Opt Outside,
Act for Desert Rivers

Gena Goodman-Campbell

Escape the Black Friday crowds and #OptOutside to a wild river near you! Sen. Ron Wyden is asking Oregonians to help him develop legislation to protect Oregon’s most special rivers, and he wants to hear from YOU. The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to take your family and friends on a hike like Alder Springs along Lower Whychus Creek, then “opt to act”– nominate the desert river you visited for Wild and Scenic River status.

voices

Elisa Cheng, member since 2013

Elisa Cheng, member since 2013

“ONDA stewardship trips inspire me. I get to learn new things and see new places, and in the process perform important work that improves the wildlife habitat.”

voices

Taylor Goforth, Sage Sustainers member

Taylor Goforth, Sage Sustainers member

“I support ONDA on a monthly basis as a way I can keep in touch with the root of my conservation ethic and allow for their strong advocacy work to keep going. I count on them!”

voices

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

Mary McCord, ONDA Volunteer

“I find enjoyment in the peaceful wide open spaces, geology, and rich history of Oregon’s high desert,” says Mary. Reflecting on volunteering, she continues, “If you have the ability and desire, it’s important to do something to contribute. It doesn’t have to be big, because every little bit helps.”

1.) Visit a Wild River

Greg Burke   Website

Alder Springs

Located on Lower Whychus Creek, Alder Springs is an oasis in the high desert. The trail starts at the top of the Whychus Creek Canyon, where you’ll enjoy wide open […]

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Pike Creek

An old mining track leads 1.4 miles up the canyon through a rugged rock narrows with wildflowers and views of the desert playa below. Two creek crossings can be difficult […]

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Greg Burke   Website

Guano Creek

Guano Creek is designated as a Wilderness Study Area and Area of Critical Environmental Concern. No trails exist but you can hike across the open country adjacent to Guano Creek. […]

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2.) Nominate That River for Protection

While the sounds of wild water are still fresh in your mind, take a moment to write a nomination email to Sen. Wyden and tell him why you think the river or creek you visited should be designated a Wild and Scenic River!

Need some tips on how to get started? Check out our blog post on how to nominate a new Wild and Scenic River.

How to nominate a river
for Wild and Scenic protection

Oregon can already claim to be the state with the most Wild and Scenic Rivers, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has a not-so-secret goal to make Oregon the state with […]

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Wild Rivers

Explore the map below to find out which rivers in Oregon’s high desert are protected as Wild and Scenic, and which important waterways still need protection. This map may take […]

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