Author: lacdesroches

Cariboo District Area L Director Bruce Rattray advises Canada Post will consider changing Area L addresses from Lone Butte to Bridge Lake, Deka Lake or Sheridan Lake if requested by local government. This change would not affect mail delivery itself, but it would change the official “city” designation on the address to a more geographically correct one. It would mean officially changing addresses for those businesses and private residents affected. Bruce needs input from his constituents and is asking for opinions to be sent to him at brattray@cariboord.bc.ca or 250-593-9359.

Busy long weekend

Despite rain showers, the lake was very well used. From most accounts, fishers had great success even though there was a wide range of watercraft using the lake near some of the popular fishing shoals. In just a few warm nights, the lake went from "a little too chilly" to "warm enough" for swimming and the temperature continues to rise with this lovely summer weather.

Be prepared

Operating permit, safety equipment, licences and alcohol seemed to be priority items for the conservation officer who toured around Lac des Roches and checked boaters on July 7. Several infractions were reported; however, they were mostly as a result of poor memories as opposed to intentional disregard of the law. A boater’s operator permit and driver’s licence may be safe, tucked away at the cabin, but its absence from the boat will – at the very least – warrant a warning ticket to the operator. Visits from both conservation officers and RCMP members can be expected throughout the summer at all British Columbia lakes.

Troublesome trees

Regardless of how it came to be librated, the huge spruce tree floating in the middle of Lac des Roches on the July long weekend has been relocated to its final resting place. Our safety-conscious neighbour used his big boat, latched onto the travelling timber and towed it to Snag Bay. There, alongside dozens of other displaced deadfalls, it will provide a new feeding ground for rainbow trout and roosts for waterfowl and birds.

Leaf miners

Finally, the aspen trees around the lake seem to be getting a reprieve from the leaf miner that has been plaguing the area for the last few years. Although there is evidence the little critters have been burrowing in the aspen leaves, there are fewer of them and the damage is minimal. With dark green, healthy looking aspen covering the slopes, we may finally enjoy some brilliant autumn colours this coming fall.

Wildlife watching

Bucks, does and fawns are regularly seen around the lake. The fox and several badgers are moving through the yards along Boultbee Road. Bear sightings had slowed down, but fresh bear scat near the east end of McCarthy Road indicates a bear is nearby. Up to three bald eagles at a time have been observed watching the lake from the tree tops on Carlos’ point and this probably explains why there has been a decrease in the number of waterfowl chicks swimming in the quiet bays nearby.

Lakes, ponds and creeks have been overflowing their banks with the excessive rain that has been falling in the area. For most residents, excessive rainwater is simply an inconvenience since the sloped terrain usually provides good drainage and water runs away from structures and other development. A wet spring however, can provide the best conditions for certain yard work. Poking rocks from grassy areas and pulling grass from rocky areas is much easier when the ground is saturated and loose.

Excessive water

Changing lake levels make daily lakeshore strolls somewhat adventurous, as the terrain keeps changing. Some boggy areas have become too wet to pick through, creeks are too wide to jump over and grounded deadfalls are either too unstable to act as bridges or are gone entirely. Trees and other debris continue to be dislodged by the rising water and travel back and forth in the lake as the wind direction changes. A wayward waterfowl nesting platform that spent two years lodged in the McCarthy Bay is now gone and has yet to be spotted in one of the many shallow bays on the big lake.

Better late than never

Our location and elevation is the reason for a late starting and short summer. The renowned Mayfly hatch occurs in June and July, not May as the name suggests. Our June berries, or Saskatoon berries, were only just flowering in June and are usually ready for picking in late July and August. Once again, our April showers arrived in June. Accompanying cold temperatures slowed the growth of many wild and domestic plants, but with any luck and if the optimistic gardeners in the area are correct, once the heat of summer arrives in July and August, like last year, vegetables and fruits will thrive – late but luscious.

Friends monitoring

In addition to water quality monitoring throughout the summer, members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake are a few of the estimated 2,500 volunteers partaking in the annual North American secchi dip in. From June 23 to July 15, water clarity is measured at fresh water lakes, using a specially designed black-and-white secchi disc. Clarity or transparency of fresh water is a key indicator of the health of a lake’s ecosystem. The British Columbia Lake Stewardship Society invites interested volunteers to contact it at info@bclss.org or 1-877-BCLAKES (225-2537) for more information.

