President's Corner
CONC Members,
Spring Fling is Just Around the Corner!
Get ready to connect with your fellow Nordic enthusiasts on Tuesday, May 21st by registering for the CONC Spring Fling! While some of our eager members have already been hitting the trails for our Sunday morning hikes, this annual gathering officially marks the start of our hiking season. We're especially excited to announce that some of CONC's very own talented musicians will be providing live entertainment, promising a delightful evening. If you're new to CONC, this is the perfect opportunity to meet friendly faces, learn more about our activities, and become an even more integral part of our community. We can't wait to see you there!
News from Edison Sno-Park: Navigating the Post-Fire Landscape
In somewhat unexpected news, the Deschutes National Forest lifted the Bachelor Complex Emergency Fire Closure on May 1st. Since then, dedicated CONC members have been out exploring the Edison Sno-Park area to assess the aftermath of last year's Little Lava Fire. The initial reports offer a mixed picture. Thankfully, significant portions of the area appear largely untouched or show signs resembling a beneficial prescribed burn. However, there are areas that experienced a high-intensity burn and sustained considerable damage. In these severely affected zones, while many of the larger trees remain standing, the understory – smaller trees, shrubs, and ground cover – has been completely burned away, leaving bare soil. Natural regrowth in these areas will take many years. The most heavily impacted zone begins just a few hundred yards south of the parking lot. Your Board of Directors has already begun discussions regarding the long-term implications of this fire damage. We are considering the future of the affected trails and the replacement of the Edison Shelter, which had been closed and was destroyed by the fire. We will keep the membership informed as these discussions progress.
Calling All Tech-Savvy (or Tech-Curious!) Volunteers!
Do you have a knack for organization or a desire to contribute to the smooth operation of CONC behind the scenes? We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to provide backup support for our IT operations. While any computer experience is a plus, formal programming skills are not necessary! What we truly need is a willingness to learn about our membership platform, Wild Apricot. If you can dedicate a few hours each month to assist our trip leaders in posting events on the website, help with member registrations and renewals, and ensure our website stays current, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and make a real difference. If you're interested in learning more or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me directly at wppreston@yahoo.com.
Stay in Touch!
As always, I encourage you to reach out with any questions, comments, or suggestions you may have. You can contact me directly at wppreston@yahoo.com.
Happy Trails!
Warren Preston
President
