Swift action needed to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands

Environment Oregon welcomes Rep. Cliff Bentz’s recent legislative effort, which could provide a path through the U.S. House to achieve Sen. Wyden’s community-led, consensus-driven vision to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands, a unique landscape that showcases Oregon’s wild beauty and biodiversity. The bill signals critical momentum toward preserving one of Oregon’s most treasured natural areas, rich in wildlife and cultural heritage.

Yet, given the threats of increased development, pollution and climate change, we believe that the best way to ensure swift and enduring protections is through President Biden’s use of the Antiquities Act. Declaring the Owyhee Canyonlands a national monument before the end of the current administration would be the most direct route to safeguarding these lands from further degradation and irreversible damage.

As Peter DeFazio emphasized in his recent opinion piece, Oregon has a legacy-making opportunity to protect this “Grand Canyon of Oregon.” While we appreciate Representative Bentz’s initiative, the urgency of the situation demands that we act quickly. Monument designation would immediately secure vital habitats, watersheds, and recreational spaces for generations to come.

Environment Oregon remains committed to collaborating with policymakers and communities to advance protections for the Owyhee. But until legislative efforts deliver permanent solutions, we believe Sen. Wyden should work with President Biden to take advantage of this unique opportunity to act decisively, ensuring this one-of-a-kind ecosystem remains unspoiled for future generations.