Newsletter #9 www.MeridianLake.com June 2002
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Meridian Lake Park Web Site
OK! Take a peek at the new website.www.MeridianLake.com
It's up and running and full of useful information! We have a couple of member profiles for you to take a look at, construction information, this newsletter and past newsletter high-lights, plus lots of other stuff.
We would like to get a "for sale" page up and obviously would like you all to participate. So if you have anything that you want to sell send us an e-mail on: forsale@meridianlake.com .
We will try to update the site regularly and also try to change the current profiles. So we need you to participate as well. Send us your story, long or short and a jpeg photo on: profiles@meridianlake.com .
We hope you enjoy the site and let us know what you think. Gordon Reeves
Annual Meeting July 6th
The Meridian Lake Park Annual Meeting will be Saturday, July 6th from 10 am to noon at the meeting room of the Queen of All Saints Church in Crested Butte. We will have a Family Barbeque & Potluck after the meeting starting at 4 pm (see below).
Please return the "Proxy Postcard" as soon as you can so that we can establish a quorum before the meeting. Roger Cram
Potluck / Barbeque July 6th
A Family Potluck and Barbeque will be held at our tennis courts where there is plenty of parking starting at 4 pm Saturday afternoon, July 6th. We will need volunteers in many areas including side dish and desert planning, tables & chairs, cooking, and cooking equipment. Send us an E-mail at MeridianLakePark@AOL.com or call our managers at 349-2002.
MLPC treasury has budgeted funds in 2002 to contribute to the cost. Last year's potluck dinner was fun for everyone. Roger
Volunteers for Work Day in July
Every year in early July we schedule a workday. The primary focus is on mending the cattle fence around the entire subdivision.
If you are interested in volunteering call our phone 349-2002 and leave a message for Gordon Reeves, talk to any Board member, use our E-mail, or leave a message on our Web Site. Roger
Cattle in the Park Call 349-2002
Be as detailed as possible in your message. Include the location, time and date you called, and approximate number of cattle. Thanks.
Interested in Serving on a Board?
If you are interested in serving on any of our three Association Boards send an E-mail to MeridianLakePark@AOL.com. Or call our managers at 349-2002. Please ask any questions you have about serving on a Board.
Aside from interest and background, having a PC based computer with Internet capabilities is very important, because much of the communication is done over the Internet. Roger
Aspen Web Worms
One of our homeowners found this insect and suggested we notify and educate everyone about them. So we called Rocky Mountain Trees & Landscaping and got this information from its owners. Apparently in our area they tend not to spread from one yard to another in a neighborhood.
Aspen Web Worms make web tents on an Aspen tree that can be as large as 1 foot across and are clearly visible. Inside the tent are these caterpillar type worms, which have to be pulled out and killed. It is not enough to throw them away, they should be burned or squished and their remains disposed away from the land. Left alone the worms will eat all the leaves off the trees. Sometimes the tree dies but not always.
For a very nominal fee Rocky Mountain Trees (349-6361) will properly remove these worms, take them back to their shop and incinerate them. AngelaForest Service - Defensible Zones Report
There is an excellent bulletin from the Forest Service on the Internet. Go to: www.colostate.edu, then "Search" and type in Defensible Zones in Google, then select: No 6.302 Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones. Or if you want a copy ask your Association President or our Manager for a free copy.
A brief summary is as follows:
"Two factors have emerged as the primary determinants of a home's ability to survive wildfire. These are the home's roofing material and the quality of the "defensible space" surrounding it:
1) Use fire-resistive materials not wood or shake shingles, to roof homes in or near forests and grasslands.
2) Create a Defensible Space is an area around a structure. Where fuels and vegetation are treated, cleared or reduced to slow the spread of a wildfire towards the structure and reduce the fire's intensity your house is more likely to withstand a wildfire. Also, the Defensible Space provides room for firefighters to do their jobs.
Zone 1 is the area of maximum treatment. It consists of an area of 15 feet around the structure measured from the home's eaves in which all flammable vegetation is removed.
Plant nothing within 3 to 5 feet of the structure, particularly if the building is sided with wood, logs or other flammable materials. Be sure there are no areas of continuous grass adjacent to plantings in this area.
Frequently prune and maintain plants in this zone to ensure vigorous growth and a low growth habit. Remove dead branches, stems and leaves.
Ideally, remove all trees from Zone 1 to reduce fire hazards. Isolate any trees from other surrounding trees. Prune any trees to at least 10 feet above the ground. Remove all "ladder fuels" from beneath the tree. (Ladder fuels are small shrubs, trees, tree limbs and other materials that allow fire to climb into the tree crown -- the branches and foliage.)
Do not store firewood or other combustible materials in this area. Extend the gravel coverage under the decks. Do not use areas under decks for storage.
