Bark is completing the first ever forest-wide citizen inventory of roads in Mt. Hood National Forest and we need your help

In order to create a strong case for a better Mt. Hood Travel Plan, Bark must provide strong, scientifically-based evidence for the changes. Staying true to Bark’s reputation for being an innovative grassroots leader, we have been mobilizing concerned Oregonians in the first ever forest-wide citizen inventory of roads in Mt. Hood National Forest.

The Forest Service does not have the resources to collect site-specific data on the road network and on Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) abuse. That is where you come in. By getting out into the forest and surveying roads by foot or on bicycle, you can help provide Bark with this valuable data. We will use the information to advocate for forest restoration, road removal, and the effective enforcement of OHVs.

“The Forest Service maps do not include reliable field verified data on road condition or unofficial OHV routes.” Matthew Mavko, GIS Specialist

The OHV community is an organized, well-funded political constituency with the backing of a large industry of dealers and manufacturers. Roadtruthers become advocates for quiet recreation and forest health by documenting incidences of OHV abuse. Equally important, Roadtruthers identify problem areas of deteriorating roads, erosion, and washouts that threaten the drinking water supply of more than one third of all Oregonians. Roadtruthing Campaign gets off to a powerful start Over the winter and spring of 2007, Bark trained over 45 people in the field on how to survey roads and identify problem areas. By providing our Roadtruthers with good maps, survey forms and resources, our database of site-specific issues is growing. With your help Bark will soon be ready to provide the Forest Service with recommendations for long-term solutions to include in the Mt. Hood Travel Plan. We are continuing this effort, hoping to survey 10% of the 4,000 miles of official roads, as well as the many known OHV trail systems. Become a Bark Roadtruther! Bark is hosting Roadtruthing trainings and campouts throughout the summer. Please check the events listings and contact Amy Harwood at (503) 331-0374 or amy (at) bark-out.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved. Also check back here for downloads of Bark's Roadtruthing Guide and survey form. Roadtruthing Survey Form Hydrology Insert