PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Tell the BLM: Keep the Owyhee Wilderness Wild!
  1. Signatures
    256 out of 500
    Petitioning
    1. Bureau of Land Management, Boise District
  2. Created By
    Sara Arkle
    ID
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

The Idaho Owyhee Canyonlands is a rugged place. With canyons over 1000 feet deep, this landscape serves as home to antelope, bighorn sheep, sage grouse, eagles, falcons, and more. The Owyhee is is a high desert; a quiet, remote place symbolic of the untamed mountain west.

Here's your chance to help protect it.

The Bureau of Land Management is now gathering public comments to aid them in drafting new management plans for 517,000 acres of recently-designated wilderness and 316 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in the Owyhee Canyonlands. They are also preparing to draft a plan for managing recreational use throughout the rest of Owyhee County.

Tell the BLM: As you draft this plan, help our environment and our recreational economy by keeping in mind wild rivers, specatular plants and animals, and a balanced approach to off-road vehicle use in this fabulous area.

Photo Credit: Idaho Conservation League.

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

The Wild Lands and Rivers of the Owyhee

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: BLM - Boise District.

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Keep the Owyhee Wilderness Wild!

The wild landscapes and rivers of the Owyhee canyonlands are true gems of Idaho. As the BLM considers crafting management plans for wilderness and wild and scenic rivers in this landscape, as well as creating a recreational plan for the rest of Owyhee County, please design the plan to be consistent with the character and intent of the Owyhee Canyonlands legislation:

1) Keep the Wilderness wild:
In creating a management plan for wilderness areas within the Owyhee Canyonlands, please maintain the values for which these areas were protected. Specifically, preserve opportunities for solitude, self-discovery, self-determination and self-reliance.

2) Work together to restore habitat:
Develop a native species restoration plan both inside and outside wilderness areas. Connected and functioning ecosystems are more resilient to drought, wildfire, invasive species and climate change. Encourage participation by visitors and nearby landowners in stewardship activities.

3) Maintain access, not excess:
Maintain access to trailheads, put-ins and take-outs, while preserving the backcountry character of the roads.

Develop sustainable travel routes to minimize soil erosion, the spread of invasive plants and impacts to wildlife such as bighorn sheep. Eliminate redundant routes that are creating resource damage. Direct recreational use away from sensitive areas for plants and wildlife such as bighorn sheep and sage-grouse. Consider seasonal travel limitations that account for road conditions and wildlife needs.

Minimize conflicts between user groups by offering separate areas for both non-motorized use and motorized use. Increase education and enforcement efforts to implement the travel plan.
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Thank you,

[Your name]

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