Dear John,

Oregon’s US Senators have been tireless champions working to secure permanent protection for the Owyhee Canyonlands in Southeastern Oregon. In June, Sen. Ron Wyden re-introduced his Owyhee protection bill, with Sen. Jeff Merkley as co-sponsor, for the third time in four years. We are grateful to our US Senators for their efforts to protect the Owyhee, but if Congress fails to act, we have another option–establish an Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument before the end of 2024. Will you add your name and join a growing list of supporters calling for permanent protection of the Owyhee?

Oregon’s Grand Canyon–the Owyhee Canyonlands–boasts more than 2.5 million acres of deep, rugged canyons, which have been 17 million years in the making. The region is home to stretches upon stretches of rolling sagebrush grasslands, rushing rivers, and hundreds of native species. It also contains sites and cultural resources significant to the Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshone tribes. The Owyhee is a one-of-a-kind national treasure, but threats to the land that would change it forever are only increasing: potential oil and gas development, resource extraction, mining, climate change, and a growing problem of unmanaged recreation. Its timeless majesty is worthy of the highest protections, and the time to protect it is now.

That’s why we’re joining with partners like the Oregon Natural Desert Association in launching a new campaign calling for national monument status for the Owyhee should Congress fail to act this year. Sign on now. The Owyhee Canyonlands is currently the largest conservation opportunity in the American West. Together, we can secure the future of the Owyhee Canyonlands before it’s too late.

Thank you for all that you do!

Best,
Britney VanCitters

Organizing Manager, OLCV