Forest Service seeks input on trail maintenance priorities

The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region is inviting the public to help identify trails that will be part of an effort with partners and volunteers to increase the pace of trail maintenance.

Nationwide, the Forest Service will select nine to 15 priority areas among its nine regions where a backlog in trail maintenance contributed to reduced access, potential harm to natural resources or trail users and/or has the potential for increased future deferred maintenance costs.

The Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region manages more than 24,000 miles of trails enjoyed by many users each year. In 2016, about 5,000 volunteers contributed more than 230,000 hours of service to trails work across Oregon and Washington. These volunteer contributions helped the Forest Service accomplish nearly half of the Region’s trail needs in 2016.

“Public input, volunteer contributions, and partnership support are cornerstones of our sustainable recreation strategy,” said Jim Peña, Regional Forester. “We have already begun hearing from Oregon and Washington trails groups with their ideas and look forward to working collaboratively with our partners and volunteers to achieve a more sustainable trails program.”

The Pacific Northwest Region will submit at least three regional proposals to National Headquarters by April 15, 2017. Those proposals will be weighed against proposals submitted by other Forest Service regions.

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