Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

I agree with Gary M. Pages that the new trail head parking fee system stinks (The Nugget, March 19), but I have a problem with his attitude concerning stock use in the woods.

Mr. Pages states that he doesn't care if "the trails are maintained or not," and complains about "others" who are "too lazy and/or out of shape" and need to ride horses and use pack animals to get around in the woods. These "lazy" people, he declares, are the cause of all of the erosion and abuse of the trail system in our forests and should be banned.

That fact that these "others" are so lazy should deny them "the right or the pleasure of visiting our beautiful wilderness areas." That's a pretty strong statement and lumps all horse people together as slobs who don't give a damn about the land they travel and puts all backpackers on some higher plane of environmental consciousness.

To be polite, baloney!

Our organization, Oregon Equestrian Trails, has been doing this type of work (trail maintenance) for nearly 30 years. If not the user group with the most volunteer hours, material, and out-of-pocket expenses donated to public lands in this state, then surely we rank among the highest.

So spare me please, the high and mighty attitude because it just won't wash with this trailboss. There are problem users in every recreational group, even Mr. Pages'; stereotyping solves nothing.

I challenge him, and all others who feel that horses should be excluded from the woods and wilderness areas, to join with us on some of our many work parties this spring, summer, and fall. Put your prejudices aside and do something constructive for the land.

If that doesn't appeal to them, I have a simple, legal solution to his objection of paying fees at trail heads. Safely park 1/4 mile away from the trail head in question, put on your pack, get out a map and compass, and knock yourself out traveling cross-country for your entire trip. Leave the trails to those of us who need, appreciate, and have earned the right to use them.

Chuck Engel

OET Newsletter Editor

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To the Editor:

I would like to express appreciation for donations and/or assistance given by the following to our annual Easter Egg Hunt held at Sisters City Park by the SistersCamp Sherman Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Association:

The enthusiastic Cloverdale Volunteer Firefighters' Association; Sisters Rodeo Association; Ray's Food Place, Sisters Ranger District; Bend WalMart; Bend AmeriGas Propane Service; Oregon Department of Forestry, Sisters; Sisters Drug Company; Central Oregon Cable Advertising, Inc.; City of Sisters Public Works and Police Department; State Surplus Sales; and to our Easter Bunny (Shan Hartford).

Thank you!

We had great participation by children who challenged the blustery weather in hunting eggs with very good success. Snowflakes were flying shortly after the conclusion of the Easter Egg Hunt.

See you all next Easter.

Stephen Fisher, Easter Egg Hunt Chairman, SistersCamp Sherman V. F. & A.A

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To the Editor:

We're off to a great start! Sisters Kiwanis wants to thank those in the community who have supported our Bingo games, held the first and third Mondays of each month.

We had our first $100 winner at the last game. Since we began in January, we have been refining the games and learning from our players. Game packs will be just $5 beginning with the April 7 game. All bingo profits go right back to the community.

Our special project this year is to help support the local SOAR Program. Sisters Kiwanis takes great pride in its community service, especially helping our youth.

We extend an invitation to come and join the fun. It's local, and it's all in the spirit of community giving.

Sincerely,

Sisters Kiwanis Club

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To the Editor:

We would like to thank Hoodoo Ski Area and all their sponsors. Their "Casino Night" was great fun and their annual Volcano Auction had lots of prizes. including a trip to Hawaii.

We will be thinking of them while we sit on the beach, sipping tall, cool drinks.

Sincerely,

Candy Wood, Ali Wood and Ali Gerath