After conducting a thorough and robust nationwide search, COTA has found the perfect candidate right here in Bend. We are very pleased to announce Emmy Andrews as our first Executive Director. 

​Emmy has been hired to lead COTA in its next phase of growth, while continuing its core mission of developing, protecting, and enhancing the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration, and education.

Emmy has been actively involved on COTA’s Board of Directors for over four years (2016-2020), serving as Board Treasurer for three years, and then becoming the Bend Chapter Representative. While on the Board, Emmy was instrumental in developing COTA’s first Strategic Plan and coordinating the Crew Leader program. Emmy has been an active trail work volunteer and mountain bike advocate for many years.

“Emmy’s energy and enthusiasm for what we do, her ability to maintain positive long-term relationships with stakeholders and volunteers, and common sense approach convinced us that Emmy is the one to guide COTA in achieving great things in the years to come,” said COTA Board Chair, Bruce Schroeder. “We look forward to working with Emmy in this new capacity starting in 2021.”

With over 20 years of experience in project management, planning, and marketing, and a passion for implementing COTA’s mission and vision, Emmy is ready to get started.

“Mountain biking trails are essential to Central Oregon’s identity and economy,” Emmy said. “As Executive Director, I will focus on empowering COTA’s amazing volunteers and growing our revenue base so that our trail network continues to be among the best in the country. I look forward to strengthening COTA’s relationships with our members, volunteers, land managers, partner organizations, and sponsors.”

“COTA is growing at a phenomenal rate. We have six chapters—Bend, Crook County, Madras, Redmond, Sisters, and South Deschutes County—and trail planning or building going on in all of them. As Executive Director I want to make sure all of our chapters have the resources and support they need to achieve their goals.”

This newly created Executive Director position marks the first paid position for COTA. Established as a non-profit organization in 1992, all efforts by Board members, vast numbers of trail workers, and others have been 100% volunteer driven. Emmy was selected after a five-month search that included evaluating a strong list of applicants from all over the country.

Emmy’s start date is January 4, 2021 and can be reached here. For more information, please contact COTA’s Board Chair, Bruce Schroeder here.

The Forest Service recently requested public input on proposed updates to directives that clarify how e-bikes are managed on national forests whereby creating an e-bike definition and by adopting the three classes of e-bikes for designation as motor vehicles. 

Below you'll find the USFS comment request notification as well as COTA's comment letter. The deadline for public comments was October 26, 2020.

​Winter riding is around the corner so we’re kicking off our raffle fundraiser to pay for grooming costs & to fund more trails. 

Chip in $10+ for a chance to win a 2021 Rhino FLT fatbike, generously donated by Fatback Bikes!

Get out and enjoy snow-cruising COTA’s groomed Wanoga fat bike trails; then ride sweet singletrack, forest roads, sandy trails and beaches when summer hits.

Your Ticket Purchase/Donation Helps Us:

Grooming approved trails. Prepping snow-packed fatbike trails requires snowmobiles and unique grooming equipment, plenty of gas and oil, machine maintenance, equipment storage and insurance. COTA covers these costs via donations like yours.

Adding new trails. It’s challenging and time-consuming to get new trails approved by the US Forest Service. We’re proposing a new 4 mile loop, dubbed ‘Saddle Ride,’ that winds over the saddle of nearby buttes. NEPA (environmental) studies and other expenses that may be required are often partly or wholly funded by COTA (via your donations and memberships) to help get projects to the finish line.

Sharing the trails. Our winter trails are open to fatbikes, snowshoers, cross-country skiiers and dogs - woof! 

Enter now to win - Chip in to support winter trails!
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Tickets $10 each; 3 for $25, 7 for $50

The Jackpot: A 2021 Fatback Bikes RHINO FLT tricked out with NX SRAM components, Fatback’s proprietary Big SU wheelset and upgraded Terrene Johnny 5 tires. Your choice of frame size, from XS - XL. Pedals not included. Retail price: $2,199.

Fatback’s Rhino FLT was highlighted in Outside Magazine’s Best Fat Bikes of 2020 roundup with this comment:

The Fatback Rhino FLT proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for a great winter ride. Because the frame is aluminum, it won’t break the budget. The geom­etry feels tight and responsive, and [includes Fatback’s] surprisingly light and sturdy Big SU wheels.  
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Blue Ice color / Any Size Frame from XS-XL / Free Shipping in Lower 48 States

To check out a Fatback Bikes Rhino FLT in person, stop by WebCyclery in the Old Stone Church at 157 NW Franklin Ave in Bend. 

