Methow Valley Citizens Council

DNR Public Meeting on forest health, wildfire in Winthrop
2018-05-21 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Winthrop Barn, 51 N Hwy 20, Winthrop, 98862, United States
The following information can also be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.
“Join Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, Senator Brad Hawkins, and WA Dept. of Natural Resources staff in Winthrop for May 21 community meeting

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to join them at an upcoming community meeting to learn more about their 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, wildfire prevention, and forest health treatments.

When: Monday, May 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Winthrop Barn, 51 N. Highway 20, Winthrop, WA 98862
Who: Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, Senator Brad Hawkins (R-East Wenatchee), DNR staff

The community meeting will feature presentations on the 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan and preparations for the upcoming fire season. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, as well as get an update on the Virginia Ridge timber sale.

“Our forestland in the Methow Valley holds important significance to the community for its recreation, environmental, and economic value,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “By taking steps to restore forest health, we increase natural wildfire resistance, protect the community, and ensure working forests provide benefits to the public now and in the future.

“This work must be done in partnership with the community. Community input and engagement is critical to the success of our forest health initiative. I’m looking forward to hearing from residents directly and discussing my vision for a collaborative approach to addressing our unhealthy forestland.”

The 20-Year Forest Health Plan – developed in collaboration with 33 agencies and organizations, including industry and environmental groups – provides a framework to restore 1.25 million acres of eastern Washington forestland to health. Forest improvement treatments strengthen forest resistance to wildfire, insect infestation, and disease.

More information is available at dnr.wa.gov/ForestHealthPlan.”

Chip It, Don't Burn It
2018-05-12 08:00 - 17:00 | WA
Okanogan Conservation District, the Town of Twisp and the Methow Valley Clean Air Project, are sponsoring a free community chipping event on May 12 to help residents dispose of woody debris without adding harmful smoke to their neighborhood air.
The event is limited to the first 25 people to register via the Okanogan CD website at www.okanogancd.org/events. Each person who signs up may bring between 1 and 2 pickup loads of clean, natural woody debris no larger than 5” in diameter (no lumber, weeds, leaves, or needles). The exact drop-off location in Twisp will be provided after registration is confirmed. Deadline to sign up is May 7.
Once the materials have been chipped, registrants may return the following week to pick up wood chips for use in landscapes, gardens, and compost piles. Because wood chips can be a hazard during wildfire season, participants will also receive information on safe ways to use wood chips around homes and other buildings.
This event is made possible by funding to the Okanogan Conservation District from an Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention grant to reduce particulate pollution from smoke.
