As mentioned in my last column, the high spring water level on Lac des Roches has resulted in large volumes of debris. Several residents have commented that there is a substantial amount of garbage, or unidentified floating objects (UFOs), also on the lake. Styrofoam, plastic drinking bottles, plastic bags, potato chip bags and toys are the most common articles collected from the water. No doubt the unpredictable wind gusts are the culprit as they will blow anything light and loose from around a cabin and often deposit them into the lake. Residents and visitors are reminded to be careful with refuse to prevent it from ending up in the lake and becoming a hazard, not to mention an eye-sore, to lake users and wildlife. If garbage is encountered on the lake or lakeshore, retrieve it if possible and dispose of it properly. Everyone’s help is appreciated.
History
While so much is changing regarding weather patterns and the environment, I thought it would be beneficial to provide a short report on the highlights of area nature events, especially during spring when there is so much going on. Here’s what was observed last week: Rhubarb is ready for picking, eating and freezing. Dandelions are thriving in the fields and attracting the ever-popular pollinating bumble bees. The blooms came out on all the Saskatoon bushes. All aspen groves now have unfurled leaves, still green with little sign of the aspen leaf miner that turns the leaves silver. The chironomid hatch has the air above the shoreline thick with tasty food for the many birds. The yellow pollen from the trees was everywhere, especially on the lake surface where it collects in swirls and streamers resembling modern art. Mosquitoes were present in the early mornings and evenings but the hot dry air during the day gave substantial relief from the pesky critters — if you could stand the heat outdoors!
Spring excursions
Local resident Wendy Marshall has been busy hosting events for two of her many passions. On May 25, she welcomed an early morning group to the lake for a bird observation walk which was highlighted by viewing a bald eagle’s nest which contains two eaglets this year. On May 30, Wendy shared her many decades of Cariboo gardening experiences to a crowd of interested and would be vegetable and flower gardeners. Thanks to Wendy, for sharing her experience, enthusiasm and wit with all of us.
Truck and trains
There seems to have been a recent increase in freight truck traffic on Highway 24. It seems that since the May temporary closure of Highway 97, due to the 70 Mile House forest fire, the redirected drivers may have found that Highway 24 is a more desirable route for hauling freight, despite the 10 km hill between Lac des Roches and Little Fort. On the topic of freight trucks, what a startling experience to hear the toot of a train’s horn now that the windows are kept open after dark. It seems that one — perhaps several — freight trucks have installed horns that mimic the distinct sound of a train horn often used at railway crossings. Presumably, these blasts along the highway are keeping the wildlife out of harms way at several wildlife highway crossings.
Kept informed
Local community group Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake has published its annual community newsletter. Full of information on the society’s work and the Lac des Roches watershed, readers can view the online version at www.lacdesroches.org.