The upcoming Interlakes Fire Department referendum has highlighted a number of oversights in the legislature that governs the referendum process: the legislation does not require direct notification to the property owners. The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) hosted two public meetings that were advertised and held, June 11 and Aug. 13, at the local community hall. The referendum question was advertised twice, for the advance poll (Aug. 27 and 29) and regular voting date (Sept. 6) in the local 100 Mile House papers. All the notification has been "local" advertisements, which, although compliant to the legal requirement, is one of the significant oversights in the process. In my neighbourhood on Lac des Roches, 93 per cent of the 128 land parcels are owned by persons who live permanently elsewhere. Most were unaware of the local meetings and many were unaware that there is a referendum at all, which will see their property taxes increase if 50 per cent plus one of those who turn out to vote, vote yes. Property owners should be informed of a referendum where the minimum per parcel tax increase is $50 and their "cabin" could see a property tax increase exceeding $500 a year. At the first meeting, the public was invited to provide input into the proposed property tax increase. Many issues, such as maximum number of parcels per owner, assessment values used for the calculation, certification and service requirements of the fire department and possible insurance discounts were raised. The show of hands was an indication that assured funding and certification for our Interlakes Fire Department is a positive step forward for our community. The CRD considered the public’s input and budget requirements and have determined and published the tax rates that will be the referendum question, which they presented at the second meeting. Although there are aspects of the tax calculation that may still be questionable to some, the referendum question has been determined and will proceed to a vote for property owners in Area L. At the June 11 meeting, Maureen Pinkney, elected Area L Representative, mentioned that the addresses of property owners in our area are on several continents around the globe. It is because of this discussion the CRD is now taking extra steps to ensure that non-local property owners are aware of the referendum and have mailed out notices on August 21. Although it is very short notice for many out-of-towners to travel to the Cariboo, pre-register and cast their vote, the CRD, particularly Rick Hodgson, chief election Officer and Rowena Bastien, manager of protective services, deserve a round of applause for their efforts to compensate for an oversight in the process that does not address the unique demographics of the Area L property owners. The referendum legislation is the responsibility of the Ministry of Community Development and is undergoing review. Other areas for improvement that need to be considered are non-resident voter pre-registration requirement, mail-in or proxy voting and the location of advance polling to ensure a democratic process going forward.
Author: lacdesroches
Fire Department changes questioned
Presently, the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) provides fire and medical response through voluntary fees from property owners and various grants. For most, the cost is $60 a year – although apparently only 30 per cent of the residents are paying. Certifying and converting the IVFD to a tax-based service of the Cariboo Regional District seemed like a good idea; however the June 11 public meeting presented a number of issues that have the neighbours talking. The fact that the homes located at the east end of Lac des Roches are in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and will be out of the protected zone is understandable, yet another reason to question the location of this boundary. The proposed tax is a combination of a per-parcel amount of $100 and $28.12 per $100,000 of building assessed values. This means that bare land will be taxed for emergency services, and although initially there was no limit, an arbitrary maximum of three parcels per property owner was proposed but with no basis other than past practice for other taxes. Since this is a tax and not an insurance policy, why is the assessed value of buildings entering into the calculation? Will the IVFD response not be the same whether the emergency is at a $500,000 home or the $30,000 cabin next to it? There is an assumption that with a certified fire department, property owners will see a reduction in their insurance premiums to offset this tax, but this will not be the case for a bare lot or one that is only used to park a licensed vehicle. Written details and justification of the required $750,000 for upgrading equipment and facilities should be supplied to the public. Clearly, there is more work to be done by the CRD for neighbours to make an informed choice at a referendum vote in August.
Firewood permits
The beetle-killed pine trees in the hills around Lac des Roches are reported to be an excellent choice of home-heating firewood. Dead trees harvested as late as this summer are naturally seasoned so that they can be burned this winter. Due to our proximity to the regional forestry boundary, residents should be sure to carry a free cutting permit for the jurisdiction they are in. Both are available on-line. Kamloops: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/FirewoodPermit.htm
100 Mile House: www.for.gov.bc.ca/dmh/forms/Firewood Permit.pdf
Foiled again by a fly
I spoke too soon in my last column about the aspen leaf miner possibly being foiled by our cool spring weather. No sooner was the paper published on June 18 when it became obvious that this destructive bug had returned.
A rural-life lesson
Living in the wilds, few homes can pick up a cellular signal or receive television or radio signals without a satellite or Internet connection. Our neighbour had a harsh reminder of our situation on the July holiday weekend when several of his friends headed back to Edmonton, unaware of the road closure on Highway 16, east of Valemount. They could not receive cell calls so they had no warning. There was also no notice at the junction of Highways 5 and 24 in Little Fort, where they could have chosen a more suitable route through southern Alberta, so, they proceeded north, only to be diverted through Prince George and Grande Prairie. A trip that should have taken 10 hours to drive, took 18 Ouch!
Skies are busy over Lac des Roches
The skies over Lac des Roches have been filled with flying objects and not just the hundreds of swallow fledglings. Several float planes have dropped in for visits, as they routinely do; however, the ultra-light planes that buzzed over the fields near the rest stop were an uncommon sight. None of the neighbours seem to know the pilots of these small craft, but we hope they had safe flights. Our unpredictable wind gusts have upset many unsuspecting windsurfers and sailboats and would surely be a challenge for these fragile flying machines!
Chilly playground
An improvement in the weather for the latter half of the August long weekend was a welcome bonus for the many lake users who braved our chilly waters. I especially enjoyed watching the antics of the skiing threesome as it brought back old memories of my four brothers and I, skiing together behind my Dad’s boat. The unseasonably cold weather and winds have kept the lake from warming to a pleasant swimming temperature we usually have in August but it appears that the weather was ideal for the annual Bocce ball tournament. Boaters are reminded of the law to reduce their boat speed to 10 km/h within 30 meters of all shores.
Sharing the land
I am not fond of some of the critters we share our property with. The gophers leave dirt piles and rocks that catch on the lawnmower blade. The crows start squawking way too early in the morning. The Bonaparte gulls harass anyone venturing into the quiet bays. No, I am not fond of these critters but it warms my heart to see their babies every summer. It is comical to watch the baby gophers chase each other in the grass and up and along the split rail fence. The line of baby crows hops along in a clumsy manner behind their mom, jumping onto the fence rails and teetering unsteadily. The fluffy baby gulls have discovered that the top of duck deterrent netting strung on our floating dock is a soft perch and under the netting is a safe haven from the many eagles perched above the bay. Although I realize these are critters-in-training, it is sure a pleasure to watch the antics of the babies every summer.
