Tollgate trail laid out; work set to begin

Work is underway this summer to construct a recreational trail from Tollgate to Sisters High School and Sisters Middle School. Now, the Sisters Community Trails Committee needs help from local residents to finish the job, according to Jeff Sims, committee chair.

“We have located the route of the 4,000-foot trail to connect Tollgate to the schools,” Sims said. “The Heart of Oregon Corps soon will be removing brush on this route. Hap Taylor and Sons have donated 650 yards of gravel to be spread out on the trail. A liquid clay then will be tilled in with the rock and then rolled to provide a compact trail base.”

Rod Robinson and Robinson and Owen Construction are committed to provide some dozer work on clearing the trail after Heart of Oregon is done, Sims added.

“Volunteer help is needed for this project,” Sims explained. “Workdays are scheduled for twice a month into the fall. Volunteers are asked to meet at Coffield Center, SOAR’s activity center near the high school, on the second Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. and on the last Saturday of the month at 9 a.m.

“That makes our Wednesday workdays July 13, August 10, and September 14. The Saturday workdays will be July 30, August 27, and September 24.”

Sims added that financial contributions also are needed to support the work of the trails committee on this and other projects. Checks may be made out to Sisters Community Trails Committee and mailed to SOAR at P.O. Box 2215, Sisters, OR 97759.

Plans are to complete the Tollgate trail by this fall.

The Sisters Trails Committee was organized in late 2001 as a long-term effort to develop a community trails system connecting the City of Sisters with schools, residential areas, local scenic areas, and the trails network of the Deschutes National Forest. Hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and winter sports enthusiasts will use the trails with the system serving both local residents and visitors. Initially, some 36 trails were proposed covering 143 miles.

However, the project can expand to meet future needs and opportunities.

Following a public meeting in early 2002, a trails plan was developed.

Since then informational kiosks have been constructed, some routes have been marked and some trails have been constructed.

The committee first worked with the Community Action Team of Sisters and is now associated with SOAR.

For more information on the community trails system and specific details on volunteer workdays, contact Sims at 549-7706.