The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Russ Petersen from Deschutes County Search and Rescue (DSAR) will head up a presentation scheduled for next week as part of the Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) speaker series on local outdoor recreation and natural resource issues.

Four years ago, the series was launched by the late Bjarne Holm, for whom STA posthumously named the series in 2016. Since its inception, the purpose of STA's series has been to enhance outdoor public recreation opportunities in the Sisters area and to educate the public about outdoor recreation and the natural world.

Provided that no actual SAR emergency interferes with the event, Petersen plans to make the presentation with Mark Tuttle, another DSAR member.

According to Petersen, "We will go over what the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue teams are and what they do. This includes air ops (use of drones and helicopters), all-terrain vehicle, dive, horse, K9, medical, mountain rescue, ski, snowmobile, swiftwater, and tracking teams. We will try to bring a team member from the equine team, medical, and some others."

Petersen, a retired engineer and attorney, expressed an interest in giving Sisters listeners a taste of exactly what local SAR efforts can entail. Above all, he hopes to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to take responsibility for their own safety. As a significant part of his presentation, he plans to stress the importance of learning about and carrying the Ten Essentials, a key to safety and survival in the wild.

He also had some important advice for outdoor recreationalists:

"Tell others where you are going and when you will return. Always charge cell phones and carry a battery pack to recharge in the field. We do rescues and recoveries. Try not to be either."

But, if it comes down to it, he wants you to be a rescue rather than a recovery; and the way to survive and achieve that is through preparation and common sense.

Regarding the upcoming event, Catherine Hayden, STA's current board chair, said, "I think that search and rescue is something we all take for granted until we need them. I'm excited to learn more about the organization and how we can help keep ourselves safe in the wilderness."

Petersen, along with Tuttle, who is a retired research scientist and ski patrol member, hope to work with the Sisters Trails Alliance to streamline future operations, learn more, and coordinate on common interests and goals. "We all need to work on communication..." he said.

Through sponsorship of these public presentations, STA is working to promote outdoor public recreation and education in Sisters Country.

The SAR event will be held on Thursday, September 20, in the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Station Community Hall in downtown Sisters at 301 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, but donations would be appreciated. A $5 amount has been suggested. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The Sisters Trails Alliance is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3)

nonprofit community 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 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.