Outdoor garden
A resident has a solution to deterring the many deer, which regularly nibble in her outdoor garden. A beaten egg, mixed with a cup of water, sprayed on the leaves of the garden vegetables has successfully deterred the deer this season.
Best Wishes
There is a noticeable absence of many of our neighbours this year. Initially, there was speculation that the high cost of fuel may have kept some seasonal residents away; however, we have learned that several friends were not able to travel to the lake due to health-related issues. The community sends good wishes to you all with hopes that you can return to the lake soon.
Friends Host AGM
The annual general meeting of the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will be held at the Bridge Lake School on August 27. The evening will begin with a drop-in social hour at 6 p.m. , complete with snacks and refreshments, followed by the meeting starting at 7 p.m. Highlights of the agenda are executive reports, a land use presentation and executive elections. All are welcome!
Regular Member’s Update – July 2008
Meeting with Other Community Groups
Two of our executive members were invited to attend meetings in April with CRD Area L representative, Maureen Pinkney and with South Cariboo MLA, Charlie Wyse. Other invited guests were executives from area community groups from Green Lake, Deka Lake and Bridge Lake. The purpose of the meetings was to establish communications between Regional and Provincial Government representatives and these likeminded groups that have common interests and issues. These were very positive meetings and will hopefully be the first of many such exchanges. They have given us some ideas for follow-up regarding property owner contact lists, inclusion on the Regional Planning Advisory Committee and Provincial parks designation plans.
Friends of Bridge Lake
Bruce and Shirley Rattray of Friends of Bridge Lake attended our May meeting to present their group’s issues. This was in response to our letter to them that did not support their position of opposition to the proposed development, as our members have not voiced their opinion on private development in the South Cariboo.
FoBL have two key issues.
- Opposition to the development of Rainbow Island to 29 strata lots and commercialization of the one servicing mainland lot, and
- Criticism of the public consultation process used by the CRD on such a development.
Bruce presented a history of the group’s formation and the many issues that have been identified to support the opposition to the development. He also mentioned that the dormant Bridge Lake stewardship group, the Upper Bridge Creek Watershed Society, has been absorbed into the Friends of Bridge Lake and provides them with some considerable history of the lake to work with in their future stewardship plans.
At the time of our May meeting, the rezoning hearing was scheduled for May 30. Since then, the CRD was scheduled to vote on the rezoning at their June 27 Regional meeting. On the morning of June 27, a deferment was granted to the developer so that he may investigate an alternative proposal.
Watch for new information posted on their websites, www.crd.bc.ca. or www.friendsofbridgelake.org.
Around the Lakes …
Ice Off – Wendy Marshall will see if our ice-off data has been submitted to the Canadian group that is tracking this information, www.naturewatch.ca.
Birding – Wendy is looking for local help with the new bird atlassing project.
Other May 7 Meeting Items
New Signage – No update on the new lake sign for the rest stop but we are hoping the CRD will still fund this initiative for this year.
Little Lac des Roches Boating Speed Limit – No word yet from the CRD or Transport Canada on our request for further reducing the boating speed from 20 km/hr to 10 km/hr.
Society – We are reconsidering the benefits of forming a registered society. The decision to proceed will be discussed and voted on at the upcoming AGM.
Website – The major revisions to our website are near completion and will go live this summer.
Community Newsletter – Our 2008 newsletter was ready for printing and distribution around the lake by the May long weekend. This is the last year of manual distribution. Non-members will have to provide mailing contact or view the newsletter on our website.
Map-based Land Use Presentation – We will be presenting our land use maps at the upcoming AGM. Workshops to complete this presentation are scheduled throughout July. We encourage members to provide their thoughts on how the area land should be used for inclusion into this project, as it will be going to the CRD and TNRD for consideration of the Official Community Plans for the area.
Deka Lake questions taxes – We received a copy of a letter that was published in the 100 Mile House Free Press from the Deka Lake Ratepayers Association questioning the rural tax increases in the South Cariboo. We will be investigating the entire assessment process further to see how we could best get involved. We would like to hear from our members on if or how you would like to see our group involved in the rural property tax issue.
Stranded Tourists appreciate Cariboo
Australian tourists Norm and Fran, who locked themselves out of their rental car at the rest stop in May, managed to resume their road trip the same evening. Their three-hour ordeal, which ended when the rental company provided the needed code for the keyless lock system, was made less traumatic by the hospitality and kindness extended to them from all who came to their aid.
Unseasonable weather
As expected, the ice came off the big lake on the May long weekend (May 19), a surprise for many of the residents from the south. The rain and colder weather has resulted in a higher-than-normal lake level and is cleaning the shorelines of several years’ build-up of debris. Boaters should watch for logs and branches floating around the lake. On a positive note, high water means the channel between big and little Lac des Roches is easier to maneuver and the underwater shoals pose less of a threat to unwary mariners.
Weather has impacts
The recent rainy, wet weather may not be so welcome by those of us wishing to get out and play on the water but it has been perfect for burning and fire proofing around buildings. I feel a little guilty about dismantling the critter condominiums that have been constructed over the years with all the dead branches, but I figure the squirrels can rebuild faster and cheaper than I can. Their combustible condos are just too close to our barn. The colder weather seems to be delaying the hatch of several bugs and flies this year. The leaf miner, which was on the wing in early May, in search of aspen leaves to lay its eggs, may have been foiled this year as the leaves unfurled in late May.
Power "kneaded"
The three-hour power outage on June 7 should not have been a surprise. Not because of the dead pine trees that threaten the hydro lines, but because I was baking bread with my electric bread maker. This has happened to me before. Although I consider this machine a miracle of inventions – second only to clumping cat litter – even with an automatic generator for just an occasion, a power outage will interrupt the bread making cycle and there is no "resume" button. It can only start over. For a machine that is smart enough to warm, mix, knead, rise and bake, the only improvement I ask for is a resume feature. As it was, I learned that three hours is just right for partially risen bread, to rise again in a conventional bread pan and bake in a normal oven – the old fashioned way! Oh, and I found out that our new propane/electric range has a safety feature that locks the oven door during a power outage, it was not a good day for baking bread. Maybe next time I will call B.C. Hydro before I start the bread maker, just to give them a heads up there may be a power outage!
Water testing begins
Water monitoring commenced with the Ministry of Environment conducting its extensive testing on May 29. While the results were as expected, Wendy Marshall, Lake Monitor with Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, said that this only represents a small picture of the health of the lake and it is the years of collecting data that provides the big picture of the water quality. Throughout the summer, monitors will test at Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake as well.
