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.
Serving as your voice in planning processes
Jim Davis Website
listen
Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape
Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape
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.”
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.”
Public lands belong to all Americans, and our land managers must consider all of the feedback they receive during public comment periods. As public land supporters and conservationists, it is our responsibility to make sure that the conservation perspective is heard and considered.
Representing you, and keeping you engaged in the process
Guided by our extensive on-the-ground knowledge, ONDA provides agencies with our expert input. We also alert our members and key stakeholders when opportunities for individuals to weigh in on agency plans arise.
Watch our action alerts for opportunities to submit comments, write letters, and get involved in shaping the public lands management in southeastern Oregon.
The plans these agencies develop influence their decision-making over the course of 10 to 20 years, or more, so it’s critical that each one of us actively participates in the process.
Here’s a closer look at two agency planning processes happening in Oregon’s desert landscapes:
Resource Management Plans
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) uses Resource Management Plans (RMPs) to provide the framework for what uses can take place within the lands they manage.
RMPs provide a broad overview, directing how public lands will be managed over decades. These plans do not dictate specific decisions, such as where trails will be or where fences are needed, but, instead, put forth general usage guidelines.
The BLM is currently amending its RMPs in the Greater Hart-Sheldon Region in the Lakeview District.
This RMP amendment addresses key issues regarding lands with wilderness characteristics, off-road vehicle use and livestock grazing.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) creates Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) to guide how they manage National Wildlife Refuge system lands.
For each CCP process, various alternatives for how these lands could be managed are proposed and, ultimately, one alternative is selected as the plan to achieve the desired future conditions of a refuge.
For the Hart Mountain CCP, one alternative that should be evaluated—and the one which ONDA supports—is a refuge expansion alternative. This alternative would protect an important migratory path for wildlife and increase connectivity by establishing a USFWS-managed connection between Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in northern Nevada.
