Desert Rivers

Sean Bagshaw   Website

In Oregon’s high desert, water is life. Rivers, streams, creeks and lakes are critical to everything Oregonians value about desert public lands, from fish and wildlife to recreation and clean drinking water.

Oregon Natural Desert Association works to protect the most important free-flowing waterways in Oregon’s high desert as Wild and Scenic Rivers. This designation ensures that wild rivers are protected from dams and development that might harm values such as fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, or ecological diversity.

Wade into these resources to learn how you can protect Wild and Scenic Rivers:

voices

Reid Williams, 2021 Conservationist of the Year

Reid Williams, 2021 Conservationist of the Year

How far are you willing to hike for conservation? Reid Williams offered to put in more than 20 miles a day, by himself, walking and monitoring fence lines on Beatys Butte. And that was on top of weekly visits to the ONDA office, where he is always eager to help with extra projects. In acknowledgment of his willingness and helpful spirit, ONDA named him our 2021 Conservationist of the Year.

fact

Swallowtail

Swallowtail

The Oregon Swallowtail butterfly is the official state insect of Oregon and a true native of the Pacific Northwest. The Swallowtail can be seen in the lower sagebrush canyons of the Columbia River and its tributaries, including the Snake River drainage area.  Source: State Symbols USA

Latin name: Papilio oregonius

voices

Sarah Graham, Sage Sustainers Member

Sarah Graham, Sage Sustainers Member

“I contribute to ONDA monthly because it adds up to a larger annual gift than what I’d be able to comfortably afford if I were to do a simple one-time donation annually. I’m able to give more to ONDA this way and have greater impact which is important to me, and my dog Polly.”

Wild and Unprotected

Dive deeper into wild and unprotected rivers across Oregon's high desert.

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Take Action

Speak up for wild desert rivers eligible for new conservation protection.

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