About

History

It all started with getting a technical grant from the National Parks Service, Rivers & Trails Conservation Assistance Program to create the Oakridge-Westfir Community Trails Plan in 2004. Public input through monthly meetings, surveys and open houses were vital in developing this plan. After finishing the Trails Plan in 2008, the group of hikers, bikers, runners and equestrians wanted to stay together to start implementing the Trails Plan. Meanwhile in 2008, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) designated Oakridge as one of their first "Ride Centers" and has continued to assist in funding projects and continue to create partnerships between agencies and land managers.

The Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards was created to be the group to assist in implementing the Trails Plan. We are a 501(c)(3) "chapter" of IMBA and operate under but independent from IMBA. This is also a new IMBA program (like the Ride Center) that we are helping to pioneer. Although our group is a multi-user trails group, IMBA has allowed us to be in the program. We will be the local voice and connection to funding and projects in Oakridge. We are not out to replace any of the great volunteer groups currently doing trail work in the Oakridge area like the Disciples of Dirt (DOD). We are out to partner with them to maintain what we have and work to create new trails.

Mission

Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards mission is to protect, create, and enhance quality trail experiences for mountain bikers in cooperation with other trail users in the Oakridge area.  In addition, we actively promote responsible trail use, support volunteer trail work, assist land managers with trail management issues, and improve relations among all trail user groups.

Vision

Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards has a vision to continue working to maintain and extend a network of non-motorized trails for a variety of user groups in the Oakridge area by implementing the Oakridge-Westfir Community Trails Plan.

Goals

• Support the implementation of the Oakridge-Westfir Community Trails Plan.
• Promote public education and enjoyment of the area trails.
• Encourage and promote stewardship by all trail user groups.
• To ensure preservation of trails and the land.
• Facilitate volunteer participation in support and maintenance of area trails.
• Promote cooperation and collaboration among all trail user groups.
• Developing the Oakridge area trails for sustainable tourism and recreation.
• Support and encourage the use of non-motorized transportation routes throughout our community.