Letters to the Editor 05/29/2013

To the Editor:

In your article in the May 22 edition of The Nugget, "Public weighs in on paved trail proposal," I feel was more of an "editorial" than an article. You did not seek out comments from the people that are in favor of the paved trail from Sisters to Black Butte Ranch, including those many homeowners in Tollgate.

The Tollgate Homeowners Association Board of Directors unanimously agreed to send a letter of support to the Forest Service and they did that. Apparently, Mr. Madsen and Mr. Werts did not attend that particular board meeting. The Sisters Trails Alliance worked with the Forest Service to move the path away from homes that would be nearest the path because of their concerns.

The Sisters Park & Recreation District Board of Directors has also sent a letter of support. The Sisters Trails Alliance has agreed to take on the responsibility for maintenance of the trail, including snow removal as necessary.

Homeowners at Black Butte Ranch, following a vote, sent a letter of support for the path. It has been shown in many areas, where there are multi-use paths (paved trails), that home values do increase as a result of the trails.

Because this will be a multi-use path, those folks that can't get out to enjoy the forest and outdoor environment because of physical disabilities have an opportunity here. Mothers and fathers with small children can ride their bikes in the forest safely. Tourists at Black Butte Ranch can ride into Sisters for lunch, or shopping. This has a positive impact on the business owners. Plus, this path is a way to ride to/from Sisters without riding on Highway 20.

Please consider doing an article on the positive aspects of the paved paths.

Ann Marland

To the Editor:

My husband and I purchased a second home in the Tollgate subdivision last spring and we are avid bicyclists who chose to buy a home in Sisters due to the terrific biking, hiking and other recreational opportunities in the area. While we appreciate how wide the shoulder is on Highway 20 when riding our bikes on weekends around the greater Sisters area, we are thrilled about the prospects of having a separately paved bike trail alternative, as crossing over Highway 20 to enter or leave the Tollgate subdivision can be a truly scary proposition.

We believe that the construction of the proposed 7.6-mile paved, non-motorized path between Sisters and Black Butte Ranch will provide significant recreational improvements and long-term economic benefits to the Sisters community, while making bike riding safer for all our residents, whether they are children going to and from school, bike commuters, or adult weekend residents like ourselves. This paved bike trail will be a great community asset, while providing yet another reason for tourists to come and enjoy all the natural splendor of the Sisters area.

With respect to the privacy/impact concerns expressed by some of our Tollgate neighbors, the recently published environmental assessment on the project offers two alternatives that move the path well away from private lots that should provide a reasonable buffer zone to Tollgate residents. Given the benefit of having a new paved bike and walking path that will offer a safer route to town and its likely positive impact on Tollgate property values, we are confident that either of these alternatives can provide a workable solution for all concerned.

Let's build the paved bike path!

Laura McCall

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To the Editor:

To an irresponsible land owner: On Wednesday, May 22, I took my dog up Three Creek Road for a walk, as I do every day. I pulled on an old skid trail and parked about 20 feet off the blacktop of Three Creek Road. We walked about 45 minutes and returned to my vehicle to find red tape strung from two trees and behind my car, and a log that you or someone put behind my car like you didn't want me to back out.

It's hard to believe someone could be that rude and disrespectful. This property is 2-1/2 miles south of Sisters on the east side of Three Creek Road. I found out from the Forest Service that there's a piece of private property there. I thought I was on Forest Service property.

Here's the point: You're responsible to put signs up to let people know it's private. I have a bad back and it could have made it worse. There's not one sign or anything to indicate it's private.

It's the law; put signs out.

Ray Bowlin