I was born in Oregon and raised in California. I have always been around nature and I am passionate about it: hiking, camping, and enjoying the landscape are the things that I truly enjoy. I’m also a proud Mexican-American who honors his indigenous roots, and I know there are few things as powerful as the connection to our land.
For some years now, I have come back to Oregon and I have served my community with dedication, whether as a mentor, volunteer, or leader on the Ontario, Oregon, City Council. And something that I’ve learned is that while we may each cherish public lands for different reasons, one undeniable truth unites us: they are the guardians of a vibrant, living history that we all share.
And I want to introduce you to the wonderful Owyhee Canyonlands, in Malheur County, Oregon, one of the greatest conservation opportunities in the West.
This vast landscape, spanning millions of acres of wild land, is home to hundreds of miles of rivers and streams and dozens of native species found nowhere else on the planet. To hike these canyons is to immerse yourself in a world that seems to have remained quite untouched for centuries. It’s an experience that connects you deeply to something much bigger than yourself that humbles you.
But only five percent of this space is permanently protected, leaving its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty vulnerable to industrial development, climate change, and unregulated recreation.
Protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands would not only benefit nature. It’s also a matter of justice for indigenous communities, like the Northern Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock, who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. It is still possible to find Native American antiquities in this area: arrowheads and other stone tools are still found just sitting there on bare rock, untouched, which is evidence of the remoteness of the Owyhee.
Native groups have spent generations preserving their culture and natural resources, and protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands as a National Monument is a way to honor their legacy. It’s like recognizing that their stories and voices deserve to be heard, stories that transcend generations and need to be well preserved.
The more I learn the more I feel like this is also a topic that deeply impacts Hispanic communities in the United States. The land and the connection with nature are fundamental to our culture, and many of us, as immigrants and descendants of immigrants, see the conservation of spaces like the Owyhee Canyonlands as an opportunity to preserve a heritage that we share with Indigenous communities in this country. In fact, more than 35% of the population in Malheur County, which is home to the Owyhee Canyonlands, is Hispanic or Mexican-American.
The potential designation of a National Monument here could open up new economic opportunities, such as sustainable tourism, that would significantly benefit local workers, including many Hispanics who are a vital part of the region’s agricultural and service economy.
Support for the designation of the Owyhee Canyonlands as a National Monument is increasing every day. Recent polls suggested that 73% of Oregon residents are in favor of this designation, reflecting a consensus that cuts across political and regional divides. Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have led a bill advocating for the protection of this area, but there is still no consensus in Congress.
That’s why hundreds of organizations, businesses, and community leaders in Oregon are asking President Biden to take urgent action and designate an Owyhee Canyonlands as a National Monument through the Antiquities Act.
This is a time when we must come together as a community to protect what is valuable not only to us, but to future generations. It is not about you or about me, it’s about keeping this sacred land for generations to come.
Latinos care about this land and we want it to be protected. For Hispanic families, Owyhee Canyonlands is so much more than a beautiful place. It’s a symbol of resilience and hope, a reminder that we can all be part of change. By protecting this monument, we are creating a legacy of respect for nature, for our roots, and for our shared history on this land.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has spent years championing the preservation of the Owyhee Canyonlands, a place cherished not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its cultural and historical significance. However, with Republicans consolidating power across the legislative branch, his ability to pass a bill to protect Owyhee faces insurmountable hurdles. I trust that Wyden truly values his promise to protect these lands, which is why I’m calling on him to ask President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to designate and protect Owyhee Canyonlands. It’s not just about safeguarding natural beauty—it’s about honoring Oregon’s heritage and the voices of the communities that have called for action for years.
Wyden’s constituents have spoken clearly: nearly three-quarters of Oregonians support immediate action to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument. This overwhelming support underscores a shared understanding that the Owyhee’s survival is at stake. Senator Wyden must urge President Biden to exercise his executive authority before it’s too late. Delay is no longer an option—this is Wyden’s moment to secure a legacy of conservation and leadership.
I invite you to come and visit the Owyhee Canyonlands, sit at the table with us and get to experience the beauty and the history here. This is my call, especially for young people that live around here. Help us preserve the past and build a diverse and enriched future for you.
Cover Photo: Mark Lisk, Protect The Owyhee Canyonlands
To learn more about the campaign to Protect the Owyhee and sign a petition, click HERE.
*Eddie Melendrez is a dedicated community builder with over 20 years of service through mentoring, volunteering, and advocating for others. A skilled boxer and coach, Eddie has trained hundreds of youth across the U.S. and is also a visual artist raising awareness for social justice. Elected to the Ontario City Council in 2021, Eddie champions representation, aiming to inspire youth to see themselves as leaders. A Mexican American with indigenous roots, Eddie finds purpose and fulfillment in serving his community.
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