Last Chance to Buy Tix: Sunday, December 6th, 2020 at 11:59pm
Drawing Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 8:00am 

Online Drawing: Following safe COVID protocols, the drawing will be online this year with the winning ticket selected at random by RaffleCreator. The winner will be notified by phone and email within 24 hours.

Proceeds go to COTA's winter fat bike trail efforts. 

​South Fork Trail Reroute Implemented for Bridge Replacement, per USFS press release.

Beginning Monday, October 19, Deschutes National Forest trails specialists plan to close the South Fork Tumalo Trail #25.1 where the trail crosses the South Fork of Tumalo Creek in order to replace the trail’s bridge. The closure will be implemented until the project is complete later this fall. Trail users can detour to Forest Service Road 4603 to avoid the closure (see map below).

The South Fork Tumalo Trail serves as a hiking and biking trail in the summer and as a Nordic trail in the winter. It provides important trail connectivity and access for several popular destinations. The bridge replacement is conducted in partnership with the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and Central Oregon Nordic Club (CONC). Both groups are providing funding and volunteer labor.  
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*COTA's note: Users can continue to use the portions of Tumalo Creek Trail up to the bridge from either side while replacement construction is underway, however the bridge itself will be closed and there is no other way to cross Tumalo's South Fork tributary in that area.

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) is hiring its first Executive Director to chart the course for the organization’s next phase of growth. The ideal candidate is a positive, flexible, and team-oriented leader with the enthusiasm and vision to guide COTA in fulfilling its mission to develop, protect, and enhance the mountain biking experience here in Central Oregon. 

Check out the job description, salary range and application process HERE.

COTA is dedicated to designing, building and maintaining sustainable singletrack trails and preserving access for mountain bikers through trail stewardship, public outreach, advocacy and education.

​Formed in 1992 as an all-volunteer organization, COTA has more than 1,300 members with chapters in Bend, Redmond, Crook County, Madras, Sisters and South Dechutes County.

 If you are interested in serving as COTA’s first Executive Director, click  HERE  to see the Job Announcement, salary range, and information about applying.  

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently reviewing its e-bikes policy. Comments or concerns regarding e-bike use on BLM lands can be submitted through June 9, 2020 here. Below you'll find COTA's position statement in PDF format:

In the past few weeks, there have been several guest editorials in the Bend Bulletin by pro e-bike riders that had several inaccuracies as to COTA's role and relationship with central Oregon's singletrack MTB trails. We hope this helps clarify our position in the complex discussion about e-bikes. - COTA Board of Directors
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May 20, 2020 Bend Bulletin:
In a recent guest column about riding electric bikes (e-bikes) in the forests west of Bend, there were some inaccuracies that the Central Oregon Trail Alliance's Board of Directors would like to correct and clarify.

COTA’s mission is to develop, protect and enhance the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration and education. Since our founding in 1992, we have designed, built and have stewardship/maintenance agreements on hundreds of miles of single-track trails. While intended to be used primarily by mountain bikers, many others enjoy the work COTA has performed over the past 25+ years, including hikers, trail runners and equestrians.

COTA works with many land managing agencies, such the US Forest Service (Deschutes, Ochoco and Willamette National Forests), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bend Parks and Recreation, Redmond Parks and Recreation, City of Madras, City of Prineville, Crook County and a few others. In each of these relationships, trail management policies (including usage restrictions) are dictated by the specific land managers.

For instance, COTA has, in fact, built trails open to e-mountain bikes at the East Hills Trail System in Madras, because the City of Madras allowed it.

Regarding the Phil’s network and trails west of Bend, the land manager is USFS/Deschutes National Forest. The USFS’s national policy states that electric bikes are to be considered motorized vehicles, and therefore manages them differently than human-powered mountain bikes. Thus, e-bikes are not allowed on USFS trails managed for non-motorized use. 

A different example can be seen in the Oakridge area, where some of the single-track trails allow e-bikes. Here these trails are managed by the Willamette National Forest as motorized trails and are open to motorcycles.

COTA’s role has always been as a supportive organization, holding volunteer agreements with the various land managers, including the local Forest Service office. We follow the rules and regulations put forth by the USFS.

The Deschutes National Forest Trail Manager asked COTA for assistance in funding and implementing a ‘No E-Bikes’ signage program. We provided funding and volunteer labor to install the signs, which were approved by DNF. This is consistent with our mission, since education and collaboration are part of what we do.

Although the USFS is not currently reviewing its e-bikes policy, the BLM is actively in a review process. Comments or concerns regarding e-bike use on BLM lands can be submitted through June 9 (search ‘e-bike regulations’ at blm.gov).

