April 21, 2012
Spring is here -sort of. We have had some great days with temperatures in the 70's but mostly it has been raining and cloudy for the past month. The good days make one want to start planting, but we are sure to have another frost which is usual for this area. Supermarkets, Kings and Green Acres in Grangeville are well stocked with flowers and vegetable plants. Green Acres is also now carrying livestock supplies. The wild fruit trees are all in full bloom and the hillsides green with new growth.
WildBlue has a hold on installing satellite internet services as Viasat is taking over and planning to have Exede in this area. However, service will not resume until after the New Year. HughesNet is currently the only other satellite service available and CustomSat LLC out of Lewiston will do installations. The monthly service fee is comparable to WildBlue. DSL from Frontier will probably not happen on TRR in our lifetime.
A word of caution while driving our roads. Many areas are quite steep and the gravel does not provide much traction. Another accident occurred last week where the speeding driver lost control, the vehicle ending up in the opposite direction and on its side in the ditch. Fortunately, the vehicle did not go off the road on the other side as it would have rolled down a steep embankment into the creek. No one was seriously injured but the vehicle was totaled. It was also fortunate that no other vehicle, pedestrian or horseback rider was coming from the opposite direction. Please use some common sense while driving on TRR roads - do not speed and use 4-wheel drive.
It would also be nice if residents and visitors would refrain from tossing beer cans, cigarette butts and other trash out their car windows. With the fire season approaching, we would hate to see a fire caused by a burning butt that should be extinguished in an ash tray.
The mountain lion is still here...saw her last week with her two kittens! The bear in Scott Creek is finally awake and the Gregory Creek sow has twins. Turkeys abundant and performing their spring rituals.
March 29, 2012
Whoops! The tree service company that has been cutting and trimming came back and removed or chipped most of what they cut down...so, no firewood for the energetic!
March 22, 2012
Since the last writing, we have had only 4 days of sunshine...the rest of the time it has been either raining/snowing or just plain gray and cold. Nasty!
The White Bird Library now has high speed up and running, and for those who own a Kindle you can access Amazon from the parking lot. Too bad our laptops are not set up for such easy access to the internet.
Last week a neighbor saw a cougar walking out of our driveway. This is the second time he/she has been in our area but has been seen a few times off Gregory Creek. It killed a mule deer just off our road and, after having its fill, left the remains for a pack of howling coyotes. Kind of noisy in the neighborhood for a few nights, and the kitties did not want to leave the house. I got online to learn a bit more about mountain lions and found that the males can have a range of 80 to 120 square miles! Since they are very territorial, the cougar from Gregory Creek is probably the same one that made the kill on Saddle Ridge. We have not seen our favorite mama bear yet this year. She probably took one look outside and turned over for a few more weeks of sleep.
The power company has been trimming trees along TRR roads and, in some instances, cutting smaller trees down. Most downed trees have had their side branches trimmed making it a bit easier for those who wish to gather firewood. If the tree is not on your property, however, get permission from the land owner before filling your woodshed.
There will be an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 7th, starting at 11 a.m. Check the Chamber's website for other events for April.
Put Father's Day weekend on your calendar for White Bird Days and the Annual Association meeting which will be on Friday, June 15, at 10 a.m. at Hoot's.
February, 2012
Well, the forecasters were right for a change and we had the predicted snow…eight to ten inches in the lower elevations and more on top. The following day brought rain and warmer temperatures, so most of the snow disappeared as quickly as it fell. It has been unseasonably warm with several sunny days that brought neighbors outdoors to trim fruit trees and rake leaves.
