We have a wild river in our backyard.  Discover how a glacial moraine lake high on South Sister played into protecting the wild feeling of Whychus Creek.  Learn why the creek's name was changed, why it was listed as a Wild and Scenic River, and what is being done to protect its future.   

STA is honored to bring Maret Pajutee back for another Speaker Event. Maret served as the Sisters Ranger District Ecologist for 25 years working to protect rare plants, control invasive weeds, and assess the aftermath of wildfires and the management of forests and rivers. 

As public owners of our public lands, we must learn what it means to protect and preserve the outdoor experience, especially areas that characterize a truly wild place. 

About Maret Pajutee:

Maret served as a team leader of public land partnerships and collaboration addressing controversial issues such as old growth management, name changes to meet Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and recreation management to protect Wild and Scenic River values.  Maret is a Founding Board Member of the Deschutes Land Trust. She retired as a District Ecologist for the Sisters Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in 2016.  In 2020, she was appointed to the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund Advisory Committee which provides a new way to encourage partnership and fund conservation and sustainable recreation in Oregon.