Treatment team update

The team from Williams Lake is scheduled to spray invasive plants on private properties around Lac des Roches on July 9-13. Properties must be pre-registered for treatment (1-800-665-1636), and they’re if not attended to this year, it will be automatically added to next year’s schedule.

Chase is on

The Boultbee walkers recount their wildlife sightings when they meet daily. Lately, a common theme with the very active critters is "chasing" – of the usual and somewhat unusual kind. Reports include a crow chasing a ground squirrel; a fox chasing a mouse; a fawn (the size of a kitten) chasing its mother; a swallow chasing a chipmunk; a doe chasing its previous year’s fawn and a badger chasing a ground squirrel. Although not so much a chase, there are several accounts of black bear and white-tailed deer, high-tailing it into the forest when spooked by local trekkers and their dogs.

Simultaneous sightings of several badgers on Boultbee Road on May 30 had residents hopeful they had returned, but it seems the critters may have just been passing through the area, as the sightings ended after a couple of days. Anyone who does witness the movements of badgers or recent evidence at their burrows in the Cariboo Region is encouraged to report their sighting at www.badgers.bc.ca or call 250-398-4671.

Greens galore

A dozen enthusiastic gardeners toured Rosely Farms located above the McDonald rest stop above Lac des Roches on June 3. The sloped terrain on the north side of the lake seems to generate its own micro-climate from the heat that flows upward on the south facing land. Val and Guy Drebet boast a flourishing market garden that does well in our short growing season and may even include fresh corn later this summer. This year, Drebets are supplying produce through the Bridge Lake Store, as well as right from their garden located at the first driveway on Cottage Lane.

Painting on silk

On June 24, Eva Bechtel will hold her third popular class for this unique and surprising painting craft. Eva supplies all the materials for each participant to create their very own wearable piece of art and no experience is necessary. Call Wendy at 250 -593-4538 to register for the one-day class to be held at the Bridge Lake Community School.

Spraying delayed

The Cariboo Regional District has Lac des Roches on its schedule for herbicide treatment of invasive plants growing on private property. The wet weather has pushed the timeline to mid-July, but with so much interest expressed by residents, our area will definitely receive some attention. Natalie Borkowski can still accept applications if there is more interest expressed at 1-800-665-1636.

Keeping wells well

Spring and autumn are typically good times for sanitizing water wells, which removes the build-up of impurities in domestic water systems. A few days of inconvenience during treatment is well worth the improved quality and safety of drinking water. Periodic analysis is necessary to determine the frequency of sanitization appropriate for each well, but a rule of thumb recommended is to test water twice a year. Although the majority of area residences are supplied by lake water, back lots are usually serviced by wells, which need to be maintained.

Friends update

The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake Society has published and is distributing its annual community newsletter, which will be on its website at www.lacdesroches.org. Note the society has a new mailing address for membership renewal and other correspondence. It is now Box 193; Bridge Lake, B.C. ; V0K 1E0.

Weeds dandy

Despite their many attributes as a nutritional food source, the dandelion plant is an unwelcome weed for most people. Fields and roadsides are blanketed with these bright and beautiful “Cariboo sunflowers. ” I admit I get over-anxious and take the weed whacker to these hardy and prolific plants growing both in our yard and on the boulevard. My brother visited recently and cringed at the sight of all these weeds. He claims to struggle with keeping his city-sized 20- by 30-foot plot of lawn, free of these unwanted plants. He did, however, give me a chuckle, worth repeating. He said, “When I die, bring me back as a dandelion – they seem to be able to live just about anywhere and they never completely die. ” Isn’t that the truth?

Whether using flies, gang trolls or spoons, it is great to see residents out on the lake supporting the sport fishing industry of British Columbia. As confirmed last month by fisheries biologist Steve Maricle, the size and health of Lac des Roches supports a large number of mixed species and rainbow trout fishing can be very rewarding. Several local experts have shared their knowledge on the technicalities and techniques of fishing the lake and have made this information available to the public on the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake website in several past newsletters. Some basic reminders are rainbow trout feed on the shoals; gulls feed on insect hatches and any noise in a boat will carry very far underwater and drive away even the hungriest of fish. Anyone enjoying successful fishing on Lac des Roches or Birch Lake is invited to record their catch information on a creel report, which is submitted to Maricle and used to manage the annual stocking program. Contact the writer for more information.

