Trail Name: Lewisburg Saddle Horse Connector
Location
The Lewisburg Saddle Horse Connector Trail will run parallel to Sulphur Springs Road on its east side, connecting the
pullout on Sulphur Springs road to Lewisburg Saddle.
Project Details
Current parking at Lewisburg Saddle is suitable only for passenger vehicles, and is routinely congested at busy times.
The only parking opportunity for horse trailers is at a pullout approximately ¼ mile north of Lewisburg Saddle along
Sulphur Springs Road. Horses must currently walk along Sulphur Springs Road to access the McDonald Forest from
Lewisburg Saddle.
As part of this project, the pullout will be designated for trailer parking only (no passenger vehicles). A trail will be
developed to connect this trailer parking area with the kiosk and toilet at Lewisburg Saddle.
The new trail location travels through a long term research project called the Lewisburg Saddle Spacing Trial, which
studies the effect of initial planting spacing and subsequent thinning on Douglas-fir growth, yield, and wood quality.
Construction Plan
OSU Research Forests is pleased to partner with Oregon Equestrian Trails, who are supporting the project with
volunteers and materials. This trail will be built with a combination of volunteer and Northwest Youth Corps labor, and
may utilize a mini-excavator in some areas. This trail will be graveled and compacted prior to opening to allow yearround use by equestrians.
The new trail will be multi-use, to allow any visitor pulling a trailer to park and access the forest. The intention of this
trail is primarily to facilitate access to McDonald Forest for equestrians.
Timing
The trail will be completed in summer 2015, and signage will be installed at the parking area to control parking.
A strategy for further improving the safety of parking areas at the trailer pullout and at Lewisburg Saddle will be created
in 2015, with the intention of seeking grant funding for implementation at a future date.
Are you interested in sponsoring signage and parking delineation at the trailer parking area? If so, please contact Ryan
Brown.
Volunteer!
Volunteer for open community workparties! Sign up to receive updates and opportunities by e-mailing Ryan Brown.
Contact Matt McPharlin to sign up an organization to participate, or check with your organization to see if a work party is
already planned!
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