Letters of default were mailed to those property owners who are delinquent in paying dues. Fortunately, that prompted several to send in checks. However, there were a few negative comments that arrived with the checks…seems the Board always is at fault in spite of the fact that it is the property owner’s responsibility to pay yearly dues. The CC&Rs are quite clear about annual assessments and the process to be taken by the Board when property owners fail to pay. Occasional forgetfulness is expected, but it is not the Board’s fault for following the protocol suggested by the CC&Rs and the Idaho State Statutes to remind people that assessments are due. It’s rather like the person who goes through a red light that has been at a corner for years, gets a ticket and then goes to court to argue that the traffic light should not be there and the policeman had no right to issue a ticket. Invoices for dues payment were included with the November newsletter, only two being returned to TRR with “address unknown.” The due date for paying annual assessments is in the CC&Rs, on the website, and also has been mentioned in other communications to property owners. It is suggested that one put a note on December first of your 2012 calendar as a reminder that assessments are due before January 1st of 2013.
In the November newsletter I had asked for input regarding a list of property owners’ addresses as suggested by an individual at last year’s annual meeting. Twenty-two property owners responded; fifteen said no and seven said yes. A list will not be developed or provided. If you are interested in who your neighbors are, that information is available at the Assessor’s Office.
Mac’s now has homemade pizza on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings!
The next Board of Directors meeting has been changed to March 22, 2012…still at the White Bird library at 10 a.m.
January 13, 2012
The holidays have come and gone and, fortunately, the weather was great for those who were travelling. Unfortunately, the ski resorts have little or no snow, many not even open yet this year. December was unseasonably warm – one day recorded 61 degrees – and the moisture was all rain. The temperature did drop this past week and we saw night lows in the teens. Snow is predicted in the next few days but nobody pays too much attention to the forecasters anymore.
As you may have read in the minutes of the January Board meeting, the Code of Conduct for Directors that was approved last September was adopted and signed by all Board members present at the meeting. Copies of the Code will be mailed to all property owners with the May newsletter. It will also be added to the Board of Directors page.
Please be considerate of private property when you are out and about on your 4-wheelers. There are numerous little side roads and trails that look inviting but either are driveways to undeveloped homesites or old “skid roads” that go through private properties. Even though these roads may connect two association roads, they are not “public” and should not be used as shortcuts. If a property owner is not in residence, you have no right to enter their private property without permission. Please stay on TRR maintained roads or on your own property.
The cows are still here!
December 5, 2011
Holiday Events:
December 10 - Holiday Bazaar at 10 a.m. in the community center - sell and buy Christmas crafts and stocking
stuffers
Big sale at Canyon House and White Bird Antiques...door prizes!
Western Wonderland Parade - 5 p.m. at city park; chili, chips and cider, bonfire and Santa...
Christmas dance at Hoot's Cafe - 8 p.m.
December 17 - Community Christmas Program at I.O.O.F. Hall - 6:30 p.m....local talent, Santa, door prizes, dance
to follow featuring the White Bird Jam Band
Several property owners (myself included) have been bothered by freely-grazing cattle on our properties, and, on occasion, these cattle have worked their way through fences and added neatly stacked hay to their diet. What recourse TRR property owners have has been condensed from the Idaho Statutes.
First of all, someone questioned why Red Creek Ranch (dba Twin River Ranch) did not petition for removal of the grazing rights or elimination of the designation as a “herd district” when platting the properties. The process is not as simple as it sounds as you will see in the paraphrasing of the Idaho Statutes.
25-2401: Commissioners of each county in Idaho have the power to create, modify, or eliminate herd districts.
25-2402: A majority of the owners of taxable real property, including corporations, and who are also domiciled and resident in the state of Idaho, may petition the county commissioners in writing to create, modify or eliminate a herd district in such area, provided that said area must be contiguous to open range.
Sound easy so far? Not so as the statute continues…
The owners of taxable real property within the herd district shall
· Pay the costs, including on private land, of constructing and maintaining legal fences as required on the district’s border with open range so as to prevent livestock from roaming, straying, etc.,
· Pay the costs of constructing and maintaining cattle guards as required on the district’s border with open range
· Adhere to the Statute’s definition of what is a “legal fence”
· Maintain all fencing (fines for downed wire fencing!)
