Trails Assessment and Planning Tool for Oregon and Washington

Expanding the Deschutes County trails prototype and sustainability model to Oregon and Washington

The Conservation Biology Institute’s recent work with the Deschutes Trails Coalition (DTC) and the Deschutes National Forest focuses on designing a Trails Assessment and Planning Tool for Deschutes County. We have developed a blueprint for the design, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the DTC. In this new phase of the project, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, CBI will partner with the DTC to build a prototype of the trails decision-support tool and sustainability model for Deschutes County. Then we will scale up and customize this prototype to meet the requirements of the U.S. Forest Service and its partners in the states of Oregon and Washington. The Trail Assessment and Planning Tool design includes creating a preliminary version of a sustainability framework that incorporates an interactive spatially-explicit model, addressing the physical, environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability. The model is powered by CBI’s Environmental Evaluation Modelling System (EEMS), allowing for its collaborative development with a diverse group of stakeholders, to create a transparent framework for local, regional, and national organizations to answer important questions relevant to trails planning and management.

A chart using the Trails Assessment and Planning Tool compares sustainability scores for Green Lakes Trail and Broken Top Trail, displaying levels in environmental, economic, physical, and social factors with profiles and mile markers depicted in colored and line graphs.

A serene lake surrounded by dense green pine forests under a clear blue sky offers a perfect setting for the Trails Assessment and Planning Tool. The water reflects the vibrant colors of the trees and sky, with a grassy area in the foreground enhancing the natural beauty.

A serene forest scene with a rustic wooden bench facing a cascading waterfall, ideal for reflection or using the Trails Assessment and Planning Tool. The lush greenery surrounds the tranquil setting, with the waterfall creating a peaceful ambiance in the secluded woodland area.