July 2020

Friends,

Did you know...July is National Ice Cream Month and it's also National Blueberry Month. Have a blueberry ice cream cone to celebrate!

July and all of summer are such great times at the lake. We're sad our Northern friends can't be here right now but hopefully, all that will pass and we can once again enjoy time together.

With the warmer weather we are seeing more people at the park, even though most of the amenities are closed. People have been doing well with the social distancing and seem to be just enjoying family time.

With pools closed due to Covid the lake is more popular than ever. We recently had a report of someone encountering a leech while swimming. This isn't uncommon, they like warm, calm, shallow waters of ponds and lakes especially in areas with a lot of vegetation. Leeches are part of our lake's ecology just as the tadpoles are. If you are interested or concerned, we have a fact sheet about leeches available at the office.

As the number of people have increased we've also seen an increase in issues with speeding and campfires.

Please, please, please, slow down! Speeding is the single most complained about issue at lot owner's meetings and security sees it on a regular basis. We have lots of little ones running around and you never know when one may dart into the road. We're at the lake, relax, take your time, there shouldn't be any reason to hurry, not to mention going slow helps keep the dust down which we all appreciate.

This time of year campfires are popular and most are just fine. However, we're seeing an increase in fires that are too large, unattended fires and people using inadequate firepits. One of the wonderful things about Lake Tyee is that it's nestled into the forest with lots of trees and brush. It's beautiful and quiet, It's also up to all of us to protect it. Those very things that make it so wonderful can make a fire devastating.

 

We have sent out the link to www.firewise.org before but it's an excellent reminder for all of us.

FIRE

SAFETY

MEASURES

LOT OWNER CHECKLIST

Wildfire don't have to destroy everything in their path. Science and research have proven that using Firewise principles in your landscaping can minimize damage and prevent losses. The work you do today can make a difference. Follow these simple action steps now and throughout the year to prepare and help reduce the risk of your RV and property becoming fuel for a wildfire.

• Build a regulation firepit for your Lake Tyee campfire.
• Keep a garden hose connected and charged, ready for use.
• Clear needles and leaves and other debris from the roof, gutters, eves porches and decks. This reduces the risks of embers igniting your property.
• Remove items stored under decks and porches; replace vegetation in these areas with rock or gravel.
• Replace mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don't let it touch your RV, deck or porch.
• Remove items within 20 feet of all structures including firewood piles, portable propane tanks and dry dead vegetation.
• Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep your property well maintained. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity and don't let tree debris and needles linger. Remove these items regularly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Fire can spread to tree tops. Prune low hanging branches 6-10 feet from the ground and for smaller trees, prune low hanging branches no more than a third of the tree's height. Remove scrub brush, vines and shrubs from under trees.
• Talk to your neighbors and create a plan for how to address your wildfire challenges together.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND REDUCE YOUR PROPERTY'S RISK FOR WILDFIRE DAMAGE AT

www.firewise.org