One would assume that because of the above (which is greatly condensed) that Red Creek Ranch was not interested in fencing Twin River Ranch!
The Idaho Statutes continue with provisions for the property owner who is bothered by trespassing animals:
25-2201: Any person having a field or enclosure with a “legal fence” shall have a special lien upon, and may take up any domestic livestock which break into the enclosure. The lien will include the care and feeding of the livestock and other charges as provided for (Chapter 23, title 25, in relation to strays).
25-2202: In order to perfect such a lien, the person claiming it shall within 24 hours of taking up the livestock, notify the owner (if known) and the county sheriff and the local brand inspector.
25-2203 and 25-2204: Within 2 days after taking up the livestock, the person claiming the lien shall appoint one ‘viewer.’ If the owner of the livestock refuses to remove the livestock within three days, the sheriff shall appoint another viewer. These two viewers shall appoint a third viewer or one appointed by the brand inspector. It shall be the duty of the viewers by majority vote to say whether the person claiming the lien has a “legal fence.” If the fence is deemed legal, the viewers shall then assess the lien holder’s damages and the costs of care and feeding the livestock and any other charges that are within the terms of the estray law. If the enclosure does not have a “legal fence” the viewers may make a finding of costs against the person claiming the lien, and the livestock shall at once be surrendered to the owner of the livestock.
Many property owners have referred to the still another chapter and title of the statutes as being the protocol for removal of livestock from their private property:
25-2302: When a sheriff or brand inspector finds stray livestock or stray livestock are reported to him, he shall attempt to locate the owner. If the owner does not take possession of the livestock within 5 days after being notified, or if the owner is unknown, the sheriff or brand inspector shall seize the livestock or have some person hold and care for the livestock on behalf of the sheriff or brand inspector and the sheriff or brand inspector shall proceed to sell the livestock at a local public livestock market as provided for by law to the highest bidder for cash, after giving at least 15 days public notice of the sale. “Stray” is defined as any livestock whose owner is unknown or cannot be located, or any livestock whose owner is known but who permits livestock to roam at large on public or private lands contrary to law or regulation or without permission.
From the above statutes (25-2401 through 2404 and 25-2302) there seems to be a different procedure to follow!
By the by, a “legal fence” can be
· Stone – 4 feet high, 2 feet wide at base and 1 foot thick on top
· Worm – rails must be well laid and at least 4 feet high
· Post and rail – posts well set in ground and not more than 8 feet apart with not less than 3 six inch boards or rails. Poles not less than 2 ½ inches in diameter at small end. The top board or rail must not be less than 4 feet from the ground.
· Wire – posts must not be more than 24 feet apart with three strands of substantial wire (barbed) or four coiled spring wires of not less than number 9 gauge. The bottom wire shall not be more than 21 inches from the ground and the top wire not less than 47 inches from the ground with the middle two wires evenly spaced. Woven wire fencing has additional requirements…see 35-102
· All fences must be in good repair. All creeks, brooks, rivers, sloughs, ponds, bluffs, hills or mountains that present a suitable obstruction to stock are deemed lawful fences!
Incidentally, no person owning any domestic animal on open range shall have the duty to keep such animal off any highway and shall not be liable for damage to any vehicle or for injury to any person riding therein.
What it seems to boil down to is that unless you construct a “legal fence” around the property you want to protect from grazing animals, you have no complaint if those animal stomp down your lawn or chew branches from your trees and shrubs. If an animal does break down your fence and enters your enclosure, make sure you quickly repair the fence because the critters will have exited the same way they came in before you have a response from the animal owner or sheriff…however, not before the trees are ruined or your lawn is a heap of mud clods and cow pies. Furthermore, repair on the fence insures the viewers’ acceptance of it as a “legal fence” – maybe.
