Oregon trails face threat from federal funding cuts, says nonprofit

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Oregon's renowned network of trails is at risk due to federal funding cuts, according to the nonprofit organization Trailkeepers of Oregon.

The group, which maintains trails by performing tasks ranging from basic cleaning to complex restoration, told KATU News that it anticipates losing $500,000 in funding from the Trump Administration.

Volunteers with Trailkeepers of Oregon take care of the basics, such as keeping trails clean and ensuring there is no excess mud.

"It looks like we were never there, and it looks like it just stays that way, but mysteriously, there's a lot of work that goes into it," Steve Kruger, Executive Director of Trailkeepers of Oregon, said.

He added that his team has been working to restore trails damaged by wildfires.

"Last week, we were out in the Onianta Trail building switchbacks and up on Ruckel Creek Trail, which is a closed trail from the Eagle Creek fire that we're restoring. Those were able to do with some of those funding mechanisms that we [still have], but they're running out," Kruger told KATU.

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He added that the federal government has not finalized funds that were promised to the organization, a process typically completed in January.

"In order for us to plan weeks and months ahead for a work plan of trail parties starting in the valley, starting in the lowlands, working our way up to alpine zones throughout the early summer [or] late summer, we can't do that if we don't have these funding mechanisms in place signed and executable. They are not signed and executable at this point and they were awarded to us as early as last Fall," Kruger said.

The funding shortfall could lead to noticeable changes on popular trails in Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, and Southern Oregon.

The U.S. Forest Service is also experiencing significant budget cuts, leading to staff reductions through layoffs and early retirements.

Nonprofits like Trailkeepers of Oregon believe they can help bridge the gap left by these cuts, but only with adequate funding and volunteer support.

Kruger told KATU the organization plans to hold weekly fundraisers between May and June.

In the meantime, you can donate to Trailkeepers of Oregon here.

The organization warns there are going to be restrooms that aren't clean, enforcement issues that are not taken care of, and unmaintained trails, unless the organization receives necessary support.

"I do think that the Oregon hiking experience is going to be ultimately different this year and into the future," Kruger added.