We See Fires All Over Carson Valley ... What's Going On?

Spring has sprung and the ranchers and farmers are burning their ditches. This traditional practice allows the water to flow through the extensive regional irrigation ditch network more efficiently allowing for more effective irrigation of the crops. Open Burning guidelines can be viewed online at http://www.eastforkfire.org/Admin/burnpermit.html for the Carson Valley, http://www.carson-city.nv.us/Index.aspx?page=268 for Carson City, and http://www.centrallyonfire.org/subpage/permit.htm for the Dayton area.

This open burning practice saves substantial labor, reduces the use of herbicides around the water courses, and helps to maximize the use and benefits of one of our most valuable resources... water. Open burning occurs twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Spring burning is over May 17 in Douglas, April 26 in Carson, and May 18 in Dayton. Owners of larger parcels are not generally restricted to these dates.

Open Burning is not always used for controlling vegetation encroachment in waterways. It is also handy for removing weed infestations along fences, roadways, etc. Weeds are inevitable in our lives due to their distribution by wind and animals. If not properly diminished they tend to overtake valuable croplands or landscaping areas. It is important to control them on your property for your sake and that of your neighbors.

Other sights of Spring include farmers preparing their fields. You might see fields being worked and a bit of dust being raised. Fret not, agricultural dust generation is treated differently under the law than is onerous dust generated by a property being excavated during the course of development. There is no environmental legal infraction if a farmer is working his land. Of course the farmer is sensitive to his topsoil and will do what he can to preserve it, but it is not feasible to seal it to prevent blow away. Additionally, it is impractical to moisten an entire field to prevent blow away - it would be mud and couldn't be farmed correctly.

Our Advice: Get a head start on your weeding - use safe pre-emergent herbicides to minimize the growth on your property, or, if too late for that, get on it with a good safe herbicide while they are young. Last resort - get the weed eradication equipment out before they go to seed. If you keep it under control you'll find them easier to cohabitate with in the future.

The farmers, ranchers and land owners are keeping the Valley green and appreciate your support of their efforts. You enjoy the fruits of their labor as they work year ‘round to keep our beautiful region gorgeous and aesthetically rural. Want an asphalt jungle? There are plenty of communities that would welcome your residence. When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel & Jim Valentine, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-3704, carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com