Whychus-Deschutes
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.”
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
success
Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”
Central Oregon’s “Backyard Wilderness”
Our quest to protect the Oregon Badlands
Located just 15 miles east of Bend, Oregon Badlands is a 30,000-acre wilderness area filled with fascinating lava flows and ancient juniper trees Arriving in the Badlands, so named for its rugged and harsh terrain, can feel like stepping
Read MoreWild Waters in the High Desert
The Whychus-Deschutes proposed wilderness holds popular places such as Alder Springs and Steelhead Falls as well as less-well-known wonders waiting to be discovered. The frothing whitewater at the confluence of Whychus Creek and the Middle Deschutes River creates a lush oasis for wildlife. Flyfishers ply these waters for native fish and everyone enjoys the jaw-dropping views.
Whychus-Deschutes: Wild and Free
Hiking and fishing are by far the most popular activities in the Whychus-Deschutes area, but a wide variety of non-motorized recreation pursuits, including horseback riding, in-season hunting, camping, and bird watching, are also allowed.