In our experience in November, the cattle owner was notified, the sheriff called, the cattle contained within a legal fence, and one week went by before the cattle owner responded. By then, the cattle broke through the fence into another fenced property and their ‘lowing’ attracted several more critters to the area. The cattle were eventually rounded up by the owner and supposedly trucked away. Two days later, cattle (same brand) began appearing right back where they first were. Hmm…maybe our grasses are more attractive than the area they were trucked to. It is now December and the cows are still here.
Precipitation for 2011 stands at 22 inches with December yet to be recorded. Last year's total was 24.85 - a record for the past 6 years.
Have a great holiday season!
November 9, 2011
At our last Board meeting we discussed putting information about fire prevention in the November newsletter. To save space, we are including it here. As mentioned in the newsletter, the Salmon River Rural Fire District has packets of information available to those who request fire safety around the home. They also have a DVD about fire prevention and steps you can take to protect your residence.
LANDSCAPING: To create a landscape that will make your home less vulnerable to wildfire, the primary goal is fuel modification. Think of the area around your home in zones – zone 1 being the closest to the structure and zone 4 the farthest away. Also consider local area fire history, your site location and overall terrain, property contours and boundaries and prevailing winds and seasonal weather.
Zone 1: This well-irrigated area encircles the structure for at least 30 feet on all sides, providing space for fire suppression equipment in case of an emergency. Plants should be limited to carefully spaced fire resistant trees and shrub species.
Zone 2: Fire resistant and plant materials should be used here. Plants should be low-growing, and the irrigation system should extend into this area.
Zone 3: Place low-growing plants and well-spaced trees in this area, remembering to keep the volume of vegetation low.
Zone 4: This farthest zone from the structure is a natural area. Thin selectively here and remove highly flammable vegetation.
Remember to take out the “ladder fuels” – vegetation that serves as a link between grass and tree tops. These fuels can carry fire from vegetation to a structure or from a structure to vegetation. Keep shrubs and trees pruned. Prune all trees six to ten feet from the ground. Give yourself added protection with “fuel breaks” like driveways, gravel walkways and irrigated lawns.
CONSTRUCTION: Remember that the primary goals are fuel and exposure reduction. Use construction materials that are fire-resistant or non-combustible whenever possible. Use shingles such as Class-A asphalt, slate or clay tile, metal or cement and concrete products for roof construction. Construct a fire-resistant sub-roof for added protection. Use fire-resistant materials such as stucco or masonry for exterior walls. Vinyl can soften and melt. Consider both size and materials for windows; smaller panes hold up much better in their frames than larger ones, double-pane tempered glass is more effective than single-pane glass. Plastic skylights can melt. Prevent sparks from entering your home through vents by covering exterior attic and underfloor vents with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 of an inch. Keep your gutters and roof clear of leaves and other debris. Any structure attached to the house, such as decks, porches, fences and sheds should be considered part of the house. Prevent combustible materials and debris from accumulating beneath patio deck or elevated porches. Screen underneath in areas below decks and porches with wire mesh.
DISASTER PLANNING: The time to plan for an emergency is prior to the event. Post local emergency telephone numbers in a visible place. Leave before it is too late. Decide where you will go and how you will get there. Two escape routes out of your home and out of your neighborhood are preferable. Have tools available such as a shovel, rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw. Maintain an emergency water source. Have a plan for your pets. Practice family fire drills. Identify your home and neighborhood with legible and clearly marked street names and numbers (another reason to stop removing TRR street signs!) so response vehicles can rapidly find the location of the emergency. Include a driveway that is at least 12 feet wide with a vertical clearance of 15 feet to provide access to emergency apparatus.
For more information, visit these other helpful websites:
USDA Forest Service www.fs.fed.us
U.S. Department of the Interior www.doi.gov.bureaus.html
National Association of State Foresters www.stateforesters.org
National Fire Protection Association www.nfpa.org
U.S. Fire Administration www.usfa.fema.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov
Firewise Communities www.firewise.org
Become familiar with local regulations regarding vegetation clearances, disposal of debris, and fire safety requirements for equipment. The dates for our local burning season and ban can be found on the bulletin board in the post office.
