FAQ: Why OMBC supports Congressman Blumenauer's Mt Hood REC Act
“The Mt. Hood REC Act of 2022 is a transformational model for public land conservation—centering the importance of sustainable recreation experiences and wildfire resilience—across the treasured landscapes of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. The Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition applauds Congressman Blumenauer for introducing this legislation and is proud to partner with other supporters of recreation in championing this new vision for expanding equitable access to the outdoors for all Oregonians.”
Nathan Kuder, Board President, Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition
Frequently Asked Questions
At a glance:
Designates a 350,000 acre National Recreation Area (NRA)
It will be the 6th largest NRA in the nation
No mountain biking access will be lost
Recognizes tribal treaty rights and prioritizes co-managing key areas
Creates healthy, diverse, fire-resilient forests
Creates 90 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers
Adds 7,500 acres of Wilderness
Prohibits clearcutting throughout the recreation area
Allocates $17.5 million for recreation planning on the forest
Introduces a massive investment for firefighting and public safety
Promotes public transportation access for recreation
Strives to be a model for future NRA designations
What does a National Recreation Area (NRA) designation do? Why this type of designation?
A National Recreation Area (NRA) is a protected area in the United States established by an Act of Congress to preserve enhanced recreational opportunities in places with significant natural and scenic resources. There are 40 NRAs, which emphasize a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, in areas that include multiple-use management for both conservation and limited utilization of natural resources. (Wikipedia)
The OMBC believes that recreation is integral to conservation—people need to experience wild places before they stand up to protect wild places. While NRA designations are not always the same, we believe this bill has strong protections in place to limit logging and other extractive industries, at the same time allowing for a variety of non-motorized recreation uses.
The NRA expansion in this bill was created as part of a collaboration between the OMBC, other recreation organizations and local communities. It is centered on existing high-value recreation sites and areas destined for trail and infrastructure expansion. The planning process mandated in this bill will help inform future recreation infrastructure expansion, and ensure those expansions meet current and future needs.
Are there Wilderness additions included in this bill?
Yes, several sections of Wilderness additions are included, totaling about 7,500 acres.
Are any mountain biking trails affected or closed by Wilderness additions?
No. The OMBC has worked hard alongside other outdoor recreation user groups for the past three years to ensure this bill would not result in any access loss for mountain bikers. In fact, the designation will result in more miles of trails being built to meet the current and future demand.
How does this Bill benefit Mountain Bikers?
A National Recreation Area designation (as defined in this Bill) prioritizes non-motorized recreation and conservation as the primary goals for the Mt Hood National Forest. This means increases in recreation infrastructure, maintenance and trail building efforts.
Wildfire management. By proactively creating resilient forests, supporting the ability to manage/fight fires and rebuilding trails and infrastructure after fire damage.
Public transportation. Imagine being able to take a bus to the trailhead and ride trails all the way back to town, never having to get in your car.
Inclusivity. Through the required planning process, this bill will aim to create more recreation opportunities that are closer to communities and transportation corridors.
Is there a map of the proposed bill that we can view?
Yes. Our friends at Outdoor Alliance have created a great map so you can see what is being proposed. See it here.
Have mountain bikers been involved in the process of creating this bill?
Yes! The Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition (OMBC) and our local member groups 44Trails, NWTA and HRATS have been involved in this process for the past 4 years, collaborating alongside other recreation organizations. The OMBC is the central voice for 15 organizations in Oregon who work to connect people to nature via off-road bicycling opportunities and experiences. Our mission is to provide stewardship, education and support for the creation, enhancement, and protection of mountain biking experiences in the State of Oregon. The work of the OMBC and its member organizations ensure that the 620,000 Oregonians who ride bikes off-road have places to connect with nature, and that natural resources are stewarded for generations to come.
What are the Mary Gautreaux Recreation Centers for Excellence?
The Centers will help implement the Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge Sustainable Recreation Management Plans. The Centers will also engage with the public to address issues including trail stewardship, communication between agencies and partners, recreation infrastructure needs, equitable recreation access, and more. They will also give the Forest Service the ability to enter into agreements and contracts in order to carry out projects or programs within Mount Hood and the Gorge that promote stewardship and education.
What does tribal co-management and treaty right protection mean?
The goal of this section is to uphold the responsibility of the United States in protecting existing off-Reservation Treaty rights. These co-management zones protect Treaty rights and resources and help prevent wildfire, drought, and insect and/or disease outbreaks from spilling over from the National Forest. It recognizes and integrates indigenous knowledge as an important part of the best available resource management plans for the zones.
Is there funding allocated to implement this designation?
Yes. A total of $234 million is allocated for recreation planning, public safety, wildfire mitigation, and other aspects.
How does this bill proactively create fire-resilient forests and assist in wildfire fighting efforts?
This bill mandates a plan to identify, evaluate, and prioritize management activities to mitigate and adapt to wildfire risk for communities, ecosystems, and responders. It will include noncommercial, science-based, ecological forest health and restoration treatments, including those informed by traditional cultural ecological knowledge, designed to promote the greatest amount of wildfire resiliency for the least amount of cost.
Does this bill protect forests from logging and other extractive industries?
Yes. This bill clearly prioritizes recreation and conservation over other uses, including extractive industries like logging within the NRA, while still recognizing the need for forest management to safeguard neighboring communities from wildfire. It explicitly restricts timber harvests to have specific ecological, carbon sequestration, fire resilience or water quality benefits.
Why is Public Transportation included in a Recreation Bill?
There are a lot of good reasons to want public transportation enhancements around Mt Hood and the Gorge.
Inclusivity. Our forests and recreational activities shouldn’t be limited to those who have vehicles. Not everyone has access to a vehicle capable of getting their bike to the trailhead and public transportation with bike racks is a great way to start.
Carbon footprint. A lot of us are appropriately concerned about our impact on climate change. Riding public transportation to the trailhead greatly reduces your direct impact.
Safety. Overcrowded parking areas spill out onto highways which create the recipe for disaster. Reduce parking lot crowding with buses.
Where does the bill go now that it is introduced?
This bill will receive a hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources . After that it will hopefully go through a legislative process including markup, another committee hearing and then potentially a vote with the entire House of Representatives. After this, it will need to enter a similar process in the Senate.
How can I help?
As lawmakers are considering new protections for the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, they need to hear from you! These areas are known for world-class recreation opportunities, with outstanding whitewater paddling, hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, backcountry skiing, and climbing. Take two minutes to send a message to your lawmakers with the tool below. Please personalize your message for the greatest effect by sharing what you love about the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood or why you think the area deserves more protection.
Send a message to your lawmakers here.