Off-road enthusiasts and salmon alike will benefit from new Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) bridges in the Tillamook State Forest, thanks to a Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Grant. ODF recently completed construction of two new off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail bridges on Julies Trail. The project was initiated to replace failing bridges and enhance stream habitat through trail and bridge relocation. Both bridges cross Deyoe Creek, a tributary to the Devil’s Lake Fork of the Wilson River, which is an important salmon stream in the mountains of Oregon’s northern Coast Range. The new 35-foot-long bridges replace two aging bridges that were failing and did not meet current bridge design specifications. As part of the project, trail- and bridge-crossing locations were also adjusted – specific additional actions focused on improving stream habitat. The project was funded by a Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative GRANT (Guaranteeing Responsible Access to our Nation’s Trails). The GRANT was awarded as part of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative promoting safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable riding areas. “Bridge projects are particularly well-suited for funding from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative and the Julies Trail bridges addressed significant needs for the OHV trail system on the Tillamook State Forest,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV/SxS marketing manager. “Putting the GRANT funds to work, the Oregon Department of Forestry protected both OHV riding access and an environmentally sensitive wildlife habitat area, creating an excellent example of the possibilities of partnership between OHV riders and land stewardship efforts.” Julies Trail is 2.1 miles long and is an important connector trail for the larger OHV trail network in the Browns Camp OHV area. “Julies Trail is one of the more popular trails in the Browns Camp OHV area,” said Jahmaal Rebb, OHV Program Specialist for the Tillamook State Forest. “This grant made it possible for us to maintain long-term trail access, as well as enhance critical stream habitat in the Wilson River watershed.” For more information about Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative, visit: www.yamahamotorsports.com/oaigrants ODF manages the 364,000-acre Tillamook State Forest for a wide variety of environmental, social, and economic benefits. Additional information about the Tillamook State Forest Recreation Program and forest management in Oregon is available on the agency’s website at www.oregon.gov/ODF