Hunting season came and went without any witnessed violations or trespassing. On the Photos page be sure to look at the strange elk antlers that were taken up top on BLM land. The fall colors are again beautiful with a dusting of new snow on the highest elevations. Firewood is split and stacked and most residents are ready for winter.
Wolves have been sighted on numerous occasions on Doumecq and Joseph Plains. Ranchers up there say the wolves are responsible for the declining elk herd. General wolf tags are now available to those who want to hunt wolves, but they are elusive creatures and sighting them standing still is rare. The caution announced by Fish and Game is that if you should kill one, wear protective clothing, gloves and mask, when handling the carcass. These Canadian wolves are infected with a very virile tapeworm that is almost impossible to kill if humans are affected. One wonders if our population of elk and deer will ultimately be affected.
Be sure to check the Chamber of Commerce website for local events for November and December. A Thanksgiving dinner is planned at the Odd Fellows Hall which is a great feast put on by volunteers. The Canyon House Gift Shop and White Bird Antiques will again have a big holiday sale with most items at 20% off.
Two unusual birds were seen on Shuck Creek Road a few weeks ago…they appeared to be gray parrots. If anyone is missing their pets, they might still be in the vicinity.
A big thanks to those property owners who notified me of their change of address…sure saves me time from going to the assessor’s office every time I have mail returned. There are still two property owners who have “disappeared” as even the assessor does not have a current address for them! Come tax time, I am sure they will be found.
October 2, 2011
Not much to report this month. September was very warm, temperatures in the 90’s most days, with only a few drops of rain. The “bring out the blanket” weather did not last but two days! Several windstorms stirred up the dust which seems to seep into houses even with the windows closed. Residents have been busy making jams and jellies and canning other goodies from their gardens. The last of the hummingbirds went south in the middle of September.
The construction along highway 95 at White Bird hill has not caused big delays after all. Truckers complained about the wait because of their time schedules, so the wait has been reduced to 10 to 15 minutes at the most.
As you may have read in the Board meeting minutes for September, we had a fire on the ranch caused by a spark from a lawn mower. Fortunately, the response from homeowners who saw the smoke, checked the fire before the fire department was dispatched and showed up. The fire consumed 3.4 acres of dry grass and starthistle. Hopefully, October will bring some much needed rain.
What was also discussed after the Board meeting was getting together a telephone tree to respond to fires on the ranch. We also need a handful of property owners to volunteer their property for housing water tanks to refill the fire department tanker if needed. The fire department will maintain the tanks and empty them in the winter. Preferably land with a slope to allow for gravity drainage into the tanker would be best. More on this topic will be included in the November newsletter.
Campers are moving in to properties on the ranch and bringing hopeful hunters. Let’s hope there are no altercations this year with trespassing on private properties without permission.
Mac’s will be open during hunting season for breakfast starting October 5th. They will have their griddles going by 5:30 a.m. with a great menu.
See the Chamber of Commerce website for other events scheduled for White Bird in the coming months.
September 2, 2011
August felt more like summer around here with temperatures in the high 90’s in most areas with a few days over 100 in downtown White Bird. As I write, there has been no rain now for 5 weeks and the hills are pretty brown. A few evenings brought some dry lightening but fortunately no fires were started in this area. September arrived with bring-out-the-blanket temperatures and we will probably see snow in the higher elevations next month.
The blackberries are ready and residents are busy making jams and pies. There’s competition for the ripest ones with the local bears as there is not the usual abundance of wild plums this year. The spring and early summer weather ruined much of fruit production. Killgores had no cherries or apricots this year and there’s not a peach to be seen on the trees in the orchard.
