Milton-Freewater based foundation launches national trail accessibility pilot project at Jubilee Lake
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, July 9th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MILTON-FREEWATER — An Oregon-based foundation is taking its mission to the nation, launching an outdoor accessibility pilot project at a popular Pacific Northwest recreation site.
The Brent Oliver 541 Foundation announced it has expanded its scope to include national trails and outdoor access advocacy. The group is currently evaluating a pilot project at Jubilee Lake, located in northeastern Oregon’s Umatilla National Forest.
The proposed initiative focuses on refurbishing the existing trail around the lake. The goal is to significantly improve accessibility for elderly individuals, people with mobility challenges, and the general public.
To advance the project, the foundation is collaborating with local sponsors and advocates to secure funding. The U.S. Forest Service has already agreed to allow testing related to the refurbishment effort after Labor Day 2026.
The initiative has garnered a broad coalition of public and private support. Backers include Western States Caterpillar, Apex Laboratories, the BlueRibbon Coalition, local county commissioners, and several Oregon state lawmakers.
The foundation was inspired by the life of Brent Oliver, who survived a catastrophic 1991 motorcycle accident that left him with a terminal, progressive spinal cord injury. Despite his physical challenges, Oliver spent decades working in heavy infrastructure construction and pursuing high-level outdoor achievements.
Foundation officials expressed optimism that the Jubilee Lake project will spark a strong, long-term partnership with federal land managers. Following the local testing, Oliver is scheduled to travel to Washington, D.C., the week of September 14 to meet with officials regarding public lands stewardship and the Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act.
Learn more at https://brentoliver541.org/
Photo courtesy Brent Oliver 541 Foundation shows section of Jubilee Lake inaccessible for those with mobility challenges
