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Page last updated August 30, 2024 6:30am

NOW: Breaking News–Burn Ban in Effect!

Effective July 12: Okanogan County Wide Burn Ban–NO outside fires allowed, except for propane fire pits. Ban will last at least until October 15, and may be extended if wildfire conditions persist. The DNR has listed the wildfire danger in our area as EXTREME–PLEASE BE CAREFUL.

Avoid parking in high/dry grass: Catalytic converters, hot exhaust systems and tailpipes have caused many wildfires.

September Newsletter Information

Biannual Edelweiss Fall Chipping Event 2024

The chipping event will take place October 21st and 22^nd. Please sign-up HERE by October 16th and have your chipping piles prepared and ready by then. Funding for this event is provided from the Edelweiss Firewise Committee budget.

Chipping requirements:

-Place chipping pile with butt ends of logs and branches just at your Edelweiss property road margin, but not blocking traffic.

-No Bitterbrush (tends to be too dirty for chipping)

-No dimensional lumber or wood posts—these inevitably come with nails and screws embedded.

-Maximum diameter is 12″

Brothers Forestry will chip dead logs and branches, but if they are too “punky” they will separate out and leave, as those tend to clog the chute.

Arrange slash with the “butt ends” pointing toward the road, and stack slash in the same direction, and not crisscrossed, as that makes it more difficult and time consuming to disassemble the piles.

You can provide instructions on whether chips are to be left in a pile or spread in the sign-up form.

Fall Yard Waste Event 2024

Starting on October 3 until Monday morning October 7, there will be a 30-yard Wastewise dumpster in the Campground for owner debris cleanup:

-Wastewise can accept pine and fir needles, cones, and weeds. Small sticks no larger than ½ inch diameter and one foot longer are okay, but too many larger sticks can cause our community to lose our Wastewise yard waste privilege.

-Small amounts of Bitterbrush is okay, but generally discouraged because it takes up too much volume in the dumpsters.

-Waste material must be loose (no bags). If you need to collect materials in bags for transport, 30-gallon paper leaf bags are about 50 cents each at Ace Hardware.

-Dumpsters have walk in doors at the back for drop off. As they fill, it may be necessary to fill from the top. A portable scaffold will be provided.

-If the dumpster fills early, Wastewise may provide one switch out during the event.

There is no direct or billable cost for Edelweiss owners for either the chipping or yard waste events. Sign up is necessary for chipping event (sign up form) but is not necessary for dropping off yard waste in the dumpster.

When dropping off yard waste, we encourage you to record your address, number of bags/trailer loads or pick-up loads and approximate hours worked during your clean-up project on the clipboard which will be hanging on the dumpster. This information will be used for our FireWise USA reports. Thank you in advance for this!

We greatly appreciate everyone’s continuing efforts to keep Edelweiss as firesafe as possible!

August Newsletter Information

Do you have fire-related information for your guests?

Please remind your guests of the following:

Do not park in dry grass or toss cigarette butts to the roadside. Hot tail pipes, exhaust systems and catalytic converters have caused many wildfires.
Outside fires, including fire pits are banned at the moment. When not banned, be extra careful with fire pits, grills, and outdoor sports and games that could cause a spark—especially on windy, “red flag” days.

Sources for Fire Monitoring

The Washington State Department of Transportation provides information on highway closures due to fire. If you are signed up for WSDOT Travel Advisories, you will be quickly notified about closures and re-openings. The following links are can also be handy tracking local fires:

Facebook: Easy and Pioneer Fires
Easy Fire (WA Pass/Highway 20)
WA State DOT Real time travel center (Click on highway 20 incident for more info)
X: @wsdot_north
X: @wsdot_east
Wildfire incident information webpage

Spring Yard Waste Event report

During our free yard waste event in May and June, over 43 individual households worked on their properties to collect pine needles, brush and small sticks. They filled four dumpsters with 7.59 tons or 15,180 pounds of potential wildfire fuel, making their homes–and all of ours–safer. Thank you to all the participants!

July Newsletter Information

All Edelweiss members have three ways to obtain emergency notices:

1. Get notified of Emergency Alerts. Go to Okanogan County’s website (https://www.okanogancounty.org/). A link to the Emergency Alert system is featured prominently on the home page. Follow the instructions to provide your contact information for options including telephone, text, and email.