The 77
th annual Lewiston Roundup is scheduled for September 8
th through the 11
th. You can buy tickets @
www.lewistonroundup.com or call toll-free to 1-866-906-6324. Rodeos are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. both Friday and Saturday and at 1:30 on Sunday.
Highway 95 at the top of White Bird hill will have intermittent closures starting on September 20th due to major road repairs. Wait time is estimated at one hour in each direction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until construction is completed. Unfortunately, taking the old highway won’t save any time as the maintenance will be partly in the location of the spot where the old highway meets the new.
Hunting season begins on October 10th and a reminder to all that hunting on private property is not allowed unless you have written permission from a property owner. Also entering private property to access BLM land is not allowed without permission nor is taking out your game through private property from state lands. No road hunting is allowed, and residents will be on the lookout for offenders.
I am having a little bit of trouble loading the CC&Rs to the website. The PDF was created with both the Bylaws and CC&Rs in one file which was too large for the hosting site. They have a limitation as to file size. The two documents have been separated but the CC&Rs might still be too large. I will work on it soon!
August 3, 2011
July was seasonably warm with the highest recorded temperature at 102 degrees in the town of White Bird. August came in with a bang – literally – with several thunderstorms that produced more lightning and thunder than any significant rain. Neighbors kept a close watch on one of the storms as lightning was zig-zagging down to the ground for about an hour, but no fires have been reported. Hot winds scorched what was left of the pasture and hanging baskets need water three times a day. And we were complaining about it being so cold earlier this summer! The hummingbirds are back at the feeders. They take about a month’s break to rear their little ones and then bring the whole family in for the feast.
As some of you already know, helicopter spraying of weeds did not occur. The first pilot took one look at the areas to be sprayed and refused to fly. The second company, after taking them to the properties all over again, also refused. So back to spraying by hand or hiring those goats!
For those of you who were at the annual meeting in 2010, you might remember a few property owners who wished to withdraw from the association. Additionally, one property owner visited several neighbors soliciting support for withdrawal. This year, another property owner took the issue, as well as several of his unfounded complaints about association management, to an attorney with the attempt to end his membership in the association. His lawyer, evidently not well-versed in either our CC&Rs or the Idaho statutes, felt that the only solution was for the property owner “to withdraw from the association.” The Board of Directors took this issue to our own attorney who researched both our CC&Rs and the Idaho statutes to settle the issue once and for all. It is very clear in our covenants that membership in the TRR association is automatic with the purchase of property on the ranch. Idaho Statutes support the covenants of any homeowners association. There is no option to either belong or not belong, and the only way to “withdraw” from the association is to sell the property. Dues are also required and also agreed upon with the purchase of the property. One cannot, legally, withhold payment of dues just because he or she is dissatisfied with something that occurs (or does not occur!) on the ranch.
The Board of Directors tries very hard to effectively take care of problems that arise on the ranch. Problems are generally related to road maintenance and weed abatement but also include complaints regarding nuisance behavior, unsightly properties, and what is perceived as not enforcing the covenants. One should pay particular attention to our CC&Rs as to what constitutes a violation of the covenants before making an accusation and, furthermore, entry into private property for the purpose of taking photographs of what is perceived to be a violation of the covenants is against the law. If a property owner has a concern about the management of the association by the Board, a simple phone call to a Board member will produce more results than just accusing the Board of ineptness. Board members routinely drive the association roads to assess their condition, but a fallen tree, slide, or other sudden events need to be reported to a Board member so that repairs can be made. The Board should not be accused of poor management when it is unaware that a problem exists.
The large association maps have been updated to include buildings reported by property owners. In the event of a fire or other emergency these maps are used by the Forest Service or our QRU. Property owners were asked last year to include with their assessment invoice whether there is a structure on their property but only a handful of property owners responded. Therefore, all structures on the ranch may not be included on the maps.
