Friends of the Owyhee

Mission: Friends of the Owyhee (FOTO) exists to build community around Stewardship, Advocacy, and Recreation in the Owyhee Region. Our Vision is to work collaboratively with conservation and recreation groups, landowners, ranchers, tribes, sportsmen, and government agencies to help ensure the Owyhee's unique ecological, cultural, and recreational resources are protected for future generations to experience and enjoy.

Friends of the Owyhee Accomplishments

1) Community Liaison
2022 BLM National Volunteer Award Outstanding Group: Recognized for making a significant difference on public lands.
Legislative Path Development: Consistently contributing to the collaborative effort in shaping the legislative path for the Owyhee region. This includes engaging with the ranching community, conducting Owyhee tours, verifying map data on the ground, collecting community feedback, and mobilizing community voices (e.g., LTEs) at critical junctures.
Collaborative Partnerships: Actively partnering with regional and national conservation groups to amplify our impact.
Evalucree Partnership: Collaborating with Evalucree to engage underserved and underrepresented populations, thereby enhancing the well-being of communities in rural Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

2) Direct Stewardship of Lands
Adopt-a-Highway Programs: Engaged in both Oregon and Idaho to maintain the most traveled highway through the Owyhee.
Adopt-a-Park Program: Ensuring the upkeep and enhancement of Succor Creek State park.
Adopt-a-River Program: Commitment to the preservation and care of vital waterways.
Rare Plant Monitoring: Collaborating with BLM to monitor and protect rare plant species.
Stewardship Projects: Participating in various hands-on stewardship initiatives in partnership with the BLM.

3) Youth Programming
Ontario and Nyssa Outdoor School: Leading curriculum development for outdoor school programs in 2021 and 2022, positively impacting 429 and 565 students respectively.
Youth Trips: Organizing and leading youth trips to the Owyhee, creating lasting memories and fostering a love for nature among 149 participants in 2020.

4) Recreational Partnerships
Oregon Parks Recreation Department: Forging a partnership to promote responsible outdoor recreation.
Local Business Collaborations: Partnering with emerging local businesses to provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
Community Hikes: Organizing community hikes to encourage exploration and appreciation of the Owyhee region's natural beauty.
At Friends of the Owyhee, we take immense pride in these accomplishments, which underscore our dedication to the Owyhee region's preservation, engagement, and growth. These achievements would not be possible without the ongoing support and dedication of our community members, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the Owyhee's future.

Testimonials

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