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Owyhee Canyonlands

The Owyhee canyonlands are a remote, rugged section of the American West, the largest unprotected stretch of land left in the lower 48. These canyonlands are the high desert home to bighorn sheep, antelope, redband trout, sage grouse and raptors. The Owyhees provide outstanding places to hike, hunt, fish, camp, float wild rivers and enjoy a rare moment of peace and solitude. But increasing off road vehicle abuse and overgrazing threaten to shatter the silence and tear up the fragile landscape. The Owyhee Initiative gives us the best opportunity to safeguard these lands and rivers, for now and forever.

For more photos and information go to:

http://www.owyheeinitiative.org/slideshow.htm

Off Road Vehicle Issues in the Owyhee-Bruneau Region
ORVs degrade the land by allowing easy access into the heart of wild lands. This disturbs wildlife, degrades hunting and primitive recreational opportunities, compacts soils which encourages erosion, promotes distribution of noxious weeds and potential wildfires, invites destruction to cultural and archeological treasures, and fundamentally debases the wildness we all seek. ORV use in the Owyhee-Bruneau region is a burgeoning threat today.

The Owyhee Initiative
The Owyhee Initiative represents years of collaborative dialogue on management philosophy with public lands resource users, conservationists, and local government.

Desert Advocacy History
Timeline of efforts to protect the Owyhee Canyonlands.