Advocacy & Partnerships: Strengthening Trail Stewardship Through NOHVCC

Earlier this month, OMRA Marketing Director Lydia Bashaw and Legislative Director Barrett Brown attended the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) Annual Conference in Bend, Oregon. The conference brought together off-road leaders, land managers, agencies, and advocates from across the country to collaborate on the future of responsible recreation and public land access.

Representing OMRA, Lydia and Barrett participated in discussions centered on trail sustainability, legislative collaboration, funding programs, and the shared challenges facing motorized recreation nationwide. These conversations are increasingly important as land use policy, recreation demand, and stewardship expectations continue to evolve.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The NOHVCC Conference pairs traditional presentations with hands-on, on-the-ground learning. During the Mobile Workshop portion of the event, Lydia joined members of the Deschutes 4x4 Club for her first rock crawler ride and heard firsthand how their volunteer-driven efforts have made a lasting impact in the Santiam Pass Motorized Area.

She also connected with the Oregon State Snowmobile Association, learning how their organization leverages grant funding, empowers volunteers, and sustains a strong, long-standing recreation community. Additional time was spent with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff discussing trail work, equipment, and the realities of maintaining diverse motorized trail systems.

The day concluded with a side-by-side ride from Ray Benson Sno-Park toward the outskirts of Sisters, offering a unique perspective on Central Oregon’s terrain and trail infrastructure. OMRA extends thanks to Polaris for the opportunity to experience the trail system from behind the wheel.

The landscape and riding experience highlighted how different regions require different approaches to management, maintenance, and collaboration — a valuable takeaway for advocacy work back home.

Strengthening Advocacy Through Connection

“We are stronger together,” Lydia shared. “When we connect and collaborate, we make real progress. Our sport and our access depend on fresh ideas, volunteerism, and a growth mindset.”

Barrett brings more than 40 years of experience in off-road recreation advocacy, including prior service with NOHVCC and advisory boards across Oregon. His institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment continue to guide OMRA’s legislative and land use efforts as conversations around access and recreation funding grow more complex.

OMRA would also like to thank NOHVCC for hosting the conference and for awarding Lydia a travel grant to support her attendance. Opportunities like this help ensure Oregon riders are represented in national discussions shaping the future of motorized recreation.

OMRA remains committed to showing up, staying informed, and advocating responsibly for the trails and riding opportunities we value. If you’re interested in helping keep Oregon’s trails open and thriving, consider becoming an OMRA member or reaching out to learn how you can get involved. Every hour and every voice makes a difference.