As your new Executive Director, I wanted to introduce myself and touch on several of my current areas of focus.

First, I can’t fully explain how excited that I am to be your new Executive Director! My wife, Sari, and I moved to Stanley just over a year ago after I retired from a career in public policy work in the natural resource, tax and trade arenas. We have owned property in Stanley for over a decade and vacationed here almost exclusively over the past 25 years while our two sons were growing up. I am thankful that my previous experiences dovetail so closely with the work of the Society and my passion for the area.

I never dreamed I would one day be working to protect, preserve and enhance the unique treasure that is the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Yet, here we are and we can now claim a “local” status by being full-time residents and surviving our first winter. We loved it!

The date for 2010 Sagebrush Soiree is Saturday, July 31st. I would like to encourage you to purchase your tickets early by calling or emailing our office at: gary@sawtoothsociety.org. You can read about gifts and once in a lifetime experiences in the article describing the Sagerbrush Soiree. This event is our primary annual fundraiser and we need your help in making it an ongoing success. You can also help by inviting your friends and voulanteering to help at the event itself. If you know of individuals who might like to participate drop me an email with their addresses and we will send them an invitation.

I have spent much of my time in the first six months working on the many important policy issues facing the SNRA. The current policy priorities are highlighted under Polocy Issues on the Home Page. I will be writing in more detail about several in the next Advocate. While much has been accomplished to help protect the area there remain plenty of challenges and ways the Sawtooth Society will make a positive impact.


Executive Director

Photo by: Scott O' Malley www.scottomalley.com


Photo by: Steve Bly blyphoto.com


Photo by: Scott O' Malley www.scottomalley.com


Photo by: Sue Van Der Wal