About Friends and our Community

Friends of Lac des Roches and BirchLake organized in 2004 to oppose the massive residential development proposed for the east end of Lac des Roches.  Now the Society focuses on watershed stewardship and community communication.  We are often requested to speak on behalf of the community so we encourage membership to our society and feedback from all lake users on local issues so that we can fairly represent our neighbours.

 Editorial

Since over 90% of the tax payers around our lakes are part-time recreational users, it is doubtful that our community is appropriately represented at public forums addressing local issues.  Changes to land use, services and facilities and regional bylaws are examples where our way of life and property taxes can be affected.  There are many ways to be informed of the issues in our community, our website being only one resource, but it is up to the residents and visitors of our community to speak up.  Letters and emails providing opinions that support or oppose local issues are a very important part of the democratic process.  While our Society wishes to hear from all lake users so that we understand what is important to our neighbours, it is vital that governing bodies get written feedback when the opportunity arises.

What’s up with Friends?

Testing water – Every two weeks, from “ice off” to “too cold”, volunteers take readings on four lakes.  Results are analyzed by the Ministry of Environment and assessments reports are produced and linked through our website.

Monitoring forests – Our society was invited to provide input on planned timber sales and logging in the hills southeast of the lakes.  After meeting with reps from the Kamloops Forest District, cut blocks have been revised substantially to mitigate the visual effect from the rest stop and increase the logging setback from sensitive areas.

Caring friends – We met with several environmental reps to discuss concerns and care of the watershed.  We are committed to communicate awareness of lake sensitivities and will actively participate in initiatives such as the Official Community Plan revision and widespread implementation of Riparian Area Regulations.  Individuals are urged to understand their environmental responsibilities and to report concerns directly to the RAPP line 1 877 952 7277.

Revising membership – To comply with the Society Act, maintain membership to the BC Lake Stewardship Society, maintain our website and produce the annual newsletter, our costs are relatively minimal so we have chosen to reduce our membership revenue.  A $10 family membership will now apply to a 2 year period.

Developing lots – Our executive actively supported a “no-build” restricted covenant previously placed on a waterfront property which was legally but not physically joined to an off-lake strata-owned subdivision.  The covenant was removed this year by the Cariboo Regional District.  Our concern is that any lakefront lot could become a private lake access for multiple landowners as there is no provincial or regional mechanism in place – yet – to prevent it.

Surveying plants – Increase weed and algae growth in the lake has been noted by several residents.  Although the ministry currently has no concerns about the aquatic weeds in Lac des Roches, an executive member has volunteered to conduct a survey of plants this summer to see if any are invasive species requiring control.

Fishing 101 – We have received a digital copy of the fish stocking slide show that was presented to the public in the spring of 2012 by Steve Mericle, a lake biologist from the Kamloops Ministry of Environment.  It will available on our website and is a recommended read, full of interesting information on Lac des Roches fish.

Welcoming neighbours – We have revised our “welcome packages”.  If you know of a new resident, please contact us so that we can distribute to them a copy of this worthwhile information on living wisely near our lakes.

Meeting planned – Our Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sep. 30, 7 pm at the Lac des Roches Resort.

What’s up around the lakes?

Changing demographics – Changes in property ownership and circumstances keeping many summer residents away are noticeable differences in several neighbourhoods.  Although it is great to see several residents succeeding in selling their homes and lots, it is a little sad to lose long-time friends.  Welcome to our all new neighbours!

 

Growing vegetables – It seems we have lost our local market gardeners this year but some hobby gardeners report good success with backyard vegetable gardens, despite the prolific spring rain.  Several part-time residents are enjoying their vegetable and flower gardens with the watering help of Mother Nature and a few full time residents.

 

Dumping waste – Residents are applauded for properly disposing of their yard waste.  Unsightly waste piles on public and unused land are an unnecessary problem when rural lots have adequate room for composting or burning.

 

Slowing boats – Just because they can does not mean jet boats should operate in shallow waters.  The shallow channel between Lac des Roches and the little lake is an example of the types of waterway that is requested to be avoided by jet boats.  The request is published on page 51 of the current Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

 

Securing property – While we have a casual “neighbourhood watch” among the residents, our community is not immune to trespassers or Mother Nature’s wrath.  If there was a need to access a structure, directing a helpful neighbour to a hidden key might be the best solution for dealing with an urgent issue.  This is a suggestion only that our part-time residents might want to consider, particularly as we lose some of our traditional “care-takers”.

