/2024

Did you know that Valentine's Day is also Oregon's birthday? Happy Birthday, Oregon! 🌲🥳🎂

As we celebrate our beautiful state's founding, let's also commit to its future. The Owyhee Canyonlands, a treasure millions of years in the making, is the heart of Oregon's natural heritage. On this special day, let's renew our efforts to protect this irreplaceable wonder, ensuring Oregon remains a leader in conservation.

Pledge your love for the Owyhee today by signing the petition on our website: www.protecttheowyhee.org

Together, we can preserve the majesty of the Owyhee for generations to come. ❤️🌄🌿

11/02/2024

Don't have a valentine yet? 💔 Don't worry, we got you! ❤️ Just follow these simple steps and you'll find your one true love in no time 😍

Step 1: Share these valentines to your story and tag your crush 😘
Step 2: Head over to www.ProtecttheOwyhee.org and sign the petition to 🌍
Step 3: ??? 🤫
Step 4: Live happily ever after ✨

Trust us, it's a fool proof process.

01/02/2024

We are so honored to have been featured by Center for Western Priorities in their Road to 30: Postcards campaign! 🌟

The Owyhee is a really special place, and now you have the opportunity to experience its rugged canyons and abundant ecological resources from the comfort of your own home. 🏞️💚

Dive into the reasons why the Owyhee holds a special place in the hearts of so many and join the movement to today: www.protecttheowyhee.org 🖊️👏

28/01/2024

In a world where less than 1/3 of humanity can still see the Milky Way, the dark skies of the Owyhee Canyonlands are a celestial treasure we must protect 🌠 Here, against the backdrop of an expansive landscape and striking geologic formations, stargazers are treated to a spectacle that rivals most places on Earth 🌏✨

The primary obstacle to stargazing is light pollution. Ensuring the Owyhee Canyonlands remain undisturbed by development is crucial for keeping the skies dark. Permanent protections are essential to maintain this natural wonder, preventing future light pollution and preserving the area's night sky for generations to come. 🌌🛡️

It's up to us to preserve this humbling experience for future generations. Use your voice to here: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

📸: AJ Carter

22/01/2024

Never a dull day on the Owyhee! 🚣‍♂️🐍 These rafters became unexpected heroes when they spotted this gopher snake struggling in the river. Quick to act, they gently scooped up our slithery friend and brought it safely to shore. It's all in a day's work here, ensuring every creature, big or small, can continue on its path, and just another reason to love and protect the iconic Owyhee Canyonlands.

Share your wildlife stories from the Owyhee Canyonlands in the comments below! Bonus points if you have pics 😉

📸: John Aylward

16/01/2024

Did you know the Owyhee is home to 14 species of bats? 🦇 The first lil guy pictured here is a Long Eared Myotis, the second is a Brown Bat, and both of them were photographed here in the Owyhee!

This incredible biodiversity highlights the urgent need to protect this unique habitat. Let's safeguard the Owyhee for these fascinating creatures and future generations. Join us in making a difference – sign the petition to today: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

📸: Allyson Yates

14/01/2024

🌲✨ 'Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.' 🌟 In the Owyhee Canyonlands, virtually all the roads are less traveled, weaving through some of the most rugged and remote terrain in the lower 48. 🏞️ This hidden gem is a precious resource that deserves permanent protection.

🛡️ Join us in urging President Biden to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a National Monument. 🗳️ Preserve this special place for posterity—head to our website and sign the petition today: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

11/01/2024

🌿✨ Why sign the petition to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands? It's not just about preserving this stunning place; it's about safeguarding one of the largest remaining expanses of high-quality sagebrush steppe habitat in the West. 🏞️ This ecosystem plays a crucial role in preserving the headwaters of many of our nation's greatest rivers, like the Columbia.

But here's the urgency – sagebrush habitats, including the Owyhee Canyonlands, are among the most imperiled ecosystems in North America. Climate change and invasive species like cheatgrass pose a real threat, with nearly 60% of all sagebrush habitats at risk. 🌍💔 Help us protect this invaluable habitat, ensuring it continues providing essential ecosystem services. Sign the petition today: https://www.protecttheowyhee.org 🖊️💙

08/01/2024

🎉 Big News! 🎉 The Owyhee Canyonlands has been spotlighted as a top trip of 2023 by Here Is Oregon! 🌲 This honor showcases the awe-inspiring scenery and thrilling journeys awaiting in our treasured Owyhee.

We're overjoyed to see the magnificent Owyhee featured! ⛰️ Discover more through the eyes of legendary OR travel writer Jamie Hale in the Here Is Oregon on article, 'Our Oregon travel reporters’ favorite trips of 2023'

We want to hear about your own magical experiences in the Owyhee Canyonlands in the comments. ✍️ Let's spread the word about this hidden gem and put it on our 2024 bucket lists! 🌟

05/01/2024

Winter unveils its magic in the Owyhee Canyonlands! ❄️ Despite its arid reputation, the Owyhee occasionally dons a snowy blanket during the colder months, transforming this vast expanse into a serene winter wonderland ☃️ This rare winter precipitation not only sets the stage for the next season's whitewater adventures on the Owyhee River, but it also paints the sky with the dazzling alpen glow you can see pictured here!

We believe this place is truly special, and we're on a mission to protect it for generations to come. Join us in making a difference! Sign the petition calling for an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument at the link below. 🖊️💙

https://www.protecttheowyhee.org/

📸: Tyson Fisher