The Owyhee Recreation Club: Balancing Adventure and Stewardship
- Tim Davis
- Apr 17
- 4 min read
Why Does Friends of the Owyhee Have a Recreation Club?
Recreation in the Owyhee is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a major draw to this vast and rugged landscape, bringing people closer to nature and public lands. On the other, increased recreation can threaten the very ecosystem that makes the Owyhee so special. For those unfamiliar with the area, recreation is not just present—it’s one of the most significant pressures on the landscape’s ecological health.
So, if recreation is a challenge, why does Friends of the Owyhee (FOTO) have a recreation club? The answer is both simple and complex.
A Changing Landscape
The Owyhee sits on the edge of one of the fastest-growing regions in the West. The Treasure Valley's population has nearly doubled in just 25 years, soaring from 430,000 to nearly 850,000 today. Fifty years ago, the population was only half of what it was in 2000. This steady long-term growth places increasing pressure on the Owyhee, as more people seek adventure, solitude, and open space in the region.
Recreation has been a recognized land-use issue for decades. As far back as 1928, at the second-ever National Conference on Outdoor Recreation, the Owyhee was identified as an area experiencing increasing recreational pressure. Since then, land management agencies have developed plans to accommodate visitors while protecting resources. However, many of those plans have never been fully implemented.
At FOTO, we acknowledge the impact recreation has on the land, but we also see an opportunity. We aim to strike a balance—ensuring recreation is focused in appropriate areas while protecting the vast wildlands of the Owyhee for those seeking true solitude. Our vision prioritizes recreation infrastructure in places that are already well-loved and easily accessible:
The Canyon below the Owyhee Dam
The Reservoir
Succor Creek
Leslie Gulch
By concentrating recreation in these areas, we can better manage visitor impact while keeping the rest of the Owyhee remote and wild.
Our Vision for the Canyon Below the Dam
We’ve put a lot of thought into how recreation can be better managed in the Canyon Below the Dam—an area that sees significant visitor use. Our goal is to enhance access, improve infrastructure, and protect the natural and cultural resources that make this place special. Thoughtful planning can ensure this beloved area remains both enjoyable and sustainable for generations to come.
To learn more about our vision and proposed initiatives, click here to read our draft document. We welcome your thoughts and feedback!
The Role of the Owyhee Recreation Club
This still leaves the question: Why does FOTO run a recreation club?
The Owyhee Recreation Club serves as a gateway for people to discover, appreciate, and protect the land. Through organized outings, members engage in outdoor adventure while also learning about responsible land stewardship. The club raises awareness of the effects of recreation on the Owyhee’s ecosystem and educates participants on best practices, such as Leave No Trace principles.
Beyond education, club members play an active role in shaping the future of recreation in the Owyhee. They provide valuable input for planning trails, access points, and other infrastructure improvements that enhance both the visitor experience and conservation efforts. By joining, members don’t just recreate—they become advocates for responsible outdoor use.
Advocating for Recreation Infrastructure with the BLM
FOTO is not just participating in recreation—we are advocating for it to be properly managed. We recognize that recreation is here to stay, and we are working to ensure that land management agencies, particularly the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), prioritize recreation planning and infrastructure in the Owyhee.
We are actively gaining voices and mobilizing public support to encourage the BLM to follow through on its existing plans for recreation management. The Southeastern Oregon Resource Management Plan (RMP) outlines strategies to:
Provide and enhance developed and undeveloped recreation opportunities while protecting resources
Monitor visitor use and recreation impacts
Develop infrastructure to support responsible recreation
Implement management tools to assess and mitigate recreational pressures
FOTO is working to ensure these plans do not sit on the shelf. We are advocating for the BLM to focus on:
Developing sustainable recreation infrastructure
Improving trails, signage, and facilities in high-use areas
Enhancing visitor education and responsible recreation initiatives
Protecting remote areas while managing visitor use in accessible regions
We believe that with proper investment and management, the Owyhee can be both an exceptional recreation destination and a well-preserved landscape.
Outdoor Recreation as an Economic Driver
Recreation isn’t just about enjoying the outdoors—it’s also an economic opportunity, especially for Malheur County, Oregon’s poorest county. Outdoor recreation on public lands significantly contributes to the U.S. economy, generating:
$1.2 trillion in economic output in 2023 (2.3% of the nation’s GDP)
5 million jobs (3.1% of U.S. employment)
$59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue annually
Even at a local scale, outdoor recreation has the power to boost Malheur County’s economy. More visitors mean more business for local outfitters, guides, restaurants, gas stations, and lodging providers. Investments in sustainable recreation infrastructure—such as improved trails, signage, and visitor education—can enhance the experience while minimizing environmental impact.
Shaping the Future of Recreation in the Owyhee
The Owyhee Recreation Club isn’t just about getting outside—it’s about shaping the future of responsible recreation. With thoughtful management, infrastructure improvements, and active stewardship, we can ensure that this treasured landscape remains both accessible and protected for generations to come.
Whether you want to explore new trails, paddle down winding rivers, or contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, the Owyhee Recreation Club offers a way to engage with the land while making a lasting impact. By recreating responsibly, we can safeguard the Owyhee’s wild beauty for the future.
Join the Movement
Interested in joining the Owyhee Recreation Club? Be part of the effort to ensure the Owyhee is well-managed, accessible, and protected for generations to come. Your voice matters—let’s make sure recreation is done right.
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