Ochoco National Forest Proposes OHV Trail Environmental Impact Statement

November 20, 2009 – The Ochoco National Forest in Oregon has published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of changing the existing motorized trail system to create and designate a new system of roads, trails and areas open to motorized vehicles.  Currently there is only one motorized trail on the Forest, which is the Green Mountain Trail measuring only 8 miles.  Given that this trail provides inadequate riding opportunities, the Forest has stated that the proposed route system must contain adequate length, diversity, difficulty, loops, alternative routes and other features to provide a quality experience and to keep motorized vehicles on the designated system. 

Comments concerning the scope of the EIS will be accepted until December 21, 2009.  Comments may be sent by email to comments-pacificnorthwest-ochoco@fs.fed.us or by mail to: 

Ochoco Summit OHV Trail Planning Team
Ochoco National Forest
3160 NE Third Street
Prineville, OR 97754

Additional information found online:

Original Federal Register Notice
Maps of Proposed Trails

For further information, please contact Dede Steele, Project Leader, at 541-416-6500, or at dsteele@fs.fed.us.