Forest Lakes Happenings
Jun 28 '08
Hello, everyone. Hope you are reading this from your porch or living room in your cabin, as the weather is perfect, and it's starting out as a truly beautiful weekend in Forest Lakes. The monsoon has definitely arrived, although it's taking a siesta today, we've had rain each of the past several days, along with a fair amount of thunder and lightning. Everything is very green, and even the dust (or relative lack thereof) is cooperating. On that note, I'm pleased to say that in many instances people seem to be getting the message, and driving more slowly. Many thanks to all for your efforts. Although there are always those who seem to think they are above the issue or not part of the problem, your efforts and vigilance are making a difference...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!
Make sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend the big July 4th Picnic, held this year on Saturday, July 5th, from 10AM to 2PM, in the area next to the Forest Lakes Lodge on Hwy 260. This is a big event, with food, live music, games, and much more. It is open to everyone, not just residents, and usually draws a few thousand people. Also, this year we are privileged to welcome back Jim Paxson, who was the Forest Service Fire Information Office during the Rodeo-Chediski fire, and is the face we all associate with the news reports about the fire on TV. Jim will be here to sign autographs and just talk with anyone and everyone. You can also purchase Jim's book, "The Monster Reared His Ugly Head", which discusses the fire, and Jim's views on forest management in the Western US.
Please note that there is at least one bear meandering around the south side and along the highway, and that he/she has a real attraction to garbage pails and their contents. There may be others throughout the community, so please store your trash in a secure place, and don't leave small pets out on their own.
I was gone most of this week, so I don't have an update on the slash site, other than we are moving to get it up and running as soon as possible. Stay tuned...
That's about all for now. Hope to see you next week at the picnic.
Best regards,
FLOA
Legal Notice of Decision
Forest Lakes
Green Waste Disposal Site
On May 29, 2008, Acting Forest Supervisor, Deryl Jevons signed a Decision Memo for the Forest Lakes Green Waste Disposal Site. The decision approves issuing a 10-year Special Use Permit to the Forest Lakes Owners Association (FLOA) for the operation of a green waste disposal site located near Forest Road 99A, located in T 11 N, R 14 E, sections 11 and 12. The Special Use Authorization will allow for storage and disposal of tree thinning slash, boles of trees, stumps, pine needles, cones, brush, grass clippings, and other plant material. On a regular basis, the material will be ground or chipped and hauled off the National Forest by an entity authorized by FLOA.
The authorized area will be no larger than 5 acres, and the site will be operated by FLOA or their authorized representative. The site will be completely fenced and gated to guard against unauthorized access. The Decision Memo and associated project record are available at Black Mesa Ranger District, P.O. Box 968, Overgaard, Arizona 85933.
A request for consideration of this project was initiated by the Forest Lakes Owners Association, and was submitted along with a petition in favor of the proposal, signed by approximately 300 residents of Forest Lakes. The proposal to analyze a green waste site on National Forest System lands for Forest Lakes was listed in the Schedule of Proposed Actions beginning in January 2007 through the present. The proposal was provided to the public and other agencies for comment on April 26, 2007. We received 12 responses, eight expressing support and four expressing concern or opposition to the proposal. Our response to concerns raised was documented in two letters to interested parties, dated April 11, 2008 and April 30, 2008. This decision is not subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 215.12. Implementation may begin immediately.
FOREST LAKES FIRE DEPT
is seeking Emergency Dispatchers
Your help is especially needed!
No experience is necessary.
Training will be provided
by Forest Lakes Fire Dept.
Dispatching is done from your home, not the fire dept.
If interested,
can call the fire department
at 535-4644