Zone 2 is an area of fuel reduction. The size of Zone 2 depends on the slope of the ground where the structure is built. Typically, this defensible space should extend at least 75 to 125 feet from the structure.
Thin trees and large shrubs so there is at least 10 feet between crowns. Crown separation is measured from the furthest branch of one tree to the nearest branch on the next tree. On steep slopes below the house, allow more space between tree crowns. Thin the inner portions of Zone 2 more heavily than the outer portions.
Carefully prune trees to a height of 10 feet to remove the "ladder fuels" from beneath the trees.
Remove stressed, diseased, dead or dying trees and shrubs. Remove dead stems from trees and shrubs annually. Prune shrubs periodically to maintain vigorous growth.
Mow grasses as needed through the growing season to keep them to a maximum of 6 to 8 inches. This is extremely critical in the fall when grasses dry out.
Stack firewood and woodpiles uphill or on the same elevation as the structure but at least 30 feet away. Clear and keep away flammable vegetation within 10 feet of these woodpiles.
Propane tanks should be buried. Any above ground tanks should be protected by enclosure and located 30 feet from any structures. Clear and keep away flammable vegetation within 10 feet of these tanks.
Zone 3 extends from the edge of your defensible space to your property lines. In this area, you are encouraged to manage your forests in a more traditional manner." Roger
Wildfire Hazard Mitigation and Response Plan
This plan was prepared specifically for Meridian Lake Park by our local fire department and the Colorado State Forest Service. Home or lot owners with conifer trees or sloped lots should read this manual. You can seek advice on caring for your property from the Forest Service or the local fire department. Call Joel Stewart @ 641-6852 or the CBFPD @ 349-5333.
The three main factors that contribute to a fire hazard are vegetation, slope and access.
Vegetation: Homeowners in trees need to maintain a minimum 10-foot space between conifer tree foliage for at least 70 feet from structure. Also, prune tree branches up eight feet from the ground in the 70-foot area. Conifer trees should be at least 10 feet from the building. All dead Aspen trees should be removed. This will limit a ground fire from climbing from the grass into treetops.
Slope: Fire moves very quickly up slopes and fire will probably approach homes from the downhill side. Thus it is important to treat fuel sources below homes and driveways in order to reduce the intensity before reaching the home.
Access: Access into our subdivision is good compared to most mountain subdivisions. A typical response time is 15-30 minutes from Crested Butte.
As well as all the items mentioned in the previous article summarized from the Forest Service brochure, create a defensible zone around the home including:
Mow grass and weeds to less than 4 inches within 10 feet of structure.
Remove trash and other combustible material from defensible space including dead Aspens.
Park snowmobiles inside garage since they are tremendous source of fuel.
Bury LPG tanks or install rock over plastic sheeting 10 foot around tank
Remove trees growing through the porch.
Use non-combustible roofing materials (i.e. not wood shake roofs)
Remove branches within 15 feet of chimney
Use spark arrestors on chimney
Practice family fire drill and evacuation plan
Make a list of items to take during an evacuation
You may purchase a copy of this report from our Manager for $12, or you may borrow a copy from them to read and return. In the Fire Marshall's office there are other State brochures you can pickup on this subject. Roger
Funds Approved for Fire Department
In May the voters approved a bond issue to purchase equipment including a new 4 wheel drive fire truck capable of foaming about 4 houses with fire retardant as reported in our Newsletter #7 last October. Hopefully this includes the Reverse 911 System to alert homeowners of emergencies.
The amount of the bond issue was not reported in the paper, but our taxes will go up for 10 years while these capital expenses are paid off. Roger
Stocking our Reservoir With Rainbows
The Board has voted to spend $800 estimated cost for the fish and the signs. The fish, some trophy size and other sizes have been released into the Meridian Lake reservoir at the end of May. We feel this is a worthwhile investment for the homeowners to share but remember that a valid fishing license is still required. Unless you happen to be one of the local heron population!
Remember that the Division of Wildlife stocks Long Lake (Meridian Lake) every year. Angela & Gordon
Trash Disposal
The dumpster at the trailhead parking lot opposite the dam is intended for use by residents and guests that are leaving before the Wednesday trash collection. Please do not dump construction or other debris in this, just regular garbage. Angela & Gordon
Access to Long Lake
If you want to hike up to Long Lake using the access road through Pristine Point, please park the trailhead lot by the tennis courts.
"No Parking" signs will soon be posted around the property next to the access gate. Roger
Construction Way, Way Down
Only two new starts plus two remodels have been approved by the Board so far this year:
Guzzetta Lot 3-52 on Meadows Drive
Weil Lot 2-11 on East Lane
Beck Remodel at 77 East Lane
Baker Remodel at 27 Peeler
We have reviewed preliminary plans or received serious inquiries from these owners: Pitts (3-3), Mothershead (4-7), Schaffer (4-17B), and Burlinson (1-17) & Rees (2-55) in 2003 Roger
New Design & Construction Guidelines
The Board approved new Design, Architecture & Construction Guidelines for all of Meridian Lake Park on May 9, 2002. It went into effect for all projects that had not been approved yet.