 

Staying informed – For community information, check out our website and get on Bruce Rattray’s e-mail distribution for regional and local issues at www.brucerattray.ca.

 

Spraying thistles – Teams may resume thistle spraying on private properties this summer.  Residents who had spraying done last summer are eligible for receiving an amount of herbicide to do their own spraying this year but must contact the Cariboo Regional District (1 800 665 1636) for distribution details.

 

Watching wildlife – There have been many sightings of badgers this spring.  They excavate the ground squirrel (gopher) holes and are the cause of the decline in the gopher population.  Although welcome throughout the area, they can be aggressive and should be avoided.  Several different bear have been noticed and are calling our neighbourhood home so please ensure that all attractions like garbage cans and compost bins are bear-proofed.

 

Fishing fun – The first annual Fishing Highway 24 Tourist Association fishing derby is underway on several nearby lakes.  Lac des Roches Resort and Opax Mountain Resort and Restaurant are both ticket selling and weigh stations.  Details of the season-long derby are available from the ticket sellers and at www.fishinghighway24.com.

 

Raising livestock – New bylaws will soon allow chicken raising and bee keeping on small lots not currently zoned for raising livestock.  Stringent rules apply and will be enforced by the Cariboo Regional Bylaw Officer.

 

Reflecting moon – There is actually a name for the dancing reflection of the moon on our lake during the ice-free months.  What looks like a million diamonds dancing on the water on moonlit clear nights is known as a “moonglade”.

Community contact and membership form

If we know how to contact you, we will keep you informed – quarterly and with urgent notices!

q I would like a family membership from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2015 ($10.00 Biennial Fee)

q I do not wish to join at this time but would like to be kept informed of important events and information

 

Names (voting adults):_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Email Address (preferred distribution):________________________________________________________________

 

Phone (away):________________________ Phone (alt):________________________ Phone (lake)______________

 

Mailing Address:______________________________________ Lake Address:____________________________

 

LakeLand Owner? q                                   LakeLease Holder? q                                       Visitor to the Lake? q

Please make membership cheques payable to: Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake
Mail to: Box 193 Bridge Lake, B.C. VOK 1EO

About Friends and our Community

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake organized in 2004 to oppose the residential development proposed for the east end of Lac des Roches. The group is currently focused on lake water quality monitoring, environmental reporting and community communication. We encourage all residents and regular visitors to join our society and stay informed on the important issues that arise in our community. Watch our website for news and society updates.

From our Chairman, Barry Reid

I hope people don’t think that all Lois and I do is travel around looking out for environmental happenings in watersheds wherever we go, but I can’t help commenting on my recent trip to France for my son’s wedding. It was wonderful, but that’s not the story! Our new in-laws live in an old French farmhouse on the Blaise River near Saulnieres (about an hour west of Paris). The river runs at the bottom of their property, but when I asked why they didn’t have a canoe, their response was that no boats were allowed on the river because of its sensitivity, and, they were not even allowed to wade in it or fish while standing in the river. They do fly-fish along the banks, but must not enter the river to either fish or retrieve their catch! And we think our watershed regulations are tough! They have also been dealing with development pressures, as the entire area is full of colourful flint (silex) which the farmers are always ploughing up in their fields. A consortium of gravel producers wanted to open a huge operation to crush the flint for road construction, and it took years before they were able to convince the authorities that it was hardly logical to enforce rigid river regulations while allowing gravel operations to openly destroy the landscape all around! We are not alone! Enjoy our lakes and watershed this summer and may you always have a natural place for you and future generations. — Barry

What’s up with friends?

Speed reduction – The initiative to further reduce the speed on Little Lac des Roches has been tabled and may be revisited at a later date.

Level 1 testing – Our ice-off lake monitoring is underway by Barry Reid and Lois Motz (Little Lac des Roches), Gord and Wendy Marshall (Lac des Roches), Ralph Watson and Hiedi Ruegg (Birch Lake) and Sharron Woloshyn (Phinetta Lake). Data will once again be sent to the BC Lake Stewardship Society for analysis.