E-bike management on trails is very complex and we applaud the BLM for a full review and public comment period before making a final decision. This decision will also affect other trail users: hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and human-powered mountain bikers. While there are compelling arguments for inclusion of e-bikes on trails open to mountain bikes, there are also many arguments against inclusion and keeping non-motorized trails just that, non-motorized.

While the current policies prohibit e-bikes on non-motorized trails they do not prevent use and enjoyment of public lands. There are literally thousands of miles of unpaved roads and trails approved for motorized recreation, which includes e-bikes.

COTA promotes good trail etiquette and responsible recreation for all users. For e-bikers, a big part of riding responsibly includes knowing where to legally ride and respecting those policies. Ignoring closures and policies does not help the impression others have of e-bikers as a user group.

Originally posted in the Bend Bulletin May 20, 2020 issue

Per DNF May 20 press release: Prior to Memorial Day weekend, the Deschutes National Forest will open most developed day-use sites and boat ramps on the national forest. The public should be aware that those sites remaining closed have hazard trees that need to be addressed for public safety or still have significant snow.

“I am happy to share that we are opening many of our boat launches and trailheads that provide access to the landscape and recreation we all enjoy so much” said Forest Supervisor Holly Jewkes.  “We appreciate your understanding as we work to restore services to these sites.  In the meantime, we will not be charging day use fees.”

The specific status of each site on the Deschutes National Forest can be found in this table, updated daily on the Deschutes website.

Though these sites are considered open to the public, restrooms will not be regularly cleaned or maintained, nor will garbage services be provided at this time. The public should be prepared to recreate responsibly without these services, and remember “pack it in, pack it out” and put campfires dead out.

This weekend is the initial phase of developed recreation sites opening on the Deschutes National Forest. All campgrounds on the Deschutes National Forest remain closed. Dispersed camping is still allowed.

“We are working to open some campgrounds on the forest the first weekend in June. We will continue to open more campgrounds as safety issues are addressed and services can be provided,” said Jewkes. 

Responsible recreation practices include:

• Maintain at least six feet distancing from others and respect other people on trails.
• Alert other trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything brought in. Pack it in, pack it out.
• Pack out your used toilet paper (use a small plastic bag) and bury human waste at least 8 inches deep.  This practice protects other visitors and wildlife as we resume services to areas.
• If you aren’t familiar with how to responsibly go to the bathroom in the outdoors, please watch this Leave No Trace video. 

Please check the Deschutes National Forest’s website for daily updates on sites that are open.

​DNF Contact: Jean Nelson-Dean, Public Affairs Officer, Deschutes National Forest, 458-231-1242

April 10, 2020 UPDATE:

In an effort to curb the risks of spreading the coronavirus and to avoid accidents that might require medical attention, the US Forest Service has implemented a temporary halt to volunteer work in our forests to protect as many people as possible. 

Effective immediately, all volunteer field work is suspended in the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest and the Crooked River Grasslands, all managed by the USFS. It’s our understanding this ‘stand down’ will be in effect through May 8th, at least.

To be clear, this means the forests are closed to volunteer trail/field work, whether in groups or individually.

Thanks for your understanding and patience. Stay safe and healthy. And hang in there - we're as anxious as you are to get back out there!

March 28, 2020
Effective March 27, 2020, coronavirus-related closures and restrictions for public lands managed by the USFS and BLM have been put in place. COTA will continue to update this article as changes occur.

​Central Oregon National Forests Temporarily Close All Developed Recreation Sites
USFS Central Ore. — March 27, 2020 — To align with Governor Brown’s executive order directing people to stay home to save lives, the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland have temporarily closed all developed recreation sites, to include campgrounds, day-use sites, boat ramps, trailheads, Sno-Parks, fire lookouts, and OHV areas. 
 
These recreation closures are necessary to address social distancing guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control, align with Oregon State Governor Kate Brown’s Executive Order to avoid unnecessary travel, including travel for recreational purposes, and reduce pressure on emergency services in local communities. [press release attached below]

COTA has received clarification from the USFS/Bend office: 

- Trailheads are closed; do not drive to or park nearby.
- Forest Service roads and singletrack trails are still open at this time. 
- Ride from your back door only. Skip shuttling or carpools, or driving out to trails.

PLEASE follow these suggestions:

- Ride solo or with 1-2 others, maintain 6+ feet physical distance between you!
- Ideally, ride forest service roads INSTEAD of singletrack. Some trails are still experiencing freeze/thaw soggy conditions. Plus you simply CAN'T pass safely on singletrack without riding wide. Don't do it. Protect yourself, protect others, protect nature.
- Ride easy....the ER & Urgent Care Centers do NOT want more customers.
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You can find all kinds of gravel riding routes on Dirty Freehub's website here.