Boultbee Road turnoff qualifies as a bad corner
Where the Alaska Highway passes through the Rockie Mountains, north of Fort Nelson, I always got a chuckle at a particularly windy spot where progressive road signs cautioned drivers to slow down. They were “dangerous curve”, then Ld bad corner” and finally “very bad corner”. It was effective, everyone slowed down. Now, the Highway 24 corner at the Boutlbee Road turnoff will forever be a “bad corner” in the memory of the driver of an eastbound truck with travel trailer attached who was forced to pull onto the shoulder on the morning of April 29 when an oncoming vehicle “drifted” across the centerline. The shoulder is extremely soft, and the truck and trailer came to an abrupt stop and precarious angle in the soft gravel. The driver jumped from the truck, thinking it was all going to topple down the steep bank. Luckily it didn’t. It took two tow trucks and their skilled operators to pull his unit back up onto the highway with no apparent damage and the driver was able to continue on his less “exciting” journey. The white crosses already erected at the sides of the highway at this spot are indicative of several accidents and close calls at this “very bad corner”.
Late spring
No two springs seem to be alike when it comes to the ice going off the lake. The ice can melt around the edges of the lake and shift slightly with the wind in one huge chunk. The only way we can tell is that it moves our dock with it. When constructed, our dock was straight as an arrow but it has taken on a more meandering “S” shape. The late winter drop in the water level causes the ice to go down too and since it is often frozen to our dock piles, takes our dock down a few inches with it. Walking on our dock is like walking on a roller coaster track! This year the ice is behaving well and melting slowly with our mild days and cool nights. I expect the ice will have gone out during the May long weekend, for my visiting grandkids to see and hear.
Condolences
Some sad news on Little Lac des Roches, as one of our community’s family recently experienced a heartbreaking loss. Jolie, the two year old granddaughter of Joe and Darlene Maddalozzo, died suddenly April 29 from a virulent strain of meningitis. The family is understandably upset by this event, but are trying to cope by raising funds for the B.C. Children’s Hospital. So far 39 people have joined Kelly and Jason Maddalozzo’s (Jolie’s parents’) team in the HSBC Children’s Run. Friends and neighbours are invited to donate to the BC Children’s Hospital in Jolie’s memory.
Friends keeping busy
Shortly after the ice is off the lakes, members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will commence water testing and send their results to the BC Lake Stewardship Society. While the lake was deemed “healthy” last year, annual monitoring provides base line data to understand if certain changes such as pH spikes or algae blooms are normal. The group has published its annual community newsletter which will be available on their revamped website, www.lacdesroches.org early in June.
Community Newsletter – May 2008
Welcome from our Chairman
By Barry Reid
This year, family matters have taken us on trips of more than 15,000 kms across the USA and Canada in spring, fall, and winter. In all our travels one constant has been very evident: watersheds, especially lakes and rivers, are in desperate need of assistance. We have seen rivers almost dry; riparian zones under attack from development; lake levels much lower than normal; floods ravaging normally quiet streams; and fire-damage that has destroyed the undergrowth allowing mud to invade watersheds after the slightest rainfall.
On arriving back home to Lac des Roches, we have felt so blessed to have such a wonderful place to live, and have developed a new resolve to make sure that our watershed does not suffer the same consequences. Of course, there is not much we can do to prevent some of the disasters, which have hit other places, but we can each do a small part to protect and preserve the little piece of paradise, which we call our community. Each of us needs to re-commit to doing what it takes to make sure that we don’t negatively affect our lakes, and we also need to communicate to our guests and friends that the lakes are both fragile and precious … that they deserve to be preserved for future generations.
The Lac des Roches area is a beautiful and relatively unspoiled place in which to live. Let’s each do our part to make sure it stays that way.
All about Friends
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake organized in 2004 to provide a unified voice of opposition to the massive residential development proposed for the east end of Lac des Roches, now “set aside” by the B.C. Government. We will continue to be stewards of the lake and the surrounding area and are gaining recognition as a diversified community group with several important initiatives underway, listed here.
- Lake monitoring and bi-annual testing
- Fish monitoring (Creel Reports)
- Official Community Plan preparation
- Bird monitoring
- ICommunity involvement
Members receive quarterly updates and special messages which are also published on our website. Meetings are held 5 times a year in addition to the August AGM, to be held on August 27 in 2008. Snacks and refreshments served at 6 pm, meeting starts 7 pm at the Bridge Lake Community School.
Issue Updates
Resort & Residential Development:
November and December headlines indicated that the development project was “dead” and “thumbs down” (these articles are reprinted on our website), but that’s not exactly what we were told in the letter from Marie Sturman, of Integrated Land Management Bureau. The project is “set aside”. We are cautiously optimistic but careful to realize there are all kinds of reasons to set aside a project for a while.
Have the beetles ravaging the trees in our area rendered the timber unviable?
Is the land slated for inclusion in a land treaty?
Does the Government not wish to compete with private development in the South Cariboo?
Is there a less public path to follow for this tract of land that would allow the Government to proceed without interventions?
Of course, these are all speculation and hopefully “pie in the sky” thoughts, but we choose to keep our guard up and ask neighbours and friends to watch the local papers for any notification that concerns this area.
Regional Boundary Change:
The TNRD has sent a clear message to the CRD that they will not consider any adjustment to the boundary, which would result in a decrease to the TNRD size or its tax base. Although the issue is at a standstill now, the negative impacts of having the boundary dissecting the lake have not gone away. As we join forces with neighbouring Green Lake residents, who have the same issue, we may find that our voice, for relocating the regional boundary, may be even stronger. Let’s hope.
Water Retention Dams:
Damming of Birch or Phinetta Lakes for water storage purposes is off the table for now, mainly due to the low flush rate issues of Lac des Roches and the concerns arising about fish and wildlife habitat in the lowland meadows. Agriculture Canada redirected their focus on Taweel Lake as it has an existing weir, which, if properly monitored, could provide the needed water storage for Lemieux Creek water licensees. We will continue to monitor this project from the sidelines.
Official Community Plan:
We are working on a detailed Lac des Roches area OCP for inclusion into the Interlakes Community Plan. We plan to show a draft presentation at the August 27 Annual General Meeting.
Our very own Land Plan
Friends of Lac des Roches have been invited to submit a land use plan to the CRD as an addition to the Interlakes Community Plan (OCP). Since last year, we have been collecting data and resident’s input. We still want to know how area residents feel about land use in our area. Our map-based proposal includes, but is not limited to, the following features:
- Geology
- Watershed
- Current land use
- Topography
- Recreational use
- Wildlife areas and bird nesting areas
- Forestry designation
- Meteorological (weather)
- Historical use
- Lake utilization
Name Calling
Propeller Shoal, Sunken Island, Rock Island, Beaver Dam Lake, and Goldpan Creek. These are just some of the names of the many landmarks and water features on Lac des Roches. Whether for bird identification, wildlife sightings, land use determination or emergency response, naming areas on and around the lake improve communication and data collection related to the lake. We welcome ideas for this naming project and that of Birch Lake. Wherever possible, we encourage the name to reflect a physical characteristic of the landmark however we recognize that years of references to locations such as Carlos’ Point and Carol’s Pond will be appropriate aliases, which we will publish as well. The map and the proposed names will be on our website.
