Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Fire Danger rating

Grizzly ext shows us at a 2 yesterday, and a 3 today.

The map shows us as "moderate"

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

MacLeod Run today - I like it when the vegetation is low shrubs, and not alder...............Thanks Cheryl for the photos



 

Be proactive..........Insurers are pulling out of California

Some major insurers are no longer providing home owner fire insurance in California.

We live in an interface fire area - it is up to us to ramp up FireSmart work on our properties, and reduce the wildfire risk in  our community. We love this place, and we want to be insured.

If you haven't already done so, register for a free Home Partner's program assessment - you will be provided with a report that will guide you in setting priorities for protecting your cabin and property. 

Josh Kester wms3@rdkb.com  Wildfire Mitigation Specialist

Protecting your investment should not leave your mind at the end of ski season. Work on your own property, and work with your neighbours. There are plenty of resources on firesmartbc.ca

Volunteers in this community continue to pursue and support grant applications that could benefit us all. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Have you joined the Baldy Mountain Community Association? This was formed so that we would have a legal entity eligible for grants. Ask questions,  baldymtnca@gmail.com. Your bottle returns can contribute to the operating costs of the Association.

RETURN IT EXPRESS

You can bring your recyclables to any “Return in Express” location in BC.  “Return it Express” will accept all of your beverage containers.  You do not need to sort your beverage containers, just place all your empty recyclable beverage containers in a clear plastic recycling bag (NO pull string bags) and bring it to your nearest recycling depot.

When you drop off your bags all you need to do is print a label using the phone number

 250-498-2672,  place the label on the bag and leave it in their designated area.  They do all the sorting and deposit it into the Baldy Mountain Community Association account.

Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated.

More information can be found on the Return-it-Express website at http://express.return-it.ca

I know the blog hit stats. I also know that one member of our community has discouraged new owners from reading the blog. It is here as a community service. If you want a few blog link cards to share, just ask.

My chimney is clean..............

Top Hat is on the mountain today and tomorrow, and is booked. If you missed out on booking a chimney clean, Al will come up for another day in September. Best to book ahead.



Monday, July 29, 2024

Serious moisture

It's coming down steadily now at 5:15

Sunday, July 28, 2024

Friday, July 26, 2024

South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to close Friday evening into Saturday morning - Oliver/Osoyoos News

South Okanagan General Hospital emergency department to close Friday evening into Saturday morning - Oliver/Osoyoos News: The South Okanagan General Hospital Emergency services will be unavailable from 5 p.m. on Friday, July 26 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, July 27. 

Grouse - Thanks Cheryl



Male on guard.

Maybe your eyes are better than mine. Baby grouse is to the right of the tree in the sunshine.





 

Sage Meadows Christmas Tree - Today and in the winter - thanks Cheryl for the photos















 

Morning Visitors

They were unaware that I had chosen to sleep on the comfortable trailer bed last night. One was startled when I opened the trailer door - the others took their time moving along.





 

Thursday, July 25, 2024

A little disappointed...........


For many years, I have had to recruit help to get my roof sprinkler up in the spring, and down in the fall. When I saw the "Ember Armour" kits, I was interested as they are built to be permanently mounted on the structure and are self draining . The brackets are powder coated stainless steel, and the kit includes a forestry type hose and the brackets to attach the hose to the fascia or soffit.

Pressure loss is an issue for two sprinklers. I have increased pressure by replacing the old frost free tap, and having a kind friend wriggle under the bathroom floor to reach and adjust the home water pressure regulator.

I am now on the fourth set of sprinkler head types, and just can't get enough pressure with two sprinklers on. I have already imposed on family and friends many times with this experiment.

I am considering going back to my old frame, if it is still available - I gave it away.

I have 74psi at the hose bib, it drops to 36 with one sprinkler on , and around 26 with two on. If  you have decent pressure and are interested, one of these units may work for you.

If you are interested, we can talk. I would need ladder help to get them down.

https://westernwildfire.ca/shop/ols/products/ember-armor-wildfire-protection-sprinkler 

Gusty Winds

After the NkMip fire of 2021, some burned blocks were logged, some were left for natural restoration. Those areas are now seeing more blow down trees. Yesterday, two trees blew down across McKinney Road. Debris on the road when I went to town, cleaned off when I came back.

We are getting winds off and on up here. 

Wind whipped up fire near Penticton, but no structures threatened - Penticton News

Wind whipped up fire near Penticton, but no structures threatened - Penticton News: A wildfire burning east of Penticton remains out of control Thursday. 

Update from EOC RDKB

 

EOC Wildfire update: Thursday, 25 July 2024. 11:00am
Next scheduled EOC Wildfire update: Thursday, 25 July 2024. 4:00pm (unless conditions change)
Five properties located West of Carmi remain on Evacuation Alert (Wildfire K51472).
No evacuation orders have been issued.
Wildfire K51472 now sits at roughly 200 ha and BC Wildfire Service crews continue to work on the fire today utilising heavy machinery and air resources. No evacuations orders have been issued.
The weather today will be cooler in the mid-20s, with winds 1-15 kmh and gusts of 30 kmh. There is a risk of isolated lightning starting around 5:00pm today and through the night.
Stay updated:
Use the RDKB’s emergency management website as the primary source of information updates https://emergency.rdkb.com/
as well as RDKB’s social media platforms @RDKB_Emergency, @RDKBdotcom (X), @rdkbdotcom (IG/FB)
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Monitor the BC Wildfire Service website for wildfire maps: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
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Make sure your journey is not affected by highway closures: https://www.drivebc.

