West Washoe Association.

The West Washoe Association has formed a chapter of the Nevada Fire and Safety Council which will allow grants and assistance, property risk/hazard management plans, mitigation plans and funding assistance to help safeguard your homes and property. We would like each of you to join with us in this important step in protecting our forest’s and valley’s precious resources. We will be providing information and applications in a few weeks. The individual memberships are essential as every property owner has a voice in the chapter. The membership fee is $10.00 for two years for each property owner.

CARSON RANGE FIRE BURN PLANS.
The West Washoe Association Board has been working throughout the year toward a solution with the UNR Whittell Board, the Nevada Dept. of Forestry, the U.S. Forestry and Property Owners to initiate a comprehensive forest management plan to achieve the goals of the university and prevent the destruction of the forest by fire and disease. As everyone is aware, the forest from Lake Tahoe to Washoe Valley comprises approximately 10,000 acres. UNR has 3,000 acres which has had no forest management in the last fifty years or more, and the fuel-loading is extreme. Many areas are in excess of ten times the desired level for a healthy forest. The cause for concern is great as we are entering the summer when hikers, campers and Mother Nature pose additional worries. We became aware of just how critical a problem we face and the need to act quickly as a result of the Waterfall fire. A careless campfire near Highway 28 on a windy day could be at your doorstep within hours. We need to work to protect the forest and the valley now and we need your involvement, input and presence at meetings and gatherings to insure our voices and concerns are heard, that a comprehensive forest management plan is developed and implemented by everyone. The need is immediate and we are asking you to be a part of the process. Do not let silence be implied consent for those who wish to participate as little as possible to mitigate the enormous task ahead. The Whittell planning process initiated on April 25,2005 is outlined below.

Goals and Objectives of the Whittell Forest Fuel Reduction Plan
1. Maintain the Whittell Forest as a “natural area” or “primitive area” in perpetuity for research and teaching.
2. Reduce the likelihood of a catastrophic fire in Little Valley.
3. Create a zone of defense within Little Valley along which a wildfire could be fought and controlled.
4. Work closely with local courts, State and Federal agencies to establish a network of sites that would facilitate the control of a wild fire.
5. Maintain habitat diversity within the Whittell Forest.
6. Improve wildlife habitat.

Attending these meetings is a very good way to keep informed on what is happening in our area and also an opportunity for you to voice your concerns on the different issues.

We are working to make progress on the issues that really matter to our valley. We need your continued commitment, financial support and, for those willing, your time. If you are interested in helping preserve Washoe Valley, please contact us at the following address

West Washoe Association
PO Box 3948
Reno, Nevada 89505

or email it to: Count Me In

We keep at it, year after year.

What Can You Do? Although our unpaid volunteer homeowners donate thousands of hours each year, we still have expenses. Besides the cost of running an office and publishing materials for our members, we sometimes use your dues to hire professional consultants in such areas as land use, water rights, architecture or engineering. By taking a moment to support the West Washoe Association with your check, you give us the means necessary to protect our mutual interests. The more support we have, the stronger we are, and the better the job we can do..