It Must be a Sign
By Gordon Marshall
We are hopeful that the planned informational sign at the Highway 24 lookout rest stop on Lac des Roches will be installed early this summer. It will depend on final funding approval by the Cariboo Regional District. The sign will look much like the one at the Roe Lake Hall (Interlakes Community Hall) and will show a detailed map of our watershed area and its various lakes and creeks.
Fast Response
In case of emergency, call 911 immediately. The Ambulance and Paramedics are dispatched from 100 Mile House, but one of the 12 First Responders of the Interlakes area may be only minutes away!
Website Reflects Changes
Al Wallewein has completely reconstructed our website to reflect the changing focus of our organization. The proposal for development of crown land at the east end of Lac des Roches – the reason we formed in the first place – is still available on the website but it now takes a back seat to the many ongoing activities of the group which have become our new focus. Readers are encouraged to have a look at the new website, expected to go live around the beginning of June. The regular community column that appears in the 100 Mile Free Press is reprinted on our web page for the information of lake users and will continue to be added.
Working for Our Members
Current Executive Members and their availability at the lake:
Barry Reid, Chairman (year-round)
Marie Wallewein, Co-chair (year-round)
Bill Jollymore, Media Relations (year-round)
Lorraine Jollymore, Co-media (year-round)
David Woods, Treasurer (part-time)
Al Wallewein, Website (year-round)
Gordon Marshall, Membership (year-round)
Wendy Marshall, Wildlife/Steward. (year-round)
Sharron Woloshyn, Secret./Publicity (year-round)
Lois Motz, Director at large (year-round)
Bev Sinclair, Director at large (part-time)
Madeline Kerr, Director at large (summer)
Heidi Ruegg, Director at large (summer)
Ralph Watson, Director at large (summer)
Position terms are two years in length and voted on at the annual general meeting. On August 27, 2008, several positions will be up for renewal and we are always interested in expanding the executive to include new Directors that are willing to contribute their time to the many initiatives, whether their availability locally is year-round, parttime or seasonal.
Here to Help
In 2007, a resident was concerned about logging in the riparian area of a local property. Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake got involved by contacting the Ministry of Environment, to ensure there is a process for handling complaints of this nature and that they will receive adequate attention. We were satisfied with the response we received, which is for concerned citizens to report their concerns directly to the Conservation Officer 24 Hour Hotline 1.877.952.7277. This is an example of the benefit of having a lake stewardship society, we are here to help.
Birding News
By Wendy Marshall
Bird studies Canada is spearheading the launch of a British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas, with five years of fieldwork scheduled to commence this spring. The entire province has been broken into 100sq. km. blocks, then in the south, further 10sq. km. blocks, for assessing breeding bird distributions. I have volunteered to do Lac des Roches and Birch Lake; which encompasses 2, 10 x 10 km squares. I will be contacting private property owners for permission to atlas on their land. Go to www.birdatlas.bc.ca for more information.
Our spring migrants have had a difficult time this year with our very cold, late spring. Remember to clean out any nest boxes. I’m still topping off feeders at the time of writing this – much later than usual. The ground feeders; juncos and sparrows have had a tough time with daily fresh snow cover. Large flocks of common Redpolls are still around. Normally they have long since left to go north to their breeding grounds.
This season marks the 12th annual Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, on both Little Lac des Roches and the main lake. I’ll try to include Birch Lake this year, while atlassing there. Remember to stay well away from nesting loons. They will always protect themselves first by leaving the nest if boats come too close – thereby leaving their eggs vulnerable to crows, herons, gulls, foxes, dogs, and whatever else preys on them. Once hatched, the chicks are especially vulnerable, as they can’t dive for several weeks.
Only 10% of all migrating songbirds return to their breeding grounds each year. There are many obstacles on their routes and on the wintering grounds.
Gardening 2008
By Wendy Marshall
Along with spring come the annual garden chores. Cut back perennial beds that didn’t get done in the fall, weed, top-dress and fertilize. There are great organic fertilizers available locally, specifically for lawns, flower gardens and veggie gardens. Bone meal is an excellent long-acting booster. A good rule for setting out annuals is the Victoria Day weekend … however this year may be the exception with our late, cold spring and ice – off. The week following will probably be safer. Lawns should be thatched, removing dead grass and aerating, to encourage new healthy growth. I usually start seeding the veggie garden by the middle of May. Check the Almanac for dates.
Creel Reports
By Gordon Marshall
Stephen Maricle, the Small Lakes Biologist with the Ministry of Environment, Thompson Region has once again asked our group to perform a 2008 Creel Report for Little and Big Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. Creel reports are a record of fishing results such as when caught, where caught and fish length. The data is used to determine the condition of trout fishery on the lake and future fisheries programs. We had 7 members who volunteered last year and we hope to get at least 15 volunteers for the 2008 fishing season. If you are willing to participate in this worthwhile program, please contact Gordon Marshall at 250.593.2327 or email gwmarshall@xplornet.com.
Fish Stockings?
Fish stocking levels planned for 2008 is 90,000 yearlings for all of Lac des Roches and 10,000 yearlings for Birch Lake. These numbers are slightly less than 2007 levels. The yearlings are a mixture of Pennask and Blackwater Rainbow Trout, natural and non-reproducing specimens. These yearlings, when introduced, are 4 to 6” in length but will grow to legal catch size of 12” by the following year. These fish will contribute to the biological health of our lakes, taking their place in the natural food chain and filtering the water that many of us use for domestic purposes. Those fish that don’t get eaten by fishers or natural predators can live up to 6 to 8 years and will grow to 10 lbs on our lake. Gordon Marshall has prepared a detailed stocking list on our website, for those interested.
Lake Monitoring
The Ministry of Environment has a keen interest in our three lakes and has requested that we continue to monitor water quality and submit data as members of the BC Lake Stewardship Society. The minimum requirement is 10 consecutive weekly readings during the summer months. Thanks to the following monitors for volunteering their time to conduct water surveys in 2008.
Al and Marie Wallewein – Little Lac des Roches
Gord and Wendy Marshall – Lac des Roches
We are still looking for volunteers for Phinetta and Birch Lakes.
