SKU: 48060583872

Tough Enough: Twenty-Five Years in Hells Canyon

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Description

Tough Enough: Twenty-Five Years in Hells CanyonThe roar of jet boats, the shouts and calls of fishermen and floaters echo between canyon walls. Is that what Congress anticipated when they allotted funds to purchase, preserve and protect in its natural state this last free flowing stretch of the Snake River to establish the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area? Many books have been written, many stories told about life in Hells Canyon during the years prior to World War II. Tough Enough: Twenty

The roar of jet boats, the shouts and calls of fishermen and floaters echo between canyon walls. Is that what Congress anticipated when they allotted funds to purchase, preserve and protect in its natural state this last free-flowing stretch of the Snake River to establish the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area?

Many books have been written, many stories told about life in Hells Canyon during the years prior to World War II. Tough Enough: Twenty-five Years in Hells Canyon updates that accounting bringing to life the story of the Lem Wilson family who moved to the Canyon in 1951. On the remote Oregon side of the Snake River the Wilsons developed a large sheep ranch expecting to spend the rest of life ranching there with their three sons. Twenty-five years later they were gone--ownership of land and home surrendered to the Forest Service, when for the first time in United States history the Federal Government chose to employ the law of eminent domain to take privately owned agricultural land for public recreational use.

Based on anecdotal memories recorded by Doris Wilson, Tough Enough portrays a haunting tale of this one family's experiences living and ranching on the remote Oregon side of the Snake River where roads, electricity and other modern conveniences did not exist. This is the their story, told from their point of view as they experienced the changing cultural environmental, political and economic forces that swept through the region following World War II. Some may agree with their interpretation, others may not, yet the Wilson story is relevant today as it presents an important and fascinating tale as decision makers are called to respond to similar issues in our nation today.

Written as creative non-fiction Tough Enough tells the Wilsons' story in three ten-year segments. Setting the stage, the first part of the book focuses on the domestic scene as Doris partners with her husband to develop the large sheep ranch that, for years, has been Lem's life-long dream.

Section two reaches beyond the household setting, as the 1960s bring threatening winds of change. New governmental rules and regulations impact the ranchers' way of earning a living. A new vocabulary descends on the region introducing words like ecology and environment.

The years of the great depression have passed, and consumers with newfound money freely spend, purchasing expensive new "toys" and daring to challenge the turbulent rapids of the Snake River. Sportsmen invade the canyon claiming the river for their own personal playground.

In the third section, Lem and Doris reluctantly acknowledge and have to deal with the inevitable outcome of these changing times. Ultimately they decide to set aside 28.5 acres of their land to be sold for use as small individually owned vacation home-sites and begin the subdivision process. Congress, backed by environmental enthusiasts wanting to see Hells Canyon held in its current wild and natural state, orders Forest Service officials to include recreational use when making management decisions for federally owned public land.

Seeking to acquire ownership of the Wilson's and other privately owned land in Hells Canyon, Forest Service officials employ the law of eminent domain to take the ranchers land. In response the Wilsons and two other landowners file suit against the government seeking more compensation for their land. Tough Enough tells the story of this difficult time and the eventual outcome.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Sixty-Plus Publishing
Published: 12/15/2016
ISBN: 9780998438603
Pages: 244
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.55d
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SKU: 48060583872

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Beautiful Good Quality Sheepskin, Beautifully Packaged
Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin shape), Color: Creamy White, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin shape), Color: Creamy White
Very nicely packaged and presented sheepskin rug. Seems like very good quality and is just as I imagined it would be based on my previous experiences with sheepskin. I don’t think it’s as soft as others seemed to think but it has been chemically processed and it is very similar in texture to what I remember from past experiences with sheepskin. I got this for the kitties to nap on - one seemed proud of me for bringing home a pelt and went into hunt mode. The other looked at me suspiciously like he didn’t really know me at all and was afraid I could be eyeing him for his fur! Hopefully once they both adjust they’ll enjoy napping on it 🙀😻
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
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sunshine
West Palm Beach, US
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Full of beauty!
Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin shape), Color: Creamy White
This company takes pride in their work. The sheep skin covering is beyond what anyone could imagine. I purchased this for medicinal purposes. I found out I have SI joint dysfunction. And this sheepskin helps to relieve pressure points so I am using this as a chair covering for when I sit. The product came in a big box and then a plastic bag and then a third, well covered, plastic bag to protect the sheepskin. You will not be disappointed if you purchase this covering. The price was excellent. It will take your breath away. Very happy with my purchase. There was no odor when I opened the package. Many thanks for an excellent product and helping me to be more comfortable when I sit for short periods of time. :)
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Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2026
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Sonja
Carnegie, US
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Nice, but almost feels faux to me
Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin shape), Color: Pink, Size: 2' x 6' (Sheepskin shape), Color: Pink
I like it, but it says it’s real, and I believe them, but it feels like it is faux. I’ve owned a fake one before and it feels similar. Please know I am not saying it is not real. I guess the fake was well done! It’s super long and I am still on the fence if I want it this long. I’ve taken a pic here, but right now it is wrapped in the package in case I need to return. It is soft and pretty, but I’m not sure that Barbie pink is my best choice lol. Usually I would pair it with a mid century modern bedspread that is chenille, with a little pink so it works well but not too matchy matchy. I wish I had taken a pic with that bedspread because the bit of pink on the bedspread looks very nice against the rug. So let me apologize for having it with an ugly bedspread.
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This is a wonderful sheepskin
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This sheepskin is so soft and comfortable. I use it on my couch and it really helped me stay warm in the winter months. Super glad I bought it. My cat loves it too
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West Palm Beach, US
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I purchased a pair of these a week apart, because the price seemed too good to be true. Instead, they have exceeded my expectations. I own a Buick with leather seats that look incredible, but are not comfortable on long trips, and my wife and I were preparing to leave on a 2200 mile round trip vacation. On the first day, we drove 700 miles, much of it through desert. We were tired when we reached our destination, but comfortable and cool for every mile of it. The sheepskins have made such a difference, that I have never removed them from the car. It is now July, with triple digit temperatures every day, surrounded by desert. The sheepskin keep us cool on every drive. I could have purchased sheepskin seat covers, but these provide the same comfort for a fraction of the cost. Yes, it takes a small amount of effort to adjust them when you first get into the car, but I don't even think about it any more. As far as the quality, there is no shedding, no smell, and no discoloration. We have put over 4,000 miles on the car since I put these in, and I have no complaints to register.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2025

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