On Saturday, June 18, cyclists will have the opportunity to pedal their way through the stunning landscapes of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, while supporting the conservation and stewardship of two iconic mountain rivers.

Ride for Two Rivers, a cycling event hosted by the NFF in partnership with Cycle Oregon, supports the restoration of the Metolius River and Whychus Creek, two magnificent rivers that flow from the mountains toward their confluence with the Deschutes River in Central Oregon. They are places where native fish return to spawn and recreational experiences are shared across generations. As one of our flagship Treasured Landscapes sites, the restoration work we support will preserve the special qualities of both the Deschutes National Forest and the wildlife that depend on it.

All proceeds from the ride will directly support on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects within these watersheds. Priority actions include: enhanced recreation facilities and trail development; forest and wildlife habitat improvement; riparian restoration along both rivers including improved fishing access, invasive species removal, and restoration of in-stream habitat for returning fish species.

For the fourth year now, we’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Cycle Oregon. Through our Friends of the Forest Day program in 2008 and 2009 cyclists on the Cycle Oregon week long ride took a day layover to work on restoration projects in their National Forests. Cycle Oregon’s historic generosity through grants to community hosts has been an important part of the week-long bike trip tradition.

Through the partnership the NFF established a “hands-on” version of that generous instinct, linking riders’ experience of the National Forests they enjoy to an annual opportunity to give back to these important public lands. In 2010 and 2011 Cycle Oregon has partnered with NFF for the Ride for Two Rivers cycling benefit event to continue their support of restoring special forest landscapes. Cycle Oregon riders have shown themselves to be energetically ready to make a commitment to citizen stewardship.

Oregon’s many National Forests play an integral role in the Northwestern lifestyle and identity. The NFF embodies the spirit of the early American conservation movement by empowering people to care for these natural resources. National Forests cover a full quarter of the state of Oregon, enriching our lives in so many ways. They provide clean air and water, forest products and wildlife habitat as well as scenery that frames our travels. The recreation experience in our National Forests provides the grounds for many communities’ quality of life and drives significant local recreation economies.

Citizen action created our public lands legacy over one hundred years ago when the National Forest system was created to conserve our natural resources. Citizen stewardship will ensure its future. More than ever, our ability to pass these lands on to the next generation depends on the commitment we make and the commitment we can nurture in others. Cycle Oregon riders have shown themselves to be energetically ready to make that commitment their own. We’re happy to be partnering and pedaling with such wonderful folks again this year!