Methow Valley Citizens’ Council
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Welcome to the Methow Valley Citizens’ Council Home Page. This page gives some background information about us.
BE SURE TO VISIT the Projects Page. There you will find the latest updates on the Okanogan Comprehensive Plan.
Our Mission
The mission of the Methow Valley Citizens’ Council is to promote and maintain the rural and agricultural character of the Methow Valley by:- working to keep growth of population and industry within limits formed by the valley’s physical, natural and social resources;
- working to maintain or enhance present levels of water and air quality and wildlife populations;
- presenting information to the general public and decision makers on environmental and land-use issues, and on the economic and environmental dynamics underlying those issues;
- encouraging maximum citizen involvement in the decision making process;
- urging county, state and federal agencies to be responsive to local values;
- encouraging farms and locally-owned businesses that will provide a variety of sustainable employment opportunities and a diversified economic base;
- critically evaluating any venture that could severely increase property taxes or pose other financial risks or obligations on Methow Valley residents.
The Methow Valley Citizens’ Council is a local, nonprofit organization based in the Methow Valley, Washington.
MVCC board meetings are held on the second Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM in Twisp above the Confluence Gallery. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Since 1974, the Methow Valley Citizens’ Council has been working to promote and maintain the rural and agricultural character of the Methow Valley. We welcome your participation.
What's So Special About the Methow?
Surrounded by Wilderness, Park, and National Forest, the beauty of the Methow Valley, from the snowcapped peaks in the fall to the blooming of the sunflowers in the spring, is treasured by both residents and visitors alike.
Unique among rural areas, the Methow is only five hours from the dense populations centers of the Puget Sound Basin yet it has been sheltered from development by the surrounding mountains. For many years, winding roads from the south and east provided the only access and no through route. Even with the opening of the North Cascades Highway in 1972, the area remains a quiet backwater free from many of the trappings of urban America. But all of this is changing. We've been discovered and with many more visitors, residents, and businesses on the way, the need to plan is increasing.
All across the country, rural areas are buckling under the pressure from outside interests to develop communities which resemble the suburbs of American cities. In the zeal to produce both profits and developments urban and suburban dwellers are comfortable with, the unique rural character of areas like the Methow are lost. Fast food chains quickly replace the local diner and the billboards block out the barns.
Those of us who appreciate the natural and rural beauty of the Methow and of Eastern Washington realize that this beauty is threatened. As a group, we can work together to safeguard our homes and community from residential sprawl, higher taxes, and unsustainble developments.
The Methow Valley Citizens Council formed in 1975, in response to massive development plans proposed by outside interests. The Council is made up of a broad based cross-section of those who love the valley, from native to newcomers, permanent residents to visitors. Its members are active in promoting, county, state, and federal guidelines that have a positive effect on the local environment. The Council works to encourage appropriate zoning for rural settings, protections for air quality, water quality, wildlife and plant communities. The Council favors a low impact, diversified economy in which the valley's human inhabitants match activities to live within the limits which will preserve the natural rural setting.
We have developed relationships with elected officials and agency personnel in order to identify and meet our common goals.
The following people serve on the Board of Directors:
The Methow Valley Citizens' Council
PO Box 774
Twisp WA 98856
phone: 509-997-4811
Chair - Vicky Welch
Vice Chair - Celeste Roberts
Secretary - Carole Schroeder
Treasurer - George Wooten
Staff consultant - Jim Brennan
Advisors:
James Donaldson
Isabelle Spohn
At-large Board Members:
Kathleen Hirschstein
Paula Mackrow
Maeyowa
