The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake invite everyone to attend a presentation on the watershed area April 18 at the Bridge Lake Elementary School. Steve Mericle from the fisheries branch of British Columbia Ministry of Environment will discuss the health of the watershed and potential problems with development and resource activity, as well as fish stocking success – a key topic of interest to many area fishers. The stocked lakes include Muddy, Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta. Mericle did a similar presentation last month on the Sheridan and Bridge lakes areas and also has information on them. The presentation from 1 to 4 p.m. is open to anyone at no cost and promises to be an informative and entertaining afternoon.
Responders first rate
A March 23 medical emergency serves as a reminder of how appreciative the residents are that several local individuals who, through volunteering with the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department, aid and comfort their neighbours during times of crisis as first responders.
Local crafts
Our talented neighbour Eva Bechtel will show a few of her many crafting talents this month at the Bridge Lake Library’s Community Showcase. Eva’s fabric painting is well-known, as several area ladies proudly wear the silk scarves they painted at one of Eva’s classes, hosted by the Bridge Lake Community School Society. Her display will include examples of her painting, knitting and beading, which may be offered in future craft classes.
Logging changes everything
Logging east of Lac des Roches has changed the viewscape for decades to come. With the border of thick pine trees gone from the sides of the road, driving Highway 24 is like being in a whole new place. Just west of the Opax Café, travellers can now get a glimpse of pristine Birch Lake, previously hidden by several kilometres of dense forest. One neighbour has lamented the loss of an exceptional huckleberry patch to the logging vehicles, but will get some enjoyment from scouting out the untouched forest for a new source this summer.
Birders active
Wendy Marshall will lead the first summer birding expedition April 12. The destination is Green Lake and the birders will be in search of bluebirds, cranes hawks, and others species. People with any level of birding interest are invited to join in on this fun morning, which will start out and end at the Bridge Lake Elementary School. Meet at the school at 7:30 a.m. where car pooling and fuel cost sharing will be arranged. Let Wendy know if you are attending by tonight (April 11) at 250-593-2327. The group will be back at the school by noon.
Rural critters
It is satisfying to see the return of so much wildlife, as it reinforces the fact, that despite deep lingering snow and below zero temperatures, spring is here. For several weeks, the noisy crows have drowned out the more pleasant songs of the robins and blackbirds. There are daily sightings of the year’s firsts – two being Canada geese on April 2 and a lone butterfly on April 3.
Friends’ activities
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake met March 23 to review their year’s planned activities. Volunteer members will continue to monitor lake quality and submit data to the BC Lake Stewardship Society, as well as provide community communication through its membership newsletters and regular postings to its website at www.lacdesroches.org.