Seasonal Trail Manager Job Opening

Do you dream about what it would be like to mow, cut trees, take down/put up 100's of signs, groom snow, work with amazing people, and get dirty, wet, cold, hot in the same morning? Dream no longer since we are looking for a new Seasonal Trail Manager to take over for the recently vacated post by James DeSalvo. If you are interested in joining a fun and innovative team please see the application requirements through the following link.

TRAIL MANAGER JOB LINK

Good Luck.

Backcountry to Boardroom

MVSTA is proud to announce that James DeSalvo has been hired as MVSTA's new Executive Director! James has been serving as MVSTA's Trail Manager for the past three years. Undoubtedly many of you have encountered James out on the trails and know how passionate he is about our organization! James loves to to engage people on why trails are important to them. As our new Executive Director, James is excited to continue the focus on providing world-class trails for skiing, biking, hiking and trail running. In fact, just days into his new job and while sporting his new professional button-down shirt James answered a call to go go out and remove a downed tree. We hope you'll join us in congratulating James on his promotion.

“I am honored and thrilled for this opportunity and I look forward to serving our community trail system for many years. My plan is to continue working out in the field a fair amount to both stay connected to the trails and to all those who are out there using them. I look forward seeing folks outside and welcome hearing their thoughts about MVSTA’s future,” said DeSalvo

In addition to his three years managing the MVSTA Trails, James’ professional experience includes acting as the Regional Director for Outward Bound managing operations in AK, WA, OR, and CA. James also brings experience as a state park ranger, ski patroller, EMT, and wild land fire fighter. James moved to the valley in 1999 and can be seen running (fast) in the summer as an avid marathon racer, or on the rink shooting pucks with the kids. James is the Board President of the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink, and a small local business owner (Cascade Cobbler), specializing in climbing shoe resoling.

Share the Road- Cattle on the Trail

There are many trails (and roads) in the Methow Valley where you may encounter cattle. Here is some sage advice on how to handle the situation when you meet livestock.

Cattle should be approached slowly and quietly. Suddenly startling cattle will cause them to act unpredictably and with a high degree of unnecessary stress. Cattle will often charge down the trail you want to travel when you approach them aggressively. The best approach is to sensitively alert the animals that you are approaching and ease off your speed. If you approach the animal from behind, allow them to move down the trail until they can easily move off to the side. If possible, travel off to the side of the trail, this allows the animal to figure out a better escape route. Cattle have wide viewing areas. Travelling directly behind them is a predatory move which causes them to move faster. Moving to their side allows them to better see you and to move away from you and off the trail.

If you happen to meet an entire herd of cattle or livestock on the road, stop, step to one side and stand still and quiet. If the herd is being driven under the control of cattle ranchers, let them lead the cattle in the desired direction.

Finally, remember to close all gates that you enter and exit.

Ranching and recreation go hand in hand in the Methow Valley. It's another one of those special aspects of living, visiting and playing here!

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.

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
Current News Items

Podium Shots from the Mazama Fun Run

Sunflower Marathon and Relay Photos

Thanks again to everyone who joined us for the 31st annual Sunflower Marathon and Relay. Here are some photos....