The Owyhee Canyonlands boasts millions of acres of deep, rugged canyons, rolling sagebrush grasslands, and rushing rivers, all of which support a rich diversity of species, contain cultural resources significant for many communities, and offer exceptional recreational opportunities. The Owyhee Canyonlands are under threat of development and resource extraction, including mining, energy, potential oil and gas development, and a growing problem of unmanaged recreation. The impacts from climate change add to the urgency of the need to protect the irreplaceable ecological, recreational, and cultural resources on this landscape.

Our US Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have been champions for the Owyhee and its timeless majesty. In June 2023, Sen. Wyden re-introduced a bill to permanently protect the Owyhee Canyonlands with Sen. Merkley as co-sponsor. By adding my name below, I urge Oregon leaders to work together to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands either through their legislation or by establishing an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument before the end of 2024.