Logging too Close for Comfort
In addition to the active logging up the Wavey Lake Forestry Road, there is Douglas fir beetle control logging planned at Lac des Roches. Luckily, the steep terrain on our south shore hills has deemed the logging there, too costly, (and unsightly)!
SLOW Speed
Friends of Lac des Roches has requested that the CRD make application to Transport Canada to further reduce the boating speed on Little Lac des Roches to 10 km/hr from the existing 20 km/hr. to be in line with the majority of speed restricted lakes in the province. The driving force behind the request is our concern for the safety of lake users and wildlife, mitigation of shoreline erosion and damage to nesting sites and personal property. Recognizing that many lake users use the main lake as their water playground, we specifically steered away from horsepower restrictions. Our letter, detailing past and present problems is on our website.
MEDIUM Speed
It was disturbing to find out that the legal speed limit on our roads (Eagle Island, Boultbee and Gerald Crescent) is 80 km/hr. This is a provincial standard but as we all know … much too fast. A request has been made to the Ministry of Highways to restrict legal speed. Their response has been a commitment to post pedestrian signs at each end of Gerald Crescent. This is a start, but we will continue to press for speed restriction on our roads, quoting safety concerns. Let us know what you think.
FAST Speed
Although many lake users escape the daily grind when they come to the lake, some seasonal residents, like many of the full-time residents, endure the restriction of using dial-up connections for needed access to the Internet. Some residents have invested in satellite services to meet their high-speed connection requirements but many of us keep hoping a cheaper alternative becomes available. A couple of local residents are collecting potential subscriber information for the BC Wireless High Speed Internet provider out of 100 Mile House, who would erect the necessary tower in our area. Your physical location is important as this could impact the tower location. Birch Lake residents may not be in the necessary line of site but any interest from there would help the business case. If you are willing to commit to either 12 month or 6-month service, please add your name to the signup sheet at the Bridge Lake Store or call
Jamie Moberg @ 250.593.4481 or
Andy Steffen @ 250.593.0214.
Comments?
Newsletter input or comments may be directed to Editor/Writer: Sharron Woloshyn, 250.593.0041.
Boating Etiquette and Safety
By Bill and Lorraine Jollymore
Keep boat launch areas clear so that all boaters have equal access.
Don’t mix alcohol and boating. You need your best reflexes to keep you, your boat and other lake users safe. It’s illegal to operate a boat while impaired.
Limit your speed when around other boaters, anglers, swimmers and hidden obstacles. Respect the Universal Shoreline Speed Restriction (10 km/hr within 30 m of the shore).
Be careful when boating at dawn and dusk, or in other conditions of limited light or visibility.
Refrain from running your boat through water being fished by others.
Avoid sensitive habitats such as shallow water, spawning areas, and wildlife nesting or foraging areas. It’s illegal to harass wildlife.
Pack out your garbage. Old fishing line, litter, fuel and oil damage fish habitat, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.
For important information on regulations related to boating safety including; operator competency requirements; horsepower restrictions related to the age of operators, universal shoreline speed restrictions and proper use of personal flotation devices (including Inflatable PFD’s), please refer to Transport Canada’s “The Safe Boating Guide” at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca or ask for a copy through our website.
2008 – 2009 is the Roderick Haig-Brown Centenary Celebration in British Columbia. It seems appropriate that we quote a statement made by him in 1950 (as published in the 2008-09 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis of BC),
“It seems clear beyond the possibility of argument that any given generation of men can have only a lease, not ownership, of the earth; and one essential term of the lease is that the earth be handed on to the next generation with unimpaired potentialities. This is the conservationist’s concern.”
For God’s sake, slow down!!!! This is Only a Farm Pond !!!!
Courtesy of: Morris & Chan on Fly Fishing Trout Lakes
Fly Fishing Lac des Roches
By Bill Jollymore with Lorraine Jollymore
The tactics used are multi-layered and complex. The lake will produce more broken dreams than broken leader tippets. However, both lakes produce excellent fishing opportunities from ice off to ice on. To delve into all the details would fill the pages of a small book. So, let’s look at the basics.
Rods: A rod from 8 ft. to 10 ft. casting a 5 to 8 weight line will do fine.
Reels: A good reel is a must. A smooth running model with a good functioning drag that will hold the fly line and 100 yds of 20 lb. backing will do. Two extra spools are a necessity.
Lines: A good selection would be: Weight forward floating, Weight forward float-sink tip, Med sink, Weight forward full sinking, Medium to fast sink. All in 5 to 8 weight. Now, you see the reason for the extra reel spools.
Leaders: 9 ft. to 16 ft. 3 lb. to 6 lb. test tippets work just fine.
Flies: The following patterns are my favorites. Any chironomid pattern, hare’s ear, pheasant tail, prince nymph, halfback, all the leech patterns, wool worm, wooly bugger, any sedge pattern and of course the tom thumb is a must have.
After you have assembled your battery to defeat the fish, two more things are needed and they are the most important. Patience and perseverance. Good luck.
Dumb Dumping
There have been several instances of illegal dumping of yard and clearing waste on the crown land around our area. The Ministry of Forests has tried to burn these unsightly waste piles but with limited success due to the amount of soil contained in them. Residents can take their waste to the Sheridan Refuse site, just north of the Interlakes corner. You can even make it an outing with the family since you pass by the ice cream and fudge “parlor” at Sheridan Lake! Burning in your yard is a viable option providing there are no bans and Backyard Burning Procedures are followed. For more information, www.bcwildfire.ca or call1.888.797.1717.
A Bumpy Road Ahead
Don’t hold your breath but maybe, just maybe, the 9 km stretch of bumpy highway between Bridge Lake and the east end of Lac des Roches may be repaved in 2008. Until the Ministry announces its plans, local highways officials cannot comment BUT there has been lots of activity in the Lac des Roches gravel reserves this spring.
Where … Exactly?
Did you know when reporting a forest fire, land coordinates aid the spotter pilot to the correct location? For your reference, Eagle Island on Lac des Roches is at 51° 28′ N, 120° 34′ W. The Provincial Forest Fire Reporting Center is toll free 1.800.663.5555.
What’s Going on Here?
Many residents have joined forces with the Rural Crime Watch organization and Citizens on Patrol to elevate neighbourhood watch in the area. With the added summer use and traffic, this becomes less effective so we remind all lake users to be diligent of their property and that of their neighbours and keep a look out for suspicious activity that should be reported to the RCMP.
Reiterating 3 R’s
Reduce Riparian Activity:
Remember, the riparian buffer zone, next to the lake is an important key to a healthy lake environment and can even help in deterring the ducks and geese from soiling your waterfront property. Reduce the amount of development in this area and consider restoring some of the natural vegetation to protect the lake from unnatural contaminates and excessive shoreline erosion.
