WELCOME TO EDELWEISS!  

On behalf of the Edelweiss Maintenance Commission managers, and Board of Trustees (see website www.edelweissmethowvalley.org for names, contact information, and lots of other useful information), we would like to express our warmest welcome. This packet of information is meant to supplement The Good Neighbor Handbook (which you should have received as a new property owner here in the Methow Valley ) with more specific information pertaining to Edelweiss. If, for some reason, you did not receive, or have lost your Good Neighbor Handbook, please call our office (509-996-9232), or the Methow Conservancy (509-996-2870) for a new copy. The Good Neighbor Handbook is a wonderful wealth of useful information for newcomers (as well as “oldcomers”) to the Methow Valley , providing guidelines for living with the land, not just on it.

 GENERAL INFORMATION

ABOUT EDELWEISS MAINTENANCE COMMISSION

Edelweiss Maintenance Commission is a Homeowner’s Association responsible for the maintenance of the development’s infrastructure. The job of the Commission is to keep the roads, and water system of Edelweiss functioning as efficiently as possible. EMC also maintains the common areas, (meadows, open space, pool, and campground area) to provide aesthetics and recreational use for Edelweiss members and their guests.

Utilities (electric, propane, and phone) are NOT within the realm of Edelweiss responsibility. Okanogan County Electrical/Energy Co-op (509.996.2228), and Centurytel (800.201.4099) manage those areas. Though some lots are connected to the community sewer system, and though Edelweiss collects the hook-up fees for the connection, the system is owned and managed by the Okanogan Department of Public Works (509.422.7300).

For a more complete, specific outline of the Association’s powers, please refer to section 1.9 of the Bylaws, which you can find on our website.

A LITTLE HISTORY

 The Edelweiss development came about partly as a result of the proposed development of the Early Winters downhill ski resort which was under the planning and research stage from the 60’s to the 80’s. In the early stages of the planning, recreational cross country skiing was virtually non existent. Due to continued opposition by environmental groups and the huge costs of trying to bring the resort to fruition, the downhill area was never developed.  Instead, the Methow Valley grew in a gradual way and is now primarily known for its cross country skiing and biking trails (among other recreational activities), with downhill skiing available at the Loup and via helicopter.

While planning for the ski resort was still underway, Bill Laney, an insurance executive and his partners bought 550 acres from Aaron Burkhart for $120,000, hired Don Drake as manager, and began developing the first of the 4 plats which would be included in the Edelweiss development. The project was nearly bankrupt in the early 70’s (due to the high costs of development, plus poor sales attributed to a 2 yr. construction closure of Goat Creek Rd. , and poor economic conditions in Seattle ). Laney sought help from the Johns Company, which was a company in Okinawa made up of former servicemen who sold investments to other servicemen using a payroll deduction plan. After the firm’s visit to Edelweiss, they eagerly took on the project, and within a year the total inventory of Edelweiss lots was sold. Laney got the money from the contracts, and the Johns Company received the 20% down payments. The opening of the North Cascades Highway , plus continued optimism about the possibility of the ski resort going in at Sandy Butte, further fueled the rise in lot sales.

When it became evident, in the 90’s, that the resort would not be built, many lot owners lost money on lots they had previously purchased. At any one time there were as many as 50 lots or more for sale. Circumstances shifted around 2003 as the Methow Valley became an increasingly popular destination for cross country skiers, as well as the other recreational activities (biking, fishing, hiking, etc.) Lower interest rates also helped fuel a rapid rate of lot sales and homebuilding in Edelweiss, especially in the years 2004-2006. While real estate sales have slowed down a bit recently (2006/2007), the limited amount of recreational land in the valley, coupled with increasing numbers of retirees and even younger couples/families wanting part time or permanent homes here, it is unlikely that land values will diminish.

 NOXIOUS WEEDS

 As more and more land is developed and disturbed in Edelweiss and elsewhere, landowners are finding that noxious weeds have moved in along with the influx of people and equipment. According to Dr. Robert Sheley of WSU, a “noxious weed” is “any plant that damages public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, and public or private property.” (See page 12-13 of the Good Neighbor Handbook for more reasons why they are “noxious”.)

The most common weeds here in Edelweiss that are designated Class B (meaning it is mandatory to stop their spread) is knapweed  (sometimes called “barnaby thistle”, of which there are several varieties), and whitetop (“hoary cress”). The Edelweiss website has more information on these weeds, as well as Dalmation Toadflax (which has not yet gained a foothold here). There are pictures, a list of resources, and information on control methods.

Knapweed can be pulled if you are diligent and keep at it each year. Pulling the weeds before they form seeds will more quickly control this weed. Make sure you wear gloves, cover all your skin (no pulling weeds in your bathing suit!), bag the weeds so no seeds escape, and take them to the Twisp Transfer Station. Knapweed is a biennial, and you can pull or spot spray it in the spring/early summer before it goes to seed the following year. If you are unfamiliar with what the plant looks like at this stage (the website picture only shows the mature plant), you can contact Linda McWhirter and arrange a time to meet where she can show you what they look like.