Boultbee bear

A beautiful black bear has taken up residency at the east end of Boultbee Road. It has been seen and heard at all hours of the day and evening fairly regularly during the past few weeks. So far, no cubs have been spotted, so making enough noise to prevent startling it seems to be all it takes to keep the bear at bay. Residents are doing a great job of keeping each other informed of sightings and notifying seasonal users and visitors of the hazard. We should be able to share our neighbourhoods with a wild bear if we use caution and common sense, whether walking in the woods or storing garbage. Be bear aware at all times.

Messy long weekend

Despite several family reunions, a celebration of life gathering and a garage sale, the area neighbourhoods were fairly quiet during the May long weekend. Most boaters were out for fishing and politely shared the lake with the growing number of paddlers and there were few off-road vehicles on the roads. The excess garbage strewn about the rest stop by animals was a terrible eye-sore but was cleaned up by Thursday noon.

Critter and nursery watch

Our neighbourhoods are filled with fawns, kits, cubs, goslings and fledglings all being protected by their parents and several residents are acting like proud and protective grandparents. Even baby ground squirrels are cute until they start digging ankle-twisting holes in the fields. Thanks to a nearby resident for confirming the exciting news that a herd of five elk have moved into the area, just west of Lac des Roches.

Blooming berries

Strawberries and Saskatoons are flowering and give hope we will have another good year of berry picking. Last year, wild strawberries were sparse and Saskatoons were late but they tasted wonderful all winter long. Rhubarb plants are just about ready to harvest. I experimented with rhubarb this winter and one concoction was particularly tasty. To make an individual serving of mock chocolate pudding, start with a servings size (1/3 cup) of unsweetened stewed rhubarb slightly warmed and add ½ tsp. cocoa powder, sweetener to taste (I use about a tablespoon of no calorie sweetener) and 2 tablespoons of skim milk powder. Stir, eat and enjoy! Adding a tablespoon or two of thawed huckleberries is a wonderful variation as the sweet berries explode into the chocolate as you eat them. A few seconds in the microwave will convert the pudding to a mousse.

Just east of Lac des Roches, Birch Lake is the summer homes to a dozen cabin owners and a popular fishing lodge. It is also where extensive logging of beetle-killed trees occurred last winter. While removal of these tinder-dry trees is necessary, residents are likely shocked by the results. Damage to the road drainage and the resulting mud holes has already surprised a resident in a four-wheel-drive truck, stuck in muddy ruts of – what is now – a logging road. Dry and warm weather will improve the usability of the road for residents and tourists not equipped with rough-terrain vehicles, however until it is repaired, conditions could restrict movement for some unwary users.

Great gardening

A local wise gardener said a rule of thumb for planting outdoors was “when the leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear. ” Although not scientific, it certainly seems appropriate for our climate. A more systematic approach is expected at the gardening discussion on June 3. Rosely Farm, the market garden on the slopes overlooking Lac des Roches, is the site of this year’s garden tour and talk. Hosts Val and Guy Drebet will share their solutions for growing vegetables in our challenging environment. Call Wendy at 250-593-4538 for more information. The registration fee of $10 will support the Bridge Lake Community School Society.

Returning loons

The day the first loon returns to Lac des Roches is as important to many residents as the date the lake is finally ice-free. These events often occur within days, if not hours, of each other. Several residents are involved with the Loon Watch program and monitor the success rate of several pairs of mating loons in surrounding lakes. Experts agree that loons provide indication on the environmental health of a watershed.

Ice off drama

Every year the ice goes out on the lakes differently and at different times. Just days after a severe rain storm, Little Lac des Roches was ice-free on April 30. Lac des Roches followed on May 5. Although the ice disappeared quickly, there was minor damage to several unprotected docks. Floating debris is abundant and will take time to be blown and lodged onto shoals and shores.

Badgers gone

There is no longer evidence of badgers on the slopes along Boultbee Road. Residents report their presence last year made a noticeable reduction in the ground squirrel population and for that reason, they may have moved on to a more bountiful territory.

Highway sights

Throughout April while residents slept, a large hauling project was underway along Highway 24. A huge piece of equipment, destined for a northern mine was taken in several 22-and-a-half foot wide pieces on the back of a flatbed. Cargo this wide needs the entire highway, so it was assisted by five pilot vehicles, and the highway was temporarily closed for up to 10 kilometres at a time to ensure the safe passage of the rig. Restricted to movement in the dark hours between midnight and 5 a.m. , the sky was lit up with dozens of flashing warning lights. The slow moving hauler emitted a much different sound than is usually heard from the faster transport trucks using this same route. It was likely the combination of strange lights and sounds that caused many household pets to be awakened and alarmed, always at around 12:40 a.m. The final leg of the three-day journey from the seaport to the mine began at the top of the Little Fort Hill, placing the convoy – snaking along the lake – at precisely the same time each trip.

