Laura Epperson
Oregon’s high desert public lands, waters, wildlife and communities are irreplaceable. With threats to conservation escalating, the time to act is now. Your advocacy is essential to ensure public lands are protected, natural and cultural values are preserved, and wildlife habitat thrives.
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.”
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.
Bitteroot
Bitteroot blooms on north-facing cliffs in western North America.
The Paiute name for bitteroot is kangedya. Traditional Native American uses of the plant included eating the roots, mixed with berries and meat, and using the roots to treat sore throats.
Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics are unique public lands characterized by their vastness, ecological health, and lack of development. The Trump administration is proposing to change how these exceptional wildlands are managed—signaling the first step in an attempt to weaken protections for some of Oregon’s most magnificent places. Take action by submitting your public comment before Friday, August 14 at 8:59 p.m. PDT.
Take Action
The Trump administration is once again proposing to cut funding for the Bureau of Land Management, the agency responsible for stewarding 12 million acres of Oregon's high desert. Take action now to block these devastating cuts and defend public lands.
Take Action
There are times when ONDA needs our community to go above and beyond by speaking out in the news media, attending an event or helping document conditions on the ground. Please sign up to become a Desert Defender today. ONDA will call on you when we need your help!
Take Action
Advocating for healthy high desert public lands comes in many forms—educating your community, contacting your representatives, or writing letters to the editor. Sometimes, advocacy means lacing up your boots and getting out into the desert. ONDA’s On-the-Ground Advocacy opportunities are self-directed outdoor projects that volunteers can complete independently to support efforts to protect, defend, and restore Oregon’s high desert.
Take ActionWho reads the newspaper? Your elected officials and your fellow concerned conservation advocates! Getting your opinion published in your local paper can bring important public lands issues to the attention […]
Read MorePublic lands are one of our nation’s greatest assets. You can weigh in on how Oregon’s high desert public lands are managed by commenting on federal agency planning processes and […]
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