Oregon and Washington Trail Organizations Respond to USFS Restructuring

Oregon Trails Coalition joined several Oregon and Washington partners in submitting requests as part of the public comment period on the USDA Reorganization and its affects on our U.S. Forest Service Region. The overarching request was for leaders to think holistically about the contributions of partners to the success of the agency and maintain the conditions needed to sustain the partnerships that function as a powerful force multiplier for the department.

Our specific asks in summary:

• Position a director of recreation and trails in the Pacific Northwest to oversee a team to support the National Forest System’s focus on outdoor recreation and the needs of local communities.

• Continue to locate key staff members, such as a knowledgeable trail program lead, in the Pacific Northwest, to support nonprofit partnerships and maintain Region 6’s highly developed and successful network of volunteers. 

• Maintain Forest Service positions needed to support strong partnership relationships,

  including staff able to manage grants and agreements. Locate these staff locally so

  relevant personnel can maintain an understanding of key partners, forest priorities and local conditions.

• Continue to designate a regional saw program manager who is accessible to partners and able to offer advanced in-person trainings. This person should be tasked with maintaining clarity about the saw program curriculum and ensuring partner groups can maintain critical certifications during the reorganization of the department.

• Maintain national scenic trails (the Pacific Crest NST and the Pacific Northwest NST) administrators who are subject matter experts on their respective trails, and located as close to their trails and key nonprofit partners as possible.

• Maintain strong intergovernmental relationships with PNW Tribal nations. 

Photo credit: Tom Kloster