Level 2 testing – The Ministry of Environment will conduct more detailed water testing on Phinetta, Birch and Little Lac des Roches for the next three years. Adding this data to that already collect for Lac des Roches is part of the creation of a watershed plan for the region, a valuable tool should the area be considered for substantial residential development.

Sport fishing update – Steve Maricle, Ministry of Environment biologist and avid fisherman came and shared his knowledge of fish management in the entire Lac des Roches watershed with the public on April 18. It was apparent that some of the well-seasoned anglers out of the 34 people attending were surprised at some of the facts and implications water quality, spawning channels and hatchery fish stocking has on sport fishing success. A copy of Steve’s Powerpoint presentation will be posted on our website when it becomes available. Blank creel reports for recording fishing success will also soon be available on our website. The data from these reports is a key component to Steve’s analysis of the fish stocking program and regular fishers are encouraged to participate in recording their catch.

AGM time change – Our annual general meeting was moved from August to October to accommodate the few members from the lakes who normally attend. The time and location will be announced closer to the date of the event.

Membership duration proposal – To promote membership numbers and reduce administration efforts our annual $10 family membership fee will convert to a two year span effective October 2012, in effect, reducing our annual membership to $5. Our society does not foresee any significant monetary requirements in the near future and we can sustain our ongoing stewardship activities and website updates with less revenue from membership dues.

Access trails – The CRD had grant money available for groups interested in creating wheelchair accessibility to local recreational destinations. Our group sees a program like this as an opportunity to develop nature trails at the east end of Lac des Roches which would preserve the area for its wilderness and natural value instead of residential development. Since our area falls in the TNRD, we must pursue availability of funds from that regional district and will continue to do so. We have a proposal and design ready to submit should applications be solicited. Our like-minded group, Friends of Bridge Lake considered development of the Ice Cave trail and Centennial Park but did not receive approval for either. Our efforts will be focused on Lac des Roches and Birch Lake only.

Lake reports published – The BC Lake Stewardship Society has produced lake reports for both Birch and Phinetta lakes based on the monitoring data our volunteers submit every year. Although results are similar among the lakes in the watershed – and that is that our lakes are relatively healthy and full of nutrients to maintain a healthy sports fishing industry – we must be careful to avoid harming the environmental balance. Threats are too much new development, destruction of sensitive riparian buffer zones and careless disposal of harmful waste. We had some printed copies for distribution but encourage those interested to review the Level 1 BCLSMP reports on-line

Logging concerns – Salvage beetle-killed logging this winter into Birch Lake took its toll on the access road. Spring thaw and rain showers made the road impassable at times as the heavy equipment altered the road’s surface. The expectation is to have the contractor return with equipment to install necessary culverts and grade the rutted surface.

Highway improvements – The location of the MacDonald rest stop looking over the lake and towards pristine crown land is often credited as the reason Lac des Roches is called the most photographed lake in B.C. Businesses and other members of The Fishing Hwy Tourist Association will certainly benefit from maximum exposure during the summer tourist season with the new advertising billboard erected at the rest stop. It may be interesting to residents to know that this cooperative group is lobbying to have Highway 24 officially named “The Fishing Highway”.

Friends support other friends – The Friends of Bridge Lake is a like minded group to ours with several initiatives which need local support. The land exchange (swapping an undevelopable island on Bridge Lake for crown-owned waterfront land on the south shore which can be developed) is still pending and the society continues to request persons against this swap to write letters to various government ministries voicing their opinion. Their summer speaker series draws large crowds to the Bridge Lake Elementary School and is highly recommended and includes very interesting local topics.

Invasive weeds – This summer, the CRD will set up boat washing stations to show Cariboo lake users how they can mitigate the spread of invasive weeds which have been found in area lakes. While insufficient traffic did not warrant the assignment of a team to Lac des Roches or Birch Lake, there are very busy public and resort boat launches nearby on Bridge, Sheridan and Horse lakes that would benefit from the temporary teaching station. The key message is to clear the outside of boats and trailers of visible vegetation before moving to another lake. (www.cccipc.ca)

What’s up around the lakes?

