Wilderness areas are places where people can escape the fast pace of modern life and retreat to natural surroundings.  Wilderness provides places to hike, camp, fish and hunt.  Wilderness protects watersheds and provides clean drinkingwater.  Wilderness protects important habitat for endangered plants, fish, and wildlife.  Most importantly, Wilderness preserves vast natural landscapes for future generations to experience.

Most of Oregon’s Wilderness areas encompass high mountain ranges and forests, while desert lands have been overlooked. In fact, Steens Mountain became Oregon’s first desert Wilderness in 2000. Since designation of the Steens Wilderness, ONDA has worked closely with stakeholders and local landowners to create Wilderness proposals for the Oregon Badlands, just east of Bend, and Spring Basin, located near the John Day River at Clarno. Wilderness designation will ensure that future generations can experience the natural beauty of these areas.