Great American Outdoors Act

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The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway Chip Seal on the Heppner Ranger District will repair 22 miles of existing road on a popular 145-mile route that travels from near Arlington to Granite. This work expands on the completed chip seal work that was funded on the North Fork John Day Ranger District in 2021.

Status: Complete

• Project Benefits: The deferred maintenance on this portion of the road will reduce risk to public safety and extend the life of this scenic route for 10-20 years.
• Economic Benefits: The materials for this project were sourced locally and rural communities along this route will benefit from visitation from motorists as they make stops for gasoline and supplies along the scenic route.
• Other Benefits:
  • Promotes successful management of Oregon’s Forests with better, safer resources.
  • Improves access to the scenic beauty of two National Forests.
  • Ensures health and safety of motorists.

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The Tucannon River Road (Forest Service Road 47) Chip Seal on the Pomeroy Ranger District will repair eight miles of existing road on a popular route that travels into the Umatilla National Forest, providing primary access to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This road is a major portal for numerous recreation opportunities and scenic views on lands managed by the Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Status: Funded

• Project Benefits: The deferred maintenance on this portion of the road will reduce risk to public safety and extend the life of the road.
• Economic Benefits: Nearby communities and businesses will benefit both directly and via tax revenue from the visitors that stop for supplies and food en route to recreate in this popular area.
• Other Benefits:
  • Promotes the thoughtful management of the Umatilla National Forest by enhancing visitor experiences and improving supportive infrastructure.
  • Improves access to a pristine Wilderness and thereby supports the purpose of the Wilderness Act of 1964.
  • Ensures safety of trail-goers and their vehicles and/or animals.

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The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway Chip Seal on the North Fork John Day Ranger District will repair 33.6 miles of existing road on a popular 145-mile route that travels from near Arlington to Granite. This road is also a major portal to both the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests, offering numerous opportunities for scenic views and recreation.  

Status: Complete

• Project Benefits: The deferred maintenance on this portion of the road will reduce risk to public safety and extend the life of this scenic route for 10-20 years.
• Economic Benefits: The materials for this project were sourced locally and rural communities along this route will benefit from visitation from motorists as they make stops for gasoline and supplies along the scenic route.
• Other Benefits:
  • Promotes successful management of Oregon’s Forests with better, safer resources.
  • Improves access to the scenic beauty of two National Forests.
  • Ensures health and safety of motorists.

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The Burnt Cabin Trail Bridge Replacement on the Walla Walla Ranger District is located approximately six miles up the South Fork Walla Walla trail at the junction of the Burnt Cabin Trail #3226. The bridge was built approximately 25 years ago with native log stringers that have deteriorated. Due to safety concerns with the structure’s stability, access across the bridge was closed in 2017. The bridge also sustained additional damage during the 2020 flood event that impacted trails within the South Fork Walla Walla watershed and was subsequently removed. Under GAOA, the bridge will be replaced in-kind, restoring access to this popular trail.

Status: Complete

• Projects Benefits: The new bridge will provide safe passage for multiple visitor uses along the popular South Fork Walla Walla and Burnt Cabin trails. Visitors will regain access to areas that have been closed since 2017.
• Economic Benefits: Nearby communities and businesses will benefit both directly and via tax revenue from the visitors that stop for supplies and food en route to recreate in this popular area.
• Other Benefits:
  • Promotes the thoughtful management of the Umatilla National Forest by enhancing visitor experiences and improving supportive infrastructure.
  • Ensures safety of trail-goers and their vehicles and/or animals.

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The Crooked Creek Trail Bridge Replacement on the Pomeroy Ranger District is located in the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and was destroyed by the 2015 Grizzly Bear Fire. This bridge serves as the primary low-elevation access point into the Wilderness.​

Status: Complete

• Project Benefits: Improves Visitor Experience Crossing Crooked Creek during high water periods can be extremely dangerous. The repair of the bridge will provide safe crossing for hikers, riders, and horses.
• Economic Benefits: Communities along the edge of the Wilderness area are the portals to the trail system, including Crooked Creek and the connected trails. As such, businesses will benefit from increased visitation.
• Other Benefits:
  • Promotes wise management of the Forest by improving the ability to serve local communities and enhancing the condition of natural resources.
  • Improves access to a pristine Wilderness and thereby supports the purpose of the Wilderness Act of 1964.
  • Ensures the health and safety of outdoor enthusiasts and their animals.