Announcements
Fall Cleanup: Saturday, Oct. 24
October 16, 2026
Fall is here, and it is time to get rid of your yard debris that has accumulated. Please read on for a request for your help and instructions to have material picked up.
1. On Saturday, Oct. 24, we will have our neighborhood pickup of piles around the neighborhood. Those of you who can help will meet at the burn area at 9:00 AM. If you have a pickup truck, we need you to bring it, preferably with a tarp in the bed to make it easier to unload material. If you don't have a truck, join us to ride along with someone who does. We are usually able to get this done in no more than two hours, so you will still have the afternoon to yourself. Be sure to wear gloves. A rake and a large pruner (lopper) can be helpful.
2. Here are the rules we would ask you to follow to prepare your materials:
A. Branches can be no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 - 2 1/2 inches. A baseball bat is a good frame of reference. Thicker branches, logs, and rounds will not burn; the fire just doesn't get hot enough. You can bring thicker items separately, but they need to be deposited at the very back of the burn area where you will see other similar material; we hope to chip them some day. Please do not mix them in with the piles of smaller material. Delivering bigger items should be done under supervision.
B. Put your materials in piles along the roadside with branches all facing the same way. Do not make the piles taller than about 2 feet.
C. Do not bring the forest floor; it will not burn. We live in the forest, not a park, so don't rake up the floor. Leave it in place where it retains soil moisture and helps prevent fires.
3. Rules for dumping at the Burn Area
A. Contact Bob Burke (907-617-4714) or David Turnoy (360-317-8392) before dumping yard debris at the burn pile.
B. There is a particular way to form the yard debris piles that facilitates easier burning, so contact Bob or David.
C. If you bring leaves, do not put them on the bottom, as they will not catch. Put them on the top of a pile.
D. Do not put bags in the piles, the material in the bags will not likely catch.
E. Piles can be no more than 10 feet in diameter, and there should be 2-3 feet between piles.
F. Even if you have contractors doing your work, you need to have Bob or David instruct them, so contact them for supervision.
G. Dumping should only be done during the period that the burn permit is in force, which is generally October through May.
H. Burning will be done by Bob or another trained member. Feel free to volunteer to help Bob so you can learn what to do.
The burn pile rules are also on the Forest Management page: https://www.orcashighlands.com/emergency-preparedness#burn-pile
I know this sounds strict, but it really does make the whole thing go better. We appreciate your help and cooperation.
Again, especially if you have a pickup truck, we need you on Oct. 24. If you plan to be part of this, please let me know at info@orcashighlands.com or 360-317-8392.
Thanks,
David Turnoy for the OHA Board
1. On Saturday, Oct. 24, we will have our neighborhood pickup of piles around the neighborhood. Those of you who can help will meet at the burn area at 9:00 AM. If you have a pickup truck, we need you to bring it, preferably with a tarp in the bed to make it easier to unload material. If you don't have a truck, join us to ride along with someone who does. We are usually able to get this done in no more than two hours, so you will still have the afternoon to yourself. Be sure to wear gloves. A rake and a large pruner (lopper) can be helpful.
2. Here are the rules we would ask you to follow to prepare your materials:
A. Branches can be no longer than 3 feet and no thicker than 2 - 2 1/2 inches. A baseball bat is a good frame of reference. Thicker branches, logs, and rounds will not burn; the fire just doesn't get hot enough. You can bring thicker items separately, but they need to be deposited at the very back of the burn area where you will see other similar material; we hope to chip them some day. Please do not mix them in with the piles of smaller material. Delivering bigger items should be done under supervision.
B. Put your materials in piles along the roadside with branches all facing the same way. Do not make the piles taller than about 2 feet.
C. Do not bring the forest floor; it will not burn. We live in the forest, not a park, so don't rake up the floor. Leave it in place where it retains soil moisture and helps prevent fires.
3. Rules for dumping at the Burn Area
A. Contact Bob Burke (907-617-4714) or David Turnoy (360-317-8392) before dumping yard debris at the burn pile.
B. There is a particular way to form the yard debris piles that facilitates easier burning, so contact Bob or David.
C. If you bring leaves, do not put them on the bottom, as they will not catch. Put them on the top of a pile.
D. Do not put bags in the piles, the material in the bags will not likely catch.
E. Piles can be no more than 10 feet in diameter, and there should be 2-3 feet between piles.
F. Even if you have contractors doing your work, you need to have Bob or David instruct them, so contact them for supervision.
G. Dumping should only be done during the period that the burn permit is in force, which is generally October through May.
H. Burning will be done by Bob or another trained member. Feel free to volunteer to help Bob so you can learn what to do.
The burn pile rules are also on the Forest Management page: https://www.orcashighlands.com/emergency-preparedness#burn-pile
I know this sounds strict, but it really does make the whole thing go better. We appreciate your help and cooperation.
Again, especially if you have a pickup truck, we need you on Oct. 24. If you plan to be part of this, please let me know at info@orcashighlands.com or 360-317-8392.
Thanks,
David Turnoy for the OHA Board