Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dream Job!

MVSTA Seeks New Executive Director

For the first time in its 33 year history, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is hiring a new Executive Director to lead its acclaimed organization.

Located in Winthrop, Washington the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound recreation on or near the trails in the Methow Valley. The MVSTA trail system includes over 120 miles of cross country ski trails in the winter months, and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for Nordic skiing, mountain biking, trail running and hiking.

MVSTA has been serving its mission for over 30 years. It all started with the opening of the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) in 1972, enhancing the potential for a range of tourism and related outdoor activities in the Methow Valley. Seeing the opportunity for a regional trail system, a handful of visionary valley residents inspired the cooperation of various land agencies and over 160 private landowners to create a world-class trail system stretching up and down the mountain valley.

Today the network of trails generates about $4.5 million directly, another $4.1 million indirectly, and another $2.7 million annually through related industry earnings in the Methow Valley. Additionally, some 49 full-time jobs and 159 seasonal full-time and/or part-time jobs can be directly accredited to the network of trails and related land.

The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) seeks a new Executive Director with the vision and skills to manage this world class, community based trail system. The new Director will replace Jay Lucas who has served as MVSTA's Executive Director for the past 30 years. A strong combination of skills and experiences is required in this role. Such experiences should include the management and motivation of staff, strong financial acumen, experience in the ski and/or outdoor industry and a familiarity with non-profit business practices. This is an incredible opportunity, for the right individual, to lead one of the most inspirational outdoor organizations in the nation.

A full job description, requirements and compensation can be found on the MVSTA website at www.mvsta.com . Deadline for applications is July 15, 2011.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

National Trails Day Activities - June 4th

National Trails Day: Celebrating Trails in the Methow
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA

National Trails Day at the Sun Mountain Lodge is a time to get outside and celebrate the beauty of the Methow Valley. People of all experience levels and abilities are invited to participate in a range of free activities:

Guided hikes with The Mountaineers, from moderate to challenging

Interpretive Nature Walks at Sun Mountain Lodge

Children's hike and treasure hunt with Little Star Montessori School

"Day Hikes of the North Cascades" Presentation by Don Portman

Optional Cowboy Dinner – Western Wagon Ride & BBQ (fee required)

All activities begin and end at the Sun Mountain Lodge.

Schedule of Events (subject to change)
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Trails Day Morning Reception at Sun Mountain Lodge
9 – 9:30 a.m. – The Mountaineers hikes depart
Hikes include:
Moderate 8.5 mile hike
Moderate/strenous 13 mile hike
10 a.m. – Trail Stewardship with Methow Valley Trail Association in Mazama. To volunteer, register online.
10 a.m. – StoryTrails children’s hike and reading with author Erik Brooks (ages 4-12)
11:30 a.m. – Scavenger Hunt at the Beaver Pond with Little Star Montessori School(ages 8-12)
1:30 p.m. – Teen Hike to Patterson Mountain (ages 13+)
4 – 5:00 p.m. – CANCELLED: Adaptive Hiking Clinics for Persons with Disabilities and Injuries with Outdoorsforall
4 – 5:30 p.m. – Trails Day Evening Reception at Sun Mountain Lodge
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Dinner Break - optional Cowboy BBQ Dinner available at Lodge - reservations required
7:00 p.m. – Day Hikes in the North Cascades Presentation by Don Portman at Sun Mountain Lodge

For lodging or dinner reservations, contact Sun Mountain Lodge at 1-800-572-0493. Participants may also enjoy a range of camping and lodging options in the Methow Valley.

Questions? Contact Sarah Krueger, Conservation Manager at The Mountaineers, 206.521.6012

Event Partners:
Methow Valley Sport Trails Assocition
The Mountaineers
Sun Mountain Lodge
The Wilderness Society
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