Two pictures have been added to the wildlife category on the photos page. Both were taken using one of those nifty cameras you can hang in your yard. Before Randy checked the camera, he encountered the cougar on his front lawn…he will think twice about watering his trees again at 4 a.m.
Events:
This coming weekend is the raspberry festival at St. Gertrude’s Monastery…lots of good things to eat and buy.
August 11 through August 14, a replica of the Viet Nam Memorial in Washington, D.C. will be on display at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds in Lewiston.
July 1, 2011
The annual association meeting was better attended this year and just about everyone also came to the picnic. The food was great and a big thank you goes to all who brought side dishes and desserts. The weather cooperated and we enjoyed a sunny afternoon eating and visiting with neighbors. Be sure to look at the pictures taken at the picnic. A spatula was left at the picnic and if the owner would let me know, I will return it.
Unfortunately, the nice weather did not hold through Saturday and the rain all day long kept many visitors from enjoying the parade and vendors. This year the children’s activities were held at the school grounds and many adults said they missed them not being in the center of town. White Bird Creek was so high that those little yellow duckies would be in Lewiston by Sunday, so the duck derby was held in a kiddie slide and pool.
It was great to have Blaine Sandoval and his wife attend the meeting this year. As many of you know, he had a severe accident last year which caused a spinal cord injury, leaving him wheelchair bound. We were so glad he was able to make the trip to the place he dearly loves. Also attending the picnic was Charlene Brimmer who recently was placed on Hospice. Charlene has fooled the doctors in their prognosis and hopes to be here for another birthday in October.
For those who attended the annual meeting, there was much discussion about having a properties for sale page on our website and a majority voted for including it. Again, the Board will not be responsible for any errors in advertising, but all agreed it would provide a central location for visitors only interested in properties on Twin River Ranch. I will be happy to post listings that are sent either by email or regular post – just include a description of the property, its location, price, and a contact number for those interested to reach you. If the property is listed with a Realtor, please include a contact number to the Realty. I will link websites or emails if needed.
A property owner approached me at the picnic and asked if the workers (builders, well drillers, etc.) paid for the “advertising.” Since TRR is a non-profit organization, there was no payment to TRR. Those contacts listed were workers that have been used by property owners who have been satisfied with their performance. If there additional workers that need to be included on the list, please let us know. However, no negative comments will be posted!
Also discussed was the inclusion of the Bylaws and CC&Rs on the website. I have a volunteer who will make a PDF file for the site but a few additions need to be included in the paperwork so don’t expect to see the files for awhile yet.
Hopefully, more seasonal weather will continue and maybe we will have tomatoes by October! Last week was beautiful but I missed it by flying to New York to see a grandson graduate from high school. It takes going away for awhile to realize how lucky we are to live in such an untroubled and beautiful area. It was great to get home!
At the annual meeting we did not discuss the building activity taking place on the ranch. Several property owners intend to build, or at least punch wells and get power in, and ground is being prepared for homes at several sites. Please don’t forget to submit a pre-approval form if you are planning to build your home. It is a requirement of the CC&Rs and you can download the form from the link on the Director’s page.
June 1, 2011
A few property owners said they missed my chatter in the last newsletter, so the website is a good place to update what is happening on the ranch. What is most newsworthy is our weather! It has been a very cool and wet spring and we have not enjoyed a full day of sunshine since around January. There was five inches of new snow on Joseph Plains last week. Locals say that this was the norm twenty years ago, but the newcomers feel like we have been transplanted to the Seattle area. Everything is very green, however, but most of the green is noxious weeds. Gardens are far behind, seeds refuse to germinate, and tomato plants (although under caps) have not put out one new leaf since being planted. We suspect that with the rampant growth of weeds and grasses the fire danger will again be high this year. Be careful mowing! The burning ban is now on until the end of October. You can burn, however, if you get a permit from the Forest Service. A representative will inspect what you wish to burn, decide if it is safe to burn, and then issue a ten-day permit. Fines are exorbitant if you burn without a permit.
