Owyhee Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Omnibus Public Lands Act not only protected 517,000 acres of wilderness in the Owyhee Canyonlands of southwestern Idaho, it also designated 316 miles of wild and scenic rivers. The list of protected segments includes the South, East, and North forks of the Owyhee; the Bruneau and Jarbidge rivers, Big and Little Jacks creeks; and the Battle and Deep creeks. 

River runners from across the nation come to the Owyhee and the Bruneau and Jarbidge rivers to experience spectacular whitewater. These rivers contain the largest concentrations of sheer-walled rhyolite/basalt canyon systems in the United States. They are also home to diverse fish and wildlife, including the world's largest population of California bighorn sheep, sage grouse, and red band trout.

These designations will keep some of Idaho's most spectacular rivers free of dams and protected forever and are critical to the long-term ecological health of this region. In this dry, desert landscape, rivers mean life. By adding these waterways to the Wild and Scenic River System, this bill will protect flows, fish and wildlife habitat, and other outstanding values in the river corridors for generations to come.

The other waterways protected by the legislation are the West Fork Bruneau, Cottonwood Creek, Dickshooter Creek, Duncan Creek, Red Canyon Creek, Sheep Creek, and Wickahoney Creek.

Find more information at Idaho Rivers' website.

Sponsors
Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)

Staff Contact
Craig Gehrke - EMAIL - 208-343-8153

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photo: Couple overlooking North Fork, Owyhee Wild and Scenic River. Photo by John McCarthy.