New Ally in Fight to Save Ochoco Wildlife

The Oregon Hunters Association filed suit in federal district court to oppose the Forest Service's plan to build a 137-mile off-road vehicle trail system through the heart of elk and deer habitat in the Ochocos. The 10,000+ member group advocates for enhancement of wildlife habitat and protection of hunter's rights for present and future generations.

The Oregon Hunters Association is concerned that the Ochoco Summit Trail System will damage critical wildlife habitat and drive elk and deer off their habitat and onto private lands.

LandWatch and the Oregon Hunters Association have been coordinating opposition to the proposed off-road vehicle trail system for several years, and we are pleased to welcome them as noteworthy allies in the legal fight ahead.

The hunters group decided to weigh in due to their concern that the ORV system which will impact hundreds of thousands of acres will not only damage critical wildlife habitat but will actually drive elk and deer off their habitat and onto private lands.

The OHA lawsuit will be consolidated by the court with the LandWatch lawsuit and a third case brought by a coalition of environmental groups.

The Forest Service proposal to carve up the Ochocos with 137 miles of off-road vehicle trails would destroy our peaceful enjoyment of this special place and benefit less than 4% of all forest visitors.