Tahoe Donner Begins at home Fire Safety

By CYNTHIA CENDREDA

U.S. Forest Service records show that, over the last 35 years, over 150 fires burned in or within a two-mile radius of Tahoe Donner. Defensible space is your property’s frontline defense against wildfire. Creating and maintaining defensible space around your home can dramatically increase your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire and improve the safety of firefighters defending your property. CAL FIRE statistics show that properties in compliance with defensible space requirements are five times more likely to survive a wildfire.

Defensible Space Is Critical To Your Home Protection And The Environment

Tahoe Donner is proud to be a certified Firewise Community, recognized by the National Fire Protection Association for its commitment to fire safety. The Tahoe Donner Forestry Department is intent on helping homeowners bring their properties into compliance with state, local and association fire safety standards as well as in accordance with Tahoe Donner’s land management objectives. Clearing excess forest and household debris from properties can mimic fuel reduction zones – areas of strategic thinning of vegetation that help prevent the spread of wildfires – and contribute to ongoing forest restoration efforts that preserve important natural resources and biodiversity in the landscape. More information on defensible space practices can be found at readyforwildfire.org

New Fireaside Software Helps The Forestry Department And Members Stay In Communication About Defensible Space

The Forestry Department is excited to announce its adoption of new inspection software from FireAside to aid in home evaluations and help property owners remain compliant. The department would like to thank the Truckee Fire Protection District for supporting the integration through Measure T funds. This cutting-edge software allows inspectors to file comprehensive assessments and provide homeowners a detailed report of their findings, including a parcel-specific list of requirements, location and photos of each issue and recommendations for individuals wanting to take additional steps.

Tahoe Donner uses a six-year defensible space inspection cycle for all properties within the association, with each lot being inspected once during that time. The roughly 1,100 properties up for inspection in 2023 will receive FireAside reports. The remainder of property owners will receive reports in the coming years as their properties are up for re-inspection. Details on the inspection cycle can be found at tahoedonner.com/defensible-space

FireAside’s resident report makes it easy and convenient for property owners to understand their defensible space status and provides a checklist of compliance to-dos and reminders so they can prioritize and resolve each issue. The report also provides details on the chipping program beginning June 1 and a convenient button to request curbside service. All chipping requests must be made via a FireAside resident report or the website.

The incorporation of this new software helps both the Forestry Department and Tahoe Donner property owners stay in communication about defensible space and inspection notices. It provides an easy-to-understand report that allows issues to be addressed in a timely and efficient manner. To learn more about FireAside software and applications, visit fireaside.co

What To Expect With Inspection Notices

Throughout the year, property owners receive inspection notices from the Tahoe Donner Forestry Department notifying them of home maintenance requirements, important deadlines and resources to ensure that proper and effective defensible space can be achieved. Creating defensible space typically entails the regular removal of dead, decaying and flammable vegetation such as pine needles, excess brush and tree limbs from within 10 feet of structures and propane tanks.

Homeowners can expect the following 2022/23 timeline to address defensible space around their homes:

• September – Tahoe Donner News inspection notice

• September – E-notice of inspections and 2023 defensible space program

• March – Reminder of 2023 defensible space program with inspection results

Timeline for Defensible Space Maintenance Fall Spring Summer

• May/June – Forestry staff will visit to mark trees that must be removed

• May/June – Official notice of non-compliance letter with due date and FireAside inspection report

• July/August – Due dates fall within the months of July-early August

In addition to notifying members of specific defensible space maintenance requirements, the Forestry Department provides helpful resources for the proper disposal of green waste, including options provided by Keep Truckee Green (keeptruckeegreen.org), a directory of local businesses that offer defensible space services to the Tahoe Donner area and a free curbside chipping program. Homeowners must request chipping service via the FireAside report or the website at tahoedonner.com/chipping-program

Why You Should Run Key Election Dates

Five individuals make up the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors, and one or two positions are open each year. These five members make a significant impact on both the community and your investment. From overseeing projects and preserving open spaces to uniting the community and making sure members are heard, there are many reasons to become a guiding member of Tahoe Donner. Why should you run for the Board of Directors Election?

Organizational Goals

Goals help to guide the association in the right direction, and the board works continuously to establish a governance culture. The board and Tahoe Donner staff engage in strategic planning and set association policies.

Annual Budget

Each year, the board sets Annual Assessment dues to fund reserves and operations, allocate resources within established guidelines and more.

NEW + ONGOING CAPITAL PROJECTS

Capital projects require continual input, and amenity improvements are decided by the board. One example includes the Trout Creek Recreation Center expansion that was completed in 2020.

Open Space Preservation

The board has adopted a new Trails and Open Space Master Plan and will be making important decisions about future investments in Tahoe Donner’s trails and open spaces to expand recreational opportunities.

Amenity Pricing

The board provides important feedback regarding daily access fees and peak pricing. The amenity access policy is also under review this year, and board input is critical.

MARCH 20

CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS

APRIL 20

CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS DUE BY 10AM + APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY VERIFIED CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED

MAY 2

CANDIDATE WEBPAGES AVAILABLE

MAY 19

DEADLINE FOR MEMBERS TO SUBMIT TOPICS FOR CANDIDATES TO ADDRESS AT CANDIDATES NIGHT Submit topics to electionscommittee@tahoedonner.com

MAY 22

BALLOTS MAILED

MAY 30

CANDIDATES NIGHT

6-9PM via Zoom

JUNE 23

ELECTION BALLOT MEETING + REGULAR BOARD MEETING

9AM-5PM at Northwoods Clubhouse + online via Zoom

JUNE 25

ELECTION DAY + ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Meeting from 10AM-12PM | Voting from 10-11:30AM

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO AT TAHOEDONNER.COM/UPDATE-YOUR-PROFILE BY APRIL 20

Voting packets and ballots will be mailed to all members of record on May 22 at the address on file for your invoices. Each property address is eligible for one vote.

CA Civil Code 4041 requires updated contact info annually.

BALLOT MAILING VIA USPS

All ballots are pre-addressed and are delivered directly to the third-party accountancy firm in Reno, Nevada via the United States Postal Service.