American Whitewater is part of a coalition working to permanently protect 2.5 million acres of Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands. We released our conservation proposal last week, which you can view here. 

 

The remote, wild and little-known landscape of the Owyhee Canyonlands in Southestern Oregon is complete with deep red-rock canyons, wild rivers and plenty of opportunities for backcountry recreation, including rafting, hiking, fishing and camping. The region is also a stronghold to over 200 species, and has fascinating geology, unique ecology and deep history. 

 

For those who know it, the Owhyee River is a great backcountry whitewater trip with incredible scenery, technical and fun rapids, fascinating geology, and hot springs. It’s most popular with rafters and self-support kayakers for wilderness adventure during the spring snowmelt. This is a place where you can really get away from it all. 

 

Despite the remoteness of the region, the Owyhee is increasingly facing development pressure–primarily from from the oil and gas industry. The Owyhee Canyonlands are truly a wild place, and American Whitewater is working with our partners to keep it that way. This is the largest conservation opportunity in the lower 48 states. Protecting the Owhyee Canyonlands will not only protect this unique region and its wild rivers and lands, but will also boost local rural economies. 

 

You can show your support for protecting the Owyhee by signing our petition. When you do, you'll join over 9,000 Oregonians who support protecting the Owyhee!

 

Stay tuned to American Whitewater for more ways that you can help!