Methow Valley Citizens Council

Land use: mvccs early work on land use planning set the state for the Methow valleys low-density development and considerable open space. In 2022, mvcc continued to engage our members, volunteers, and the community at large in land use planning from okanogan countys regulatory framework to state and federal policies affecting our public lands, engaging in efforts to improve and finalize okanogan countys comprehensive plan and working to improve forestry and management on national forest lands.

Air: the clean air Methow program has tremendous value in identifying the areas Valley residents can improve air quality by following best practices such as clean home heating, using alternatives to outdoor burning, and responsibly conducting prescribed burning. We manage a collection of 32 low-cost purple air air quality sensors with businesses, schools, individuals, and towns throughout the Methow Valley, from lost river airport outside mazama to prairie flats near the town of Methow. In 2022, mvcc expanded staffing, expanded the woodstove exchange program and ran a communication campaign throughout okanogan county in regard to smoke readiness.

Water: mvcc is committed to protecting our waterways from pollution and over development. We advocate to ensure there is enough clean, cold, clear water for fish, animals, and people throughout the year. In 2022 we continued to work to uphold the Methow rule by working with the department of ecology. The Methow Valley Citizens Council also continues to lead a coalition of local Citizens and regional groups that are encouraging the okanogan pud to consider removing the obsolete enloe dam, located on the similkameen river near oroville.