In 2021, at one time, the Club was unable to procure fire insurance due to being in the insurance re-zone (high risk, or red zone).  Also, several Club members found that their insurance would not be renewed.  Management negotiated with several companies and agreed that if a FireWise community was established, lots were cleaned up around the community, and ongoing oversight was conducted, the Club could be insured.
 
There are three basic phases of Firewise:

1. Grasses must be mowed on entire flat lots, and to the extent that is deemed safe and practicable on sloping lots.  This MUST be completed between October 1 and December 30 each year to reduce fire hazards during the dry and windy winters and springs.  Of course, additional mowing is needed whenever grass grows taller than 12 inches.
 
2. Dead trees, standing and down, must be removed from the property.  Pine needles and cones, leaves, forestry, and yard debris must also be removed from the lot.  Up to 1 ½ cords of firewood may be kept on a lot with a residence; it must be neatly stacked, not under a deck, and away fromexterior walls.  Railroad ties that are not part of an intact border or wall are a fire hazard and must be removed.  Railroad ties are prohibited material for any new construction or landscaping.  Monk thistle and other noxious weeds should be removed using approved abatement methods.  Lots must be clean of all litter, trash, junk, and garbage.
 
3. Pine trees shall be trimmed of branches from the ground to the lesser of eight feet or 25% of the height of the tree, and the trimmings removed from the property.  All other trees must be trimmed from the ground to the lessor of six feet, and all ground cover removed, or grasses trimmed to less than four inches.  Thinning of trees is desirable for a FireWise community.  This should be performed after consultation with a professional qualified to speak to removing excess trees, maintaining diversity of tree species, and reducing wildfire risk.
 
If you have any questions, or queries about lot layout, contact:

ACC FireWise Coordinator Jimmie Mace at 575-808-9985 or by email at
accfirewise@altolakesgolf.com
 
Special note: on February the 15th, the ACC began adding fines to members who have been contacted but have not complied.

NOTE: Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club’s Architectural Control Commission (ACC) DOES NOT regulate pricing or insurance; property owners are responsible for securing Workman’s Compensation and/or liability insurance from contractors.  The following companies have
requested that we list them for information purposes only.  *The ACC does not in any way warrant these companies.  If any other companies request that their information be included, please contact Jimmie Mace. Those stated Insured or Licensed have not been verified by ACC.
Covenant/Firewise Compliance Checklist can be found HERE