Reuse Unwanted Stuff:
Before you take that unwanted appliance, furniture or equipment to the refuse site, let your neighbours know about its availability. There are often temporary needs either right at our lake or from groups in the area that can put your unwanted items to good use. Working electric ovens and fridges are often in need during renovations or peak seasons. With that in mind, we currently are storing a small 4-burner propane range that is in good working order and is in search of a needy home.
Recycle Recyclables:
The Cariboo Regional District is moving forward with recycling improvement for residents of the South Cariboo. In addition to the share shacks that are located at certain waste transfer sites, intended for small household items that may still be useful to new owners, they plan to open a major recycling plant within 3 years. Residents leaving the lake and heading west on Highway 24 can take most recyclables to Gold-Trail Recycling in 100 Mile House. Those heading east on the highways are encouraged to take their recyclables to the public bins on River Road in Kamloops.
Where is the Fire Truck?
Residents may notice that the old fire hall across from the Bridge Lake Store has become a private residence. Don’t worry; we still have a fire truck and a dedicated group of volunteer firefighters serving our area. Kerry and Leroy Wright, new owners of the Bridge Lake store are providing a home for the fire truck at the store and Lac des Roches is the permanent home for several members of the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department, fully trained as First Responders. Some insurance companies recognize IVFD as adequate coverage for fire insurance, reducing the cost of homeowner’s insurance. Neighbours are reminded that the annual fire fees paid to the IVFD are necessary to maintain this service as it is not funded through property taxes. Doug Townsend is the local fire chief and will answer any questions about IVFD @ 250.593.4665.
Delving into Developments
As the demand for property in the area has increased, there has been significant development of private land in the South Cariboo. Several multilot subdivisions have been created and larger lots are commonly being split into 2 or 3 residential lots. Some development proposals require rezoning and changes to the Official Community Plan, which may be of interest to out-of-town residents. To monitor development in our area, TNRD 1.877.377.8673 and CRD www.cariboord.bc.ca.
Matchmaker … Make me a Match
Throughout the year, we receive requests from property owners inquiring about different services for their residence or property. For the benefit of our lake users, we compiled a list of local service providers and will post this on our community website page soon. We encourage readers to contact us through the website if you are in search of a service or if you are a service provider, and we’ll update our list. A few available services include; housecleaning, renovations, landscaping, house sitting, cabin maintenance, snow removal, and tree removal. Does anyone do gopher eradication?
Diesel Fuel is Closer Than You Think
Residents may be pleased to learn that Bridge Lake Store is now handling Diesel fuel in addition to Regular gasoline and Auto & Tank propane. Temporarily, they don’t have Marked gasoline for our many off road vehicles, but Leroy assures us that he will have this for the summer season, as soon as the ground permits the excavation for his new tank.
Lots of Snow and Ice
For those of us who enjoy the snow and ice, this has been a great winter although it was off to a rather slow start. Sledding was fantastic in the surrounding hills with fresh powder on the trails right up to the end of April. Sleds were not put away in storage until the first week of May, and even then, with a short trailer ride, sledding was still viable. Once again the ice was thick enough to accommodate pretty well any activity. For the fourth consecutive year, the ice and hospitality offered at the Lac des Roches resort on the little lake accommodated the week long under ice training session for the CFB Esquimalt Dive Team in March. At the rate the ice is coming off the lake and the snow is melting in the protected forest areas, the lake is going to be pretty cold for swimming and skiing this year.
Unwelcome Plants
There are many invasive plants growing in the Cariboo. Invasive plants are not native to the area and can have detrimental effects on habitat quality for wildlife and effect water quality by driving out the native plants. In 2008, the 100 Mile Free Press has been running a series in the Cariboo Connector describing the 18 priority plants to control. Landowners are responsible and required to take steps to control these plants if they appear on their land. More information is available at www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca/.
Be Gentle to our Waters
Your wastewater carries chemical particulates through your septic system to ground water and our lakes. This is as true in the city as it is in our rural area, but what makes this such an important factor here is that our lakes are also the source of domestic water for many homes, not to mention the home for an abundance of waterfowl. In the city, rarely does the water source and effluent discharge affect the same body of water. It is important to adjust domestic habits for lakeside living such as avoiding the use of harsh cleaning chemicals and keeping chlorine out of the water. You also don’t want to kill the naturally occurring good bacteria that make a septic system work correctly. Advice for gently living near a lake is available from many sources, both provincial and regional. This source is particularly useful, www.livingbywater.ca.
Family Fishing Weekend
Just a reminder, the BC “free” family fishing weekend is June 13 – 14 – 15, 2008. Go to the website www.bcfamilyfishing.com for more information and free licensing downloads.
Our NEW Mission Statement
We have changed our focus to meet the needs of our community. Although the crown land development has been set aside, we will continue to monitor the Government’s policies and activities as they pertain to Crown land and watershed areas. Here is our new mission statement:
The purpose of this organization is to work for the future well being of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake through environmental stewardship activities and community projects.
New Membership Strategy
When Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake organized in 2004, our funding came from initial memberships and cash donations from many generous and concerned citizens. As our focus is redirected to ongoing initiatives we have decided to change our strategy to an annual renewable membership. Members who wish to continue to support the activities of our group are asked to renew their family membership. This allows our membership roster to stay current, reflecting those who wish to support the refocus of the group. It also provides a level of cash flow to the group to support the annual costs, mainly; website maintenance; member’s mail-outs; BCLSS Membership and incidentals. Current paid memberships will expire after the 2008 AGM on August 31.
Our members currently total 196
A Difficult Delivery
Due to safety and security issues raised by the members regarding the hand delivery of this annual newsletter, the practice of leaving a hard copy at each residence will discontinue after this edition. Residents wishing to receive a copy of the annual newsletter have several options:
- Provide an email or mailing address to Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, or
- Become a member of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, or
- View the newsletter on our website
We welcome input from our readers. Is there anything specific you would like to see in our annual newsletter?
A Strong Community
The community organizations through the South Cariboo are voluntary membership of both seasonal and full-time residents. We have been invited to join with the area groups (Friends of Bridge Lake, Green Lake Area Ratepayers Association, and Deka Lake District Ratepayers) to form a coalition; which will address issues, concerns and successes that we have in common or are unique to our areas. We have the encouragement of CRD Area L Director Maureen Pinkney and South Cariboo MLA Charlie Wyse. Our initial meeting to explore common ground was very enlightening and proved that we have a lot to learn from each other and there are many potential synergies should we combine our efforts for certain causes. We encourage residents to become members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake to show support for the work that will be done on their behalf by our group.
