Heather
I looking into getting a licensed and insured Arborist, who all would be interested in having some work done?
Cmcculley
We have some trees needing trimmed and/or cleaned up.
Ron
I am interested in having tree and brush removal .
Charlee
is the Poa paying for it ?
Heather
No, but I am applying for the firewise grant and wanted to see who would be interested in having/getting tree work done.
Charlee
So,the grant will pay for tree work,if we get it ?
Heather
Yes, Having tree work to help protect your home against a wildland fire. Reducing the ladder fuels, & fuel load around the home, and planning for the worst case scenario where you will need to evacuate and leave your home via an escape route is what Firewise is all about. Here is the link for the Firewise home inspection
https://form.jotform.com/240875164622054 this is the place where you need to start, if interested.
Charlee
who decides what gets cut,me or the commitee ? And can I keep the wood for firewood next year ?
Louie-Fromm
Most of what fire wise would be cutting you prob don't wanna put in your fireplace. Conifers, junipers, laurels, etc. There is a ton of downed hardwoods on Lin Creek, John Sevier, LeConte, Elm(s) and Sycamore though.
Louie-Fromm
Several piles like these on Sycamore, Elm and LeConte right now
https://imgur.com/a/duB00xN
Charlee
can't see the pics,piles of logs or piles of cut peices ?
Louie-Fromm
Louie-Fromm
Jarrett
We have trees and brush around the back of our home that desperately needs clearing. We would be very interested.
Heather
Hello Jarretts, I need to know when our schedules can line up for a home inspection; please fill out the home inspection form that I have linked for you below.
https://form.jotform.com/240875164622054
cmprty
Heather--I'm sure everyone would like some trees trimmed around their homes, us included. If you recall, I passed on to you the recommendations of homes that needed fuel mitigation from Leon Konz. I still have a copy of that along with the 9 homes from his list that were completed. Leon viewed English Mountain on Google during the winter and chose homes that showed dense patches of green (i.e. pine, mountain laurel, rhododendron, etc.) close to the structures. These homes would have no trouble qualifying for the grant money. The Breeden's current home was determined to be a high priority, but the previous owner refused to have the work done. I would recommend starting there, I know they would appreciate the help.
Brook Smith and the local TN Forestry Dept. (i.e. PJ and crew) were a great help with the project. I learned a lot working with Brook. For instance, one owner that qualified for the grant money had branches touching the roof and chimney of the house. Brook made it very clear that the owner was responsible to remove/trim away those particular branches. I will let Brook know that you will be resuming this very worthwhile project.
I will let him know you may be starting this project soon.
Heather
Hi Cindy. I greatly appreciate your renewed enthusiasm regarding firewise. We will post official events, dates and times when they become available and I hope to see you there and participating. Currently we have been officially advised to hold off on scheduling any new events until the grant funding has been awarded for this round. Please check back soon for updates. On a side note, I have been made aware of your unofficial interactions and communications which have cause a bit of confusion regarding EMPOA's firewise representation. Please refrain from any future misrepresentations of the EMPOA firewise committee, it's intentions and goals moving forward. Your participation is very welcome, however we ask that you do so through the proper channels and events as does the rest of the committee members and volunteers.
cmprty
Hi Heather--I've always held on to my Firewise enthusiasm, regardless of what's going on/not going on in our community. A LOT of time is spent on completing Firewise tasks around our own home--that comes with having pride in where you live. We don't have and have never had tall weeds and discarded items on our property--a true Firewise concern. I believe in leading by example. You can't expect people to listen to your Firewise suggestions, when your own home is not Firewise.
As far as unofficial interactions, I have no idea what you are referring to. I have continued to speak about Firewise to new homeowners and give them printed materials, as they have NOT received any printed Firewise information from the Architect Committee as you stated. I continue to be in contact with Firewise representatives to stay informed.
It might be helpful to spell out the "intentions and goals moving forward" of the English Mountain Firewise program, as we're always in the dark. I have yet to see any of that information on the Firewise page.
On a side note, I was recently shocked to read the summary of my speaking time from the July 2025 mtg. I didn't realize the secretary and president had the AUTHORITY OR RIGHT to change, delete and omit what someone on the agenda actually states during a meeting! Please show me where that is allowed in Roberts Rules of Order. We've been here for 15 years and I have NEVER witnessed such an egregious act by Board members. But no worries, I still have my notes from my agenda topics and I will post what I actually stated and the responses I received from the Board.
