Conservation News Roundup: Winter 2024-25
The Office Covered Bridge in Westfir, Oregon.
Inside each issue of Ridgeline, we’re giving local conservation groups throughout the region a chance to share their updates with our audience. Learn all about their wins, the challenges they’re facing, and how you can help, all right here in our conservation news roundup.
Meet the Oakridge Trails Alliance
By: Michelle Emmons, Oakridge Trails Alliance, Oakridge, Oregon
The Oakridge Trails Alliance (OTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship, advocacy, and sustainable development of trails in the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest and greater area of Oakridge-Westfir communities. OTA collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to enhance local trails networks in an effort to maintain and expand access for everyone, to world-class outdoor recreation,
Recent projects include the much-anticipated Fuji Mountain to Bunchgrass Trail and the Alpine Cloverpatch Connection, which will offer expanded access and connectivity across iconic sections of the Willamette National Forest. These projects, made possible in part through congressional appropriations for Signature Trails and funding from the Great American Outdoors Act, are crucial steps toward addressing deferred maintenance across the region.
This federal support will also enable OTA to hire professional trail crews and expand volunteer stewardship opportunities, while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for the local trail system. These crews will focus on critical maintenance and infrastructure improvements, enhancing safety and accessibility while preserving the ecological integrity of the region.
OTA is committed to building partnerships that support local economic development, promote outdoor recreation stewardship ethic, and protect natural resources for future generations.
Trail Management with Disciples of Dirt
By: Lee Wilkinson, Disciples of Dirt, Oakridge, Oregon
The Disciples of Dirt has a long history in the Southern Willamette Valley of promoting responsible mountain bike use on public lands. Working with land managers from various local, state, and federal agencies, the club has been building and maintaining trails for over 20 years.
A prime example of what the club is capable of providing, was the clean up efforts at Carpenter Bypass Trail System after the ice storm of 2024. Carpenter Bypass is a multi-use trail system located near the town of Lorane, and boasts nearly 20 miles of trails, primarily designed for mountain bike use. The ice storm devastated the area, with over 1,000 trees laying across the trails. The club rallied local riders, and certified sawyers, and other trail advocacy groups to engage in a massive restoration effort. The system was reopened for use in just over 30 days, with 200 volunteers providing 1,300 hours of service.
Another example of the club’s efforts was the construction of the The Thurston Hills Natural Area in Springfield Oregon. Working with Willamalane Parks & Recreation staff, the Disciples helped implement and build the first urban mountain bike specific trail network in the area, offering riders nearly 12 miles of trails to experience.
Looking to the future, the club will continue its commitment to preserving and enhancing access for mountain bikers through new projects such as the Arlie Park trail system, and continued work on existing projects throughout Lane county.
Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition Update: Rocky Habitat Conservation
By: Annie Merrill, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Coastwide, Oregon
Meet Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition. This organization has been working to protect coastal ecosystems and public access to the beaches for over 50 years. They focus on a range of land use and conservation issues, all with the overarching goal of increasing coastal resilience to climate change and mobilizing community participation in public policy and scientific research. The group also aims to enhance marine education and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors and coastal residents alike.
Coastal visitors should know that 8 new rocky habitat sites have been designated under Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan, offering greater protection for these popular tidepools. Community groups of local residents, along with Oregon Shores and other partners are working with the State to develop strong management plans and informational materials to help coastal visitors navigate these new regulations.
New “Marine Conservation Areas”, which focus on protection and include restrictions on harvesting shellfish, seaweed, and fish; include Cape Lookout, Cape Foulweather, Fogarty Creek, Blacklock Point, and Ecola Point. “Marine Education Areas” (or Marine Gardens) focus on outreach and education uses and include some restrictions on shellfish and seaweed harvest at Coquille Point and Chapman Point. There is also a new “Marine Research Area” dedicated at Cape Blanco.
All of these new sites are to be managed and stewarded by coastal community groups and local organizations including Oregon Shores, a nomination and proposal partner for three of the recent designated sites in this years-long public process. These new sites don’t have signs posted yet, so be aware that new use restrictions may apply. If you visit, tread lightly and enjoy the wonder of special places!
A New 2.5 Mile Trail Gets a Green Light in Eugene
By: Ariel Lissman, Eugene Parks Foundation, Eugene, Oregon
The Eugene Parks Foundation is making significant strides in enhancing the region’s trail system with its latest project: a 2.5-mile trail connecting Spencer Butte to South Eugene Meadows Park, complete with a loop trail within the park itself. This development is a critical piece of a broader vision to expand Eugene’s regional trail network, aiming to create seamless connections and accessible pathways for hikers, mountain bikers, and runners alike.
Spencer Butte, a beloved landmark in Eugene, has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, access has traditionally been somewhat limited, particularly for those wishing to extend their adventures beyond the Butte itself. The new 2.5-mile trail addresses this by providing a direct and scenic route from Spencer Butte to South Eugene Meadows Park, opening new opportunities for exploration and recreation. The loop trail within South Eugene Meadows Park is designed to offer a diverse experience, allowing users to enjoy varied terrain and landscapes. It serves as a focal point within the park, offering a convenient and accessible trail for casual walkers, while also catering to more serious runners and mountain bikers looking for a dynamic trail experience.
By linking key natural areas like Spencer Butte and South Eugene Meadows Park, the Eugene Parks Foundation is ensuring that these spaces are accessible to all. The trail system is being developed with sustainability in mind, using environmentally sensitive construction techniques to minimize impact on local ecosystems. The Eugene Parks Foundation’s trail project is more than just a pathway—it’s a gateway to the outdoors, encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore the natural beauty of the region. With each new trail, Eugene is becoming not just a city with trails, but a city defined by its trails, where outdoor recreation is an integral part of the community’s identity.
Want to learn more about Eugene Parks Foundation? Visit https://www.eugeneparksfoundation.org to find out how to support this project, view the rest of their current initiatives, and stay informed by signing up to be a part of their mailing list.
Yachats Boardwalk—Coming Soon?
By: Andrea Scharf, View the Future, Yachats, Oregon
The scenic estuary where the Yachats River joins the Pacific Ocean changes constantly, from hour to hour, season to season. Low tide leaves a wide sand beach where seagulls stand still in cryptic patterns, waiting for whatever seagulls wait for. Surfers and seals ride the waves. October brings storms—the river struggles against the incoming tide and Coho salmon can finally swim over the bar and head upstream to spawn.
Although there’s an access point on the south side, the north side along Yachats River Road is a high cliff; the view is blocked by thick salmonberry and salal. Pedestrians walking along the road have to keep an eye on traffic; it’s not really a safe pathway. The City of Yachats, with support from View the Future, a local environmental advocacy group, submitted a grant to the Oregon Department of Parks & Recreation for a boardwalk and viewing platform along Yachats River Road. Unfortunately, delays in transferring the road from the County to the City resulted in postponing the project until all the legal work is completed.
Once that is accomplished, says city manager Bobbi Price, the city will re-submit the grant application. If everything goes as planned, work on the Boardwalk will begin in 2026. Visitors and locals will add the Boardwalk to the list of many amenities that make Yachats the Gem of the Oregon Coast!