Friends Supporting Friends
The proposed 31 strata-titled lot development on a privately-owned island on neighbouring Bridge Lake has prompted the residents there to form a society, opposing the rezoning and changes to the OCP required to allow the developer to proceed. Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake were asked to support the opposition to this development, but the executive recognized the significant differences between this private land development and the Government’s plan to sell publicly-owned lands for the development at Lac des Roches. To date, our members have not taken a collective stance against development of privately owned land, such as the 27 lots above the rest stop. There is significant private development potential around Lac des Roches, with and without rezoning. All 27 strata lots at Cottage Country estates sold and are at various stages of development. The sale and privatization of Peaceful Cove Resort and the Birch Lake Fishing Camp have changed the way these properties are used. The sales ad for Lac des Roches Resort is now being advertised “with subdivision potential”. As demand for recreational property grows, development is inevitable and as land values and tax assessments skyrocket in the South Cariboo, development becomes a necessity for some landowners. We invite readers to consider their position on privately-owned land development at our lake and throughout the South Cariboo. Those wishing to support the Friends of Bridge Lake directly can do so in various ways through their website www.friendsofbridgelake.org. A public consultation meeting was held on May 2 and rezoning meetings will be scheduled soon. We ask members to let your executive know your position so that we may better represent the membership on this issue in the future.
Tell Us How you Really Feel
On the topics of; land use, private development, Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake focus, water quality, lake use, speed restrictions, fishing, website, signs, newsletter, area wildlife, mission statement, other lake groups, etc, here’s what I think …
Email us at contactus@lacdesroches.org or send us a letter to :
Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake
General Delivery
Bridge Lake, B.C. V0K 1E0
Traps are set for the Douglas fir beetle
A notice about the Douglas fir bark beetle control activities at Lac des Roches appeared in the Free Press earlier this year. Rick Stock, Forest Health Technologist at the 100 Mile House District Ministry of Forest office confirmed that the control activities would proceed as planned this spring and fall. The plan is to fall 30 Douglas fir trap trees at 5 sites on the north side of Highway 24 by April 15. These flagged and numbered trap trees are left to attract the beetles that fly in hunt of their food source during the summer months. In the fall, a ground survey is conducted to determine if the beetles were contained in the felled trees or if surrounding overflow trees were also infested and need to be removed. The contractor will log or burn the infected trees. Heli-logging is probable with potential landings and decking sites next to the highway. Burning will occur at the falling site if the tree wood is low quality or too long of a flight to make heli-logging viable. Stock mentioned that there is a Douglas fir beetle problem on the south side of the lake but the steep terrain and flight distance makes it too expensive to control. I searched a recommended website and found an interesting 59 page report named "Southern Interior Forest Region Pest Management Plan", covering several Forest Management Areas and the monitoring and methods of control for dealing with 5 identified pests attacking our forests. This is a worthwhile read, especially if you have highspeed Internet access, www.for.gov.bc.ca/rsi/foresthealth/entomology/publications.html. Questions about the program may be directed to Rick Stock at 395-7886.
Outsmarted
Readers may recall an article that appeared in the Cariboo Connector last September stated that evidently wasp nests built high off the ground foretold of a "long and harsh" winter. I commented in my October column that we found a wasp nest in the top of an aspen tree about 40 feet off the ground. That seemed pretty high off the ground to me. The signs were there, but judging by our dwindling woodpile outside, I wonder if we prepared well enough? This winter may not have been so harsh, but it most certainly continues to be long. I think the wasps were right!
Pesky problems
We have a pesky problem during the winter months. There is a section of our roof that receives no sunshine, which allows the buildup of snow, which turns to ice and just sits on the roof. In spring, as the sun, moves further and further to the south in the sky, the ice slowly melts and eventually, little by little, slides off the roof. I happened to be standing near the corner of the house at noon on April 14 when the very last piece of ice came off the roof. Hooray, my pesky winter problem was gone! Then I walked 40 feet, to the other side of the house where the snow-free patches of brown grass get bigger every day from that same wonderful sun, when I stopped short. There in the field, munching on the brown grass was this year’s first gopher. Drat, our pesky summer problem has returned.
Ice-off may be late
In addition to our unseasonably cold weather, the ice on the lake is a hot topic of conversation among the residents this year. For only one day this year, there has been melted snow on top of the ice. In fact, due to the cold weather and snow we received later in the winter, there are two layers of ice on the lake. The frozen snow on top and the frozen layer of lake ice beneath it. If this cold weather continues, we may be hard pressed to see the ice off the big lake by the May long weekend, which begins a little earlier this year. There could be a few disappointed residents who use the upcoming holiday as the year’s first excursion into the Cariboo. There just may be no water at the lake.
Regular Member’s Update – April 2008
Development – Gone but not forgotten!
Thank you letters have been sent to various individuals and groups to thank them for their support in fighting the proposed development. Thanks to members who have written letters, voiced their opinion, attended meetings and provided suggestions and other support to the cause. Special thanks the Executive, past and present, who have put so many of their personal hours into the opposition work.
Since we are not about to forget about the potential development, here are our next steps.
- A letter to the new Manager at Integrated Land Management Bureau explaining our proposal of an educational reserve on the southeast shores of LdR, the details which are on our website.
- Revise our mission statement to be more focused on stewardship and community. The purpose of this organization is to work for the future well being of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake through environmental stewardship activities and community projects.
- Significant revisions to our website to reflect the changes in our focus and the development status.
Administration
Membership – Our count is still 195 members strong.
Finances – We have approximately $1,000 in the bank. Expenses are minimal, for items such as website maintenance and BC Lake Stewardship membership. The upcoming community newsletter will be approximately $250 for printing.
Around the Lakes …
Wildlife – Wildlife sightings during the first quarter of 2008 are significantly fewer than for this period last year. Some locals speculate that our late snowfall allowed the four-legged creatures to stay in the surrounding hills. The usual spring birds are back at our feeders and the northbound flocks of geese have just begun passing overhead.
Ice Off – The snow on the lake froze solid this year with the cold weather this spring. Locals say the ice should be off the big lake the May long weekend.
BC Breeding Bird Atlas – Wendy Marshall has volunteered for this exciting new 5-year provincial-wide study beginning with the June 2008 breeding season. More information will be in our upcoming Community Newsletter.
Highway 24 Paving – There is a chance we will see new pavement on the extremely bumpy 9 km section of the highway between Bridge Lake and the east CRD/TNRD Regional Boundary. Cross your fingers!
