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.
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.
The Land Between: The Greater Hart-Sheldon Region
Michelle Frisella, member since 2017
So proud of ONDA and its members and volunteers. Such hard work gets done. To use an overused word, this is patriotism!
The health of Oregon’s high desert public lands relies on science-based management practices that carefully balance the region’s many uses and values. Now, the Trump administration wants to dramatically shift that balance—prioritizing rampant cattle grazing at the expense of desert lands, waters, and wildlife. To defend Oregon's high desert from the proposed changes to grazing regulations, we ask you to submit a public comment before the Monday, July 13 deadline 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 ActionWho reads the newspaper? Your elected officials and your fellow concerned citizens! Getting your opinion published in your local paper can help 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. The […]
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