Whitetop is much more difficult to control. It spreads by seed as well as through its roots. It has become established on some of the common and private property here. If you are not sure if you have whitetop on your property, please call the office and Linda will come out and take a look. It is easiest to identify when it is in bloom (June), and this is also the opportune time to spray it. If you are adamantly opposed to spraying, you can reduce its spread by continually and diligently mowing it, which will eventually weaken the plant. (However, since it also spreads by its root system, you may need too spray the perimeter of the infestation in order to keep it contained.)  It would need to be mowed before any seed is produced, and continually thereafter, about every week to ensure that no seeds are produced.  Another option is to cover the infested area with cardboard, then topsoil, then plant grass over it all. As the grass grows and the cardboard decomposes, the whitetop will hopefully die out (if you’re very lucky), and the grass will help prevent its re-emergence. Unfortunately, most people, especially if they are part-time homeowners, do not have the time to try these labor and time intensive methods. Responsible and careful spraying may be the best option. Once the weeds are gone, plant and cultivate native species to restore the area.

 FIRES

Edelweiss frequently gets calls with questions or concerns from lot owners regarding fires, burning, etc. We have tried to compile some useful information and phone numbers in order to provide you the resources you need.

PHONE NUMBERS

Fire call  911 (not the Edelweiss office number)

Insurance Information FD #6 Chief, Don Waller997-2981

DNR (for info. on burn bans, etc.) 1-800-323-2876, Okanogan # 6526

 NOTE!   It is very important to remember that here in Edelweiss, as in any other community with lots facing south, that even if there is NOT a burn ban in effect, that doesn’t make it safe to burn. USE GOOD JUDGMENT!

 SOME THINGS TO REMEMBER

1.  As a rule of thumb, call Methow Valley Ranger District, 996-4003, for more info.  As we get into the fire season, beginning around May-June, or whenever the weather dictates, do not operate chain saws or heavy equipment after 12:00 or 1:00 PM . The humidity levels drop rapidly after that time. To be sure you are in compliance with the Fire Protection Levels, call to see if there are restrictions for these activities.

            Level 1, use normal precautions

            Level 2, no operation of chainsaws or power equipment after 1:00 PM

            Level 3, you are prohibited from using chainsaws, or power equipment at any time.

2. When burning, start your fire early in the morning and make sure it is out or down to coals by around noon . Low humidity levels and afternoon winds make burning dangerous at this time.

3. Do not leave a fire unattended, and make sure nearby water is available.

4. Clear the area around your fire down to the dirt; embers can exist and spread unseen for some time through the pine needle layers.

5.  It is illegal in Washington State to burn ANY construction material, especially treated lumber (plywood, etc.) Call the Twisp Transfer Station (997-2025), or Methow Valley Sanitation (997-8862) for help with your disposal needs.

If you have concerns with someone burning construction material, you might first courteously explain the law to them (most are unfamiliar with it), and if it continues, call the Department of Ecology, (800-575-2490), or the Health Department (800-525-0127) for assistance.

There is an opportunity to recycle building materials through a new group called Methow Resource and Recovery:  They are located at Wagner Rd   in Twisp and they recycle building material & landscaping material. There is a process to donate and the group is in the process of locating shelter for storage. They are open on Saturdays from 9AM to 12AM .  Times and location are subject to change.  Contact number is 509.997.5643. 

 TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

 The following suggestions should be considered by homeowners who want to increase their chances of minimizing fire damage to their home and/or property:

1. Driveways need to be wide enough and accessible enough (no sharp turns, etc.)for emergency vehicles. A fire truck is about 8’ wide so driveways need to be at least 10’ wide. Driveways should be designed to leave adequate room for snow storage when roads are plowed in winter.

2. Do not store firewood or other flammable items on decks or porches near house.

3. Eliminate pine needles, or other flammable materials from under decks/porches.

4. Store hot tub/pool chemicals and other flammable/toxic chemicals in areas away from your home. Label the area clearly so firefighters know where they are.

5. Use metal, “hardiboard”, or other inflammable roofing material on your home.

6. Metal, or other nonflammable skirting material around house, and particularly decks/porches (to prevent embers from blowing underneath), are also recommended.

For more tips, see “Fire and Homes” section in your Good Neighbor Handbook.

See also the following fire websites:  www.firewise.org  www.nifc.gov    www.wfas.net

                                                            BE A VOLUNTEER!!

With Edelweiss being one of the largest population centers in the valley, embarrassingly we have only ONE volunteer firefighter from our community (Thank you, Derek Phipps!) Please consider serving your community by being a volunteer firefighter. For information, contact Dick Roberts at 996-2334, or roberts@methownet.com  

Back to Homepage