The PINECONE REVIEW
Late Summer 2004
News and Views from Pine Forest
To point out the seriousness of this fire situation, we must report that on the early morning
of August 2, smoke was detected in an area just south of Pine Forest, on the land owned by Mr.
Harry Burkholder. It was immediately reported and the fire extinguished within the next 2 hours.
It apparently started from an abandoned slash pile which had been burned in early March and had
been assumed to have been totally extinguished. However, it had smoldered for months and during
the hot and dry period leading up to that date, had re-ignited. Luckily the fire was
extinguished and no further damage to surrounding timber took place. There were dry slash piles
very close by, that could easily have ignited and could have caused considerable damage.
The lesson for all of us is to exercise extreme care in the use of fire on your property at ANY
and ALL TIMES. If you have slash piles on your property, please consult with our property
manager before burning. We may be able to provide minimum water back-up with our newly-acquired
fire vehicle.
Both Chris Jennings, who has been our treasurer for many years, has resigned and Jim Edris,
our long time President, also resigned. Later, the board met and appointed Terry Watson our new
Treasurer and Dave Chantler, new President.
Fire Situation
As we all know, summer in the Methow is hot and very dry. We must abide by the rules that
FORBID any outside burning, until late Fall when restrictions are generally lifted. Please
exercise extreme care using outdoor barbeques and always use them with a water source nearby.
Chainsaws, or any tools that produce a lot of heat or sparks, should not be used during extreme
dry, high fire-hazard conditions.
Water Emergency Vehicle
We have acquired a small emergency fire response vehicle to assist in fire suppression. It is
located at the home of our property manager, Charle Segale. There are several local members
who have had some minimum instruction in its usage. As noted above, it could be made available
for back-up during allowed burning periods. Note however, that this vehicle will NOT replace
professional fire response teams if and when a fire breaks out.
New Pine Forest Board
At our general membership meeting in May, among other matters, a new board was elected with the
following members:
Lynn Lewicki not up for re-election
Robert Steiner (serving out the term of Steve Koontz) not up for re-election
Steve Noland not up for re-election
Dave Chantler incumbent
Kris Guttormsen incumbent
Terry Watson newly elected
Jim Rogers newly elected
As always, the minutes for that meeting are posted on our website
www.pine-forest.org.
Thank you Jim Edris
For 10 years, Jim Edris has served the board much of that time as president. He has
handled the difficult issues we have faced in recent times, with mastery, and for that we thank
him heartily. Perhaps now he can simply enjoy the weekends here with having a meeting.
Congratulations Jim.
Thank you Chris Jennings
Chris has had the thankless job of Treasurer for several years and has vigilantly kept
the board in check when enthusiasm runs high for project expenses beyond our reach.
Thank goodness Chris will still be helping us with maintaining our website.
Building Update
Building activity in Pine Forest has recently increased. If you have any questions or doubt
about proper procedures for developing your property, please contact our Property Manager,
Charle Segale with any questions, before proceeding. Please also refer to the Architectural
Guidelines, which are posted on the web site, www.pine-forest.org. There have been several
changes to the architectural guidelines, so please check this out to insure you are in
compliance with our current rules.
Other news of note
Water System Loan
We have applied for (and have a good chance of receiving), a 1% long term loan to make
improvements in our water system. In recent years, we have taken a series of incremental steps
to improve our water system. This has allowed us to make some needed fixes to the worst
problem areas left from the original water delivery system we inherited from the developer many
years ago. Water delivery has for the most part, been a non-issue as a result of the pro-active
work led by our Water Manager, Charle Segale. However, this piece-meal approach is not the best
long-term approach to the problem.
With the new loan (over $400,000), we will be able to replace substandard pipe - fixing
troublesome leakage problems - and plan for storage and other capital improvements at todays
costs. All of this we will be able to do without changing or raising our water assessments; at
least for the near term.
Address changes
Please let us know when you are moving so that we can keep in touch in case of emergencies,
etc. PLEASE send us your e-mail address, so we can reach you in case of an emergency! Email
is the most efficient communication between Pine Forest and you. Your Email address will not
be shared with anyone except the Board. Please send your address to davechantler@pine-forest.org .
Guest Parking
We have an area set aside for your guests to park that is especially helpful in the winter,
when not all vehicles can climb the hills. This area is on lower Summer Road and is signed so
that when you come into Pine Forest you will see the signs easily.
Winter is coming (sometime)
This is the early reminder for those who have homes here; please contact Charle Segale
509-996-3685, if you are changing your plowing arrangement( i.e. not plowing in 2004-2005)
or if you are a new home owner and want your private driveway plowed. For insurance purposes,
plowing the road to your home is recommended, but still optional. Your driveway is not part of
the Pine Forest road system and plowing is done on a contract basis.