Renewable Energy Siting in Oregon

Collaborative effort produces new guidance on renewable energy development in Oregon.

Oregon Natural Desert Association is pleased to join partners in offering new guidance on the resources and values that should be considered in siting solar and wind energy facilities in the state. Achieving Oregon’s clean energy goals may require expansive new development, including in Oregon’s iconic high desert. “Siting Renewable Energy in Oregon: Voluntary Guidelines Developed with Outreach and Engagement” recommends ways that developers and permitting jurisdictions can involve stakeholders in project decision-making, avoid and minimize impacts to conservation, cultural, historical and recreational values, and ensure development benefits local communities. 

Read the collaborative coalition’s press release about the guidance:

 

Download Press Release

 

fact

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

What defines Oregon’s high desert?

Bounded by the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the north, Oregon’s high desert covers approximately 24,000 square miles. Annual rainfall in the high desert varies from 5 to 14 inches. The average elevation is 4,000 feet; at 9,733 feet, the summit of Steens Mountain is the highest point in Oregon’s high desert. The terrain of the high desert was mostly formed by a series of lava flows that occurred between 30 and 10 million years ago.

Sources: The Oregon Encyclopedia; Wikipedia  

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

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

Terry Butler, 2018 Volunteer of the Year

“If I have to pick a favorite place in Oregon’s high desert, it would be Sutton Mountain, but I’m excited about all of the Wilderness Study Areas,” says Terry, adding, “Each is a gem to explore, and I hope they all get protection someday… I love the scale of the physical beauty of the desert.”

A Brief History of Public Lands

Native lands first America’s public lands, including those in present-day eastern Oregon, are filled with signs of the Indigenous people who inhabited those areas since time immemorial. Rock art, artifacts […]

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Publications

ONDA provides interested community members with inspiration to get out and enjoy the desert, and the information and tools necessary to understand what is happening to their public lands.

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