Proposed House Bill to Protect Owyhee Canyonlands Falls Short of Goal

DENVER - The National Wildlife Federation strongly supports lasting protections for the Owyhee Canyonlands, but the legislation proposed by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) falls short of that goal. The Owyhee Canyonlands in southeast Oregon boasts diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unparalleled recreation opportunities, but is threatened by burgeoning development.

"We appreciate that Representative Cliff Bentz is considering protections for the Owyhee Canyonlands in partnership with Senator Wyden. However, the legislation Rep. Bentz proposes falls short of protecting the outstanding values of the area and of honoring the collaborative process that informed Senator Wyden's Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act," said Aaron Kindle, director of sporting advocacy at the National Wildlife Federation. "We encourage Representative Bentz to continue conversations with Senator Wyden to find durable solutions that protect and sustain the Owyhee Canyonlands for future generations."