Recreational Trails Program Highlight: Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail
The Whiskey Run Mountain Mountain Biking Trail located in Bandon, Oregon was awarded $214,618 in Recreational Trails Program funds in the year 2016.
The Whiskey Run Mountain Biking Trail was conceived as part of a Regional Trails Plan created in 2014. The final project calls for 30 miles of new bike-optimized single track trails located in the Coos County Forest to draw tourists to the region. The first phase consisted of approximately 10 miles of finished trail plus the support infrastructure required.
Forestry is a major economic driver in Oregon, particularly in rural areas such as Coos County. While forestry provides local jobs, the majority of the economic value occurs during harvesting, which occurs every 45-60 years. During the interim periods, county forest land is available to be utilized in a way that contributes to the local economy and does not preclude forestry activities, such as through natural surface trails. New visitors drawn by the trails will purchase 20% more goods and services in the communities by visiting restaurants, staying in hotels, and patronizing bicycle shops, helping to create new jobs in Coos County.