Defending wildlands and habitat

Jeremy Austin

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s strategic and effective enforcement of environmental laws has played a critical role in safeguarding Oregon’s desert public lands. We hold federal land management agencies accountable, ensuring that Oregon’s arid lands and waterways receive the protection they deserve.

voices

Ursula K. Le Guin on ONDA

Ursula K. Le Guin on ONDA

“Nothing in conservation work is ever uncomplicated! But I’m proud of ONDA for working on that conversation, being neighborly, trying to include the human landscape in the natural one as truly part of what is to be honored, protected, and saved.”

Ursula K. Le Guin, from the short essay Concerning a Wilderness

voices

Scott Bowler, ONDA member from Portland

Scott Bowler, ONDA member from Portland

“The desert speaks for itself, but very softly. I support ONDA to promote and enable discovery of the amazing beauty and recreational opportunities of the high desert by much broader groups of people; and most especially to protect forever the full and diverse landscape of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a place without parallel or equal in our country.”

fact

Far from Big Macs

Far from Big Macs

There is a point in the Owyhee region, in northwestern Nevada, that is, at 115 miles away, as far away as you can get from a McDonalds in the U.S.

Source: http://www.datapointed.net/2010/09/distance-to-nearest-mcdonalds-sept-2010

Enforcing conservation laws on your behalf

As the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 clearly states:

“The Congress recognizes that each person should enjoy a healthful environment and that each person has a responsibility to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the environment.”

Since 2001, we have won or successfully settled more than 85 percent of our federal actions, protecting millions of acres of public land throughout Oregon as a result. 

Visit our Accomplishments page to learn more about ONDA’s significant legal achievements over the years.

Protecting imperiled species and irreplaceable wilderness areas

More than 350 species of plants and animals inhabit Oregon’s high desert, many more than most people realize.

Unfortunately, some of the wildlife native to this region is facing serious threats to survival due to habitat loss caused by a variety of factors, including poorly managed livestock grazing, invasive species, wildfire, and inappropriately sited energy development.

ONDA protects critical habitat, wildlife corridors, and ecosystems to give all species the best chance for survival. We operate under the principle that it does no good to protect a species if that species has nowhere safe to live, and we advocate for the highest level of protection possible for wild lands and waters.

Planning for responsible renewable energy development

ONDA supports responsible renewable energy that is planned smart from the start.

For Oregon, this means guiding projects to low-conflict zones–areas with high potential solar, wind, or geothermal resources that do not contain critical wildlife habitat, wilderness-quality lands, or sensitive cultural resources. We encourage policymakers to advance renewable energy policies that incentivize smart and responsible development.

“Renewable Energy in Oregon” report

Our report provides an overview of the policies, technologies, and issues related to Oregon’s ever-growing energy resource. It contains savvy insights, recommendations for a more efficient and responsible energy future, and useful information on siting, technologies, opportunities, and challenges.

Download the Report

Steens Wind

While ONDA supports renewable energy, we believe some places are not appropriate for any kind of large-scale development. We opposed the “Steens Wind” project associated with the North Steens Transmission Line proposed by Columbia Energy Developers due to its negative impacts on a congressionally protected area which is home to high priority Greater sage-grouse habitat and part of an important area for raptors.

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