Protecting Public Lands,
Waters, and Wildlife

Jim Davis   Website

Oregon Natural Desert Association’s conservation program protects the most spectacular places in Oregon’s high desert, including such treasured spots as Steens Mountain, the John Day River Basin and the Owyhee Canyonlands. We support the fish and wildlife found within these wild areas, and we guide people in finding new ways to experience this rich natural legacy.
The incredible, diverse scenery and ample recreation found in Oregon’s high desert enhances the high quality of life for Oregonians, who truly love to be outside. Our public lands also provide important economic benefits for communities across Oregon, and so much more.

fact

Young Desert Horned Lizard

Young Desert Horned Lizard

In the summer these lizards begin foraging for food as soon as their body temperature rises as the heat of the day increases. They feed on slow-moving, ground-dwelling insects. In the fall they hibernate by burying themselves in the sand.

Latin name: Phrysonoma platyrhinos

voices

Jane Heisler, Sage Sustainers Member

Jane Heisler, Sage Sustainers Member

I love to travel and I love the desert! Supporting ONDA monthly allows me to hit the road without forgetting Oregon’s high desert—even when I’m not there.

watch

Time Lapse: a night at Canyon Camp in six seconds

Time Lapse: a night at Canyon Camp in six seconds

Bruce Couch   Website

Advancing conservation priorities

Oregonians love our land, and there is a lot to love. Millions of acres of public land across Oregon’s high desert enhance our lives every day. And, these lands aren’t […]

Read More

Jeremy Austin

Defending wildlands and habitat

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 […]

Read More

Sage Brown   Website

Securing protective designations

Oregon Natural Desert Association is the only group dedicated exclusively to securing the highest level of protection for wild lands and waters in Oregon’s high desert.  Wild lands can be […]

Read More

Jim Davis   Website

Serving as your voice
in planning processes

Oregon Natural Desert Association represents the interests of our members and supporters to land management agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and […]

Read More

Oregon’s public lands are a resource shared by all Americans. Public lands provide for vital human needs for clean air and clean water and offer people places for contemplation and exploration. ONDA is committed to ensuring that the public lands in Oregon’s high desert remain in public hands and are thoughtfully utilized, so that people benefit from and enjoy these treasured places, now and always.

Lea nuestra guía de Tierras Públicas en Oregon | Read our guide to Public lands in Oregon (Spanish version)

 

A threatened resource

Despite providing tremendous biological, economic, cultural, and spiritual value, public lands often come under threat. ONDA counters any action that would diminish cherished places in Oregon’s high desert. Our community takes proactive steps to safeguard our public lands, because once public land is given away, sold, or developed in an unsustainable way, it’s gone forever. Together with our community of supporters, ONDA protects Oregon’s high desert public lands by advocating for strong protection of wild lands and waters, enforcing conservation laws, and amplifying your voice in planning for the future of public lands.

Membership Benefits

Conserve high desert lands, waterways and wildlife by becoming an Oregon Natural Desert Association member.  

Read More

Take Action

Speak up for Oregon’s high desert. Every one of us must be an advocate for the lands and wildlife we love or risk losing them forever.  

Read More