Citing the critical role protected public lands play in Oregon's robust outdoor recreation economy, more than 150 Oregon businesses have signed on to letters urging Senator Ron Wyden to take action to preserve the Owyhee Canyonlands, KEEN Footwear announced October 13. Learn more about their support below.

 

October 13, 2015

The Honorable Ron Wyden United States Senate
304 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

Re: Protected Public Lands and Waters Support the Outdoor Recreation Economy

Dear Senator Wyden:

The Owyhee Canyonlands is a national treasure and a crown jewel of the great state of Oregon. It's one of the most remote, wild and untouched places in the entire country. Here, natural conditions prevail and much of the area looks today as it has for generations. The opportunities for solitude, primitive recreation, backcountry experiences, as well as a chance to unplug from the pressures and noise of our increasingly busy world, are unparalleled. The Owyhee Canyonlands is irreplaceable - and it is the largest conservation opportunity left in the lower 48 states.

Each year, the outdoor industry supports more than six million American jobs, generates $646 billion in direct consumer spending and contributes $80 billion in federal, state and local taxes. While many other sectors declined during the recession, the outdoor industry continues to be a bright spot in our economy-growing roughly five percent annually between 2005 and 2011. In Oregon alone, outdoor recreation generates $12.8 billion in consumer spending, 141,000 jobs, $4 billion in wages and salaries and $955 million in state and local tax revenue.

Special wild places such as the Owyhee Canyonlands form the bedrock of our outdoor economy, providing boundless inspiration and preserving our Oregon way of life. Simply put, safeguarding these public lands and waters is crucial to our economy, health and communities. In addition to recreation, the Owyhee boasts one of the nation's largest herds of bighorn sheep, as well as native trout, raptors and the imperiled Greater sage-grouse.

We are at a crossroads. The wildness of the Owyhee has preserved it for generations, but its remoteness will no longer protect it: development pressure and impacts are coming. Damage from irresponsible ATV use is already here, while mining could be next. We respectfully ask you to have the foresight to permanently protect this special place for all Oregonians, now and into the future.

With permanent protection, activities such as fishing, boating, hunting and hiking will be enjoyed for many generations to come and working farms and ranches will continue to operate just as they have for decades.

We thank you for your strong effort in protecting Oregon's most important public lands and waters, and we look forward to working with you to do the same in the Owyhee Canyonlands. We're confident that together we can protect the Owyhee and keep Oregon healthy and thriving for our communities today and for future generations.

Sincerely, the undersigned,

October 13, 2015

The Honorable Ron Wyden United States Senate
304 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510

RE: Oregon Businesses support permanent protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands

Dear Senator Wyden,

The Owyhee Canyonlands is a national treasure and a crown jewel of the great state of Oregon. It’s one of the most remote, wild and untouched places in the entire country. The Owyhee Canyonlands is irreplaceable — and it is the largest conservation opportunity left in the lower 48 states.

As business owners, we want to thank you for your ongoing commitment to protecting Oregon’s most important public lands and waters. Safeguarding our natural heritage is crucial to our economy, health and communities, and we are grateful for your ongoing leadership. We look forward to working with you to achieve permanent protection of the Owyhee Canyonlands.

Special wild places such as the Owyhee Canyonlands provide boundless inspiration and preserve our Oregon way of life. In addition to numerous recreation opportunities, the Owyhee boasts one of the nation’s largest herds of bighorn sheep, as well as native trout, raptors and the imperiled Greater sage-grouse.

We are at a crossroads. The wildness of the Owyhee has preserved it for generations, but its remoteness will no longer protect it: development pressure and impacts are coming. Damage from irresponsible ATV use is already here, while mining could be next. We respectfully ask you to have the foresight to permanently protect this special place for all Oregonians, now and into the future.

As local business owners, we are proud to support permanent protection of special places for future generations. We’re confident that together we can protect the Owyhee and keep Oregon healthy and thriving for our communities today and for future generations.

Sincerely,

Fly and Field Outfitters Fields Farm

Bruce Jackson Photography Natures General Store

Bend Mapping and Blueprint Hot Box Betty

Farquhar Tech Naturalists NW

Glow Naturopathic Medicine Palate a Coffee Bar

Focus Physical Therapy Barrio

The Wine Shop and Tasting Bar Local Joe

Bend Mountain Coffee Café Sintra

Mockingbird Gallery Trivia Antiques

Bean, Pea, and the Pumpkin Fleet Feet

Lone Pine Coffee Roasters Eyes on Wall Street

Spork Cuppa Yo

John Paul Designs Aspect Boards and Brews

Nicole Michelle Home Décor Outside In

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe Patagonia @ Bend

Kanpai Bend Furniture and Design

Paulina Springs Books Ranch Records

DeWilde Art Glass Cowgirl Cash

Abracadabra Printing & Design Lotus Moon Boutique

Strictly Organic Coffee Company Modern Boardshop

Primal Cuts Meat Market Hopscotch Kids

The Silver Otter JB Davis Construction 

Oregon Pack Works Ecosystem Economics

Vanilla Urban Threads Bikram Yoga Bend

Opal Creek Energy Consulting Sara Bella Upcycled

Silipint Oregon Body and Bath

E2 Solar Nancy P's Cafe and Bakery

Mountain Supply of Oregon Devore's Good Food Store

The Barber House Furnish.

Bend Language and Learning Á La Carte

Good Life Landscaping Greg Burke Construction

C. J. Construction PopMotion Pictures

Nate Wilson Photography The Gear Fix

Innovative Supply Company East-West Acupuncture

Bend Pet Express Wildflowers of Oregon

Brilliant Enviromental Building Products Next Level Burger

Sage Custom Framing and Gallery Mt. Bachelor Fitness Equipment

Ask Mr. Science Wild Birds Unlimited

Devin Dahlgren Technical Services Dudley's Books and Café

The Dough Nut  Wabi Sabi

Great Harvest Bread Co. in Bend Taco Stand

Tyler Roemer Photography Recharge Sport

Humm Kombucha Thomas Osborn Design

Honey Gear 3R Enterprises

The Broker Network of Central Oregon Rainshadow Organics Farm

Leapin' Lizards Toy Company Crow's Feet Commons

Bend Veterinary Clinic Lubbesmeyer Studio and Gallery

Cheryl Heinrichs Architecture Paper Jazz

Gossamer the Knitting Place Paradise Produce

Silverado Jewelry Gallery Lush Salon

Pine Mountain Sports Sunnyside Sports

*22 Malheur County businesses and counting support permanent protection for the Owyhee Canyonlands