Land Use Update: North Fort Rock Recreation Planning

We’re aware of recent posts and conversations circulating about land-use planning in the North Fort Rock area.

At this time, OMRA is actively monitoring this stage of the discussions, and OHV-positive stakeholders are at the table. The current conversations around North Fort Rock are part of an early planning process, not a finalized proposal, and include input from OHV-focused organizations and partners from the outset. No decisions have been finalized.

The North Fort Rock Recreation Planning effort is focused on an area that is already being used by OHVs and other trail users. This area is west of the existing East Fort Rock OHV system and east of the town of Bend, near the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The Forest Service is beginning legitimate conversations about how recreation in this area should be managed moving forward, and we have confirmed that several local OHV organizations are involved in these initial discussions.

It’s also important to acknowledge the reality on the ground. Land managers responsible for these areas are operating under extreme constraints, including staffing reductions that in some cases approach 90 percent, along with expanding mandates, responsibilities, and residential populations. Despite those limitations, many of these staff continue to work in good faith with recreation partners to keep access available and systems functioning. We’re also fortunate that many of the land managers and participants involved in these conversations are knowledgeable about OHV recreation, are supportive of responsible motorized access, and in some cases are OHV users themselves. The productive, collaborative partnerships in place here are something the Oregon OHV community should be proud of.

Land-use work is rarely simple. Sometimes it means advocating for trail miles, and sometimes it means working as solutions-partners during difficult planning processes. Both approaches matter, especially in an environment where fewer people are being asked to manage more use, on more land, near a rapidly growing residential population.

We also want to be clear: this is not a moment where public outreach or letter-writing is being requested. Well-intentioned pressure at the wrong time can complicate productive conversations that are already underway.

The OMRA has been involved in public-lands OHV conversations for more than 40 years. This is the work we do best. If you have questions or want to better understand how these processes work, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help provide context and clarity.

We appreciate the community’s passion and will continue to share updates and calls to action as appropriate.