Protecting Oregon’s Grand Canyon: A monumental effort

As momentum builds to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument, Environment Oregon is proud to contribute to this effort. Following Gov. Tina Kotek’s recent plea to President Biden for action under the Antiquities Act, we’ve amplified community voices.

Dozens of lawn signs supporting the monument have appeared in Senator Wyden’s neighborhood, a visible call for his continued advocacy. Additionally, hundreds of coloring sheets—beautifully completed by local families and children—symbolize grassroots passion for preserving this unique landscape.

The Owyhee, often called “Oregon’s Grand Canyon,” represents an irreplaceable natural treasure. Monument designation would protect over a million acres of wildlife habitat, prevent destructive development, and honor Tribal and ecological heritage. This effort underscores the urgency for permanent protections before the Biden administration ends. But the clock is ticking — each day without protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands risks losing a piece of Oregon’s natural heritage forever.

Thank you to everyone helping make this campaign impossible to ignore.