Manson Parks and Manson School District held a public meeting on Monday, May 13, in Manson’s Elementary School Library to gather input towards determining the top project priorities for Leffler Field. The Parks department and school district are joint owners of the property.
Robin Pittman
There were approximately 20 people in attendance.
In 2021 the Parks District received a State $574,000 and is working with the School District to better position themselves to get more grants. “We want the best use for our community,” said Parks Director Robin Pittman.
In 2022, they received an Ecology grant for $200,000 to remedy the lead/arsenic in the soils on the old orchard land. “We are held responsible for public use and want to make sure the soil is healthy.”
Eric Maise, an engineer with Aspect Consulting stated that they conducted a sampling of the property and found that the lead/arsenic contamination of the soil extended on average down to four feet.
Eric Maise, Project Engineer with Aspect Consulting
Using the Ecology cookbook, there are four remedies available including:
Total Excavation – “This is very expensive.”
Soil mixing – “This is a potential solution.”
Consolidation and Capping – This the proposed remedy using Ecology guidelines where a barrier fabric would be laid down with 6 inches of clean material covering the ground in non-used areas and 12 inches of material covering the playground and ballfields. That will keep the costs down and address human health issues. “That is a snapshot of the environmental steps,” said Maise.
Pittman said that mailers will be mailed out to every resident in Manson asking what everyone wants to see. “There is no timeline or funding right now. We will be applying for grants,” said Pittman.
Ryan Browniee, a civil engineer with Pacific Engineering said, “It’s (lead/arsenic remedy) not something we have funding for. It is a long term project.”
Approximately 20 residents attended the meeting.
The overall plan for Leffler Field is a LINK Park and Ride with parking and a year-round restroom. In addition the school district and parks department are planning, based on the community’s input the following amenities have been proposed:
Pickleball courts
Playground
Community Garden
Outdoor Exercise Equipment
Open Green Space
Volleyball courts and
Year-round restrooms
Doug England asked how the area would be monitored? Pittman replied that there have been no discussions on that issue yet, but added that in the summertime months there would be “big time security.”
The primary priority now is to find funding to move ahead with the community’s desired outcome.
Wednesday, May 8, the Manson Chamber of Commerce held a second meeting at the Manson Grange Hall to collect more input from residents on what short, medium and long term priorities should be instigated.
The Chamber received a $68,000 grant from the LTAC to be specifically used for capital projects and are hoping to leverage that grant with other funding sources.
The Chamber is hopeful the community will become involved in its preservation. “We took all of the information and recorded it in hopes of conserving our community, its culture and history,” said Tom Tochterman, the Chamber’s Community Development person.
Tom Tochterman
He added, “It’s time for a Manson Comprehensive Revitalization plan.”
The Chamber is seeking ways to achieve better curb appeal with effective and attractive signage along with making the downtown thoroughfare safer and friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We need to know where our community is going for the next five to 10 years,” said Tochterman. “$68,000 doesn’t go very far so we need to prioritize what we do.”
Manson is home to apple orchards and wineries.
The Chamber members recently walked downtown with Chelan County Commissioner Tiffany Gering and County Public Works and Tochterman said, “We don’t want to spend money on things the County should be doing anyway.”
Manson is known for growing the best apples in the world.The community has become one of the best wine regions in the State.
The Chamber has developed seven separate categories and provided signup sheets for those in attendance which would indicate an individual’s interest. The Categories follow:
Light pole rehabilitation
Outdoor Art – Maybe a mural depicting Manson’s culture and history
Effective and attractive signage
Historic District
Outdoor Seating
More Parking and Safer Roads
Pocket Parks.
For more information contact the Chamber at: 509-888-1553
Chelan Butte and its potential development outcomes has captured the interest of many residents in the Lake Chelan Valley.
Chelan Butte dominates both the Chelan and Columbia River. A 900 acre portion on the Chelan side is under option for development.
On Thursday, May 9, Peter Dykstra, Trust for Public Lands (TPL), was back at Chelan Senior Center to follow up on his Chelan Butte Feasibility Study public meeting held on April 4 to gather unput from the community.
Peter Dykstra, Trust for Public Lands
A portion of that feasibility study was to seek what funding might be available to purchase the 900 acres in question from the owner, Golden Gate Ventures; Who might take on the acquisition (the land is within the City of Chelan limits and zoned for tourism development; and Who might assume the Maintenance and Operations of that land once it is in the public domain.