Spreading thistles are a major problem in the grassland around Lac des Roches, but the Cariboo Regional District’s Invasive Plant Management team is going to help residents take control of the problem. Thanks to the efforts of several residents, property owners have been contacted and most have invited the team to assess and treat spot problems in the region. Initial application of herbicide is applied by the team free of charge to landowners and free support is available following that. Residents who may not have been contacted can call 1-800-665-1636 for more information.

Mail delivery maintained

The latest update on the Bridge Lake post office closure has a mitigated impact to residents. Since the majority of box holders responding to the survey opted for rural boxes, Canada Post had indicated that mail delivery will be moved from the store to roadside boxes located just across from the store. Residents will retain their box numbers and the Bridge Lake address. This is a temporary solution until civic addresses can determined for all customers. Relocation of other postal services to Sheridan Lake or Interlakes corner is yet to be decided.

Earth day cleanup

Thanks goes to those residents who picked up roadside refuse during Earth Day cleanup week. Unfortunately filling dozens of bags with used beverage containers has become the norm for this annual cleanup. Sadly, coffee cups, cigarette packages and food wrappers fill almost as many bags, even within yards of garbage bins at the McDonald rest stop.

Jump for Heart

Piper and Jessica Loft from McCarthy subdivision are just two of the entire student population at Bridge Lake Elementary School who are raising money for the BC & Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation by skipping rope. The jump rope event was on May 4, but the girls have until May 11 to increase their donations. Anyone willing to add to their pledges can phone the writer.

Disturbing break-ins

Thefts at cabins on Boultbee Road have led residents to scrutinize unfamiliar vehicle and foot traffic on local rural roads. All residents are encouraged to observe and report any suspicious or unfamiliar behaviour.

Watch for rolling roches

It is unlikely that Lake of Rocks (Lac des Roches) got its name for large rocks found on the road, but that was the result from the downpour on April 26 to the cut bank near the end of Boultbee Road. Boulders loosened by the rain where small enough to clear manually but large enough to have caused serious damage if struck by a vehicle.

Road repair required

Residents of Birch Lake may be surprised and dismayed at the condition of their access road this spring. Extensive logging activity along the road has deteriorated the road to four-wheel-drive only. Wet ground and load restrictions will hamper repair until after the spring thaw and the first holiday weekend of the season.

Friends monitor water

Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake gathered May 1 to expand local water testing. In addition to the volunteer level 1 testing, the Ministry of Environment will conduct level 2 testing on Phinetta and Birch lakes and Little Lac des Roches for the next three years. This data will be added to that already collect for Lac des Roches as part of its creation of a watershed plan for the region.

Surprise under melting snow

That set of keys thought to be lost on the frozen lake – and presumed drowned – has appeared from under the melting snow just blocks from the owner’s house.

Despite the extra effort to trailer snowmobiles closer to snow-filled trails, the last weekend of sledding for most of the local riders proved to be very rewarding with the excellent spring riding conditions enjoyed over the Easter long weekend. Several spouses, who opted out of sledding, organized their own all-terrain vehicle outing on the lake. Equipped with carafes of tea and coffee and some home-baked goodies, several ladies enjoyed a wildlife viewing ride around the entire lake. Several sets of fresh moose and wolf tracks were observed as well as an encounter with the ice golfers on Little Lac des Roches. The ladies politely declined the offer of a round of golf and chose to stick to their scheduled travelling tea party.

Fish science enjoyed

A presentation on the biology of trout, their habits and habitat might create a vision of a somber group of people absorbing information on a relatively dry topic. That is definitely not the case when the presenter is Steven Maricle from Ministry of Environment, expert biologist and avid fisherman – with an obvious passion for the sport and science of fishing. Add Steve’s sense of humor to the mix and you will get an enthusiastic discussion with an attentive and thoroughly entertained audience. Thirty-four people attended the Lac des Roches fishery presentation at the Bridge Lake Community School on April 18. Steve was pleased to share his knowledge of fish management in the entire watershed and it was apparent some of the well-seasoned anglers attending were surprised at some of the facts and implications water quality, spawning channels and hatchery fish stocking on sport fishing success. Thanks go out to Gord and Wendy Marshall with the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake for hosting this event and offering it to the public.

