Trails advocates ask if they’re on the right path

Local trails advocates took some time last week to make sure that they are on the right path in creating a trails network around Sisters.

The Sisters Trails Committee took a long look to the past and a short look to the future during a three-hour workshop last Thursday evening. Objectives of the workshop were to review successes and challenges of the trails program, to determine if the committee is still on the right path and to determine how best to move ahead, according to Committee Chair Jeff Sims.

The Sisters Ranger District provided Maret Pajutee as a facilitator to keep the committee focused on these objectives and to record key points of their discussion.

The workshop began with a PowerPoint presentation by Sims showing development of the Sisters trails project that began with a small group working with the Community Action Team of Sisters (CATS). That effort produced a community trails plan in 2003 and the committee moved on to work with Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation.

After brainstorming for opinions on major successes and remaining challenges, committee members ranked the top three of each for a more focused discussion. Major successes were identified as publishing the trails plan, obtaining two major grants to fund efforts and starting work on trails, signing, and construction of information kiosks.

Major challenges listed were attracting more volunteer participation, seeking more financial support, and getting trail information out to trail users. The committee then focused on specific ways to meet these challenges.

The members developed a draft work plan for 2006. Major initial plans listed are to adopt a 2006 work plan, to complete trails sign work with the $23,000 grant obtained from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and finish work on the Tollgate-to-Sisters High School Trail. Other plans are to begin preliminary work on the Crossroads-to-High School trail, improve the Peterson Ridge Trail and publish trail maps and brochures.

Once plans are final, the committee may hold a public meeting to report progress and to present plans for the year.

The committee next meets May 5 at 8 a.m. at the SOAR office near Sisters High School.