AMS Inspection is a home inspection company based out of Leavenworth and operating from Seattle to Wenatchee, Chelan and Methow Valley. The following information was provided by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office on October 26, 2011.
Take a look at the recent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report. Fall is moving fast into winter. The Forest Service wants to remind people to be mindful of unpredictable weather, driving conditions, hunting seasons, Fall hiking, wood-cutting season and prescribed burning.
” • Weather—Weather is an unpredictable factor for those recreating in or visiting the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Being prepared for unpredictable conditions is the key to enjoying a visit to the national forest. Always carry emergency equipment and extra food and clothing, and be aware of what might be encountered when recreating in the forest. Plan ahead, obtain up-to-date information, and have alternate plans in mind in case something “unpredictable” occurs.
• Snow—Be prepared for snow in the higher elevation areas of the forest. • Driving Conditions—Forest users need to keep in mind that roads are beginning to become quite wet and muddy from the recent rains and snows at higher elevations, and that traveling on these roads right now can cause a lot of damage, not only to roadbeds but to the surrounding forest areas. Forest travelers need to use good judgment and caution when traveling forest roads during the fall and winter.
• Hunting Seasons—A number of hunting seasons are occurring right now, so forest visitors need to make their presence known. It is a good idea to wear bright, vivid colors, especially hunter orange when recreating in the forest during hunting seasons. Sing, talk, whistle a tune, do anything to let hunters know you are in the area.
• Fall Colors—Many people will be out in the woods looking at the fall colors and possibly not paying as much attention to their driving as they should. Be a defensive driver. Where possible, pull off the road to look at the fall colors.
• Woodcutting Season—Woodcutters are out in the woods getting their winter supply of firewood. Please drive slowly, a pickup truck fully loaded with wood handles differently than it does when empty. Especially keep this in mind when the roads are wet and slippery. Hunters need to be aware that any wood they collect for use in warming fires needs to be left in the woods; they cannot take it home with them unless they have a valid woodcutting permit.
• Prescribed Burning—A number of pile burning projects are underway in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Smoke from these prescribed fires will be visible in different areas of the forest.”
Read the full report: full_rec_report_2011-10-25___Fall_transition_time
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