IN THIS ISSUE:
- Burn Ban
- Firewise results
- Lake info
- Garbage updates
- Current community topics
News from Wilson Ranch
Please note that there is currently an Okanogan County Burn Ban in effect from July 12th until October 15th, 2024.
The Burn Ban prohibits ALL field/pile/rubbish/rule/slash/yard vegetation and non-emergent agricultural burning on private lands within the unincorporated areas of Okanogan County.
Recreational Fires are NOT ALLOWED (this includes the use of charcoal for BBQs).
Propane fire pits and BBQs ARE allowed during a burn ban. Propane flames cannot be larger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet in height and not burned within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.
More information can be found on the website.
FIREWISE RESULTS
- 12 volunteers participated in the work party
- 274 hours of Firewise work completed at private homes and common areas
- $7023 spent on Firewise related work and improvements – $2898 by homeowners, $4125 in common areas
- 8+ tons of fuels collected and chipped
- 8 acres of land cleared
- Another $3000 grant was awarded for fuel removal
Thanks to our continued efforts, most of the common areas of the community have been cleared of flammable debris. Three cheers for our volunteers and for all those who participated this year!
LAKE UPDATES
With the help of local Fish Biologist Bob Jateff, Management has been carefully monitoring lake levels and water quality. Bob helps monitor the pH, oxygen levels, and temperature of the lake every few months. So far the conditions are normal and in a healthy range for the fish population. Speaking of fish, 100 triploid rainbow trout were successfully planted earlier this month!
This past year we have also been monitoring phosphorus levels in the lake. The levels have been higher than normal, so we have been working with local ecologists to pinpoint the cause. Plants and fish are the main source of phosphorus in “closed systems” such as our lake. Since the lake does not have a natural run off or outlet, the phosphorus levels can build up in the sediment. Our hope is that with the removal of lake weeds (yesterday was round two of removal and disposal by a diving team), we can get our levels back to a normal range. Please note that the current levels are absolutely safe to swim in and the fish will not be negatively effected.
GARBAGE AND RECYCLING
As many of you know, Management introduced a pilot program earlier this year to recycle glass at Wilson Ranch. This was both to encourage recycling in the community, and reduce the volume and cost of garbage disposal. While the recycling program was a success, Management could not keep up with the volume of glass collected. Glass is extremely heavy and it was difficult and time consuming to transport to Methow Recycles each week. Please consider transporting your glass recycling yourself (only $7 a load!) or bring your glass home to recycle.
Please, no dumping or “wish recycling” items in the garbage/recycling center. The space is limited, and often the items must be taken to the dump for an extra cost. Appliances, bicycles, sporting goods, building materials, etc. must be disposed of properly by residents.
Please visit Methow Recycles for more info!
OTHER COMMUNITY TOPICS
- The Firewise sign at the Firewise garden went missing this Spring. Has anyone seen it or stored it away for safe-keeping? Please let Management know if you have opinions on replacing the sign or what should be done with the Firewise garden going forward.
- Our first round of water use data is in! Thanks to the continued efforts of Management and the Water Committee, the analysis shows that we are staying within the water rights for our community. However, there are still daily limits for each household. Outdoor irrigation has put some homes close to or over the daily allowance. If you haven’t already done so, please reduce the volume and duration of your outdoor watering.
- As a reminder, CC&Rs require that all homes in Wilson Ranch have water meters and Management is still working hard to get them installed in the rest of the community. Securing the meters and a contractor to install them has been an ongoing effort. We will reach out to individual homeowners with potential dates and quotes in the next few months.
Please contact Rachael Plemel with any questions:
methowvalleyps@gmail.com