Lake County residents have no control over many factors, such as the year round availability of fresh pears from other states and countries that has resulted in decreased demand for canned fruit.

Residents can certainly buy more Lake County pears, but can help local pear growers stay in business in other ways as well.

One of the biggest expenses of pear farming is pest and disease control.

Economic decline has prompted some pear farmers to sell their orchards, often to non-farming buyers who keep some trees as a screen from the road, for shade, or simply nostalgia.

This results in the remaining commercial orchards being inundated with pests coming from these neighboring abandoned orchards or small groups of unmanaged pear or apple trees.

New owners of orchard land with abandoned or unmanaged trees are often unaware of the impact these trees have on neighboring commercial orchards.

The ultimate result is that pest control costs are driven up to the point where growing pears can become impossible.

Some conscientious property owners cut down unwanted pear trees above the ground, hoping that this will solve the problem.

Unfortunately, pear trees are intentionally grafted onto vigorous rootstock which then resprouts shortly after the tree is cut down, growing into a full size tree – even without irrigation – in a few short years. It then can harbor the same pests and diseases as the original tree.

Property owners who have no desire to maintain and harvest their trees properly are strongly encouraged to remove unmanaged pear or apple trees, roots and all. This may require using a backhoe, or a registered systemic herbicide applied to the fresh cut surface of the stump to kill the roots (follow all label directions).

For those who intend to care for their trees properly, doing the “right thing” is easy.

The Unmanaged Apple and Pear Tree Outreach Program (UAPTOP) offers a multitude of tools to help Lake County residents be part of the solution and ensure the survival of the Lake County pear industry.

This includes a website with mapping software so residents can learn how close they are to a commercial orchard, read up about the issue in detail, and look up and download free tree care information. Simply click on http://uaptop.uckac.edu.

The UC Cooperative Extension Web site, http://celake.ucdavis.edu , also has an extensive section on the issue and links to the downloadable tree care info; just scroll down to the UAPTOP page.

The 2011 Master Gardener Calendar also focuses on this subject and describes many low maintenance, relatively fast growing shade and alternative fruit and nut trees that do well in Lake County and can be used to replace some of those unwanted pear or apple trees.

The calendar is available at the UCCE office for $10 ($12.00 if mailed).

Contact UCCE at 883 Lakeport Blvd., Lakeport; 707-263-6838; http://celake.ucdavis.edu.

Rachel Elkins is pomology and master gardener advisor, and Gabriele O’Neill is UAPTOP Program representative.

The Lake County Department of Public Works reported Monday that the Dry Creek Cutoff low water crossing near Middletown has closed for the winter.

For more information, contact the Lake County Department of Public Works, 707-263-2341.

The next class will take place at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30.

Lake County Assessor-Recorder Doug Wacker will be the featured speaker. He will speak on the various documents available for genealogical research.

The Lake County Genealogical Society members meet Tuesday afternoons to share information and tips related to genealogy. They invite anyone who is interested to join the class whether a beginning or advanced researcher.

These sessions are held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS church) 16th and Hartley in Lakeport.

Classes are free for everyone, and participation does not require membership in either the Lake County Genealogical Society or the LDS Church.

The Umpqua Bank Wish Trees help collect toys for children in need during the holiday season. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – There are still a few tags left on the Child Protective Services Wish Trees at the Lakeport and Kelseyville Umpqua Bank stores.

Wish tree organizers said they are amazed every year at the outpouring of support Lake County gives to this very deserving organization and the children they serve, and this year is no exception.

The bank's employees are hearing stories of the great deals found in the county for the gifts already purchased and of entire families getting involved in choosing the tags and purchasing and wrapping the gifts.

“We are truly blessed to live in such a close knit community and understand why generations of families have lived here,” said Paula Bryant, the bank's relationships manager. “We believe you will never find this anywhere else in this country.”

There are tags left and they challenge Lake County to show their support by coming in to get a tag and making sure all of these children have a joyous Christmas.

If you don’t have time to purchase a gift, you can make a monetary donation and they will be happy to do the shopping for you.

Umpqua Bank is located in Lakeport at 805 11th St., and in Kelseyville at 4280 Main St.

Should you have any questions, please call the Lakeport branch at 707-262-3342.

If you must travel during winter storms, be prepared and use caution as well as common sense.

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. In particular, check the antifreeze, tire pressure and tread, brakes, windshield wipers, heater, defroster and exhaust system.

When traveling through snow country, motorists should carry tire chains that are the proper type and size, and are in good condition. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels, so make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.

Other useful items to take are a flashlight, chain repair links, ice scraper or spray deicer, and a shovel.

Taking along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing will make you more comfortable if you experience a lengthy delay.

And before you leave, put an extra door key in your pocket; a number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains.

“A prepared motorist is a safer motorist to themselves, other travelers, and our highway workers,” said Caltrans District 1 Director Charlie Fielder.

Don’t be rushed; get an early start to allow more time to reach your destination safely.

Let someone know your travel plans, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive, and update them if things change.

Keep your fuel tank full in case it’s necessary to change routes or you get caught in a traffic delay.

Above all, be more observant and slow down. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but is an invitation for trouble on snow or ice.

Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

Before traveling and during your trip, be sure to check current road conditions.

Call the California Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623, or go online to www.dot.ca.gov.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m at the Lucerne Community Church, 5870 E. Highway 20, in Lucerne.

Come at 6:30 p.m. to visit and have coffee and snacks.

The featured speaker will be Wil Gonzalez, who will provide a workshop on flower arranging.

This is a hands-on workshop. He will show members and guests how to arrange flowers for a dramatic effect in decorating. Guests please bring a vase and frog and your hidden talents, plus your enthusiasm.

Gonzalez is a San Francisco native and resident of Ukiah. He works for Rain Forest Fantasy Garden Shop, is a member of The American Institute of Floral Designers and the “Hey Flower Guy” in the Ukiah Daily Journal.

He also is a Tournament of Roses Parade floral designer for Fiesta Parade Floats, most recently heading up the team of designers on the Natural Balance Float, which featured snowboarding bulldogs. The float is the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the longest single chassis float.

His home in the mountains give inspiration to his personal design style. He was induced into AIFD in 2007, Sun Valley Cup 2007.

He is currently president of the Northwest Region, is on the Teleflora Education Unit Nor Cal/Nev. Gonzalez also is the president of the Ukiah Garden Club.

North Lake Garden Club is a member of California Garden Clubs Inc., National Garden Clubs Inc. and the Mendo-Lake District.