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BLM Prineville District temporarily closes some recreation facilities and areas  
Central Oregon – The health and safety of our visitors and staff remains the number one priority of the Bureau of Land Management. Consistent with the closures already put forward by our partners, as well as with the guidance provided by the CDC and Governor Brown’s Stay at Home Executive Order No. 20-12, the Prineville District is temporarily closing access and use of many of its developed recreation facilities to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

These closures include boating on the Lower Deschutes and John Day Wild and Scenic Rivers.  The river closures will also include bathrooms at developed recreation areas as well as boat launches.  Access to day-use sites, trails, and all roads remains open.

In addition, outside of the Lower Deschutes and John Day Rivers, restroom facilities at all developed recreation sites will be closed, and all developed campgrounds will be temporarily closed to overnight camping as of 12:01 AM on April 1, 2020. Trash pickup and sanitation services on most of these recreation facilities will also be temporarily suspended. Access to day-use sites including trailheads is still available. Visitors currently in campgrounds will have until 12:01 a.m. April 1, 2020 to leave. Sites remaining open for day-use (hiking, mountain biking, etc.) will be posted with measures for safe recreation.

Despite facility closures, millions of acres of BLM-managed public lands across Oregon remain open to enjoy. We encourage all visitors, particularly those who are elderly, have underlying health conditions, or are otherwise vulnerable, to make smart decisions and follow CDC guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Source: KTVZ Channel 21, Bend. 

Stay safe & healthy, everyone☘️

​March 28, 2020 Update: Please note that the March 31st, April 6th and April 20th trainings have been canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak. We will reschedule and post to Meetup when trainings resume. Thank you.
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Interested in becoming a COTA Trail Steward? It's a great way to get involved and give some love back to the trails you enjoy.

Multiple Trail Stewardship Level 1 trainings are on the schedule, with 3 trainings in Bend and 1 in Sunriver. Level 2 & Level 3 trainings coming up soon.

Level 1: Intro into Basic Trail Maintenance and PowerPoint Presentation*
This is a 2 hour in classroom presentation geared towards folks who have some interest in trail work. We will cover the big 3: Log out, Brush out, and Water Management. Goals are to introduce attendees on what we do, why we do it and how we do it, and how to do it safely. This is Part 1 of a 3 part series towards becoming a COTA Trail Steward, and for some that wish to become a Trail Crew Leader. We encourage as many as possible to come out and learn the basics.

Monday, March 9th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Enviro Center in Bend Info/Signup Here
Tuesday, March 31st, 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Enviro Center in Bend Info/Signup Here
Monday, April 6th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Enviro Center in Bend Info/Signup Here
Monday, April 20th, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Sunriver Lodge in Sunriver Info/Signup Here

Level 2: Full day in the woods applying what we learned in the Level 1*
Dates TBD

Level 3: Advanced Trail Maintenance, Personal Protection and Crew Leader Training*
Dates TBD
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*Registration required; attendance is free. Trainings will be posted on Meetup in near future. Make sure you're a member of COTA's Meetup page here.

What's a Trail Steward? 
Stewards are trained volunteers whom sign up with COTA to perform basic trail maintenance needs for trails that COTA has a Volunteer Agreement with land managers (ex. USFS, BLM) to maintain. Trail maintenance needs include: logout (up to a log size that can be cut with hand saws (chainsaw use requires additional training and certification), brushing, water management needs (clean out current drains and creating new ones as needed), and basic trail tread maintenance.
- Prerequisites: 1+ year as a trail volunteer locally or other places
- Training Requirements: Minimum 4 hour training course for Level 1 Trail Steward and additional training requirements for Level 2-4. Trail work and experience from other locations will be considered for grandfathering in Trail Stewards after some brief training in COTA protocols.
- Expectations: Attend at least 2 work events, & log all volunteer hours; min 2 year commitment.

Level 1 - Learn how to look for trail issues, using the COTA App. Focuses on brush, treadwork, sight lines, safety, land management volunteer agreements.

Level 2 - At this intermediate level training, attendees will learn how to logout using folding saws; build/improve drains; build corners to withstand heavy use; and will also have a powerpoint component to delve into more detailed situational analysis of more advanced Trail Maintenance Techniques. This training is highly encouraged for anyone wishing to have a more complete skill set of trail maintenance techniques.

Level 3 - Group management, USFS Trail Design Parameters, land manager process/policies. Classroom setting. Levels 1 and 2 trainings are required for Level 3.