March 8, 2024
Please review the following information regarding our efforts to prevent forest fires here at Cascade River Park. The Wildfire Mitigation committee has been meeting with DNR and Firewise to assist in our goals. We would like as many of our owners involved as possible. So please see the updates below regarding DNR’s visits, the scheduled clean-up days, forms for owner participation and grants possible for the park.
Summary of DNR’s Visit
DNR’s visit on 02/22/24 to assess CRCC’s forest health and wildfire mitigation was a successful event as the forester was able to complete 18 lot assessments in Division 1 and all CRCC public space in Division 1. The forester with the DNR will send out forest health comments and information on grants that relate to the individual assessment to each property owner assessed.
DNR Return Visit
The forester will return Monday, March 25th, 2024, at 10 am to complete the remainder of the lot assessments and public spaces. Those who wish to have their lots assessed by DNR (with potential cost sharing for qualifying expenses and labor) should fill out the Permission to Enter Property Form and submit to the CRCC office.
DNR Community Grant
CRCC has been chosen as a location that DNR is currently working on obtaining grant money for the purpose of fire mitigation along roadways and public spaces. Once the grant money is obtained for DNR, there will be a proposal to the board by DNR to review and approve if that is what they decide.
Summary of 02/24/24 Wildfire Mitigation and Clean-Up Day
Thank you to everyone who assisted and engaged in this community event! We applied pruning and thinning techniques in the area surrounding the public bathroom in Division 1. The place looks great, and it appeared like people were smiling and working together.
Log Wildfire Mitigation Hours
Park members are asked to contribute and log volunteer hours towards wildfire mitigation efforts. Logged volunteer hours can be on your OWN LOTS at ANYTIME, or during the park’s Wildfire Mitigation & Cleanup Days. To learn more about what type of work would qualify, please read Time and Expense Investment Examples. Any logged hours can be submitted to the office or to Michael.rosebaugh@gmail.com. Please include your name, Div/Lot numbers, email or phone number, and hours logged including dates, activities, and hours. Alternatively fill out the Firewise volunteer sheet.
Wildfire Mitigation & Cleanup Days (meet at Front Gate with tools/equipment)
- Saturday, Mar 23, 2024 at 10 a.m. – noon Community Property; 1-3 p.m. Private Lots
- Saturday, Apr 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. – noon Community Property; 1-3 p.m. Private Lots
- Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 10 a.m. – noon Community Property; 1-3 p.m. Private Lots
Pruning Information
Information on pruning plants. Our goals are to have adequate air flow throughout the plant, remove diseased or dead branches, and have good light penetrating the entire plant.
- Remove any branch that is rubbing against another. This can cause an open wound on the branch, which is an opportunity for disease to invade the plant.
- Remove branches that are growing toward the center of the plant. Also, remove any branches that cross each other. Remember we want to provide both air circulation and light penetration.
- Remove any dead or diseased branches. A dead branch will be brittle, its buds will be brown. While a live branch will be flexible, buds will be green and there will be a green layer under the bark.
- Generally, remove 1/3 of the plants’ height or 1/3 of its branches.
- Remove any suckers and or waterspouts. These 2 types of branches look similar, growing straight up. However, a sucker originates from the roots or below the graft. While the waterspout will be vigorous and originate from the trunk or large branches.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Wildfire Mitigation Committee @ Firewise@CascadeRiverPark.com.
