Protecting Oregon’s Backcountry: Keeping Members Updated on Deschutes National Forest E-Bike Proposal
“We just started out by riding down deer trails...” It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but for local wildlife populations, one could argue it has almost become a nightmare.
The Oregon Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is closely monitoring developments related to the U.S. Forest Service’s pending draft decision regarding e-bike access on some previously non-motorized trails within the Deschutes National Forest. The proposal specifically targets 161.4 miles of trails within the Sisters and Bend-Fort Rock Ranger Districts. With the draft decision expected in June of 2025, our attention and advocacy on this critical issue have intensified.
Last summer, Oregon BHA members stepped up significantly, submitting comprehensive comments and a petition opposing the introduction of Class-1 pedal-assist e-bikes on these sensitive trails. Your passionate support resulted in 231 signatures, sending a powerful message: Oregon’s backcountry landscapes must remain protected from additional motorized intrusion, safeguarding vital wildlife habitats and preserving the quiet solitude of these cherished areas.
The trails at stake aren’t merely recreational—many in the proposal weave through crucial winter range habitats necessary for mule deer and elk, wildlife already facing severe pressures from habitat fragmentation. As recreational use expands and technology advances, the risk of negatively impacting wildlife grows, making careful evaluation and responsible management more important than ever.
In comments submitted to the Forest Service on July 30, 2024, Oregon BHA raised serious concerns regarding potential impacts on wildlife, habitat integrity, and inadequate enforcement capabilities for regulating e-bike use. Given the documented illegal e-bike activity already occurring within the Deschutes National Forest’s non-motorized trail system, we are deeply concerned that authorization could exacerbate existing issues. Even with increased enforcement—which appears unlikely due to ongoing budget and staffing cuts at the Forest Service—illegal use is still likely to persist, considering the current and historic disregard for trail rules by some users. Without robust enforcement, this illegal use will further fragment critical habitats and create unauthorized motorized routes deeper into the backcountry, degrading the quiet solitude integral to these public lands and placing additional pressure on vulnerable wildlife populations.
The Oregon Chapter of BHA remains firmly committed to the enforcement of non-motorized trail designations and continues to work diligently with conservation partners to ensure Oregon’s wildlife habitats remain in-tact. This issue remains a top priority, and our chapter leadership continues gathering crucial information to effectively advocate for responsible land management practices.
As we await the draft decision from the Deschutes National Forest in June 2025, Oregon BHA is dedicated to keeping our members informed and engaged. Your continued support and involvement are critical as we navigate these next important steps.
Stay tuned, stay involved—our backcountry and wildlife depend on it.