From the U.S. Department of Ecology: Outdoor and indoor burning limited to improve air quality UNION GAP — A ban on outdoor burning and the use of uncertified stoves and fireplaces begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in Okanogan County’s Methow Valley, and for all of Chelan and Douglas counties due to poor air […]
Department of Ecology
Stage 1 Burn ban for Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE U.S. DEPT. of ECOLOGY: UNION GAP – A ban on outdoor burning and the use of uncertified stoves and fireplaces begins 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, in Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties due to poor air quality in the region. Restrictions on burning will continue until further notice. The […]
Benson Creek watershed gets state water-quality grant
By Marcy Stamper Since the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire and subsequent mudslides, the Benson Creek watershed has struggled with degraded water quality and increased sediment. A state-funded program will begin to address those issues by planting vegetation and getting more-detailed data about the extent of the damage to creeks and rivers. The $250,000 grant, provided […]
County nearing completion of new plan to protect shorelines
It’s been two-and-a-half years since the Okanogan County commissioners signed off on a revised draft to the plan that covers development near — and protects the ecological function of — lakes and rivers, and almost two years…
Twisp pondering solutions for Painter’s Addition flooding
Although spring floodwaters may seem like a distant concern right now, Twisp town officials are looking for ways to avoid a repeat of flooding that has occurred in the Painter’s Addition neighborhood during the past two springs, resulting from the closure of an open irrigation ditch above …
Smoke is a year-round problem in the valley
Poor air quality creates health risks By Ann McCreary Autumn in the Methow Valley brings cool, crisp weather, bright days and colorful foliage. And smoke. Just like every other season of the year. The Methow Valley’s clean, clear air — one of its key attractions — is anything but clean and clear for extended periods of the year. In […]
Legislators push bills to clarify water rights
Washington legislators have introduced a flurry of bills to address a situation created by a state Supreme Court ruling that has put the construction of many new houses on hold until people can prove they have the water to supply the homes.
The October ruling by the high court requires …
Take care – Methow Valley has unhealthy air
The Methow Valley Clean Air Project is asking for help. The Methow Valley is experiencing unusually unhealthy air recently, according to a press release from the Clean Air Project. Twisp and Carlton have been consistently in the “unhealthy” range. Unhealthy air has the most impact on: • hearts and lungs, especially people with pre-existing lung […]
County adopts emergency rule to deal with development restrictions
High court ruling shifts water adequacy burden to county By Marcy Stamper The Okanogan County commissioners have adopted an emergency ordinance to address a state Supreme Court ruling that halts new development without proof of water. The emergency ordinance establishes a new process for reviewing building applications following the October high court decision, which requires […]
Okanogan County burn ban lifted; DNR also ends restrictions
With cooler and damper weather in the county and across the state, bans on burning in Okanogan County have been lifted. The Okanogan County commissioners lifted the burn ban as of Monday (Oct. 3). The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has also lifted the burn ban on lands under its protection in Okanogan County. […]