Unfortunately, Dykstra told the estimated 30 people attending Thursday evenings meeting that conditions were not right to move forward with the study. He announced that the TPL was stopping their efforts and preserving what funding the State Legislature approved for the study.
“I don’t think this is the end of the Story! Peter Dykstra, TPL
Dykstra added that the closure of the TPLs efforts does not mean that open lands and recreation efforts on the Butte should stop.
“I know that is disappointing to folks,” said Dykstra. “We don’t think the conditions are (currently) right for us.”
Chelan Butte dominates the lower Lake Chelan Scenery. Many Valley Residents do not want to see any development happen on the Butte.
“There is not an owner willing to sell and there is no agency/organization willing to take ownership,” said Dykstra. “We don’t force owners to sell.”
“This was not an easy decision for us. If the conditions were reversed, we would be happy to come back,” added Dykstra.
However, Dykstra also added, “I don’t think this is the end of the story.”
Going forward, the community waits on the developer to let them know what the specific development plans are. The developer has not made any application to date on the property. Issues continue to be water, relevant City codes to adhere to and other concerns.
At this point, the property remains in private hands and the community can only wait until the developer lets the public know what the actual development plan is.
Public Works Director Jake Youngren told council members and other staff members that any decision on the proposed sales tax increase to form a TBD (Transportation Benefit District) in the City that any funds generated would have to be only used for transportation projects.
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Youngren said that the City is making a dent in capital projects and remarked that there would be community input meetings. “What does the community want,” he asked?
Mayor Erin McCardle stated that the City has $4.5 million in City funding but stated, “If we wantto make progress we will need additional revenues.”
Budget Amendments
Jackie Tupling states that the primary purpose of budget amendments is to roll forward funding balances for capital projects approved by the City Council from prior years.
City Administrator Wade Farris said that Finance Director Jackie Tupling has worked hard on the City’s funding. “It is smaller than we thought,” said Farris. Tupling replied that for every $100 of property taxes collected, the City receives $12.26.
How your 2023 Property Tax is Allocated for every $100 collected Property inside the City of Chelan:
Hospital District $2.11 Port General $2.30 Hospital No. 2 Bond $2.83 Hospital No. 2 EMS $3.87 Library District $3.93 Chelan County $10.21 City of Chelan general fund $12.26 Fire District #7 $12.44 Schools $47.82 Others: Veteran’s Relief $0.17 Mental Health $0.24 Cemetery No. 4 $0.48 County Flood Control $0.57 Lake Chelan Sewer District 129 $0.77
City of Chelan Tax Revenue 2023: Property Tax $2,895,964 Sales Tax $1,767,704 Utility Tax $1,143,616
Tupling stated that property taxes haven’t moved that much so far this year. Councilman Brad Chitty said that he thinks the estimated revenue is on the conservative side. Tupling replied that the City’s Capital Funds are considerably down and is very volatile. She presented the Council with 2024 budget amendments and said she asked department heads what their priorities are.
Six year Transportation Plan
Youngren commented that the Public Works construction projects never line up with their fiscal revenues. “We over estimate our projects and are carrying over $12,658,089,” said Youngren who added, “We are seeing more competition in our bids.”
The Public Works Department has a number of projects on the books that they have secured grants for including the following:
WSDOT Lakeside Trail Grant $3,001,931 secured TIB Lakeside Trail Grant $ 500,000 secured CDTC/STBG Sanders St. Pedestrian Improvements $ 709,092 secured TIB Sanders St. Improvements Grant $ 100,000 secured Ecology Stormwater Management Plan Grant $ 248,000 secured TIB Bradley St. Pedestrian Improvements $ 163,800 secured TIB Pavement Preservation grant $ 41,687 secured GRAND TOTAL $4,764,510
Public Works projects that will be accomplished this year include:
The Apple Blossom Pedestrian Trail from Sargent Field to Apple Blossom Drive Farnham/Webster Intersection Pedestrian Improvements Bradley Street Pedestrian Crossing
Other workshop subjects:
The other subjects on the workshop agenda included the Parks Pros Plan and a discussion on AgriTourism. These will be written about separately.
On the opening day of candidate filing week, State Senator Brad Hawkins of Wenatchee officially declared for the open position of Chelan County Commission – District 3.
