Hundreds of Oregon groups support the River Democracy Act

Bryan Andresen

Author: Joanna Zhang  |  Published: July 20, 2022  |  Category: In the news

On February 3, 2021, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley introduced the River Democracy Act to add 4,700 miles of Oregon’s rivers, streams, creeks and even lakes to the National Wild and Scenic River System.

This grassroots legislation is the largest Wild and Scenic Rivers proposal in our nation’s history, and it came about thanks to thousands of Oregonians across the state — including a strong showing of hundreds of ONDA supporters — who submitted their favorite waters for consideration in the bill.

More than 1,000 miles of vital desert waterways, including segments of the Owyhee, Malheur and John Day rivers, Whychus Creek and Succor Creek, made it into this legislation thanks directly to desert advocates nominating them.

The proposed rivers and streams in Oregon’s outback provide many benefits, including:

  • clean drinking water for local communities
  • recreation and tourism amenities
  • prime habitat for salmon, steelhead, native trout and other wildlife.

By designating these waterways as Wild and Scenic, they will be kept dam-free, forever, and a mile-wide corridor will protect the valuable ecological, recreational and cultural resources along their banks.

Since its introduction, the River Democracy Act has received broad support from across the state:

The total number of businesses that have endorsed the River Democracy Act is over 300.

The River Democracy Act is truly a landmark bill for Oregon’s public lands and waters, safeguarding one of the state’s most treasured resources for generations to come.

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Stewardship Fence Building Timelapse

Stewardship Fence Building Timelapse

voices

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

Durlin Hicock, Alice Elshoff Award winner

“Protecting public land is part of my spiritual being. It’s central to my identity to be in wilderness and to see it protected.” Durlin is proud to protect public lands for future generations, saying, “The highlight of my childhood was our family’s weekend outdoor trips. I look forward to my grandchildren having similar experiences outside in their lifetimes, and it wouldn’t be possible without ONDA.”

voices

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

Helen Harbin, ONDA Board Member

“I connect with Oregon’s high desert through my feet, my eyes, my sense of smell, and all the things I hear. Getting out there is a whole body experience.” Supporting ONDA, Helen says, not only connects her with wild landscapes, but is also a good investment. “I felt like if I gave them $20, they might squeeze $23 out of it.”

Sean Bagshaw   Website

Desert Rivers

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 […]

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