Invasive plants – Thistles are one of the invasive species of plants that are a growing problem in the grassland around Lac des Roches but the CRD’s Invasive Plant Management team is going to help residents take control of the problem in June. Thanks to the efforts of several residents, affected 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. It is up to each resident to contact the CRD team and provide a signed consent form which gives permission to the team to proceed with assessment and treatment and – with the help of a diagram – indicates where special caution must be exercised such as near a water well. Be sure to contact the CRD at 1-800-665-1636 for more information and to be included in the team’s property count.

Invasive fish – Officers from Clearwater and Kamloops with Fisheries and Oceans Canada were out checking frozen lakes in the Lac des Roches area earlier this year. There are several issues with the lakes and lake users – in both summer and winter – however a key concern is the widespread problem of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Several species of non-native and unwelcome fish have been introduced into the North Thompson watershed accidentally and/or intentionally. Native species often cannot compete with the AIS and are lost forever from traditional habitats. While there are many causes of AIS, transportation of live fish as bait is a known problem and is illegal. It is extremely costly to eradicate AIS from a lake once established but it is being done to contaminated lakes throughout the province to protect the fisheries industry. Salmon and salmon-bearing streams affected by invasive species from fresh water lakes will carry the problem to our oceans and potentially effect creatures in the entire aquatic food chain, from shell fish to whales, decimating the fishing industry. Additional information on the problem as well as pictures of the foreign species is at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Ice was nice – For those residents who don’t take advantage of our winter ice playground we enjoyed amazing lake ice at Lac des Roches this winter. Cold night temperatures and little snow in December resulted in clear ice 4 – 6″ deep over the entire surface of the lake. Skaters could go anywhere on the lake without catching an edge on a crack or bump. The ice was as clear as a pane of glass and fish could be seen underneath where the light penetrated to the shoals. Thousands of cracks just below the surface looked like expensive abstract artwork. Frost would form in the mornings and dotted the ice with thousands of clumps of white crystals that looked like large white butterflies resting. It lasted about a week until snow and temperatures altered the ice surface. Ice skating was possible through the winter but not without a lot of effort to clear the snow first. Other winter activities like skiing and sledding were more appropriate for the changing ice and snow conditions. A warming trend in late January allowed water seeping up through the cracks to thaw some of the snow making a layer of slush. Any mode of travel on the ice became unpleasant as the safe layer of 12 – 16″ of ice was covered with a layer of slush up to 6″ deep, topped with several inches of snow – just enough to hide the extent of the water hazard. If you could find a willing sledder, they could run their snowmobile through the slush in the daytime which would freeze at night and make a decent and dry walk path for the next day. When cold weather returned in February, the slush froze and we enjoyed an extra 6″ of ice. This helped the ice stay firm and thick right through to Easter when sledders, four-wheelers, skiers, walkers, kite flyers, fishers and even golfers all shared the icy playground. After Easter, several consecutive nights of above-zero temperatures took their toll. The ice melted rapidly from below and slush formed on the top. The melt was fairly rapid and a huge day long downpour in April literally pulverized the ice. With a little open water around the edges and some wind, the ice went out over two days on May 4 & 5, just days after Little Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta. Only a couple of exposed docks seem to have suffered some damage from the shifting ice crystals. Now the summer fun begins on the lake!

Stay informed – Just a reminder that our elected representative, Bruce Rattray of Bridge Lake communicates regularly with his constituents through his informative e-mails and comprehensive website. Development proposals, bylaw initiatives, regional district meeting topics, government changes and community news are just a sampling of what Bruce sends out in his regular e-mails. All residents with access to a computer are encouraged to get on Bruce’s distribution list.

Access denied – Here’s another reminder to our neighbours about keeping public accesses open all year round. Several of the lake accesses are used during the winter for snowmobilers to access nearby Crown Land trails. When boats or docks block access, there is a risk of damage by eager sledders or removal if complaints are made to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. Worse still, the sledders – and there are dozens, if not hundreds of them some years – will find a way to those trails. If forced to, they will run through private property or along the public roads – neither an appropriate solution. Lake accesses are also used by residents and contractors to perform certain tasks that can only effectively be done on the ice such as falling and removing danger trees or repairing lakefront structures. All size of vehicles and structures are hauled up and down these paths, every month of the year. Last but certainly not least, the accesses are often the only feasible water source for non-waterfront residents and emergency pumper trucks responding to fire emergencies, especially during the ice-off or thin ice months. Please do not block public access to the lake at any time or season.