Hawkins said, “I am so grateful for all the support and encouragement that my family has received recently related to my decision to run. I’m very excited to focus my public service to Chelan County and my family is super excited about me being here year-round.”
The current 12th District State Senator said, “I hope the people of Chelan County – the county where I was raised – will support my commitment to keep serving them. If given the opportunity, I know I could do a great job in the commissioner’s role and serve well into the future.”
Hawkins is known for good communication and effective leadership
The two-term senator is known for his good communication and putting public service before politics. He has served in the State Senate since 2017 and is a former State Representative and school board member.
Hawkins has a Master’s Degree from George Washington University’s School of Public Policy and Administration in Washington, DC and a Bachelor’s Degree with honors from Central Washington University. He received his K-12 education in the Wenatchee School District. Brad and his wife Shawna have been married since 2002 and have two teenage boys.
Continuing a “family legacy”
Hawkins’ family has a proud history of service, which includes his father Buell who served two terms as Chelan County Commissioner for District 3 years ago, retiring early to care for his ailing wife.
Thinking of the possibility, Hawkins said, “The more I thought about it and reflected on the opportunity, the more I realized what a good fit it could be, not only because of my current representation of Chelan County, but also because of my family’s history with this position.”
Hawkins said, “I pride myself in being a good communicator, sharing facts, working effectively, and getting results. I have gained valuable experience throughout my career working with Chelan County elected officials, business leaders, and community groups. I hope to put all of that experience to the best use for the people of Chelan County.”
Ruth Keys hit a major milestone yesterday, May 4, when she was honored for her 50th anniversary at the Lake Chelan Mirror. A nice gathering of residents who have known Ruth for years and years came out to celebrate and honor her with gratitude for her dedicated service to the journalism field.
The celebration took place at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce yesterday afternoon with many commenting on their involvement with her over the years.
Linda Evans-Parlette addressed the crowd of well wishers at Ruth Keyes 50th year anniversary at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce.
Ruth began her career at the Lake Chelan Mirror as a high school student in 1974 and has worked tirelessly to get the Mirror laid out, printed and distributed every week
Ruth (left) listens to stories from residents who have interacted with her over the past 50 years.
The Mirror’s new publisher Terry Ward told the assembled well wishers that Ruth is instrumental in keeping the Mirror published each week. “I don’t know what we would do without her,” he said.
Terry Ward, Publisher of Ward Media newspapers, told those who came out to celebrate Ruth’s 50 years at the Mirror, how much he appreciated her dedication and work.
As for Ruth… she has no intention of retiring yet.
Congratulations on your 50 long years at the helm, and here’s to many more.
Lakeside Surf is hoping to become a Global River Surfing headquarters by adding a major new surfing event to augment its Fall Continental Surf Cup that pits the best European river surfers against the best river surfers the United States can challenge them with.
The Battle of the Butte will take place on June 28 and 29 and has been designed to challenge any surfer with the competitive spirit.
Competition between Europe and the U.S. was fierce at last year’s Continental Surf Cup.
There will be four different divisions with categories for both male and female surfers. Surfers in the Open Division can compete against their peers for that special place on the podium with the biggest prize being awarded an invitation to Team USA for the 2024 Continental Surf Cup.
Both men and women compete.
“Our main goal is to promote the sport of river surfing while offering an exciting competition for both surfers and spectators alike,” said Manager Jared Eygabroad. “This event was created to generate some fun competition between surfers of all ages and skill levels.”
The two-day event will begin on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for the Best Trick Trophy and the Super Groms (10 to 13 year olds) battle for a podium finish.
Performing tricks on the way can be tricky.
Saturday’s competition will feature the Groms (14 to 17), Prime (18 to 44), Masters (45+), followed by the Open division who will try to advance to the evening finals and potentially a spot on the podium.
The event will challenge the surfers skill levels and give them a chance to experience the thrill of competition. This event is less a winner take all and more of everyone wins while having fun on the water.
Spots for each division is limited, so surfers interested in competing should jump onto the $50 registration which will guarantee each participant a shared 90-minute warm-up session and at least one competitive heat and an event T-shirt.
Surfers can only only sign up for one age division, but can add to the fun by also registering for the $30 Best Trick competition. They will be guaranteed a shared 60 minute warm-up and at least one competitive heat.
