New Sisters Ranger to speak at STA forum

The Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) is off to a quick start in 2018 with their first public speaking presentation of the new year on Thursday, January 18.

The speaker will be the Deschutes National Forest's new ranger for the Sisters Ranger District, Ian Reid. Although new to the Sisters area, Reid has deep roots in Oregon and with the National Forest Service. He will be discussing future plans for the Sisters Ranger District, impacts of the recent fire season, the role of recreation in the forest, and other issues as time permits.

Since 2014, STA has sponsored a series of public talks focused on local outdoor recreation and natural resources. The Bjarne Holm Speaker Series was launched by the late Bjarne Holm, for whom STA named the series in 2016. Since its inception, the purpose of STA's series has been to enhance outdoor public recreation opportunities and to educate the public in the wonders of the natural world.

Catherine Hayden is STA's current board chair and is pleased to have the new ranger speaking at the STA forum, especially since it is only a few weeks into his tenure. "STA is excited to welcome Ian to the position of District Ranger as well as our speaker for January's installment of the Bjarne Holm Speaker Series," she said. "We are looking forward to hearing more about the plans for the future of the District and what role trails will play."

STA Board Secretary Chuck Humphreys was very enthusiastic to hear that Reid will be the STA's next speaker.

"Ian strikes me as the kind of Ranger who will listen fully and fashion compromise as needed - yet still provide robust and visionary leadership to see that the District can move forward," Humphreys said. "As a volunteer, I feel fortunate to have a chance to work with him."

Reid comes to Sisters from his most recent posting where he served as the North Fork John Day District Ranger on the Umatilla National Forest. He is a graduate of Oregon State University, where he majored in fisheries. He subsequently earned a master's degree in biology from Southern Oregon University. He has spent over 18 years with the Forest Service in a wide variety of posts, where he has already put together an impressive résumé covering multiple forest disciplines.

Gary Guttormsen, STA trails coordinator, is keenly aware of Reid's extensive background, which he sees as a solid basis for Reid's new assignment.

"I am very excited about Ian being selected as our new Ranger," Guttormsen said. "I think he will bring an enthusiastic, informed, and creative leadership model to the Sisters Ranger District."

Hayden agrees. "After meeting with Ian in December," she said, "it's clear that he cares a great deal about finding the right balance between the competing interests for the forest - from timber, to wildlife and plant life to recreation. STA recognizes the value of this kind of leader as we go forward with shared projects."

For his part, Reid is looking forward to working with STA and the community.

"I think the Sisters Trails Alliance is an excellent example of shared stewardship and partnership between the local community and land-management agencies," he said.

"The Forest Service appreciates all of the previous work done by the STA to improve the use and enjoyment of the Sisters Ranger District and looks forward to working with them in the future on projects of mutual interest," Reid said. "It's inspiring to see so many local citizens willing to roll up their sleeves and donate their time, labor, money, and other valuable resources to better recreational access and experiences for all."

By sponsoring free public presentations, STA hopes to promote outdoor public recreation and education in Sisters Country. This event will be held on Thursday, January 18, in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station Community Hall in downtown Sisters at 355 S. Elm St. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the formal program will begin at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

For more information about STA or performing volunteer work on trails or other outdoor-related projects, contact the organization at 541-719-8822. Additional information can also be found on their website at www.sisterstrails.org or follow STA on Facebook at Sisters Trails Alliance.