Written by Kari Grover Wier, USFS

Published: 26 March 2017

The Chelan & Entiat Ranger Districts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are seeking public input on the proposed 2014-15 Wildfire Restoration Project located in Chelan County. The project area covers approximately 3,200 acres within the 2014 Duncan, and the 2015 Wolverine and Black Canyon Wildfire areas. 

Project Description

The purpose of this Project is to plant conifers and speed recovery time for developing a forested landscape. Benefiting Resources include: Wildlife-Establish forested areas for species dependent on conifer habitat, Hydrology-Contribute to long term slope stability,   Recreation-Improve campsite screening and shading with fire resilient tree species.

Additional information is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51396">http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51396

or by contacting the project leader-Pete Wier, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Comment

Your comments will aid the District team in identifying potential issues and concerns with this project proposal. Comments will be most useful if received by April 17, 2017.

1. Write a letter to the Forest Service and mail it to the project leader:

Pete Wier                                                 Or hand-deliver it to:

Chelan Ranger District                          Chelan Ranger District

428 West Woodin Ave                          428 West Woodin Ave                   

Chelan, WA 98816                                 Chelan, WA 98816

2. Send an e-mail to the Project Leader at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Those submitting hand-delivered comments may do so during regular office hours, 7:45AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. Those submitting electronic copies must do so only to the e-mail address listed above, must put the project name in the subject line, and must either submit comments as part of the e-mail. Message or as an attachment only in one of the following three formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format (rtf), or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf). E-mails submitted to e-mail addresses other than the one listed above or in other formats than those listed or containing viruses will be rejected. It is the responsibility of all individuals and the organizations to ensure their comments are received in a timely manner. For electronically mailed comments, the sender should normally receive an automated electronic acknowledgment from the agency as confirmation of receipt. If the sender does no receive an automated acknowledgement of the receipt of the comments, it it’s the sender’s responsibility to ensure timely receipt by other means.

Written by Cathy Mulhall, Chelan County Administrator

Published: 26 March 2017

There have been recent reports that the Chelan County Regional Jail is refusing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Agents (ICE).

These reports are incorrect.

Chelan County has in the past and continues to honor ICE requests to notify their office in advance of the release of individuals deemed of interest to ICE.  What Chelan County cannot and will not do is to illegally hold prisoners past their scheduled release date.  To do so has been determined by Federal Courts to be illegal.  Chelan County expects to continue this practice of cooperation with ICE in a manner that fully complies with Federal Law.  

Written by Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal

Published: 22 March 2017

On Friday I had the privilege of addressing third, forth, and fifth graders at Bridgeport Elementary School. We talked about the negative consequences of bullying and how it can play into the lives of those being bullied well into adulthood. The kids were very engaged and the staff was a great help. We ended class with a fun question and answer period and I passed out junior Deputy badges to kids who could recall points from my talk.

Very Respectfully,

Sherrif Harvey Gjesdal

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 22 March 2017

REMINDER: 2017 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The year has started slowly in regards to memberships for 2017.  We are taking this opportunity to remind you of this important contribution if you have not already renewed or acquired a 2017 membership.

Promoting the care and preservation of the Buckner homestead, orchard, and community atmosphere in perpetuity

We need you more than ever!

As indicated in our Annual Report for 2016, we were able to do many, many good things at the Homestead and Orchard thanks to your support, contributions, and volunteering.  If we are to continue this good work, funding and volunteering must continue, as well. 

In this uncertain time, it's still unknown just what specific impact continued federal budget cuts will have on the work at the Orchard. We do know there will likely be a loss of time and/or resources available to the National Park Service this year, making our work all the more important.   The Buckner Orchard and Homestead need our support more than ever!

Memberships are one form of contributing funds to support our work at the Homestead and Orchard. 

RENEWAL - Your check, made out to the Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation (BHHF), should be mailed to PO Box 184, Manson, WA  98831.  As a renewal, we will have your information on file.   Please include your e-mail address, as this is how we receipt and communicate with members in a cost-effective manner. 

NEW MEMBERSHIP - Download and print the membership form found at this link http://bucknerhomestead.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Membership-form2015.pdf">(Membership Form) and mail to PO Box 184, Manson, WA  98831. 

Again, be sure to include your e-mail address.

Individual  -  $25.00

Business -  $75.00

Benefactor - $250.00

Sustainer - $1,000.00

Family  -  $50.00

Patron  -  $100.00

Steward  -  $500.00

Donation  -  $  ___________    

DONATIONS - Another form of support for the Homestead and Orchard is a donation. Monetary donations may be for a specific purpose or as a non-specific donation to the Foundation.