Last year’s Continental Surf Competition drew may hundreds of spectators to watch river surfers compete for the glory of winning. Lakeside Surf is always free to spectators.
Spectators are always free at Lakeside Surf from the upper Slidewater parking lot where they can enjoy the competition, breathtaking views, some of the best fish tacos in Chelan and Two Can Jenny’s Surf Bar.
Lakeside Surf offers spectators spectacular view of Lake Chelan especially when the sun dips below the horizon.The sunsets from Lakeside Surf are stunning.
Media and sponsorship opportunities for the Battle of the Butte are still being secured. Interested parties should reach out to tournament host Lakeside Surf at sierra@lakesidesurf.com.
For more information about the Battle of the Butte, Lakeside Surf, the Continental Surf Cup or sponsorship opportunities, please email jared@lakesidesurf.com
Community comments: At last week’s Chelan City Council meeting, past councilman John Olson encouraged the council members to reach out to Community Development Director John Ajax as he struggles with the complex amendment issue of Agritourism. Olson remarked that growers are seeing lower profits it any for their efforts. “I know of one orchard in the Valley that made no money from their efforts,” said Olson
Past councilmember John Olson is making his thoughts clear about issues he sees as serious during Community Comment sessions.
Motion Considerations:
LinkTransit: The Council unanimously approved a request from Link Transit for a letter of Support for its 2024 FTA Low No Grant application to the Federal Transit Administration’s 5339 Low or No Emission Grant Program.
Park Street Project: Parks Director Paul Horne stated he was excited about the upcoming construction of the Park Street Project. “We selected Pipkin Construction as the low bidder at $137,000,” Horne said. “They have done similar projects.” Councilman Tim Hollingsworth moved to accept the bid and said, “It looks like we came within the budget on this project.” The council unanimously approved the motion.
Parks Director Paul Horne
Administrative reports:
Airport upgrades: City Administrator Wade Farris reported that a meeting was held with Federal Aviation Administration officials the prior week with Mayor McCardle, Bob Goedde, Farris and the consultants attending. “We came out with a good way forward,” said Farris.
Tim Ike – JUB Project Engineer.
Tim Ike, JUB Project Engineer, reported that the longer runway has shifted and rotated but would stay at 3,500 linear feet and 75 feet wide. “This will help with the new FAA standards,” Ike said.
Ike added that they were still in the Environmental Assessment process. “We were in the middle of that process when we ran into trouble with the FAA.” Those issues that arose have been met to
Bob Goedde, who as Mayor, began the process, stated that the FAA was assertive to begin with, but are moving forward. “We are seven years short of 100 years,” said Goedde.
The land acquisition process will begin with resident and farmer meetings. The Wenatchee Airport appraisal process will be shared with them. “We will be bringing some of the orchardists from Pangborn to go through how their property valuations went,” said Goedde.
Parks Pros Plan update: Paul Horne updated the Council on the six year Parks Open Space Plan and stated in his report that he would be meeting with stakeholders in the later half of April with the hopes of delivering the plan for Council approval at its May 7th workshop.
Paul Horne – Parks Director
“People care about our parks,” said Horne. “Recreation is vital to the community.” He continues to build partnerships with the PUD, School District and County.
He talked about the parks fiscal sustainability and operational sustainability. Staffing is a big part of the park’s operations, but the top priority for Horne is to get an Assistant Director hired as a fulltime recreation coordinator. “We need to spread the load,” said Horne. “Our crew is going above and beyond and I’m worried about burnout.”
Financial Report: Finance Director Jacki Tupling provided the Council with her first quarter financial report.
Finance Director Jacki Tupling
Sales tax revenues were down $82,879 from 2023s first quarter report, totaling $503,421.
Lodging taxes also decreased by $44,772 over 2023 for a total of $96,231.
Community Development fees were up due to the new energy code that went into effect on March 15. This spurred a rush of permit applications and totaled $179,158.
General facilities fees came in at $59,250.
Parks and Recreation was up from 2023s $286,000 to $435,087 this year.
Budget amendments: Tupling brought forward a number of carry overs from 2023 and told the Councilmembers that if they had any questions to please call her or visit.
Farris told the Council that the Chelan County Commissioners will not support Chelan’s Code Enforcement Officer.
