20,000 Grassroots Supporters Sign Petition for Owyhee Canyonlands National Monument

Ontario, OR — Citing increased urgency, the campaign to Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands is quickly gaining momentum. Twenty thousand individuals in Oregon and beyond have now signed the online petition calling on Oregon Senators Wyden and Merkley to work with President Biden to secure national monument designation for the Owyhee before the end of 2024. Growing support for the campaign reflects the importance of climate and conservation issues among key constituencies—especially young voters—and the Owyhee Canyonlands is the largest conservation opportunity remaining in the American West.

“I joined this movement not only because the Owyhee Canyonlands is an Oregon treasure—a national treasure, even—but also because it holds a special place in my heart and my family’s traditions,” said campaign supporter Karl Findling, who grew up recreating in the large expanse. “The Owyhee is where my father, uncle, and brother-in-law taught me to hunt and fish, and where we spent hours camping, hiking, and playing. Now, as a lifelong sportsman myself, I hope to pass on that tradition to my children and grandchildren. But I know that won’t be possible unless we protect the Owyhee today,” continued Findling. 

Support to secure permanent protection for the Owyhee is indisputable, with nearly 80% of Oregonians in favor of taking action. It has been nearly nine months since Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced The Malheur CEO Act (S. 1890), which would protect 1.1 million acres of wilderness across the Owyhee, preserving its most vulnerable areas while reflecting the needs of recreational groups, local ranchers, hunters and anglers, and Tribal communities. Their third legislative attempt in four years, S. 1890 remains stalled and faces opposition from Representative Cliff Bentz (R-OR 2nd District), despite broad support. The campaign’s 20,000 supporters are calling for permanent protection by any means necessary and are urging the Senators to support a national monument designation based on S. 1890 if Congress will not act.

“I was raised to have a deep appreciation for our natural spaces,” said Scott Bowler, campaign supporter, retired science educator, and hike and trip leader for the Central & Eastern Oregon chapter of Great Old Broads for Wilderness. “I am a part of this decades-long movement because, as a grandfather, I want to show my grandchildren how important it is to protect natural wonders like the Owyhee. This place has long been protected by its own remoteness, but we are now seeing urgent threats, from climate change to mining. There is no time to lose,” urged Bowler.

Growing support for the national monument campaign spans generations, and young voters are also making their voices heard.

“The Owyhee Canyonlands is the original homeland of my people, and as a descendent of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone people, it’s where I hope to continue to honor our way of life, culture, and traditions,” said Daranda Hinkey, campaign supporter and member of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe and organizer of the People of Red Mountain. “I do not want to see one of my people’s most sacred and revered lands left unprotected, and worry that if action is not taken now, I won’t be able to pass on our legacy as my ancestors and tribal elders have done for me,” continued Hinkey.

Visit ProtectTheOwyhee.org to learn more.