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 Oregon Badlands, the John Day River 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.

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  

voices

Cregg Large, member since 2009

Cregg Large, member since 2009

“I came to Oregon 12 years ago from Texas. Texas, for all its size, has very little public land. Coming to Oregon has made me realize the special gift we as Americans have in our public lands. Volunteering with an organization like ONDA is my way of reciprocating for this gift. Through restoration efforts, I feel we are helping leave a better place than we found it. Through advocating for protection for public lands, we safeguard migration routes for animals and keep the land where it belongs: with the public.”

watch

Oregon Desert Trail Map

Oregon Desert Trail Map

Oregonians love to be outside. The incredible, diverse scenery and ample recreation found in Oregon’s high desert enhance our high quality of life. Our public lands also provide important economic benefits for communities across Oregon, and so much more.

 

 

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 just ours. Public lands in Oregon are a natural legacy shared by all Americans. Without active caretaking, we stand to lose places we cherish,...

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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 that Oregon’s arid lands and waterways receive the protection they deserve.

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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 protected from harmful development and other impacts when they are designated as National Parks, National Monuments, or wilderness areas. Wild rivers can be designated...

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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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, when decisions are being made about how to manage public lands.

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Oregon’s public lands are a resource shared by all Americans. In our public lands, we meet vital human needs for clean air and clean water and find places for contemplation and exploration. ONDA is committed to ensuring that the American 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 the tremendous biological, economic, cultural, and spiritual value they provide, our public lands, waterways and wildlife often come under threat. ONDA counters any action that would diminish cherished places in Oregon’s high desert. And, 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.  

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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. Take action today to help protect Oregon’s high desert for the future!

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