Find out about issues important in Oregon
Find out what is going on in your part of the state
|
|
Environmental Update: Find out about issues important in Oregon |
Find your group: Find out what is going on in your part of the state |
Search the Oregon Chapter web site: | ||||
|
|
|||||||
 |
Home >> Conservation >> High Desert >> FAQ
Steens Mt. Owyhee Canyonlands- FAQ Q: Has protective designation attracted more people to the Steens-Alvord area? A: Visitor use at Steens Mountain-Alvord Basin was already on the rise, even in the absence of a federal designation. In 1997, 53,000 people visited the Steens area--almost three times as many as in 1975, the first year for which figures are available. Given Oregon's population growth, and the inevitable increases in visitor use associated with this growth, now is the time to plan for the future of Steens-Alvord. Strong federal protection will give managers the resources they need to actively plan for rising visitor use. The key to safeguarding Steens-Alvord from inappropriate development and overuse / misuse of natural resources lies in the management plan that will be in part crafted (in an advisory capacity) by the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC). This plan, which will be subject to public review and involvement, will chart Steens' on-the-ground future; concerned citizens can help make sure the plan offers the strongest protection possible for Steens Mountain and the Alvord Basin. For examples of well-managed national treasures, we can look to recent planning efforts that emphasize protection of pristine, non-commercial values; such examples include Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah and Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area in New Mexico.
Q: What's the difference between a National Conservation Area and a National Monument?
A: National Conservation Areas are legislated by Congress, and are designed to offer stronger federal protection for significant BLM lands. National Monuments may also be legislated, but more often, they are created by Presidential proclamation. Any federal lands, including lands managed by the BLM, may be protected as a National Monument.
The Steens Mountain Cooperative Management Area is neither of the above and was created legislatively as an alternative and unique solution. Because the act was legislated, wilderness areas were able to be created.
Other areas in Oregon's High Desert need the strong federal protection as well. The Owyhee Canyonlands is one such area which has been proposed for protection as a National Monument or National Conservation Area. Any protective designation must address the many threats facing this magnificent landscape, and ensure that the tremendous natural values of the Owyhee Canyonlands receive the permanent protection they need and deserve.
Q: What can I do to help protect Steens Mountain and Alvord Basin, the Owyhee Canyonlands, and other desert wild lands?
A: Thank your congressional representative for their support last session in protecting Steens-Alvord and encourage them to provide permanent protection for additional wilderness on Steens as well as other areas such as the Owyhee Canyonlands. We are currently working to also protect Spring Basin and Soda Mountain as wilderness in the near future. Please contact: Senator Wyden to thank him for his efforts.
What You Can Do to Help For more information about High Desert issues and what you can do to help, consider attending one of our monthly meetings held at the Oregon Chapter office on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 PM. Joining one of our outings to the desert is another way to become involved.
|
|
||||||
|
This page last updated Monday, January 28, 2008
|