2. Keep your EMC Contact Info up-to-date. To ensure that Edelweiss can also communicate with you, please make sure that your current telephone number(s) is up-to-date at: Manager@EdelweissMethowValley.org. Edelweiss uses your cell phone number to notify you via a telephone message to explain local situations of concern and any instructions for residents (the system is called “Edelweiss Maintenance Commission (EMC) Dial-My-Calls Emergency Broadcast System.”)

3. Get to know your Neighborhood Coordinator. Make sure your neighborhood coordinator is aware of updates to your contact information. Please email updates to: Manager@EdelweissMethowValley.org.

Fire Preparedness

Fire season in the Methow Valley can begin as early as June and last into October. These are actions you can take to prepare.

Read the material on the PROTECTING YOUR HOME web page and implement as many strategies as you can.
Create or review a family plan for emergencies. The STATE OF WASHINGTON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION and others have great advice.
Review the EDELWEISS EVACUATION MAP and think about a walking route should roads become blocked.
Know how to get emergency notifications (see above)
Prepare (or make an easy to find list for packing) a “go bag” for your car(s) and for evacuation on foot. It should include:
Personal and Pet needs: Clothes, food, water, first aid kit, phones, and chargers—and items for people with disabilities and others with access and/or functional needs
Plastic: Credit cards, insurance cards, cash
Priceless items: Including pictures, irreplaceable mementos, and other valuables
Prescription medications: Includes dosages, medicines, medical equipment, batteries or power cords, eyeglasses, and hearing aids
Papers: Includes important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or portable thumb drives)
Consider that an evacuation COULD occur after dark or in smoky conditions. Your go bag should include a flashlight or other light source and masks.

Easy DIY Firewise Tasks

Gravel around Your Propane Tank

Weed eating around your propane tank and spreading gravel in a 5-foot radius around your tank is an easy and quick way to mitigate some fire risk around your home or cabin. It’ll also satisfy your homeowners insurance company when they look to see if you’ve firewised around your tank should your policy come up for review.

Some annual weeding may be needed on this tank

Details: Order gravel from Cascade Concreate (509-996-2425). The best gravel for this purpose is 5/8 top course rock with fines. Two-yards will more than do the job at 2” deep with a good bit left over, but also consider putting down some gravel around your place, creating a 5-foot ignition buffer, which firewise experts recommend. The gravel will also be less expensive if you’re able to use more of the dump truck’s 12-yard capacity. Lastly, some owners have put down weed-resistant cloth under the gravel around their tanks to minimize annual maintenance.

Limb up Trees on Your Property

Limbing trees 10-15 feet above the ground and clearing brush around them in the area that’s known as the tree drip line*, is a good idea to help prevent wildfires from climbing up trees. Wildfires use brush as ladder fuel and give fires access into the tree canopy. Canopy fires, fires up high in the limbs of trees, are devastating to forests and communities, so it’s worth mitigating those risks where and when possible.

< The serviceberry around this pine tree should be removed

Limbing considerations: Trees on steep slopes should be limbed higher than 10 feet, since the limbs on the uphill side are often closer to the ground, and a clearance of 10 feet should be the goal around those trees. Also, it’s a good idea not to limb more than 1/3 of a tree so it has enough foliage to remain healthy and vibrant. If trees can’t be limbed high enough for a number of reasons, consider clearing or removing other trees around the one you’d like to keep.

*Definition–tree drip line: The area defined by the outermost circumference of a tree canopy or widest area of limbs around a tree trunk, where water drips from and onto the ground. During a canopy fire, embers can drop from tree limbs onto the ground, so reducing fuel of all kinds under trees helps to reduce wildfires from spreading.

Wildfire mitigation will likely take annual effort to make progress on your property. Consider creating an annual firewise financial and sweat-equity budget, to help mitigate wildfire risks. If you prefer to have a contractor help with these tasks, please reference our EMC firewise contractor page. Please note, contactors are busy this time of the year, so get on their waitlist if needed.

Please contact your EMC Firewise Committee if you have any questions.

Firewise Neighborhood Coordinators Meeting

On June 6th, our Firewise Neighborhood Coordinator Sharon Cupp, led a very engaged Neighborhood Coordinators meeting to discuss various ways to improve communication and share ways to better serve their local neighborhoods in times of fire.

They discussed potential subgroups, the DNR Cost Share program, commercial tree harvesting, the right of way/shaded fuel break project, duff dumpsters, Firewise education and phone trees. They also introduced the EMC Managers to the group. Great discussion and progress from these volunteers dedicated to making Edelweiss a safer place in the event of a fire.

