April showers bring May flowers and remind us that it's time to think about outdoor yard clean up!

Mother Nature has left us more than just pine needles and pine cones this winter that is for sure!

We have many damaged downed trees as result of "Snowmageddon 2017." We will be starting up our Chipping & Defensible Space Evaluation services in May and as soon as we have the date set, we will get that information out to you.

As you begin to work on cleaning up your property, you can also take advantage of the Residential Curbside Yard Waste Recycling Collection program offered by Waste Management. The program will be offered May 1 through July 21 and October 2 through October 27. Residents will be mailed "yard waste only" stickers from Waste Management. Conduct your property clean up, fill heavy duty bags with vegetative yard waste (ensure each bag does not exceed 40 pounds and is securely tied), attach one sticker to each bag and set out on your route's recycling service day – during the designated timeframe only.

Remember that when considering whose responsibility, it is to remove damaged trees, limbs etc., it is the responsibility of the property owner. It could be private property, United States Forest Service, or other forms of public land.

One thing is for sure, proper management of vegetation around your home reduces the wildfire threat.

For more information on the national fire outlook visit http://www.nifc.gov.

Ryan Sommers is the Fire Chief of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Department.