The birds, caring less about the weather, have been abundant this year. I hung two hummingbird feeders on the first of April and within five minutes the little guys were fighting for thier lunch. We have four varieties of hummers here - the broad-tailed, calliope, black-chinned and rufous. The rufous is by far the most striking but has a very aggressive personality. The male sits not far from the feeder and chases away every other hummer that comes to feed. Also abundant is the lazuli bunting. Goldfinches come to the thistle feeder (upside-down feeder) but they don't hang around all summer. It's funny to watch the other birds trying to get at the feed but not knowing how to hang upside down to get at the food. The western bluebird is also prolific and will nest in boxes. Do some research to find out the size of the hole to keep other birds out. Occasionally a mountain bluebird stops by and the Stellar's jay is a noisy addition to the feeder. Towhees - both the green-tailed and rufous-sided - find whatever has fallen out of the feeder. Other colorful birds around here are Bullock's oriole, western tanager, grosbeak, cedar waxwing, and meadowlark. Flickers are a nuisance - they peck huge holes in the siding of wood houses. California quail in huge numbers can eat all the newly sprouted peas in one morning, and if you should spot a mountain quail (noted for the longer, erect plume), Fish and Game would like to be notified. Kingbirds, swallows, hawks, herons, eagles and turkey vultures are common to the area.
The "Scott Creek" mama bear had triplets again this year. This is her third time for three little ones that are no bigger than raccoons when they first come out of the den. The deer and elk should be having their youngsters soon and the bucks are showing signs of antler growth. The "Gregory Creek" moose had twins last year and all three were seen feasting on the wild apples last fall. A mountain lion was seen crossing Doumecq Road by the orchard the other day.
Helicopter spraying of weeds will take place any day now, dependent on wind and weather. The state contracted with an Oregon sprayer and the cost to property owners will be around $30.00 an acre. Nine property owners have requested spraying this year, and if anyone is interested in spraying next year, let a Board member know. The chemical used is Toredon which has a residual of one year and is effective on all broad-leaf weeds. The county tells us that, in addition to star thistle, Scotch thistle, poison hemlock, burr chervil, and St. John's wort have become prolific in our area. All os the weeds are unsightly and some can be toxic to livestock.
On June 11th there will be a bike race from Hammer Creek to the top of White Bird summit to benefit Hospice. Might need their services after the 13 mile ride.
White Bird Days starts on Friday, June 17th, with many activities scheduled in town as well as the rodeo on both Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (4 p.m.) evenings at the rodeo grounds six miles down the road. The White Bird parade will be on Saturday morning and street dancing will begin on both Friday and Saturday nights after the rodeo. June 17th is also the anniversary of the White Bird Indian war and there will be a ride and commemorative ceremony at the battlefield just outside of town.
Also outside of town, about a mile out on old Highway 95, there are a few sandstone faces on the west side of the road. Bring your hammer and chisel and you will probably find a few good fossils.
The Salmon River rose a few weeks ago, subsided and then rose again last week. Surprisingly, the level did not go as high as in prior years...might be due to the fact that the temperatures have been very cool and the snow melt has been more gradual. The water is very muddy, though, and anglers are not having much luck fishing.
Jim Killgore passed away and the family had a beautiful service and reception for him at the Odd Fellows Hall. Son, Steve, plans to keep Jim's tradition alive and has planted an assortment of vegetables that will be on sale along with those wonderful peaches.
Hopefully, we will have a good turnout for our Association meeting and picnic. Picture taking is planned for the picnic so you might see your photo on the website in late June. So far, the menu will have hot dogs, hamburgers, all the fixings, beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, pop and several desserts. Additional side dishes would be most welcome from those who are planning to attend. The picnic is scheduled at Killgore Adventures where the White Bird Creek empties into the Salmon River, but if it is raining we will stay at Hoot's. See you then!