Birding excursions – Wendy Marshall has been leading the local bird watchers on Thursday morning outings this spring. Excursions are scheduled through to the end of June. Anyone may join this group to learn or simply enjoy the birds, the company and the beautiful locations. Call Wendy at 250-593-2327 for details

Post office closure – The upcoming June 19 closure of the Bridge Lake Post Office, located inside the Bridge Lake General Store, will have an effect on residents. The temporary relocation of post office boxes on the Bridge Lake Business Route road will accommodate letter and small package mail delivery service. Large parcel pickup will likely be at the new post office, rumoured to be located in the old Sheridan Lake Market. The next closest post office is located in Lone Butte. Permanently relocated rural mail boxes and the conversion to civic addresses are expected in about 2 years.

Critter watch – With no sightings through to the end of May, it was thought that all the badgers had left from the grassy slopes around the lake but that has changed! Three badgers have resumed residency on Boultbee Road and promise to keep the population of ground squirrels down. Lots of deer, both mule and white-tails have returned and are milling about the yards quite fearlessly. No live fawn sightings reported yet but the babies are expected to appear following the does soon. The coyotes are back but sightings of fox have been much rarer than last year. A herd of elk have taken up residency – after decades of absence – just west of Lac des Roches so keep your eyes open, you may be in for a nice surprise.

Smart meters – Smart meter installation for BC Hydro customers was started in the winter and completed in May. Meters will still be read manually, until the collection device is installed and fully functional.

Fishing success is no great secret – Residents and their guests to the lake have been experiencing some excellent rainbow trout fishing already this year. Several local fishing enthusiasts have provided fishing tips in previous publications and these are all still posted on our website. If you are keen to try your luck at hunting those elusive and tasty beauties, swimming on the shoals, be sure to peruse our previous newsletters at www.lacdesroches.org.

Benefits with Friends – You don’t have to be a member of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake to benefit from the efforts this small group of like-minded people. In fact, non-members have influenced the outcome of several projects the group initiated. There are, however, many benefits of having a community organization and belonging to the group. The society is recognized as an entity that can actually do things that an individual cannot – such as initiate regulation changes. The contacts the society has established through their environmental concerns and continued stewardship role are well-networked among many levels of government and ensure the society is kept in the loop of activities that concern the area. “Friends” is often used as a resource of information for both the lakes and residents when individuals or groups don’t know who to call. Probably the most important service it provides as a community group is its executive member’s dedication to communicating and networking among all neighbours, important and critical information. While there is the tendency for those living and playing in the south Cariboo’s somewhat remote location to cherish their privacy, there are times when it just feels right to ensure everyone is in the loop on certain things. The cost of membership is proposed to be reduced for a number of reasons and that alone may be the incentive that encourages some neighbours to finally join or renew. With up-to-date contact information, the society is able to communicate news quickly and hopes that everyone – members in particular – will provide feedback on those items that come up for discussion at meetings, like those mentioned in this newsletter. You don’t have to be a “friend” to benefit from the society, but for all that membership offers – to both the society and each member – membership to Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake sure seems worthwhile.

Community contact and membership form

If we know how to contact you, we will keep you informed – quarterly and with urgent notices!

Download the membership form here.

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Published by Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, contact Sharron Woloshyn 250-593-0041

About Friends …

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake organized in 2004 to oppose the residential development proposed for the east end of Lac des Roches. The group is currently focused on lake water quality monitoring, environmental reporting and community communication. We encourage all residents and regular visitors to join our society and stay informed on the important issues that arise around our lakes. Watch our website for news and updates. Annual General Meeting – Oct 12, 7pm, Lac des Roches Resort dining room.

From our Chairman, Barry Reid

Even though we love living here year round, we seem to often be on road trips. The last one took us back to the eastern US to visit friends (then down to Nashville and Memphis for the music, but that’s another story!) While in Pennsylvania we stayed with a friend whose brother owned a small fishing cabin on a lake outside of Scranton PA. Well, it used to be a fishing cabin, but now it’s almost totally surrounded by almost eighty large houses whose residents (when they show up at the lake … not very often for most) bring a huge assortment of gasoline-powered toys for both water and land. Not a problem if they are used appropriately, but …

This small lake’s shore line is filled with housing, with only one public access point which has neither parking nor facilities. These recreational houses are in what is called “tier one” properties. A road circles the lake just behind tier one and on the opposite side of the road is “tier two” – generally smaller houses on larger lots. A second road circles tier two and provides access to tier three where lots are for sale, many of them already being filled with houses. A lake residents’ society was established to deal with the problems of water quality and over-development, but those who like to fish are overwhelmed by those who see the lake as only a playground and an investment. When the society passed a resolution to limit further development in “tier four” they very quickly received a letter from a developer/owner of the land in tier four, threatening a lawsuit if they pursued their desire to limit development and deal with the problems of water debilitation and recreational practices.

