Much of the area is publicly owned, primarily under Bureau of Land Management (BLM) control. Some large areas are specially designated for protection, such as the Steens Mountain Wilderness complex, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
A substantial part of the area is publicly owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Certain extensive regions have been specifically set aside for preservation, including the Steens Mountain Wilderness complex, Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge, and the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.