The City has interviewed two candidates for the new HR/Communications Director.
Mayor McCardle said the May workshop will be very interesting. She also commented on the Agritourism issue and said, “We need to hear from the landowners and farmers to understand what they foresee in the future,” said McCardle. “I hate for us to make decisions about their land.”
TBD (Transportation Benefit District): Wade Farris said, “This is a very important issue. You’ve established a district and now you have to figure out how to fund it.” The TIB District has a number of options from instigating a councilmatic .01 percent tax or going to the public for a vote on a .02% or 0.3% tax. A .03% tax would raise a projected $900,000 per year of which 75% would come from tourists.
“It’s pretty significant and can only be used for transportation projects,” said Farris.
Mayor McCardle asked the Council to bring any comments they may hear in the community to the city.
Farris added that the citizens are the ones who will have to decide on what level of taxation for the TBD is reasonable.
Proclamations: Mayor Erin McCardle read two proclamations into the record. Arbor Day was officially on April 26.
Mayor Erin McCardle
Whereas, In 1872 Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and
Whereas, the holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with more than a million trees in Nebraska, and
Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and
Whereas, trees and reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and
Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products and
Whereas, trees in the City of Chelan increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community, and
Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal,
NOW THEREFORE, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor do hereby proclaim April 26, 2024 as Arbor Day in Chelan, and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and I urge all citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
The second proclamation was the Professional Municipal Clerks Week which will begin on May 5 and last through May 11. After reading the proclamation, McCardle said, “I do not think we would be able to run this city without Peri or Calli. Thank you!”
Proclamation
55th ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK May 5 – 11, 2024
Chelan City Clerk Peri Gallucci
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government exists throughout the world, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants, and
Whereas, The Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels, and
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all.
Whereas, The Professional Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and community.
Whereas, Professional Municipal Clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meetings of their state, provincial, county and international professional organizations.
Whereas, It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments and dedication of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk.
Now, Therefore, I, Erin McCardle, Mayor of the City of Chelan, Washington, do recognize the week of May 5th through May 11th, 2024, as Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and further extend appreciation to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.
A City Council Workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 4 p.m.
On Wednesday, April 17, Community Development Director John Ajax brought the Agri-Tourism issue to the Chelan Planning Commission for discussion and recommendations prior to amending the City’s current code and policies surrounding the issue.
Community Development Director John Ajax asked the Chelan Planning Commission for some direction on potential changes to the City’s current Agri-tourism code.
Planning Commission Chairman Joe CollinsCommissioner Gary Meyers
Ajax stated that the discussion would be a continuation of the commission’s previous discussion. “I’m hoping you will weigh in on this,” Ajax said. He added that both Tim McDonald and Brian Patterson were on hand to discuss ag-tourism.
Commissioner Ryan PetersonCommissioner Vicki Heimark
At issue is what defines ag-tourism within the City and its Urban Growth Area (UGA). McDonald had a portion of his Bluewater Terrace development application denied by the Chelan County Hearing Examiner. His application included development of a winery, an event center and for up to 120 vehicles and 20 homestay units. To comply with the City’s current code he would plant five acres of grapes to fulfill the agricultural aspect of the application. The Hearing Examiner denied the homestay units but approved the winery and event center.
Originally, ag-tourism was designed to provide orchardists a method to offer a homestay to help offset some of the costs of operating a working farm so it could remain in agriculture.
Ajax explained that the 2014 ag-tourism policy “doesn’t take into account someone wanting to start a working farm.
Currently the City now has only 160 acres in orchard plus another 69.2 acres in the Urban Growth area. “It is very clear that agriculture operations are being removed and the land is selling for residential development,” said Ajax. Conversely, the City and UGA have a total of 72.7 acres of vineyards.
Tim McDonaldBrian Patterson
Tim McDonald, whose Bluewater Terrace application was only partially approved by the Hearing Examiner, told the Planning Commission that, “We’ve been at this for seven years and doing everything we were told and got the rug pulled out from under us. We are asking for a CODE correction.”
McDonald went on to say that his family has been trying to do something productive with the property for 20 years. “We’ve done exactly what we were told to do. This is a financial hardship for our family.”
Brian Patterson, in opposition to McDonald’s wishes said, “All I can say is if the City allows multiple units, it will proliferate in the Valley.” He suggested a ratio of 5 to 10 acres of agriculture for every homestay unit allowed.