Please join us today with whatever level of membership you choose and help us assure a productive and successful future for the Buckner Homestead.   (Not sure how your contribution will be used?  Then, review our 2016 Financial Summary at the end of the (Annual Report.)   All Foundation work and administration is entirely by volunteers.

2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, May 15   Annual Meeting 

7 PM,

Reclamation District Office, Manson

Thursday, June 15    Orchard Work Party

8:30 AM,

Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

Saturday, July 15    Orchard Work Party

8:30 AM

Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

Saturday, August 12  Square Dance at the Orchard

Old Packing Shed 7 PM,

Stehekin

Monday, August 14  Summer Board Meeting

Bakery Gazebo, 8 AM

Stehekin

HARVEST FEST 2017

Friday, October 6   

Orchard Work Party

Buckner Orchard, 9 AM

Valley Music Program

Stehekin School, 7 PM

Stehekin

Saturday, October 7   Harvest Fest
Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

10 AM, picking and pressing

1 PM  potluck and music

Sunday, October 8   Poetry Night

 7 PM, Bakery Cabin #1,

Stehekin

Web site:  bucknerhomestead.org

E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, Washington, and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS (Tax ID #452913458)

Written by Kim Ustanik

Published: 10 March 2017

Good Afternoon, Friends of Mountain View Lodge!

You know, I’ve been hearing a lot of comments, both pro and con for the upcoming hospital bond.  Just when I think I’ve got it down… I realize I have another question.  You, too?  And it’s REALLY important that we vote.

Well, we’d like to invite you to join us here at the Lodge on Wednesday, March 15th, from 6-8pm.  Join us for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, a light snack and some enlightening conversation.  Community members from Citizens for a New Hospital will be on hand to share important information about the upcoming hospital bond, and provide an opportunity for you (and me!) to ask questions.

Gerry and I are very pleased to host this event for our Lake Chelan Valley friends and neighbors!  We really hope you’ll join us!

If you are unable to make OUR conversation, please reply to this email and I’ll fill you in on others.  Oh!  And, please, invite your friends.  It’s really important that we make INFORMED choices.   And in America, we do that by voting.  😊

With great respect,

Kim and Gerry Ustanik 

Written by Kari Grover Wier, USFS

Published: 01 March 2017

Dear Interested Party:

The Chelan Ranger District is seeking public input on the proposed Summer Blossom Whitebark Pine Restoration Project located in Chelan County, approximately 34 miles north, northwest of the town of Chelan, WA. The project area covers approximately 1,576 acres primarily in the Falls Creek sub-watershed. 

Project Description

The purpose of this Project is to maintain, restore, and enhance whitebark pine habitat within the high elevation areas surrounding Summer Blossom and South Navarre and to restore/maintain the Summer Blossom meadow. To achieve the project’s objectives, non-commercial thinning, pruning, handpiling, and prescribed burning would be implemented across approximately 1,576 acres.  Additional information is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51128">http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51128 or by contacting the project leader-Pete Wier, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

How to Comment

Your comments will aid the District team in identifying potential issues and concerns with this project proposal. Comments will be most useful if received by March 30, 2017.

1. Write a letter to the Forest Service and mail it to the project leader:

Pete Wier                                                 Or hand-deliver it to:

Chelan Ranger District                         Chelan Ranger District

428 West Woodin Ave                          428 West Woodin Ave                   

Chelan, WA 98816                                Chelan, WA 98816

1. Send an e-mail to the Project Leader at:               This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Those submitting hand-delivered comments may do so during regular office hours, 7:45AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. Those submitting electronic copies must do so only to the e-mail address listed above, must put the project name in the subject line, and must either submit comments as part of the e-mail. Message or as an attachment only in one of the following three formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format (rtf), or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf). E-mails submitted to e-mail addresses other than the one listed above or in other formats than those listed or containing viruses will be rejected. It is the responsibility of all individuals and the organizations to ensure their comments are received in a timely manner. For electronically mailed comments, the sender should normally receive an automated electronic acknowledgment from the agency as confirmation of receipt. If the sender does no receive an automated acknowledgement of the receipt of the comments, it it’s the sender’s responsibility to ensure timely receipt by other means.

For further information regarding this project contact Pete Wier, Silviculturist 509-682-4943, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 428 West Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA 98816.

Stay Connected to this Project via the Web

To assist the Forest Service in meeting its goals of reducing our carbon footprint and to achieve a sustainable operation, we are transitioning to a web-based electronic comment system that allows all interested parties to receive project material (project updates, draft and final NEPA documents, and decisions) by e-mail.  This new system gives you direct control over which mailing lists you are subscribed to and immediate electronic access to project documents as they are posted online.  To subscribe or manage your subscription please follow the link below. https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFS/subscriber/new">https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFS/subscriber/new

If you no longer wish to follow the project(s), simply delete your subscription.  Once you are subscribed, you will receive all project information via e-mail, unless you request hard copies.

