The Deschutes National Forest is taking public comment on a proposed trail from Bend to the planned Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Welcome Station west of town.
The paved path would cover about four miles and encourage visitors to the forest to come by bike or foot, according to the U.S. Forest Service. A $1 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration will cover the cost of planning, designing and building the trail. The forest is also planning to connect mountain bike trails from Phil’s Trailhead and Wanoga Sno-park to the welcome center set for the intersection of Century Drive and Forest Road 41.
Construction on the welcome center should start this summer or fall, and the building should open in spring 2014, said Kevin Larkin, district ranger for the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District in Bend.
To comment, email comments-pacificnorthwest-deschutes-bend-ftrock@fs.fed.us or write to Kevin Larkin, district ranger, Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District, 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend, OR 97701. Comments should be in by March 4.
