Marcy Stamper

No set timeline for county, Forest Service to take next steps Conceptual maps of wheeled all-terrain vehicle (WATV) routes in and around the Methow Valley — along with detailed guidelines for managing the routes to avoid conflicts and damage to the environment — were released last month by a working group that brought together riders, environmentalists and government agencies.

Several early-season fires contained May 28, 2026 by Marcy Stamper The Methow Valley and Okanogan County have experienced several early-season fires in the past couple of weeks. Most have been small, but the Eagle Road Fire, a brush fire near Brewster, was enough of a threat that Okanogan County Emergency Management issued a Level 1 (be advised of a fire in the area) notification on May 17. The advisory was lifted about five hours later when forward progression was halted.

Irrigators and farmers who are worried that the release of sediment that’s been backed up behind Enloe Dam could damage sprinklers and pumps, contaminate crops, and harm cattle if the dam is removed are asking for additional research and assurances. Scientists have been studying the possibility of removing the long-dormant dam on the Similkameen River near Oroville, and a preliminary evaluation released in January found that it’s feasible to remove the 104-year-old structure.