Support the Salmonberry Trail: Submit Your Comment to ODF!
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is updating its recreation plans, and now is the time to ensure the Salmonberry Trail is included! These plans guide how ODF manages recreation, conservation, and community access in Oregon’s state forests.
Public comments are open until March 21 at 5 p.m. and your voice can make a difference!
Why This Matters
The Salmonberry Trail runs through ODF-managed lands, and including it in their recreation planning will:
Enhance outdoor recreation and educational opportunities for Oregonians
Support local economies in Tillamook and Washington Counties
Improve habitat restoration for fish, wildlife, and forests
Help ODF collaborate with regional partners on sustainable recreation funding
How to Submit Your Comment
There are three ways to share your thoughts with ODF:
📌 Online – Submit a comment via this form
📌 Email – Send your comment to ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov
📌 Mail – ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310
If you send a comment, please let us know at skye@salmonberrytrail.org so we can track our collective impact!
What to Say: Talking Points
Not sure what to write? Here are some key ideas to help craft your message:
1. Introduce Yourself
Share your name and where you live.
Mention your connection to the outdoors—do you hike, bike, fish, camp, or explore state forests?
2. Ask ODF to Include the Salmonberry Trail in Their Recreation Plan
The trail runs through ODF-managed lands and is a unique opportunity for sustainable recreation and conservation.
The Salmonberry Trail will connect communities, enhance visitor experiences, and improve access to Oregon’s natural beauty.
3. Explain Why This Matters
Local & Regional Support: The trail has strong backing from Tillamook and Washington Counties, cities along the route, and statewide organizations.
Protecting Habitat: The project can improve fish and wildlife conservation along the Salmonberry and Nehalem Rivers.
Sustainable Recreation Funding: Including the Salmonberry Trail in ODF’s planning will help secure funding and build long-term recreation solutions.
4. Thank ODF
Acknowledge their work in balancing recreation, conservation, and forest management.
End with a polite note expressing your hope that they will include the Salmonberry Trail in their future plans.
Sample Letter
Feel free to copy, personalize, or use this as inspiration (ALSO, it can just be a few sentences. Really!):
Subject: Public Comment on ODF’s Recreation Plans – Support for the Salmonberry Trail
Dear Chair Kelley and ODF Team,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s revised implementation plans. I appreciate the department’s commitment to managing our state forests for recreation, conservation, and economic sustainability.
I urge ODF to formally include the Salmonberry Trail in its recreation planning. The trail runs through ODF-managed lands and presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to expand access to public lands, connect communities, and enhance conservation efforts.
The Salmonberry Trail is widely supported by local governments, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation groups. Including it in ODF’s recreation plan would:
Support sustainable recreation by creating a world-class trail that connects urban and rural Oregon.
Align with ODF’s mission to provide outdoor recreation and education opportunities in our state forests.
Strengthen regional partnerships to improve recreation funding and long-term planning.
Enhance habitat restoration efforts for fish, beavers, and other wildlife along the Salmonberry and Nehalem Rivers.
The current draft implementation plans focus on maintaining existing recreation facilities. However, I believe ODF’s long-term vision should also include revising plans to support new opportunities like the Salmonberry Trail. This approach aligns with ODF’s strategic goals and ensures that future recreation planning meets community needs.
I appreciate ODF’s ongoing efforts and respectfully request that the department prioritize the Salmonberry Trail in its future recreation planning. Thank you for considering these comments, and I appreciate your commitment to managing Oregon’s public forests.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your City
Your Voice Matters!
ODF’s plans will shape recreation in Oregon’s state forests for years to come. By submitting a comment, you help ensure the Salmonberry Trail is part of that future.
Submit your comment today and help us bring this incredible trail to life!
📌 Online – Submit a comment via this form
📌 Email – Send your comment to ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov
📌 Mail – ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310
