The Owyhee country, a huge area in SW Idaho that also includes country in northern Nevada and SE Oregon, is little known by most Americans, or even Idahoans who do not live in Idaho’s Treasure Valley (Boise-Nampa-Caldwell). It is lonely country with vast tablelands, mountains, and deep canyons cut in basalt, said to be the largest area in the lower 48 without a paved road.

The only thing similar I know of is Wyoming’s vast Red Desert. Unlike the Red Desert, which is being poisoned and trashed by the natural gas drillers, efforts to protect the Owyhee are underway. A broad-based coalition has formed to support the Owyhee Initiative, but conservation groups are deeping divided on the matter.