Owyhee Protections Would Continue to Grow Malheur County’s Economy
Outdoor recreation already contributes nearly $70 million in economic activity annually
(Oregon City, OR) A newly-released study finds that a significant portion of Malheur County’s economic activity is fueled by the Owyhee wilderness region’s impact on the outdoor recreation economy, and permanent protection could more than double recreation and tourism related spending. An independent research firm, Southwick and Associates, concludes that outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, rafting, and hiking contribute nearly $70 million to the county’s local economies creating more than 700 jobs.
Credit Tim Neville
The third-party market research firm found that Oregonians, along with nearby Idaho and Nevada visitors, spend millions on equipment, lodging, gas, and food while enjoying what the Owyhee region has to offer. That spending supports local businesses such as fishing guides, tackle shops, outfitters, restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and many more.
“Oregon’s recreational fishing industry generates more than $1 billion in consumer spending annually, and the Owyhee Canyonlands have an important role in our industry’s success. The Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association represents retailers, lure makers, guides, rod builders, boat manufacturers, and others, and we know that angler access to healthy, public lands is the cornerstone of our industry”, says Dan Cherry, Communications Director for the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association.
Anglers travel to eastern Oregon from across the nation and world because of the Owyhee River’s renowned brown trout fishery. The region boasts one of the largest herds of California Bighorn Sheep remaining in the nation, and hunters eagerly apply each year to draw one of the once-in-a-lifetime tags. Hunters and anglers spend millions of dollars annually on rods, guns, and apparel, and much of that money goes directly into Malheur County’s local economy.
The study indicates there is a possibility of growing the Owyhee’s economic impact on the region by implementing stronger and permanent protections for the area. Citing a recent study of the Río Grande del Norte in New Mexico, BBC Research and Consulting reports projected increases in visitation by 200% by nonlocal residents, increasing direct spending by 85%.
The Owyhee study, which only factored spending generated from travelers within 150 miles of the BLM’s Owyhee
Credit: Thomas O’Keefe
Wilderness Study Area, is conservative in its estimate since it is unknown how much spending occurs outside the region in larger metropolitan areas such as Portland or Bend that could otherwise be attributed to the Owyhee Canyonlands.
The Owyhee is a world-class recreation destination and a ‘bucket list trip’ for Oregonians. Additional protections would greatly increase its profile and are vital to protect and enhance a growing and sustainable Oregon tourism and recreation industry. It has been proven again and again that wild-land protection helps the long term economy and quality of life of local communities, says Pete Wallstrom, the Owner of Momentum Rafting.
Malheur County’s outdoor recreation economy receives a significant boost from the Owyhee Canyonlands and increased protections would help ensure the jobs this area creates would be sustained. By permanently protecting this landscape, residents could count on a steady stream of economic activity that is generated by the hunting, fishing, boating, and hiking activities that take place in the region.