If you are contemplating new construction or a remodel in the next few years, please contact our Manager for a copy. Roger
Bright Lights At Night
Everyone in the Park (Filing 1 & 2) should take the time one evening to see if any bright outdoor lights are shinning in your neighbor's eyes. The Meadows and Pristine Point require indirect lighting now. Properly installed indirect lighting should fall only on the ground below and not illuminate the surface of the walls below the fixture.
The hardware stores in Gunnison should be stocking these types of fixtures by this summer. Replacing your bright or spotlights would make a nice homeowner weekend project. Roger
Recycling Expanded for Plastics
Gunnison County has expanded their recycling program to include plastics "one" and "two." This includes clear soda, water and milk plastic containers. This is a pilot program and hopefully will become permanent.
The Gunnison County Recycle Center is located on 10th Street by the Airport. Containers must be rinsed but need not be crushed. Roger
"XM" or Satellite Radio
Ever miss the radio you had before Crested Butte? Now there is an alternative called satellite or "XM" radio. It's commercial free and can be received anywhere your car can travel or in your home.
There are 15 different "neighborhoods" with over 100 channels so far. 12 neighborhoods have music and three are for news and information.
Unfortunately, the rich selection of shows from NPR, PRI, and CBC are not included at this time.
Monthly cost is about $10. The initial units sell for about $300, including a remote. Adapters are available for home reception through your stereo. Since most homes now have music available through satellite TVs providers, this "XM" radio may not be practical.
Look up "satellite radio" on your search engine to find out the information on the web. Roger
Send Local Bills to Your Local PO Box
Recently one of our long-time residents who spends many months a year here told me that they have their local utility bills sent to their local POB. It takes 2 _ - 3 weeks for local bills to travel to California and back, when we are staying here. So that's why we now have them sent to our C B PO Box. When we are gone they only get delayed by one day on their way to California. It works like a charm. Roger
Ice Build-up in Roof Valleys?
So far the results of the Bylin Engr roof valley heating systems have proven very successful. At 505 Meridian Lake Drive this is the first year no one has been hired to climb on the roof and pound off the ice with a sledgehammer. It doesn't take much to figure out what that abuse does to your roof!
If you want to find out more call Avalanche Roofing in Gunnison at 641-2099 or stop by "505." Electrical cost to run is very marginal. They are not cheap to install, but a whole lot cheaper than fixing your roof every summer. Roger
Bears Will Return This Fall
With a wonderful summer ahead of us, it seems strange to talk about our subdivision being in a black bear habitat. But the Fall is bear time. A few reminders when the bears come down to our elevation for large amounts of food and calories before the hibernating:
Garbage keep your garbage cans inside your closed garage except on Wednesday mornings.
Bird feeders put those bird feeders away, even those on your decks. Bears can climb.
Large white boxes in kitchen bears know what is inside them and how to get there.
Consider replacing those designer lever-type door handles with the old fashioned round kind
"They shall return" once they have been in your house or on your property, they will come back for seconds. Roger
Pristine Point President's Letter
The Pristine Point Owners Association Board has been busy getting ready for their first annual Owners Meeting on July 5th and has been concentrating on improving the signage for the development and completing maintenance items.
The Annual Meeting will provide an opportunity to introduce Board members to Lot Owners as well as presenting the results of a recent dues assessment vote, reviewing the current financial statements for the Association, and voting on a set of new By-laws for the Association.
Signage projects include a new development sign identifying "Pristine Point at Meridian Lake", improved street signs to match The Meadows signs, and parking control signs for access to the Forest Service road leading to Long Lake. We also contributed to some signs identifying the reservoir as a fishing area for MLPC owners and guests.
Maintenance items included road repairs to Pristine Point Drive and repairs to the guardrail on the dam that was damaged during snow plowing last winter. Chuck McGinnis
Meadows & Pristine Point Boards
On the Meadows Board are President Chuck Tutor, Peter Kennel, and Sam Ganz.
On the Pristine Point Board are President Chuck McGinnis, Alan Wolff, and Kurt Giesselman.
MLPC Phone & Fax: 349-2002
Board E-mail: MeridianLakePark@AOL.com
Web Site: www.meridianlake.com
Angela & Gordon Reeves, Managers
E-mail: MLPC@wildernessways.com
Telephone and fax: (970) 349 2002Roger Cram, Pres., 349-6464; (415) 924-2839
Sherron Green, VP/Treas., 349-6577
Doug Wiley (& ACC) 349-1128
Chuck Tutor 349-5493 or 209-5965
David Gross (& ACC) 349-6293
Joe Buckel (& ACC) 349-5986
Chuck McGinnis 349-1503
back