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 OutfittersFields Farm
Bruce Jackson Photography Natures General Store
Bend Mapping and BlueprintHot Box Betty
Farquhar TechNaturalists NW
Glow Naturopathic MedicinePalate a Coffee Bar
Focus Physical TherapyBarrio
The Wine Shop and Tasting BarLocal Joe
Bend Mountain CoffeeCafé Sintra
Mockingbird GalleryTrivia Antiques
Bean, Pea, and the PumpkinFleet Feet
Lone Pine Coffee RoastersEyes on Wall Street
SporkCuppa Yo
John Paul DesignsAspect Boards and Brews
Nicole Michelle Home DécorOutside In
Tumalo Creek Kayak and CanoePatagonia @ Bend
KanpaiBend Furniture and Design
Paulina Springs BooksRanch Records
DeWilde Art GlassCowgirl Cash
Abracadabra Printing & DesignLotus Moon Boutique
Strictly Organic Coffee CompanyModern Boardshop
Primal Cuts Meat MarketHopscotch Kids
The Silver OtterJB Davis Construction
Oregon Pack WorksEcosystem Economics
Vanilla Urban ThreadsBikram Yoga Bend
Opal Creek Energy ConsultingSara Bella Upcycled
SilipintOregon Body and Bath
E2 SolarNancy P’s Cafe and Bakery
Mountain Supply of OregonDevore’s Good Food Store
The Barber HouseFurnish.
Bend Language and LearningÁ La Carte
Good Life LandscapingGreg Burke Construction
C. J. ConstructionPopMotion Pictures
Nate Wilson PhotographyThe 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
