Dam Diverted … for now
We provided a list of concerns related to construction of a dam on Phinetta Lake. At the follow-up meeting in Little Fort on October 24, it became apparent that the Lemieux Creek Watershed Roundtable members are mostly concerned about the damming practices on Taweel Lake, which affects stream flow, and subsequent irrigation practices sourced at Lemieux Creek. The focus of the Little Fort group will be to initiate a meeting with the Ministry of Environment, Fisheries, First Nations, Parks, & DFO to discuss issues around the Taweel Lake Dam Structure. For the immediate future, damming Phinetta Lake seems to be off the table, however as stewards of this lake and its surrounding watershed, we will monitor status.
Development not changed
Despite the interest shown in our list of concerns presented to Land and Water BC (ILMB) in April, we are advised, “… the plans for development have not changed …”. We sent a letter in November, voicing our disappointment to Minister Pat Bell, Agriculture and Lands, offering to send a contingent to meet with the Ministry. We’ll keep you posted.
In the Zones
Executive members attended a public meeting in Clearwater to hear about the new zones for the TNRD, one of which is required to rezone the proposed development site to a resort. On behalf of our membership, we have provided written feedback to the proposed zone. We found the bylaws somewhat generalized and not providing for the safeguards we would expect to protect the watershed and sensitive ecosystem. There are a number of other “mechanisms” available such as development permits and restrictive covenants – if the land is included in an OCP (Official Community Plan) – which unfortunately, this land is not. We have expressed our intent to pursue these mechanisms as if the land was in an OCP and are proceeding with preliminary land use planning of our lakes in expectation of seeing Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta lakes included in an OCP in the near future.
Lake Stewardship
While we suspend lake monitoring during ice-on, we are continually active with our stewardship role of the lakes and lakeshores. Ice on and off status at all three lakes is a key piece of information submitted to BCLSS, and our two uninhabited lakes (during the winter) must be visited regularly in the fall and spring.
Boundary Unchanged
In spite of positive support from various levels of government, it seems the Manager of the TNRD has quashed discussions on changing the Regional District Boundary line, which splits Lac des Roches between the TNRD (Thompson-Nicola) and CRD (Cariboo). According to Maureen Pinkney, it was not specifically a Lac des Roches issue as the TNRD was looking at all lakes in the TNRD that have a split boundary. We have not given up on the boundary change but will table our arguments until we have the opportunity to meet face to face with the TNRD directors.
Land Use Planning
An Official Community Plan or Official Lake Management Plan will be our focus in 2007. There has been an indication from Maureen Pinkney, (Area L CRD Director) that there may be interest from the TNRD to prepare a joint TNRD/CRD OCP to include all of Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta lakes. A key part of this exercise would be mapping out the geography of the lake, including existing land reserves and developed areas, adding the potential Heritage Trail designation and desired green space, ecological and wildlife preserves. Some of this work, especially the mapping work, may be eligible for funding from the CRD and we are in discussions with Ms Pinkney over this option.
Around the Lakes …
This winter, we have seen an increase of wolves on our lakes and in our area. A pack of 5 wolves routinely hunt the south shore of the big lake.
Snow and ice conditions are excellent for winter fun however the many underwater springs decrease ice depth in certain spots on the lakes. Be careful!
General Items
Al Wallewein noticed inconsistencies in screen functionality and has overseen a number of improvements to the website. We encourage members to check our website often for “NEW” updates.
Watch for our annual community newsletter this spring. Editor, Marie Wallewein will accept submissions through our website email address.
Gordon Marshall reported at the October General Meeting, our membership now totals 172.
Please pencil the following meeting dates into your 2007 calendars. We need your input into planning.
- May 30, 2007
- July 25, 2007
- August 22, 2007 (Annual General Meeting)