The Bureau of Land Management wants to improve mountain biking and other non-motorized recreation at the Horse Ridge Recreation Area southeast of Bend. A 30-day period began Friday to seek public input on the project.

The bureau is proposing an official trail system and may enhance existing trails, build new trails, and close other trails, according to a news release. It also wants to expand two parking areas that provide access to the area and install ADA-accessible toilets at the trailheads.

The recreation area, 13 miles southeast of Bend, is a popular wintertime mountain biking area with around 50 miles of bike trails winding their way through the scrubby High Desert.

“It is a huge area with steep terrain and a great opportunity to provide trails that appeal to riders of all skill levels, especially advanced and expert riders,” said Emmy Andrews, executive director of Central Oregon Trail Alliance.

“A robust and formalized trail system at Horse Ridge will be a great complement to the hiker and horseback trails in the nearby Badlands Wilderness area, where bikes are not allowed,” said Andrews.

Handicap parking spaces, a paved route from the handicap parking space to the toilet and picnic tables are other possible additions to the area. The project would also protect the Horse Ridge Research Natural Area, a designated National Natural Landmark.

The project is designed to improve the recreational experience for visitors while protecting the natural habitat in the Horse Ridge area, the bureau said.

While mountain biking is the focus of the project the bureau is also expected to involve a range of specialists to ensure the area’s cultural and natural resources are respected and protected.

Public comment during the input process will be used to refine the proposed actions and develop alternatives, if needed. Comments must be received by March 13.

More information on the project can be found by visiting the Bureau of Land Management’s planning website (eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/home), then type the project name in the search bar. Comments can be emailed to blm_or_pr_horseridge@blm.gov.