Trail builders look for volunteers

Local trail builders welcome help in their current effort to construct a Tollgate-to-Sisters High School community trail and complete the posting signs on trails south of Sisters, according to Sisters Community Trails Committee Chairman Jeff Sims.

During its monthly meeting last Friday, the committee heard that work also is progressing on its Web site where information will be posted including maps of the planned trails system, current projects, and committee meeting reports.

The committee also heard preliminary plans for an October 8 Bike Festival that may draw several hundred bicyclists to Sisters for 20-mile and 40-mile rides south of town.

The committee agreed to install wooden trail signs only at major trailheads close to town and use polyplate signs for directional and informational signs along trails. These signs are more durable and are not as likely to be vandalized as wooden signs.

The resignation of Dave Marlow as committee treasurer was accepted. The nomination of Chuck Humphrey will be presented to the full executive committee meeting as Marlow’s replacement.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help in our projects,” Sims said.

“There are several volunteer work days scheduled where we can use help. 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 August 10 and September 14. The Saturday workdays will be August 27 and September 24.”

Sims added that financial contributions also are needed to support the trails work 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.

The Sisters Trails Committee was organized in late 2001 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.

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.