Volunters to help FS build new trail near Bend

OnMonday, hundreds of volunteers from REI stores across the nation will help build a new trail on the Deschutes National Forest’s Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger District in cooperation with Forest Service employees and members of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance.

The approximately 4-mile trail, named “Catch and Release,” will add to trail connectivity on the Deschutes National Forest. The new trail will connect the Storm King and Tyler’s Traverse Trails to the under construction Cascade Lakes Welcome Station, the Phil’s Trail system, and the City of Bend.

In addition, the Catch and Release trail will increase safety because mountain bikers will no longer have to travel down a Forest Service road (FS 41), which is two-lane with no shoulders and short sight distances.

Approximately 280 volunteers from REI, Inc., including store managers and top management, will work with Forest Service employees and volunteers from the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) for approximately 3 hoursMondayafternoon to build the trail.

If the trail isn’t finished onMonday, volunteers with the COTA and Forest Service employees will finish the trail in October. The Forest Service plans to open the Catch and Release Trail to the public as soon as it is completed and safe for riders.