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Windows closed

 Some smoke smell tonight, possibly from fire north of Beaverdell. Thoughts are with all of the people affected by wildfire tonight.

'Multiple structural fires': Wildfire reaches Jasper, Alta., as first responders ordered to leave - Canada News

'Multiple structural fires': Wildfire reaches Jasper, Alta., as first responders ordered to leave - Canada News: UPDATE 7:50 p.m. Wildland firefighters and anyone else without self contained breathing apparatuses have now been evacuated from Jasper.

Gruhl's Pool Today

Thanks Hilary for the photos. 





Jasper wildfires growing, menacing historic Alberta townsite from two directions - Canada News

Jasper wildfires growing, menacing historic Alberta townsite from two directions - Canada News: UPDATE 12:25 p.m. Fuelled by whipping winds, fires in Jasper National Park are edging closer from two directions to the historic Rocky Mountain townsite of Jasper.

Update from RDKB EOC

EOC Wildfire update: Wednesday, 24 July 2024. 11:00 am

No new wildfires have been reported in the RDKB overnight. Of the nine fires within Area E, five fires are listed as under control, one is listed as being held, and three are listed as out of control. BC Wildfire has crews and heavy machinery working on the three remaining fires. We ask the public to stay clear of the wildfire areas and forest services roads to allow BCWS crews space to work.

The Jackson Creek fire southwest of Midway in Washington is now listed as 100% contained.

The EOC has not received any requests for Evacuation alerts or orders in the area and will continue to monitor the wildfire situation.

Stay updated:

Check the RDKB’s emergency management website and @RDKB_Emergency Twitter Feed for reliable updates: https://emergency.rdkb.com/
Monitor the BC Wildfire Service website for wildfire maps:  https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
Make sure your journey is not affected by highway closures: https://www.drivebc.ca/

  

From Canadian Forest Industries

 From CFI

Osoyoos Indian Band and Infinity-Pacific launch Siya Forestry

New First Nation-led forestry venture aims to boost sustainability and community development in B.C.'s Okanagan, Kootenay, and Boundary regions

July 24, 2024  By CFI Staff

(L-R) Mike Petrie, Dan Macmaster, Clayton Gabriel, Vern Louie, Luke Robertson and Peter Flett, officially launching Siya Forestry. Photo: Siya Forestry.


The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and Infinity-Pacific Stewardship Group Ltd. have announced the launch of Siya Forestry LP, a joint venture aimed at advancing sustainable forestry practices in the Okanagan, Kootenay, and Boundary regions. Established in February 2024, this partnership combines the expertise of Nk’Mip Forestry LLP, a subsidiary of the OIB, with Infinity-Pacific to address ecological values and community development through a First Nations perspective.

Dan Macmaster, Head of Forestry at Nk’Mip, emphasized the OIB’s commitment to land stewardship and sustainable management, stating that this collaboration leverages the extensive experience of both parties. Vern Louie, OIB’s Operations Manager, highlighted the venture’s potential to create job opportunities and strengthen the OIB’s influence in managing its traditional territory.

Siya Forestry’s new brand and website reflect the regional heritage and commitment to sustainable forestry. The company offers services including forest development, wildfire risk reduction, silviculture, and community engagement programs. Mike Petrie, President of Infinity-Pacific, expressed that the partnership enhances their service offerings by integrating OIB’s cultural and land management objectives.

Siya Forestry has established partnerships with key industry players and aims to set new standards for environmental stewardship, focusing on water, wildlife, and community values.

http://siyaforestry.ca/

Trails to the Boundary - another new venture for the hard working group.

July 24, 2024




We are excited to announce that Trails to the Boundary is taking over KVR Outfitters Bike Rentals & Tours as of Aug 1, 2024. 



Paula Sheridan, the owner and founder of the business, started cycle tours in the West Boundary in 2011 after nine years of cycle tour guiding in both the Canadian Rockies and New Zealand.  She currently spends the summers here and the rest of the year operating an eco tour business in New Zealand with her partner Swade.  Through her business, thousands of cyclists have come to our area from all over the world, using our accommodators, our food services, local contractors and ancillary services. 

“I’ve witnessed the KVR transform from a little-known trail into a thriving destination.  I’ve had the privilege of helping small businesses start up and grow along the trail, creating niche opportunities in rural communities.  This journey has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding, seeing individuals and businesses flourish through their connection to the KVR.  I have been delighted to see many changes along the way, from the exciting imminent reopening of Adra Tunnel, to new shelters and the resurfacing of the trail from the Little Tunnel to Penticton.  I hope to see more infrastructure development to improve this valuable regional asset.”  Paula Sheridan 

This is the second foray into social enterprise for Trails to the Boundary.  Our first was the gift store at Riverside Centre.  All of our projects serve our goal of economic development in the West Boundary.  We see huge potential for building cycling tourism in our area.  Cyclists seek the challenge of long multi-day rides.  With the low grades of rail trails, people of most fitness levels can enjoy riding them.  

We’ve worked with Paula over the years in our role as partnership agreement holders with Recreation Sites Trails BC.  We’ve seen the economic development that has occurred as a result of the tours that are operated in our area.  We share Paula’s vision for including an awareness of our natural resources in our work.  We are excited to work with our neighbours across the Southern Interior to build this industry.

Our plan is to continue to work with existing contractors after the acquisition and to increase business development in support of low impact tours in the area.

We thank Paula for holding us by the hand as we take on this new venture.  We will continue to follow your good works in New Zealand with your tours there and with your environmental projects. 

For more information, contact Pat Henley (250) 528-0227