Deschutes Trails Coalition
For Release: Immediately
BEND, OR – The Deschutes Trails Coalition announced today their 2023 Small Project Grants program for trail-focused projects within the Deschutes National Forest. For 2023, this program will award up to $35,000 for multiple small projects. The application period will open on April 3, 2023.
The Deschutes Trails Coalition is soliciting proposals for trails-focused small projects occurring on, or impacting, publicly accessible trails in the Deschutes National Forest. Project proposals that maintain or restore existing trails are encouraged. Grant applications are due by May 12, 2023.
The purpose of the Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC) is to ensure a future of sustainable trails in Central Oregon. The DTC includes representatives from the conservation, business, tourism, and trail-user communities who work together to make recommendations to envision and create a sustainable trail system throughout Central Oregon. Our values reflect “Four Pillars” of Sustainability: Environmental, Economic, Physical and Social. Our organizational goals include:
- Strengthen relationships with land managers to advance sustainable trails in Central Oregon.
- Provide resources that support an increase in on-the-ground trail maintenance and development projects with our partners that align with the four pillars of sustainability.
- Foster a broader sense of stewardship for Central Oregon trails through consistent and inclusive education and outreach from DTC’s collective voice.
- Build the capacity of our coalition to ensure that underrepresented communities have equitable access to positive trail experiences.
- Establish DTC as a resource for diversifying, stabilizing and increasing trail funding sources that more closely align with the economic value they provide.
The Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC) was formed in 2017 by the Deschutes National Forest, in partnership with Discover Your Forest. The two organizations invited a diverse group of local and regional recreation stakeholders to come together to provide community leadership and support to organizations and land management agencies to address escalating challenges to our trail system. This community of stakeholders continues to drive the DTC today. We know that a collaborative approach is necessary to address the environmental, social, economic, and physical needs of a sustainable trail system, and to cultivate a broader culture of trails stewardship. For more information about the DTC please visit: https://www.deschutestrailscoalition.org/