Throughout Oregon's outback, there are many places with unique features and irreplaceable ecological values that remain without protection.  Some of these areas don't meet the requirements for Wilderness but still deserve a conservation status that will preserve their unique values.  Aside from Wilderness, other types of conservation areas include National Conservation Areas, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, and Wildlife Refuges.

National Conservation Areas are designated by Congress and feature exceptional natural, recreational, cultural, historical, wildlife, archaeological, or paleontological resources.  Areas of Critical Environmental Concern draw special management attention to public lands in order to protect important historic, cultural, scenic, or natural resources.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages wildlife refuges to conserve important habitat for fish, wildlife and plants.

ONDA works throughout Eastern Oregon to help secure special management designation for areas that need protection.  ONDA also enforces conservation mandates in designated conservation areas and helps restore habitat in places like the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge.