Distribution of a boating etiquette flyer, a joint solution between the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Society and the Lac des Roches Resort owner, seems to be having a positive influence on visiting boaters to the lake. One large recreational boat in particular recently displayed exceptional courtesy to a small sailboat and respect of the provincial speed limit of 10 km/h within 30 meters of shore, while towing a tuber the long distance in and out of the popular access #7 boat launch area. Several residents witnessed this exemplary behaviour and wanted to share this "good boating story" with interested readers, especially due to the recently published accounts of "bad behaviour. " Lake users who may want a copy of the Safe Boating Guide and boating etiquette suggestions can obtain a free copy of both through the society’s e-mail, contactus@lacdesroches.org.
Lower lake level
Lake levels dropped very quickly in August and continue to drop due to the returning heat wave and rare gravel "beaches" have appeared all around the shores of the lake. Rock shoals and underwater snags are closer to the surface now and will do significant damage to boats if not avoided. Many of the snags move with the shifting ice and high winds in the spring so their locations are unpredictable, unknown and unmarked.
Rural road rage
With only one more long weekend to go this summer, the abuse of the local roads will soon, thankfully, come to an end. ATVs, motorcycles and dune buggies will no longer tear up and down Boultbee, McCarthy and Cottage Country roads, creating noise, dust and safety hazards. Despite being located on the edge of the wilderness, we are not located in the wilds of backcountry BC as some visitors seem to think. A resident’s comment, worth repeating, was that these roads are the front streets to our homes and these riders would certainly not put up with such conduct in front of their homes, in their neighbourhood! Hmmm.
Closure continues
The province’s voluntary closure of forests, urging "all persons to stay out of backcountry areas," is still in effect as evidenced by the posted sign at the Lac des Roches rest stop. Forestry workers and a fire warden patrolling the area indicated that visitors to the area are respecting the open fire ban, despite the near freezing night-time temperatures we have been experiencing over the last few weeks. The closure is affecting typical late summer activities for some residents, like blueberry picking and firewood gathering, but it is more important that residents remain diligent and observant for evidence of wild fires while the area continues to be so dry.
Executives elected
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, the community and lake stewardship society, held its AGM on Aug. 20. All expired executive positions were renewed by acclamation of the incumbents. Board member and society information is on their website, www.lacdesroches.org.
Great gardens
What a great year to take up recreational gardening in the South Cariboo! In spite of the many critters that have been munching on chives, carrot tops and kohl- rabi leaves, we have vegetables galore! Not the calibre of the ones I viewed at the Bridge Lake Fair, but tasty just the same. On the advice of my thoughtful neighbour, I am journaling my failures and successes. My biggest boo-boo yet was planting the entire package of zucchini seeds for just two of us — although I have been experimenting with our food dehydrator and found I really like dried zucchini chips.