[Source: July EMC Newsletter]

June Newsletter Information

Burn Ban 2024

The County Commissioners implement burn restrictions and burn bans during times of high fire danger.

The Fire Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from the BOCC, DNR, Emergency Management, Fire Chiefs, Forest Service, and the Sheriff’s Office make recommendations to the Commissioners on implementing a burn restriction or burn ban. When a burn restriction/ban is in place it will be posted on the Emergency Management webpage.

Okanogan County uses a two-step system for restricting outdoor burning. The first is a Burn Restriction allowing recreational fires and no other outdoor burning. The second is when High Fire Conditions become present a County-Wide Burn Ban will be implemented, prohibiting all outdoor burning including recreational fires and the use of charcoal.

The Burn Restriction is activated by a set date June 15 to October 15, but may be implemented earlier or extended due to conditions.

The Burn Restriction prohibits ALL field/pile/rubbish/rule/slash/yard vegetation and non-emergent agricultural burning on private lands within the unincorporated areas of Okanogan County reducing the risk of wildfires.

Recreational Fires are ALLOWED during a burn restriction if used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes and the fuel being burned is other than rubbish. Fires used for debris disposal purposes are NOT considered recreational fires. See Recreational Fire definition below.

The Burn Ban is implemented when High Fire Conditions exist and when rescinded will revert to a Burn Restriction.

The Burn Ban prohibits all outdoor burning of combustible materials which may include, but are not limited to yard vegetation or waste, non-emergency agricultural burning, exploding gun targets, and bullet tracer rounds.

Propane fire pits 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. (DNR burning restrictions may apply to your private property if you are assessed a DNR Fire Control tax. This can be found on your county tax statement). Recreational Fire Definition:

Recreational fires shall be contained in a concrete, rock, or steel ring (made from non-combustible material), no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no less than 8 inches in height. The fire (flames) shall be no higher than 2 feet and not conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Recreational fires SHALL be attended to at all times.

Drought Conditions 2024

A drought emergency was declared for the state of Washington this Spring, as state officials face low water supply ahead of an expected warmer-than-normal summer across the region. The EMC requests that you use water sparingly this Summer, and curtail your irrigation regimen.

“We depend on that winter snowpack to meet the needs of Washington’s farmers, fish, and communities during the dry summer months. And this year, it’s just not at the level we’re accustomed to and rely on,”

Gov. Jay Inslee said in a statement. More..

Drought Tolerant Plants

Native plants are a vital component of the local ecosystem. In your yard, they’re also beautiful low-maintenance blooms that can liven up your outdoor space. Wild areas like Lyons Ferry are full of plants that could look wonderful in your yard or garden, but it can be tough to pick the right ones. Here are some of the best native plants for Eastern Washington to help you make an informed decision. More..

[Source: June EMC Newsletter]

Firewise Neighborhood Clean-Up

Starting on May 23, there will one 30-yard dumpster in the Campground, with switch outs for an empty dumpster as often as Wastewise can manage. The last dumpster will be removed on Monday June 3.

Wastewise will accept pine and fir needles and cones and weeds. Small (no larger than ½ inch diameter and one foot long) sticks caught up in your waste are okay, but too many larger sticks can result in us being “cut off.” Bitterbrush is okay, but discouraged because it takes up so much volume in the dumpsters.

Waste material must be loose (no bags--plastic or paper). If you need to collect materials in bags for transport, 30 gallon paper leaf bags are about 50 cents each at Ace Hardware.

Dumpsters have walk in doors at the back for drop off. As they fill, it may be necessary to fill from the top. A portable scaffold will be provided.

This event is funded by the Okanogan Conservation District, so there is no cost for Edelweiss owners. No sign up is necessary, but we encourage you to record your address, number of bag/trailer/pick-up loads and approximate hours worked on the clipboard which will be hanging on the dumpster.

Firewise 2024: Prepare for the Fire Season

It’s a great time to get prepared for Fire Season, we could be facing a bad situation this year. Why?

A drought, that’s been ongoing since last summer
A very dry winter
March temperatures in the 70s
A shallow snowpack in the mountains

Add all these things up and it means that the wildfire hazard in the Methow Valley is likely to be even higher than average this summer.