Only those who subscribe to the mailing list, submit comments, or notify the Forest that they would like to remain on the mailing list for this project will receive future correspondences on this project.  Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, without an associated name and address, receiving further correspondences concerning this project will not be possible.

For further information on the project, please contact Pete Wier at (509) 682-4943.

Written by Herb Sargo

Published: 21 February 2017

Buckner Orchard 2017 Membership Drive

We need you more than ever!

As indicated in our Annual Report for 2016, we were able to do many, many good things at the Homestead and Orchard thanks to your support, contributions, and volunteering.  If we are to continue this good work, funding and volunteering must continue, as well. 

In this uncertain time, it's still unknown just what specific impact continued federal budget cuts will have on the work at the Orchard. We do know there will likely be a loss of time and/or resources available to the National Park Service this year, making our work all the more important.   The Buckner Orchard and Homestead need our support more than ever!

Memberships are one form of contributing funds to support our work at the Homestead and Orchard. 

RENEWAL - Your check, made out to the Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation (BHHF), should be mailed to PO Box 184, Manson, WA  98831.  As a renewal, we will have your information on file.   Please include your e-mail address, as this is how we receipt and communicate with members in a cost-effective manner. 

NEW MEMBERSHIP - Download and print the membership form found at this link (Membership Form) and mail to PO Box 184, Manson, WA  98831.  Again, be sure to include your e-mail address.

Individual  -  $25.00  Business -  $75.00  Benefactor - $250.00  Sustainer - $1,000.00  Family  -  $50.00  Patron  -   $100.00  Steward  -  $500.00  Donation  -  $  ___________    

DONATIONS - Another form of support for the Homestead and Orchard is a donation. Monetary donations may be for a specific purpose or as a non-specific donation to the Foundation.

Please join us today with whatever level of membership you choose and help us assure a productive and successful future for the Buckner Homestead.   (Not sure how your contribution will be used?  Then, review our 2016 Financial Summary at the end of the Annual Report.)   All Foundation work and administration is entirely by volunteers.

2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, May 15   Annual Meeting 

 7 PM,

Reclamation District Office

Manson

Thursday, June 15    Orchard Work Party

8:30 AM,

 Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

Saturday, July 15    Orchard Work Party

8:30 AM

 Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

Saturday, August 12  Square Dance at the Orchard

Old Packing Shed 7 PM,

Stehekin

Monday, August 14  Summer Board Meeting

Bakery Gazebo, 8 AM

Stehekin

HARVEST FEST 2017

Friday, October 6   

Orchard Work Party

Buckner Orchard, 9 AM

  Valley Music Program

Stehekin School, 7 PM

Stehekin

Saturday, October 7   Harvest Fest
Buckner Orchard, Stehekin

10 AM, picking and pressing

1 PM  potluck and music

Sunday, October 8   Poetry Night

 7 PM, Bakery Cabin #1,

Stehekin

Web site:  bucknerhomestead.org

E-mail:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Buckner Homestead Heritage Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created specifically to support and preserve the Buckner Homestead and Orchard in Stehekin, Washington, and is registered as such with the State of Washington and the IRS (Tax ID #452913458)

Written by Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal

Published: 09 February 2017

On 02/05/17 Douglas County Deputies responded to a report of a head on injury accident on Badger Mountain Rd. at MP 3.

Investigation revealed that a S/B Dodge Durango was coming down the hill. It was snowing and the roads were icy. The driver said she was applying her brakes when her vehicle started to slide and ran into a vehicle, a Subaru Tribeca, which was coming up the hill.

The Durango was occupied only by the driver, a 29 year old East Wenatchee woman. The Subaru was carrying a family of five: a 36 year old male, a 33 year old female, a 9 year old female, a 4 year old male, and a two year old male.

The family and the driver of the Durango were all transported to Confluence Hospital.   None of the injuries appeared to be life threatening.

Both vehicles were so damaged they had to be towed.

Written by Sheriff Harvey Gjesdal

Published: 27 January 2017

On 01/26/16 at 11:14 AM Douglas County Deputies responded to a report of found explosives at the 300 Blk. of Higgins Loop Rd. near Orondo.  The owners of the orchard had been cleaning a shop area when they located a spool of detonation cord, 30 sticks of high explosive dynamite, and a box of electric blasting caps.  The Washington State Patrol Bomb squad was called to the scene and safely disposed of the explosives.

The owners were unaware the explosives were in their shop.  The items had probably been placed there a generation ago by a past family member.  This is not uncommon in agricultural communities.