Sisters Area Lodgings Support Deschutes National Forest

PRLog (Press Release) – May 13, 2008 – Sisters, Oregon – Five Sisters area unique vacation lodges have provided a opportunity for their guests to contribute to the natural and recreation treasures of the Deschutes National Forest. On May 1, Lake Creek Lodge, Five Pine Lodge, Black Butte Ranch, Ponderosa Lodge and Suttle Lake Lodge began making it possible for guests to contribute $1 per room night to conservation projects on the Deschutes National Forest.

The Sisters Country (www.thesisterscountry.com) is a community embracing and living the pioneering spirit who is committed to honoring its modern western heritage by celebrating its majestic natural surroundings, small town atmosphere and many expressions of art and culture. The Sisters Country is full of pristine lakes, rivers and streams amid towering forests of Ponderosa Pines, all nestled beneath the snow-capped Three Sisters Mountains on the east side of Oregon's Cascade Mountains. The region is blessed with sun-drenched days and star-filled nights and clean fresh air that refreshes the soul and renews the spirit. The Deschutes National Forest offers a 1.6 million-acre playground laced with miles and miles of trails, rivers, lakes, wilderness areas, scenic drives and vistas. From the panoramic Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascade Mountains to the breathtaking Metolius River to the spectacular views of the Cloverdale Plains; The Sisters Country is like no other place in the world.

The resulting Deschutes Forest Fund will be accumulating throughout the year, managed by the National Forest Foundation (NFF) which will award the funds back to projects that benefit the National Forest. Possible future projects may include recreation enhancements, watershed restoration and wildlife habitat improvements. The NFF is also contributing up to $12,500 to the fund, linked to the fund’s overall growth.

Vail Resorts in Colorado and Snow Bird in Utah have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to local National Forest conservation priorities since they began similar programs with the NFF in 2006. “The people who come to vacation in Sisters recognize that the National Forest is the backdrop, if not the very reason they enjoy the area. We are so glad the lodges have provided a way for their customers to support what they love,” said Mary Vasse, Associate Director of Conservation with the NFF.

“This is a fabulous partnership between some of the environmentally minded businesses in the greater Sisters Community and the Deschutes National Forest. I am excited to work with these partners to do projects in the forest that are beneficial to all involved, and I hope this is just the tip of the ice-berg of similar types of partnerships with the business community in central Oregon.” said Bill Anthony, Sisters District Ranger.

The Deschutes Forest Fund is also supported by one other business in Bend, and possibly more by the end of the summer, creating an opportunity for more $1 gifts from visitors to the Deschutes National Forest and its neighboring communities.

The NFF is a national nonprofit organization that engages Americans in the stewardship and enjoyment of the 193-million acre National Forest system. The NFF also hosts volunteer Friends of the Forest® Day events in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and local nonprofit organizations. The next Sisters-area Friends of the Forest Day will be on September 20, 2008. Volunteers are invited to register at www.becomeafriend.org.  

For more information on The Unique Properties Group please visit www.thesisterscountry.com or call Preston Thompson at 800.452.7455.  For additional information on the National Forest Foundation please contact Mary Vasse at 503.241.0467.