BACKGROUND:  ONDA has worked to help protect the Owyhee river system for over a decade. Our efforts include two successful lawsuits:  In 1998 ONDA won the Owyhee Wild and Scenic  River Act lawsuit, removing cows from the river corridor. In 2007, ONDA's injunction successfully halted BLM's construction of broad-scale range projects in areas with wilderness values in the Louse Canyon area.  ONDA staff and volunteers have inventoried over 2 million acres for wilderness values in the Owyhee watershed, contributing towards a future Wilderness bill.  ONDA is also working on a National Conservation Area proposal for the Owyhee.

Another spectacular day on the Owyhee...  2008 ONDA float trip.  Photo by Leon Werdinger.

TRIP BACKGROUND:
This is just hand's down a spectacular trip on one of America's wildest rivers.  This is a river which few have had the opportunity to experience, but no one will forget.  Join ONDA and enjoy 5 days of rafting through the inspiring rock formations, engaging in service projects to help protect and restore the area, with enough time left over for side hikes to ancient petroglyphs and hot springs.

Experienced ONDA staff (Executive Director Brent Fenty, Owyhee Wilderness Coordinator Chris Hanson and Outreach Coordinator Jefferson Jacobs) will row our rafts, providing explanations of geology, natural history and the conservation plans (present and future) for the area. 

We will also be teaming up with BLM staff on some restoration and monitoring projects within the river corridor. Depending on water levels there will be frequent opportunities for guided hikes and independent exploration as well as time to sit and just relax.

Additional details such as gear lists, will be provided after registration.

TIMELINE:
Plan to arrive in or near Rome the night of May 4th .  We will meet to load boats and get on the river at the Rome landing on May 5th, at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time).  May 5th-9th will be spent on the river, moving each day and working on projects and hiking etc. as time and weather allow.  We will reach the take-out at Birch Creek mid morning on the 9th.  It will take until late afternoon to unload gear, and shuttle folks back to Rome. 

REGISTRATION:
A FULL ITINERARY, DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS AND "WHAT TO BRING", WILL BE PROVIDED UPON REGISTRATION.  To aid in our planning, on your registration form "comments" please indicate: Your general hiking ability (high, medium, low) and if you have participated on this trip previously. Please note costs and payment options below.