Now, what has this to do with Lac des Roches? Well, it simply shows how fortunate we are here in BC to have a different method of land tenure. The concept of “Crown Land” has to be one of the best ideas any politician ever had! To be sure, private developers can create developments within the law, but at least we don’t have to fear the overwhelming stress on our lakes which would come if we followed the American model. So, let’s enjoy our lakes, preserve them for our grand-children, and keep our Crown Land as it is! We may not know how well we have it here!

What’s up around the lakes?

Speed reduction on Little Lac des Roches – Our society supports the proposal to reduce the boating speed on the little lake from 20 km/hr to 10 km/hr. The lengthy change process is now sponsored and supported by Bruce Rattray, our elected director for Area L of the Cariboo Regional District. Several copies of the revised petition are in circulation and we encourage all supporters of this change to add your name to the list.

New monitors for Phinetta Lake – Kurt and Karen Roy at Opax Mountain are very busy this year. In addition to re-opening the café for breakfast and lunch, Kurt has taken over the lake quality monitoring and loon survey data collection for Phinetta Lake. The added commitment to their already busy schedules of maintaining both the Birch Lake Fishing Camp and their own hunter’s cabin will keep these two entrepreneurs busy all year.

Bridge Lake crown land swap – Our neighbours to the west at Bridge Lake are looking to all area residents for support in their opposition to the crown land swap for the Heritage Island land. The owner’s attempt at a housing development on his land met with an outpouring of opposition by both members of Friends of Bridge Lake and the public. Heritage Island is privately owned, yet all the other islands on Bridge Lake are designated as park land. The owner has proposed to swap the island for crown land on the south shores of Bridge Lake for housing development, just west of Greenall Road. Many people do not agree with this swap. To learn more about the land swap issue, go to www.friendsofbridgelake.org

Garbage bins and recycling – The removed TNRD transfer bins at Opax are missed by most of the residents in both the TNRD and the CRD. While the transfer station just north of Little Fort seems like a reasonable option for residents travelling south, it’s accessibility is limited as it is now a manned garbage and recycle site. The Interlakes Refuse Site, the most logical alternative is still fully accessible – for now. Kurt Roy at Opax Mountain Café and Resort has looked into the availability and cost of providing a private garbage collection service at Opax and would be interested in any feedback or suggestions from residents interested in sharing in the use and cost. We are still very limited with regard to recycling options. The depot in 100 Mile House takes in much of household recyclables, but city dwellers should try to take as much as possible, back to their blue bins at home for recycling.

Downsizing – The growing numbers of “For Sale” signs in our community is an indicator of anticipated changes in our demographics. More of our senior, long-term and permanent residents are relocating to less remote residences with more amenities than the Interlakes area can offer. In a recreational area like ours, homes and hobby farms will likely be purchased as seasonal cottages for temporary vacation stays. Lack of permanent residents can affect the outcome of proposed changes that govern the area and seasonal residents are always encouraged to keep informed of area issues.

Reduced road abuse – There is a noticeable decrease in unwanted vehicle play on the roads around the lake as residents and visitors seem to have moved their play to back county trails and this is appreciated by many residents. The roads seem much safer with less traffic.

High speed internet is here – ABC Communications (formerly the 100 Mile Net Shop), is providing high speed internet to Lac des Roches. The tower can be seen at the high point on Lac des Roches (aka “Angus”) hill, off Eagleridge Road. Not all properties have the needed direct line of sight to the tower, even if the receiver is mounted atop a roof. Tree leaves interfere sporadically with our signal so summer is the best time to ensure a healthy signal can be received all year.