Unsafe ice

Lake ice has become unstable and unsafe and is not recommended for any activity. Although many access points are still frozen, large natural holes can be seen forming under what is now very thin ice.

Ice a playground

Lakeside Bed and Breakfast of Gerald Crescent hosted its third annual ice golf tournament on the frozen water of Little Lac des Roches on the Easter weekend. The ice conditions were ideal for the 12 participants who travelled from as far as the Lower Mainland for the event. Everyone enjoyed barbequed food served out on the ice, several rounds of golf and beautiful Cariboo spring weather.

Early birds abundant

April birding expeditions have been great successes according to organizer Wendy Marshall. The list of species sightings is ong and varied. Spring is a particularly rewarding time for birding since our area is a popular stop-over for birds migrating further to the north. The weather has been cooperating and has provided excellent conditions for early morning walks. The group typically meets at the Bridge Lake School at 7:30 a.m. and is back by noon. Future walks are planned for May 3, 10, 24, 31 and June 14 and 28 so mark your calendars.

Deadline passes

Surveys sent out by Canada Post to Bridge Lake clients were to be returned (faxed, mail or email) “no later than April 23. ” However, if the deadline was missed, residents are encouraged to respond anyways. The nearest potential locations, under consideration by Canada Post, and noted on the survey letter, are Sheridan Lake Store, Interlakes Business Corner and Mountain Café on Opax Road.

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.

In February, deep slush and water on top of the ice on Lac des Roches had severely restricted the winter activities normally enjoyed by residents on the frozen lake. There wasn’t much fun in slogging through slush in boots or pulling stuck sleds out of eight inches of water. The ice conditions have improved significantly in March. The top of the slush layer has frozen to the point of supporting significant weight – even that of sleds and all-terrain vehicles. Despite inadequate snow on the lake for skiing or snowshoeing, walking or jogging on the ice is safe and enjoyable, especially since the surface is crusty and provides traction for most boots. Enjoy the ice playground for a while yet, but always use caution.

Burn piles or snow piles

April 2 fire bans in the Cariboo will certainly reduce fire hazards throughout the region, but they will impede backyard cleanup in the Lac des Roches area. Late season snow and cold night temperatures have left deep snow on most properties in this corner of the forest region. Somewhere under the snow are all those downed trees and branches from the fall and winter windstorms. Most residents agree that at the slow melting rate we are seeing in late March, it is doubtful we will see clear driveways and lawns before May.

Safer roads

A maintenance crew was quick to respond to a downed evergreen tree on Boultbee Road caused by a windstorm on March 12. The tree missed power and telephone lines, but posed a hazard to vehicles and would have impeded snow plowing. Road crews have also been out regularly sanding the hilly roads all around the lake, which is especially appreciated by the many pedestrians using them.

Out of bounds

Once again avid snowboarders have amazed residents by taking advantage of knee-deep snow in the area. The boarders hiked above Boultbee Road then glided downhill, across the road and down toward the lake, followed by a hike back up the road in very deep snow. While the huge amount of effort for such a short glide shows an amazing passion for the sport, their path was evidence of disrespect for private property.

Wild wildlife

Both foxes have been spotted around the neighbourhood although they don’t seem to be together any longer. The blonde-coloured fox that frequents the area has been spotted with an injured leg, but seems to be managing well on three healthy legs. While it may be tempting to feed or nurture an injured animal, neither is appropriate.

Spring hazards

Slick ice from melting snow is an annual spring hazard made even more treacherous on the sloped properties around the lake. Different compounds used for boot soles have varying gripping capabilities, but not be adequate for walking safely in these changing weather conditions. Ashes and sand sprinkled on icy walk paths are solutions, but must repeated as the grit melts into the ice. Ice spikes that slip on and off boots are a worthwhile investment. Sliding snow and falling icicles from structures are a real threat to people and pets and should not be under-estimated for their destructive power. Where hazards exist, property owners should restrict access with flagging or barriers wherever possible.

Correction

Due to my spelling error, I would like to clarify that it was Mobergs’ dog, Sherpa, which succumbed to her injuries. Her friendly greetings and puppy-like antics are missed by many.