One way you can reduce your own risk and the risk to our greater Edelweiss community, is to thin the forest on your property, and clean up roofs and on the ground. Many of you have already thinned your properties, thank you for doing that. For those of you who haven’t but are considering doing so, here are some suggestions for spring Firewising, and some references for further information.

Do it yourself

Cut the smaller and more densely packed trees yourself. You can then pile the trunks and branches next to the road before the Fall Edelweiss Chipping and Dumpster events. Edelweiss hires a contractor who will chip the cut small trees and branches at no cost to individual property owners. The next event will be in the fall. Watch for dates and details for how to sign up in September.

Clear duff away from structures and yard; and remove needles and cones from roofs.

Hire a contractor

There are several qualified contractors available to do thinning, limbing, and chipping. For a list, go to the EMC website. Then click on “Information,” then “Firewise Guidelines,” and then “Contractors.

Okanogan Conservation District

Get a FREE property assessment, this includes access, structure(s) and vegetation. To schedule and get more information, call Eli Loftis 509-429-3453 or www.okanogancd.org

Take advantage of the DNR cost-share program

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) oversees a cost-share program to help landowners defray some of the cost of hiring a contractor. Property owners who do the thinning and limbing themselves can also benefit from the cost-share program. For an excellent description of the DNR program and how you can take part in it, go to the Edelweiss website, click on “Information,” then “Firewise Guidelines,” and then “DNR Cost Share Program.”

Organize a group of neighbors to thin their properties

If the same contractor thins the forest on two or more adjoining lots, the cost per lot can often be less than if each owner had hired a contractor separately. Talk to your neighbors about this possibility. Or get in touch with me, and I can help you get started. For further discussion of this subject, go to the Edelweiss website, click on “Information,” then “Firewise Guidelines,” and then “DNR Cost Share Program.” The discussion of group projects is under the heading “Can I reduce my costs?”

Let Us Know If You Need Help

The Firewise Committee is happy to answer any questions you might have about any of these subjects. Feel free to email: emc.firewise.committee@gmail.com

Neighborhood Coordinators: April Update

June 6, 2024, Meeting Announced–Details

Time: 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Location: Edelweiss Pool Area
Questions: Sharon Cupp, Coordinator of the Neighborhood Coordinators, Firewise Committee, emc.firewise.committee@gmail.com
Description: In person meeting to discuss Firewise current activities within the 16 Neighborhood groups, and provide updates that assist neighborhood coordinators.
[Source: S. Cupp]

Right of Way Tree Thinning: Mid/Late April, 2024

This is the third, and final year, of the HOA approved project to thin trees along roads in Edelweiss’ right of way. The purpose of this project is to reduce the overall fire risk currently facing Edelweiss, develop firefighting access and improve forest health by selectively thinning trees and pruning vegetation along Edelweiss roads.

This year we’ll be working on E and W Fawn Creek Rds, Cassal Rd, Laney Lane and Bitterbrush Rd. Homestead and Highland were thinned last year which will gives you an idea of what the end product looks like. We’ll be marking trees in early April and Brother Fire will begin work mid-April.

[Source: EMC April Newsletter]

Spring Chipping Event: Approx May 12, 2024 Sign-up form

We are pleased to announce the Spring Chipping Event will return once again this year. The chipping event will take place soon after May 12, so please sign-up and have your chipping piles prepared by May 8. This event is being funded by a grant from the Department of Natural Resources.

Here are the requirements for debris to be chipped:

No Bitterbrush (tends to be too dirty for chipping)
No dimensional lumber or wood posts (these inevitably come with nails and screws embedded.)
No pine needles, grass clippings or leaves–these can go to the dumpster during our “Yard waste event.”
Maximum diameter is 12″

Brothers Forestry will chip dead logs and branches, but if they are too “punky” or rotten, they will separate out and leave, as that debris tends to clog the chipping chute.

Best arrangement of slash is with the “butt ends” pointing toward the road, and the slash stacked in the same direction (not criss-crossed, as that makes it more difficult and time consuming to disassemble the piles.)

Give instructions on whether chips are to be left in a pile or spread (make your choice when you use the sign up form below)

Starting on May 23, there will be at least one 30-yard dumpster in the Campground, with switch outs for an empty dumpster as often as Wastewise can manage. The last dumpster will be removed on June 2.
[Source: EMC April Newsletter]

Yard Waste Dumpsters Event: May 23, 2024

Waste material must be loose (no bags). If you need to collect materials in bags for transport, 30 gallon paper leaf bags are about 50 cents each at Ace Hardware.