The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) has exciting plans for 2025 that aim to enhance the outdoor experience for both locals and visitors alike. We are focusing on expanding our trail systems, improving existing trails, and fostering community engagement through various initiatives. These plans also include collaborations with local organizations and governmental agencies to promote sustainable practices in our outdoor spaces. Our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty of Central Oregon remains a priority as we look toward the future.

In 2024, the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) achieved numerous significant milestones that contributed to the enhancement and preservation of the region's trail systems. These accomplishments included organizing community events that fostered engagement and awareness among outdoor enthusiasts, as well as successfully completing several important trail construction and maintenance projects. The collective efforts of volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and accessibility of trails for cyclists, hikers, and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Overall, COTA's dedication to trail advocacy strengthened the organization’s mission and further enriched the experience of those who explore Central Oregon's beautiful landscapes.

The heavy lifting for this project has been contracted out to Dirt Mechanics, aka Paul Lissette, aka Kiwi Paul.  If you are an avid mountain biker you surely have ridden and loved a trail he has built with his crew in Bend, Mt. Bachelor, Spence Mountain, or even New Zealand to name a few. COTA volunteers have also taken on a share of the load on the upper section of the new work as well and will be tasked with maintaining the new work.  The timing of the work going into a dry summer was driven by a variety of circumstances. The recent work began as the snow melted and we even had some snowfall at the start of the project. For this section, we had a narrow window to get machine work completed between the snow melt and typical summer IFPL restrictions.

On July 2, 2024 the Forest Service announced a public comment period on proposed class 1 pedal-assist e-bike usage on select trails in the Deschutes National Forest (DNF).

The Forest Service regulates which types of users are allowed on which trails and the final decision on this proposal is up to them. This is just the beginning of their process to consider changes. To be clear, the rules are not changing now. If changes are approved, they would likely go into effect in late 2025.