May 2009
FIRE SAFE CHIPPING PROGRAM ~ GOOD NEWS!

For several years, Nevada County residents have be able to participate in the Fire Safe Council’s (FSC) free, curbside chipping program.  Unfortunately, funding for free chipping disappeared several months ago in the middle of the State’s budget woes.  Since then, the CSHA and members in FONA (Federation of Neighborhood Associations) have been working to restore curbside chipping, trying to make it more affordable since the immediate outlook for the free program is not promising.  We’ve managed to make chipping even more affordable to members* of the CSHA due to the power of our group buying efforts.

Chipping is a fast and effective way to turn forest waste into garden mulch, reducing fuel loads on our properties and adding to our defensible space in the event of a wildfire.  If you are not going to cart dry debris to the Landfill (please note that it is now closed on Monday and Tuesday) or burn yourself (Burn Permit needed starting May 1), then chipping may be your best option.  Please remember that it is the law that we make our homes “defensible”, clearing at least 100 ft. out from buildings to improve our chances of surviving a wildfire. 

 

TWO CHIPPING PLANS FOR CASCADE SHORES

 (both companies are licensed and insured)

 

Michael’s Personalized Tree Service  (265-5724)

Do you have a dry pile left-over from before winter?  If yes, Michael Cotton will chip for a very nominal cost ~ essentially a donation ~ to knock-out these hazards.

 

Do you have a pile that a 2-man crew could chip in an hour or less?  Michael charges $116/hr. but will prorate for less than an hour.  He will also lower your bill by 5% if you are a current member of the Cascade Shores Homeowners Association.  Just show your card. With Michael you might be able to get a large pile done for $50-$60.  He can afford to charge less because he lives in the Shores and has less overhead compared to the bigger       operators. His machine will not handle branches larger than 4″ in diameter.  Payment is due on the same day.

 

Trees Unlimited  (271-5536)

Owner Jim Norman is a former contractor with the Fire Safe Council, has a 6-man crew and

a high capacity chipper (limbs no larger than 8″). Jim’s crew can chip rapidly, and no job is too big.  His charges for current members of the Cascade Shores Homeowners Association are:  0-30 minutes, $100; 30-60 minutes, $180; after 1-hour, $90 per 30 min. increments.  Non-members will be charged $225 per hour of work.  Call the office number above to order chipping.  Trees Unlimited will have a name list (names only) of Association members.  Payment is due when bill is presented. 

CHIPPING GUIDELINES

Put piles within 5 ft. of roadway, neatly stacked, cut ends facing same direction, and no taller than 4 ft. No fabricated wood, stumps, pine needles, vines, dirt, or poison oak.  Chipping will be done on site and chips left for customer to manage.  You will likely be on a waiting list, so that jobs can be grouped together — so call early.

Cascade Shores Homeowners Association

16528 Pasquale Road
Nevada City, CA 95959

Did you know a group of Cascade Shores residents, with financial assistance from CDF, Women’s Club, CSHA and donations painted the inside of the firehouse, re-carpeted, replaced chairs and tables and decorated the kitchen and bathrooms this last summer? A lot of volunteers and a lot of work paid off. It looks “mahvalous”.

The Polar Bears have been sited once again this year. . .Take a look

*For information about becoming a member, click Benefits of Membership where application forms can also be downloaded.  Member dues are currently $100/yr. per household.