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Organizers propose trail authority and user‑fee model to fund Elkhorn trail maintenance
Summary
At the Sumpter meeting, proponents suggested creating an Elkhorn Mountain Trail Authority funded by user tags or event fees to maintain trails and hire crews; residents debated fee levels and whether residents should pay different rates than out‑of‑area visitors.
Organizers told the meeting they want an Elkhorn Mountain Trail Authority to fund trail maintenance and employ crews for upkeep rather than building new roads. Paterson described funding ideas such as $50 annual tags or per‑event fees and said funds would be used to fill 'trap holes' and keep routes rideable.
Residents raised concerns about who would pay and whether the community should be charged at the same rate as visitors. "You take your car, your license for the state of Oregon… Our taxes go to plowing state highways," one attendee said while arguing for a resident/nonresident fee structure. Organizers said reciprocal arrangements (resident vs. out‑of‑state tags) are possible and that similar models exist in other states.
The group discussed administrative limits: Forest Service rules restrict who can operate heavy maintenance equipment without formal agreements, and some volunteer groups may need umbrella insurance to do more extensive work. Organizers and a council member urged more workshops to work through permit, liability, and enforcement details before looking to formalize a trail authority.
