November 2024
Dear Custer County Search and Rescue Friends and Family,
The holidays are here, along with the snow, colder temperatures, stunning winter vistas-and, of course, the Spirit Campaign, our team’s largest fund raiser. We are so grateful to the Wet Mountain Valley Community Foundation for organizing the initiative, which bolsters CCSAR and the other worthy nonprofits that make our valley great. We are also, of course, grateful to you, our supporters. As a nonprofit, we are fueled by your support, in its financial and philosophical forms.
So far this year, the Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) team responded to 18 call-outs for people in need in our backcountry. Sometimes, these missions happened in technical terrain, requiring rope systems, helicopter cooperation, and tricky climbing. Other times, the rescues called upon the team to rig and raise litters, or search for missing campers and hikers. Throughout the year, we also provided medical assessment and stabilization for people who, on their worst day in the wilderness, were counting on us to come when they called. And we did: In 2024, our members have volunteered around 900 hours on active missions.
Of course, those missions wouldn’t be possible without training and upkeep. In total, our members have given more than 3,400 hours in 2024. We have improved and deepened our winter skills to be ready for snowy, coldweather missions whose numbers will likely rise as people discover our mountains’ post-summer appeal. We also trained on new skill sets, like tracking techniques; instituted a drone program; and updated our IT infrastructure. And we have maintained our knowledge of search methods, medical techniques, technical rope rescue systems, and methods of extracting the lost, injured, or ill from our mountains.
Those mountains are, of course, what drew many of us here. We recreate in them, taking in their beauty and appreciating the adventure they can provide. We gaze at them from our porches and in our pictures. Most of the time, they are only a positive addition to our lives. But they are also full of hazards, and when things go wrong out there, as they sometimes do, CCSAR will be there to assist. We will continue to provide safety and security for those venturing into the backcountry. We have everyone’s back (and will carry their backpack).
We’re proud to be part of the community, and to serve the community, and we’re grateful for the community’s support. Please consider capitalizing on the WMVCF’s matching funds offer by donating to CCSAR during the 2024 Spirit Campaign. On the enclosed form, please add your contribution on the Custer County Search and Rescue line, fill in your name and address, and make your check payable to the WMV Community Foundation (in order for us to receive matching funds). Please mail your contributions in the enclosed, pre-addressed, stamped envelope before December 31st. If you would prefer to donate electronically during the campaign, please visit wmvcf.org/donations. If you are unable to donate at this time, we understand, and appreciate the support you provide in other ways.
We’d also ask that you please consider volunteering with us if you live in Custer County. We are always looking for new members with a wide range of skill sets from technical rope rescue to administrative support. Finally, anyone can help by sharing our outdoor safety messages, on social media or by word of mouth. We know some of you have already sent donations this year, and we thank you. If you are able to contribute again through the Spirit Campaign, please know that we are especially grateful. Any amount you can contribute will be very much appreciated.
Sincerely, and with thanks,
Sarah Scoles, Board Chair, Custer County Search and Rescue
Email: lnfo@custersar.org • 719-783-0442 • www.custersar.org • www.facebook.com/CusterSAR
