Public Lands & Trail Access
Protecting Oregon's Snowmobile Trails for Future Generations
Oregon's snowmobile trails take us through some of the most beautiful public lands in the country. Protecting access to those trails is one of the Oregon State Snowmobile Association's most important responsibilities.
OSSA works year-round with federal and state agencies, local snowmobile clubs, and elected officials to ensure snowmobilers have a voice in decisions that affect our trails. From forest management projects and logging operations to proposed closures and land use changes, we monitor issues that could impact snowmobiling throughout Oregon.
Keeping our trails open takes all of us. Your voice matters!
Protect Trail Access
Learn how OSSA works to preserve snowmobile access to public lands.
Public Comments
View current projects, comment opportunities, and OSSA's advocacy efforts.
Get Involved
Find out how you can help protect Oregon's snowmobile trails.
Protect Trail Access
Protecting access to Oregon's snowmobile trails doesn't happen by accident. It takes ongoing communication, cooperation, and a strong voice representing motorized winter recreation.
Much of Oregon's snowmobile trail system crosses public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Forest management projects, logging operations, prescribed burns, road closures, and changes in land use policies can all affect our ability to access, maintain, and groom these trails.
OSSA works closely with local snowmobile clubs, land managers, and elected officials to identify potential impacts, address concerns, and advocate for continued access. Our goal is to ensure snowmobiling remains part of Oregon's public land recreation opportunities for generations to come.
How OSSA Protects Your Trails
Working with Land Managers
Building relationships with the Forest Service, BLM, and other agencies to protect winter recreation access.
Protecting Grooming Operations
Working to maintain grooming access, trail connections, and safe winter travel routes.
Monitoring Proposed Projects
Reviewing forest management proposals, logging plans, and projects affecting snowmobile trails.
Speaking Up for Snowmobilers
Submitting public comments and encouraging participation in public land decisions.
Why Your Voice Matters
Decisions about public lands can affect snowmobile access for years to come. When proposed projects threaten trails, grooming routes, or connections between riding areas, input from local riders and clubs can make a difference.
OSSA encourages every snowmobiler to stay informed, participate in public comment opportunities, and help us identify potential impacts before decisions are made.
Stay informed. Speak up. Help protect our trails.
OSSA Public Comments & Advocacy Archive
OSSA actively participates in public land management decisions that may affect snowmobile access throughout Oregon. Explore our official public comments, project updates, and ongoing advocacy efforts, listed below from newest to oldest.
October 29, 2026 | Deschutes National Forest – Crescent Ranger District
OSSA submitted comments supporting the proposed forest management activities while requesting protection of the Walker Rim Riders snowmobile trail system. Concerns include maintaining grooming access to Upper and Lower Moore Creek, the Waldo area, and connections with Moon Country Snowbusters via the Border-to-Border Trail and Cascade Lakes Highway. OSSA also requested advance coordination regarding logging operations, road closures, project timelines, and restoration of affected trails.
October 15, 2026 | Deschutes National Forest
OSSA provided comments on the proposed Newberry Geothermal Consent to Lease, requesting protection of the La Pine Lodgepole Dodgers' groomed snowmobile trail system. Our concerns include maintaining winter access, coordinating future development activities, preventing unnecessary trail closures, and ensuring affected routes are restored.
September 22, 2026 | Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
OSSA submitted comments on the proposed bulk sampling project on the High Cascades Ranger District, requesting protection of snowmobile trails, groomer access, and winter recreation in the nearby Bybee Creek/Hamaker grooming area maintained by Rogue Snowmobilers. OSSA also requested advance coordination, identification of project access roads, and restoration of any affected trails.
August 20, 2026 | Malheur, Umatilla & Wallowa-Whitman National Forests
OSSA submitted comments on the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision Draft Environmental Impact Statement, requesting protection of existing snowmobile trails, groomer access, Sno-Parks, and winter recreation opportunities. OSSA also emphasized active forest management, wildfire risk reduction, maintaining forest roads, and protecting motorized access and rural communities.
Get Involved – Help Protect Oregon's Snowmobile Trails
Protecting Oregon's snowmobile trails takes more than the efforts of OSSA alone. Snowmobilers, local clubs, and volunteers all play an important role in keeping our trails open and accessible. By staying informed, sharing concerns, and participating in public land management decisions, you can help protect winter recreation opportunities for future generations.
Report Trail Access Concerns
Have you noticed a proposed trail closure, logging operation, road restriction, or other activity that could affect snowmobile access? Let OSSA know. Early notification gives us an opportunity to work with land managers and local clubs to address potential impacts before decisions are made.
Stay Informed
Public lands projects and proposed regulations can affect snowmobile access across Oregon. Stay connected through OSSA's website, newsletters, and member communications for updates on projects, public comment opportunities, and important decisions affecting winter recreation.
Submit Public Comments
Your voice matters in decisions affecting Oregon's public lands. OSSA encourages members to submit comments on projects that could impact snowmobile trails, grooming operations, and winter access. Watch for OSSA alerts with project information and comment deadlines.
Work With Your Local Club
Local snowmobile clubs are often the first to learn about projects that could affect their trail systems. Attend club meetings, share information about proposed land management activities, and help identify potential impacts to grooming routes, Sno-Parks, warming shelters, and trail connections. Working together helps OSSA protect snowmobile access statewide.
Have a Trail Access Concern?
Have you heard about a proposed trail closure, logging project, or land management decision that
could affect snowmobiling in your area? We want to hear from you.
Contact OSSA so we can work with your local club and land managers to address potential concerns.