STA to hold annual meeting next week

The Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) will be holding their annual meeting next Thursday on January 29, at 7 p.m. in The Pines Clubhouse at the west end of Sisters. Even though this is the club's annual meeting, the public is welcome. In addition to the meeting agenda, the STA will be having Marv Lang of the U.S. Forest Service as the guest speaker for the event.

Although Lang's official title with the Forest Service is Recreation Forester for the Deschutes National Forest, he prefers to be known simply as the "Trails Guy." The topic of his talk will be "Sustainable Trails."

For his part, Lang is looking forward to addressing the STA. "The Sisters Trails Alliance is, and has been, a consistently solid partner with the U.S. Forest Service on the Sisters Ranger District," he said. "They have a unique mission that focuses on trails within a radius of the city of Sisters, which allows them to be involved in trails-related projects and policy from sidewalks to primitive trails."

Over the last decade, the STA has had a tremendous impact on the region. "The STA is a strong example of a great partnership and is valued by the Sisters Ranger District, as well as the Deschutes National Forest and the Central Oregon recreating community. I am really looking forward to sharing with the group."

As part of the annual meeting process, STA will report to its members and interested visitors on the accomplishments of 2014. A financial report will be presented, and the events, goals, and projects planned for 2015 will be outlined. Contributors and supporters will be recognized, and the recipient of STA's "Volunteer of the Year" award will be announced.

Another item on the agenda will be a presentation about STA's "Adopt-a-Trail" program and its success. All attendees will be entered in a raffle, which will include many donated items from STA's supporters. Beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks will be provided at no charge. In addition to STA members, the public is invited.

Ann Marland, STA's community outreach director, has been enjoying getting ready for this event. "2014 was a good year for STA, and you'll hear of our big plans for 2015 at the meeting," she said. "You all will scramble to our work parties when you hear of the additions to our trails. You'll also enjoy hearing Marv speak."

The Pines Clubhouse is located at the west end of town at 612 N. Brooks Camp Rd. The meeting begins at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The Sisters Trails Alliance is a community volunteer organization dedicated to the planning, constructing and maintenance of walking, hiking, cycling and equestrian trails in Sisters Country. The STA believes that trails are an indispensable ingredient for the quality of life and economic vibrancy in Sisters Country. Volunteer help and new members are always welcome.

For more information about next week's meeting or the STA, contact Ann Marland at 541-549-7006. Additional information about STA can be found on their website at

www.sisterstrails.com.