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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 28, 2018)
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon BLM manager to tell story of public lands 25 The Nugget Newspaper Crossword By Jacqueline E. Mathews, Tribune News Service By Craig F. Eisenbeis Correspondent T h e S i s t e r s Tr a i l s Alliance (STA) announced that Jeff Kitchens, Deschutes field office man- ager for the Bureau of Land Management, Prineville District, will be the speaker for the March installment of the Bjarne Holm Speaker Series. His topic will be: “About the Lands No One Else Wanted — The Story of Our Public Lands.” Over the last four years, STA has sponsored a series of public talks focused on local outdoor recreation and natural resource issues. 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 opportuni- ties in the Sisters area and to educate the public about the natural world. Regarding the upcoming event, Catherine Hayden, STA’s current board chair, said, “The history of pub- lic lands federal ownership is a timely topic as efforts to transfer land to states or even sell off parcels continue to pop up in the news. We’re excited to have Jeff speak on this topic to help us bet- ter understand the complica- tions and controversies pub- lic land managers deal with and, hopefully, make us bet- ter stewards of the land we have volunteered to serve.” According to Hayden, Kitchens’ talk will focus on issues including a his- tory of United States public policy and key events that relate to our country’s com- plicated relationship with its public lands. Topics will include public land laws and legislation, land use through time, human geog- raphy and expansion, rail- road history, and the com- plications and controversies associated with public land management. Kitchens has been in his current post since the fall of 2015, when he returned to Central Oregon from a position with the BLM in Billings, Montana. He pre- viously worked as a forester in the Deschutes National Forest in 2000. A graduate of Gettysburg College, he holds a graduate degree from Colorado State University in Forest Science, with empha- sis on fire ecology. Much of his public service to date has been in the field of burned area rehabilitation. His BLM PHOTO PROVIDED Deschutes field office manager for the BLM, Jeff Kitchens, will speak at the STA forum next week. district oversees a vast swath of Oregon public lands stretching nearly the entire distance from The Dalles to Klamath County. Kitchens is looking for- ward to the opportunity to interact with the public dur- ing his speaking engage- ment in Sisters. “The impor- tant message to share,” he said, “is that the BLM very much appreciates the local organizations, such as the Sisters Trails Alliance, that partner with us to pro- vide recreational oppor- tunities and access to the public.” Through sponsorship of these free public presenta- tions, STA is working to promote outdoor public recreation and education in Sisters Country. This next event will be held on Thursday, March 8, 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 pro- gram will begin at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. T h e S i s t e r s Tr a i l s Alliance is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit commu- nity organization dedicated to the planning, constructing, and maintenance of walking, hiking, cycling and eques- trian trails in Sisters Country. The STA believes that trails are an indispensable ingredi- ent for the quality of life and economic vibrancy in Sisters Country. Volunteer help and new members are always welcome. For further informa- tion about STA or perform- ing volunteer work on trails or other outdoor-related projects, contact the orga- nization at 541-719-8822. Additional information can also be found on their website at www.sister- strails.org or follow STA on Facebook at Sisters Trails Alliance. — Last Week’s Puzzle Solved — This Week’s Crossword Sponsors Éminence Organic Products ensures fresh, active, authentic ingredients when purchased from Authorized Dealers. Essentials Skincare Discounted on-line sales risk outdated, damaged or imitation products. Essentials — Authorized Partner Since 2011 Karen Keady Esthetician/Owner 541-480-1412 | 492 E. Main Ave. Mon-Sat Flexible Hours | SistersEssentials.com WELL PUMP SERVICE Pump & Electrical Contractor PRESSURE TANKS • CONSTANT-PRESSURE SYSTEMS FREQUENCY DRIVES • MOTOR CONTROLS • PUMPS A Division of 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Zach 541-420-8170 Sisters Owned CCB#178543
