OPINION: The urgent need to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands in Eastern Oregon

The vast expanse of the Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of America's wilderness.

Here, amidst rugged terrain and sweeping vistas, a diverse array of wildlife and plant species thrive in a habitat unlike any other in the lower 48 states. As a passionate hunter and angler, I've had the privilege of exploring this pristine region, immersing myself in its natural wonders and unforgettable experiences.

The landscape so rugged, my under-exercised muscles seized from the hike out; a small price to pay for the solitude and experiences afforded by such a wild landscape.

Unfortunately, the Owyhee Canyonlands lack crucial protections against threats like mining, energy development and unmanaged recreation. For years, Sen. Ron Wyden has worked tirelessly alongside local community leaders to advance legislation aimed at conserving this precious landscape. Yet, despite these efforts, progress has been stalled in Congress, leaving the fate of this irreplaceable ecosystem uncertain.

In the face of this impasse, leaders from within the community are now rallying behind a call for action to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument. According to recent polling, 73 percent of Oregonians want the Owyhees to be a national monument. Such a designation would provide essential safeguards for the region's fish, big game and imperiled species, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

It's crucial to understand that a monument designation does not infringe upon existing land rights or limit activities like hunting and fishing. On the contrary, monument designation includes provisions that explicitly preserve access to these cherished pastimes. Such a designation also safeguards the high-quality habitat and intact landscapes that wildlife need to promote their long-term health and vitality.

With urban development encroaching upon the Owyhee's, the need for protective measures has never been more pressing. According to some estimates, Boise and the surrounding Treasure Valley population is expected to increase by 53% in the next 15 years. That puts a lot of pressure on the Owyhees to meet burgeoning recreation demands, but by establishing a monument, both the ecosystem and recreation can thrive through increased investment and improved management.

A broad coalition of local community members, Indigenous leaders, hunters, anglers, and ranchers recognize the need to safeguard this iconic landscape. While the Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act represents a commendable effort to address these concerns, its progress in Congress has reached an unfortunate standstill.

That's why the Department of the Interior must heed the call to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument. Through an inclusive public process, involving the voices of all stakeholders, we can ensure that these lands remain under multi-use management, with state agencies retaining authority over fish and wildlife. Crucially, hunting and fishing opportunities would be preserved, alongside the protection of vital wildlife habitat.

In safeguarding the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument, we secure a future where wildlife thrives, outdoor traditions endure, and rural and Indigenous communities continue to benefit from these invaluable lands. I urge you to join me, along with thousands of others who cherish these landscapes, in advocating for monument protections, so that the legacy of the canyonlands may endure for generations to come.

Bob Rees lives in Oregon City.