John Ajax stated that Chelan is a unique place. “We need to find a balance for the owner and public interest. What we are looking for is largely around homestays with minimum acreage. How much agriculture is needed?”
A code amendment that satisfies both the public, private land owners and developers is a tough one to accomplish and Ajax is struggling with the options. His hope is that the Planning Commission will come forth with a recommendation to help him make a decision to present to the City Council.
Michael O’Neal’s residence is next to the proposed Bluewater Terrace development and is opposed for a number of reasons.
Agritourism lacks definition – From a Capital Press article: There’s no concrete definition of agritourism, complicating matters, as people mean widely different things.
“This creates loopholes, imprecise standards for permit applications and uncertainty for farmers and decision makers alike,” states a report by 1000 Friends of Oregon who are trying to get Oregon’s legislature to write a concise code for agri-tourism.
The 1994 Tyee Complex burned 135,000 acres from Entiat to Chelan before it was controlled.
Being Fire Ready is this year’s Earth Day Theme. The annual Earthday celebration will be held in Riverwalk Park on Saturday, April 20, with plenty of booths and events surrounding the “Be Kind To Earth Day.”
2024 Fire Danger seems to be on many people’s minds these days as the prediction of a hot, dry summer approaches. Fuels will be at their driest, and almost anything can spark the next major fire strorm in the Lake Chelan Valley.
One of the biggest factors in being fire ready is to create defensible space around property. That includes 30 to 100 feet around homes, clean roofs, brush removal, pruned trees, and wood piles at least 30 feet away from structures.
This year, Earth Day will have plenty of information available to those attending the celebration. Chelan Fire & Rescue along with other agencies will be on hand to impart their knowledge and a number of April Slagle’s Chelan High School biology students will help deliver information to the public.
April Slagle’s biology class learned about the dangers of wildfire and how to prepare for one at the Chelan Fire & Rescue department.
To prepare the students, the class visited the fire station on Tuesday, April 16, to learn about wildfire. and the potentially extreme fire danger this year because of the low Snow Pack and dry conditions brought about by Climate Change.
Scott Beaton
Scott Beaton, the originator of Earth Day, has been very concerned with the potential fire danger ina and around the Lake Chelan Valley, and has been working hard with the Fire District and School to prepare major presentations at Earth Day on this year’s dangerous conditions and why residents, new and old, along with tourists attending Earth Day, should be more educated about the dangers.
“We need to get people to understand that there could be a bad fire this year,” Beaton told the class. He mentioned that 70 percent of the residents think their property is well protected while only 23 percent of firefighters think they are.
April Slagle
Slagle stated that none of her class have had any fire experience. “In 2015, they were
He described recent devastating fires in and around the region including the 2015 fire that raged through South Chelan and did millions of dollars in damage.
A human caused fire on Chelan Butte exploded in September 1991
Slagle mentioned that none of her students have had fire experience. “In 2015, they were to young to understand.”
Beaton’s concern is a wind event coupled with a fire that could burn Chelan to the ground. He wants to see a map produced that shows the major fuel areas like local ravines that are full of dry fuels.
The students also learned from Chelan firefighters Will Steady and Stephanie Preheim about the causes of wildfire from lightning events, campfires, sparks from vehicles, sparks from chains dragging no concrete and fireworks. “Fuels are everywhere,” explained Steady.
Firefighters Stephanie Preheim and Will Steady answered student questions and presented the dangers the Valley is facing this year for fire.
Preheim explained that she got involved in firefighting in Wenatchee when an entire neighborhood burned down because of flying embers. “The more we can expose the fire danger to the community, the better we will be,” said Preheim. She added that people have short memories of the past fire events.
Assistant Fire Chief Shaun Sherman
Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman said that what a family does before a fire is better than what you are trying to do to protect your home during an emergency.
The students asked questions about evacuations, remote fires in the wilderness, spring burning, smoke which were answered by both Steady and Priheim.
Slagle gave her students an assignment to write a narrative about the presentations and to check the fire danger in all directions around their homes out to 30 feet.
The 2014 Carlton Complex burned 365 homes to the ground
If you are interested in preparing for this year’s potential fire danger around your property, stop by the Fire Department’s booth at Saturday’s Earth Day which begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m.
All Things Lake Chelan 