COTA 2025 PLANS

• MORE New Trails at Cascade View and Cline Butte

  More new trails are coming to Cline Butte and Cascade View in 2025. Thanks to a grant from the Recreational Trails Program, and the power of our volunteers, we anticipate completing 5 miles of new trails in these trail systems in 2025.

• New Trails: West Bend Trails Package

  The Deschutes National Forest has signed the Decision Memo for the West Bend Package Environmental Assessment in January 2025. This project includes several exciting trail projects, including the long-awaited sessionable downhill trails at the Wanoga Sno-Park, a bypass trail for the “COD Wimp Out” road that the Forest Service removed to improve wildlife habitat, and an extension of Pine Drops to the top of Upper Whoops so that Upper Whoops can become a one-way downhill trail. This package also includes plans to put trails alongside roads that are used to make connections within the trail system, including from Dutchman to Wanoga and from Swampy to Swede. Once the Forest Service approves the projects, COTA will be seeking funding and inviting the help of our many amazing volunteers to get these projects on the ground.

• Trail Scouts Program

  In 2025, we will assign each trail in Bend and South Deschutes County (SoDeCo) to one or two Crew Leaders, who will serve as lead scouts. These Crew Leaders will ensure trail ratings and signage are accurate and up to date, while identifying and reporting maintenance needs.

  Crew Leaders will also undergo specialized training to inspect wooden features annually and collaborate on adaptive needs for trails. They will map all access points, contributing to a comprehensive maintenance map, making trail work planning more detailed and efficient.

  Throughout the season, Crew Leaders will check in with the Maintenance Coordinator to prioritize tasks across the trail system. This new approach differs from the previous trail adoption program, as Crew Leaders will focus on scouting, evaluation, and collaboration rather than directly leading trail work. Their role will be vital in improving overall trail quality.

• Rural Chapter Support

  COTA received a grant from The Roundhouse Foundation to help bolster our staff support for our more rural chapters, namely our Crook County, Madras, Sisters, and South Deschutes County chapters. When they are well-maintained, the trails and bike parks in these communities enhance residents’ physical and mental well-being, improve the economic vitality of rural community, and provide a space for community connection.