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Wednesday, July 15, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon
LEttERS
Continued from page 2
are riddled with trails, this one has assumed
undue importance. True, there is no existing
paved trail. But walkers, runners, hikers, and
trail bikers don’t need pavement. Neither do
the disabled; ADA doesn’t require that acces-
sible trails be paved. The Forest Service pre-
fers that they not be.
From Janet Zeller, Forest Service
national accessibility program manager, on
AmericanTrails.org:
“It is accessibility integrated into the out-
doors without changing the setting or the out-
door experience. We don’t call them acces-
sible trails, which make one think of flat and
paved paths. Instead trails that comply with
the accessibility guidelines look like other
trails that blend into the setting, but with a
sustainable firm, stable surface and, where
the terrain allows, grades that provide easier
passage.”
A paved trail does not benefit walkers, run-
ners, hikers, trail bikers, or the disabled, only
those with road bikes — by no means justi-
fying the expense and disruption. (A 10-foot-
wide trail 7.6 miles long is over 400,000
square feet of asphalt — more than nine acres
of it; eight paved football fields in the forest,
and benefiting only one demographic.)
My view on this trail has evolved. Until
recently I supported a paved trail on the
north side of the highway. After further
research, I’ve changed my mind. The existing
Sisters Tie Trail goes from just north of the
Sisters Forest Service Office to Indian Ford
Campground. Designing and building a sus-
tainable firm, stable surface from local mate-
rials on that existing trail would take users to
a beautiful area; and to existing parking, toi-
lets, picnic tables, maps, and trash receptacles
(facilities otherwise having to be provided by
Black Butte Ranch). And it would connect to
the entire Metolius basin network of roads and
trails without a highway crossing.
JoEllyn Loehr
s
s
s
To the Editor:
Black Butte Ranch and the community
of Sisters rely on one another. Ranch voters
have consistently supported our local option
levy for schools, because they understand that
strong schools mean better property values.
The Ranch is an important job creator, and
Sisters youth supply summer labor that BBR
can’t do without. Sisters residents patron-
ize Ranch restaurants in off seasons. And, of
course, the resort is a key draw for visitors,
most of whom spend money in our downtown
businesses as well.
A bike path between BBR and Sisters
would be an excellent new addition to our
two, mutually dependent communities. With
cycling tourism exploding, new recreation
options that cater to people who bike are sure
winners. And a bike trail is an amenity that
doesn’t require any water, a big plus consid-
ering the present drought and future water
uncertainty.
I just visited Vancouver, BC, and can report
that the Seawall bike path that encircles the
entire city is among the most popular draws
of the city’s many attractions. This paved path
was constructed on the seashore of Stanley
Park, a forested park in the heart of the city.
Despite daily, heavy use from dawn to sunset,
the trail is free of litter and panhandlers. And
there is a friendly spirit among users, all of
whom share a mutual goal: get out of the car
and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Let’s build the trail.
Merry Ann Moore
Journey drummer
ordered to treatment
SALEM (AP) — Journey
drummer Deen Castronovo
will have to wear an ankle
monitoring device and go
directly to drug treatment
when he is released from jail
as he awaits trial on rape and
other felony charges.
Marion County Judge
Thomas Hart issued the
stipulations for Castronovo
at a court hearing on Friday,
KATU-TV reported.
Castronovo, 50, was
arrested June 14 on misde-
meanor assault and menac-
ing charges, then released
on bail and ordered not to
contact the alleged victim.
A grand jury later returned
more serious charges, includ-
ing rape. Castronovo was
jailed again after authorities
said he called and texted the
woman with messages that
included suicide threats and
apologies.
In court on Friday,
Castronovo blamed drug
addiction for his actions and
said they had cost him greatly.
“Loss of my job. Loss of my
freedom,” he said.
The judge set bail at
$200,000. Castronovo likely
won’t be released from jail
for treatment until Monday
or Tuesday.
Castronovo’s attorney
expects him to remain in
treatment until his trial in
October.
In 2012, Castronovo was
sentenced to 80 hours of com-
munity service and ordered
to attend anger-management
classes after an episode of
domestic violence.
Castronovo has been with
Journey since 1998, when
he replaced Steve Smith —
the drummer on the group’s
best-known songs, including
“Don’t Stop Believin.’”
FURRY FRIEND S
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