Okanogan County Burn Ban is now in effect!

January 10th, 2024

Winter in the mountains

IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Glass recycling
  • Snow removal
  • Trail use
  • Committees

 

Congratulations to Michelle Jobe (Treasurer) and Paul Lambert (Secretary) who were both re-elected for a second term at the annual meeting in December!

News from Wilson Ranch

Happy New Year from your friends and neighbors at Wilson Ranch! As many of you have noticed, the snow is finally here, and it seems to have arrived all at once! In my neighborhood we received almost 2 feet of snow in 24 hours! Skiers around the valley are beyond excited and are already out adventuring in the fresh powder.

Glass recycling coming to Wilson Ranch?

With our garbage facility nearing maximum capacity (especially around the holidays) and the wish to reduce the amount of recyclable material going into our landfills, the board discussed collecting glass recycling at Wilson Ranch. Glass recycling pick up is not currently offered by WasteWise, and is only available by drop off (for a $7 fee) at Methow Recycles on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. We will be putting up some signage soon along with a collection container in the facility. This will be a pilot program to see how much we collect and if this process is feasible in the future. If you have any thoughts or questions about this plan, please reach out to management.

Snow removal and trail use

Now that the snow has arrived, this is a good opportunity to remind residents and guests of the policies at Wilson Ranch. Snow removal services are done by Snowtime, who provides snow blowing services for all driveways and plows the main roads. Current policy is that plowing and blowing will occur once at least 6 inches of snow has accumulated. Please note that this is Snowtime’s policy, not Wilson Ranch’s. Be aware that delays may occur with snow removal due to weather conditions, staffing, and equipment availability. If you have any questions or concerns about snow removal, feel free to reach out to management, or contact Snowtime directly.

A friendly reminder for your guests and families: There is no parking allowed on roadways or outside of your driveway area. This creates narrow and dangerous driving conditions for other residents and guests and prohibits successful plowing of the community. Overflow cars are welcome to park near the recycling center if needed, but need to be parked far enough away to allow easy access to the building.

Please observe all trail signs and usage rules around the entire community. Avoid private property and only stay on approved trails. Groomed ski trails in the community are only for nordic skiing. Snow shoeing trails are well marked and are approved for snow shoes or hiking. Dogs are not allowed on ski trails. Methow Trails passes may be purchased at the Mazama store, and are not available at the Freestone Inn.

Committees at Wilson Ranch

Did you know that we have 5 active Committees in this community? A big thank you to those that attended the annual meeting in December and volunteered to take part! For those that missed the annual meeting, we have a new Water Committee, which supports the efficient use of the Wilson Ranch water supply. Their goal is to do this through effective and proactive management and owner awareness. Committees are always looking for new members and it’s a great way to learn more about the community and get involved in the issues that are most important to you.

Please check the Meetings page for upcoming board and committee meetings. If you have a topic you’d like brought up at a committee meeting or are looking to volunteer, please contact the committee chair. If you haven’t come across it yet, there is an Owner Directory page under General Info. There you will find an interactive community map and a table listing the contact info for all residents.

 

Photo by David Lucas

A Valley Like This
William Stafford

Sometimes you look at an empty valley like this,
and suddenly the air is filled with snow.
That is the way the whole world happened—
there was nothing, and then…

But maybe some time you will look out and even
the mountains are gone, the world become nothing
again. What can a person do to help
bring back the world?

We have to watch it and then look at each other.
Together we hold it close and carefully
save it, like a bubble that can disappear
if we don’t watch out.

Please think about this as you go on. Breath on the world.
Hold out your hands to it. When mornings and evenings
roll along, watch how they open and close, how they
invite you to the long party that your life is.

 

Photo by David Lucas

Please contact Rachael Plemel or Marvin Sutton with any questions
methowvalleyps@gmail.com
msutton@freestoneinn.com