On February 3, 2021, Oregon’s Senators introduced the River Democracy Act, which would protect hundreds of miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in Oregon’s High Desert, from Whychus Creek to the Owyhee! This momentous bill grew out of a public nomination process led by Senator Wyden that resulted in over 15,000 nominations for rivers, creeks and lakes to be protected as Wild and Scenic.
Please edit the message below to include your favorite rivers and creeks in Oregon’s high desert.
Bonnie Olin, 2017 Volunteer of the Year
“If you spend enough time in the wild, it will change you. So it was for me in Oregon’s high desert, especially in the Owyhee Canyonlands.” To support ONDA, Bonnie says, is to strive to protect the very values of Oregon’s high desert that are critical to the human experience: quiet and connectedness with nature. “Oregon’s desert,” she says, “broadens your understanding of your relationship to all living things.”
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.”
Great Horned Owls and Western Screech Owls