Other Meeting Items
Old Signage – We have removed our “Help Save This Lake” sign at the rest stop.
New Signage – The new lake sign for the rest stop is still being sourced out. The CRD has promised to sponsor it.
Missing Sign Found – The area map sign that was removed from the rest stop has been found and reinstalled until the new sign is constructed.
Road Speed – The Highways department committed to pedestrian signs at each end of Gerald Crescent.
Eagle Island Tree Removal – We received a response to our letter to the Ministry of Environment about lakeshore development complaints. Citizens are asked to contact the Conservation Hotline with any concerns. The Ministry will be involved with a new lakeshore monitoring program and will contact us in their information gathering process.
Little Lac des Roches Speed Limit – A letter has been sent to Maureen Pinkney of the CRD, requesting the 20 km/hr restriction be further reduced to 10 km/hr.
Map-based Land Use Presentation – The local executives are working on the land use presentation for Regional Districts. Here is the current list of overlays:
- Geology
- Watershed
- Current land use
- Topography
- Recreational use
- Wildlife areas and bird nesting areas
- Forestry designation
- Meteorological (weather)
- Historical use
- Lake utilization
Friends of Bridge Lake – Residents of Bridge Lake have formed a “Friends” group initially to oppose a development proposal of a privately owned island on Bridge Lake. Although the development is disturbing, many of the expected concerns around environmental, wildlife, aesthetics and congestion issues appear to be adequately addressed by the developer. We are willing to support the group to the extent that we feel they need to become environmental stewards of Bridge Lake, but the executive cannot fully support the opposition to the project. We will be joining with community groups from Green Lake, Deka Lake and this new Bridge Lake group to establish communications with Regional and Provincial Government representatives.
Community Newsletter – Our 2008 newsletter will be published and distributed prior to the May long weekend. This will be the last year that we hand deliver the paper to residences. Alternative delivery arrangements will be required if residents wish to receive a copy beginning in 2009.
You never know who you’ll find under the ice
Earlier this month, my curiosity got the better of me, so with pad and pen in hand and a digital camera in my pocket, I set out to investigate the reason for the large green tent erected on Little Lac des Roches. What I found were 16 members of the Canadian Navy Dive team conducting training sessions. They were very enthusiastic about explaining their training techniques and invited me to watch their exercise. For the fourth consecutive year, 16 of the 45-member dive team from CFB Esquimalt – Colwood Base, have used the Lac des Roches Resort as their week-long training base. They practice diving and rescue techniques in the 30 foot deep water under the lake ice. Their training area simulates an actual dive site, possibly the result of an accident such as a plane crash. Their site uses about a quarter of an acre of ice surface. They start by clearing a large three-foot wide circle pattern on the ice. Next, they clear several straight lines or spokes, across the circle to resemble a “wagon wheel” image. This wagon wheel shape is visible to the divers under the ice. It is used to orient them back to the access hole, which is cut through the ice in the center of the wagon wheel. It is large enough for three divers to be in at once. The ice removed from the hole is saved so that it can be replaced at the end of the exercise. Finally, a tent is erected around the hole to provide shelter for the above-ice crew, as well as the air and communication equipment used on the dives. Divers are tethered to the surface with an air supply line and a communication cable allowing them to converse with those above the ice as well as the other divers. They are led through several maneuvers under the ice, including fastening themselves to the ice from below with a long screw. Most of the exercises are recorded with an underwater motion camera, also part of their training. They have two specially equipped vehicles to carry their gear, including air tanks; compressors; communication radios and lines and snow recovery vehicles. This year, they brought a newly constructed lifting devise to remove the large chunk of ice in one piece so that it can be replaced in the hole to presumably refreeze and remove a potential safety hazard on the ice. The lifter was used to remove a triangular ice divot approximately four feet long on each side and two feet thick estimated to weigh 600 kilograms. The divot has since been reset in the ice and the area is marked with some twigs.
This picture, courtesy of CFB Esquimalt, shows the new lifting device with the ice divot, which will be reset into the hole, refrozen and will maintain ice integrity for other users of the lake.
Keep ice holes safe
On the topic of holes in the ice, one neighbour suggested that ice augers are designed to limit ice fishing holes to six, eight or ten inches in diameter so that people and pets won’t fall through the thin ice on an unmarked abandoned hole. Whether this is the reason or not for ice auger sizing, it is important to think of the safety of others when making any hole in the ice on the lake. Last year, a resident stepped through a hole about 2-foot square that had been cut in the ice to install anchors for a new wharf. Although the surface had refrozen, snow had drifted over the top and hid the very thin layer of ice underneath. Luckily, only one leg of the adult went through the ice, but it could have been a disaster if a child or family pet had stepped on the thin ice. All abandoned holes should be marked with a stick for the protection of others and extreme caution and extensive warning should be erected where bigger holes are made in the ice.
Development
While the development on Crown land at the east end of Lac des Roches has been set aside for now, there continues to be development of private land in the area. With the decrease in available bare land for purchase throughout the Cariboo, it seems many landowners are looking at subdividing to meet the demand. Although rezoning notices are posted in a local paper and on the subject property, it may be more convenient for readers to access the available information from the regional districts directly. For our area, Cariboo properties subject to a public hearing can be found online at www.cariboord.bc.ca. Information for Thompson-Nicola properties, at the east end of Lac des Roches are available from the planning office in Kamloops, toll free 1 877 377 8673.
Gravel preparation
The recent clearing and burning in the gravel pit across from the Wavey Lake Forestry Service Road is the result of the Ministry of Transport’s pit expansion project. The additional gravel will most likely be used for many projects, hopefully including the much-needed repaving of the stretch of Highway 24 that skirts Lac des Roches. The ministry is not expected to announce its paving plans throughout the province until late spring. Our stretch of highway has been criticized for years. One visitor, upon hearing the distinctive “clackety clack” noise along the hillside, commented to his host that he wasn’t aware that there was a train track so close by. He was informed that that noise was not the clacking of train wheels on the tracks but rather the thumping of truck tires hitting the cracks in the pavement! In the past, I added my criticism of the condition of Highway 24 to local discussions. Earlier this month, I traveled the Trans Canada Highway between Kamloops and Calgary and was appalled at the number of severe potholes and frost heaves without warning signs. Even travelling below the posted speed, these bumps were bad enough to result is daylight between the truck tires and the asphalt. After that trip, I have re-thought my position on the state of Highway 24. Repaving would be nice and yes, our stretch of highway is particularly bumpy, but at least all of the tires stay on the pavement. A neighbour travelled the same stretch of Highway 2 weeks later and reports that all the frost heaves are now marked. I guess I wasn’t the only one who called the Ministry about the need for “air traffic control.”