Wine glasses sought – The Bridge Lake Community School Society is in need of wine glasses for use at their annual fund raising dinner. Word is out that any wine glass which holds 4 to 6 ounces of wine will do to defray future rental costs for the society. Wine glasses of any shape, colour or size will match the existing eclectic dishes and cutlery patterns in use now. Donations can be dropped off with Sharron (8588 Boultbee) or call 250 593 0041 to arrange a suitable pick up point and time.

Thank you Lac des Roches! – Thanks again to everyone in our small community who helped raise over $1,000 for the travel fund for McCarthy road resident, Piper Lof, who travelled to Switzerland in July and performed rhythmic gymnastics at the World Gymnaestrada. She is a lucky girl to live in such a generous and caring community.

Volunteers needed – Several local organizations are struggling to maintain traditional events due to lack of volunteers. With our increased seasonal and aging population, many long term volunteers have had to bow out of helping at several community events which have led to event cancellations. The Highway 24 Lions Club, Bridge Lake Community School Society and the Interlakes Community Organization are just a few of the non-profit organizations who provide excellent services in our area and can use additional support.

Membership renewal

If we know how to contact you, we will keep you informed – quarterly and with urgent notices!

Download the membership form here.

The society is pleased to provide its fifth annual newsletter for the residents and visitors to the area. This year the newsletter is in a condensed format to save costs. To maximize our readership, we are resuming door-to-door delivery however we will respect the wishes of residents who would like to decline a hard copy – just let us know if you do not want the next issue left at your residence. We encourage readers to view this and previous editions, full of interesting and entertaining articles, posted on our website www.lacdesroches.org and please tell your friends!

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 recognized as a diversified community group with several important initiatives underway, listed here.

• Lake quality monitoring and environmental reporting
• Fish stock monitoring (Creel Reports)
• Official Community Plan input, linked to the Area L Advisory Planning Commission
• Bird monitoring (BC Bird Atlassing and Canadian Loon Survey)
• Community activities and communication

Members receive quarterly updates and special messages which are also published on our website. Meetings are held throughout the year in addition to the August Annual General Meeting, to be held on August 25, 2010 at 7 pm at the Bridge Lake Community School. We are always looking for interested persons to join our team of executives to assist with decision making on behalf of our membership.

Outstanding issues

We have several issues on our radar screen which get our attention as deemed appropriate in the changing political and environmental climate. These are the development of an Optimum Land Use Plan for incorporation into the Official Community Plan for the Interlakes area, the benefits of altering the regional boundary so that the lakes all fall within the Cariboo Region, the benefits of limiting boat speeds and mitigating congestion on Little Lac des Roches and mitigating traffic accidents near Gerald Crescent. We welcome input from all lake users.

Stay current and informed

We send out a quarterly update to our member distribution list and feel strongly that we can play a role in keeping property owners well-informed of issues that may be of interest to our neighbours, particularly those who may not reside in the area. For this reason, we encourage membership to our society for all residents however there are several other means of staying informed of issues and happenings in the South Cariboo.

• Our website is updated regularly and has been used to share “news” items when the need arises
• Area director, Bruce Rattray, informs constituents via his website and newsletters at www.brucerattray.ca.
• The 100 Mile House Free Press newspaper is available by subscription and at http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_cariboo/100milefreepress/.
• The 100 Mile House Advisor newspaper can be found in outdoor boxes along Highway 24.
• The Friends of Bridge Lake website informs readers of area issues, www.friendsofbridgelake.org

Current “hot topics” in our area

High speed Internet service is coming to Lac des Roches this summer. With the help of a grant, BC Wireless from 100 Mile House, will be erecting a repeater tower on the west Lac des Roches hill which is intended to provide the necessary “line of sight” service to at least 60% of the residences on the lake. Interested subscribers are asked to call the 100 Mile Net Shop 250-395-4397 and indicate your interest. They will be offering an open contract to part-time residents.

Environmental damage to Little Lac des Roches and the connecting shallow channel as a result of increased boating pressure from area development is a serious concern to our society. While not opposing all development, we are hoping that the negative impact of more users on the lake could be mitigated by taking steps to see if we can direct additional lake users to the Public Access #7 on Lac des Roches. With the addition of a toilet and refuse facilities, we feel this is a wise environmental position to promote. We have recently written several letters to different levels of government with our proposal and await a reply. Our quarterly update in September will reflect the status of this initiative.

Please be kind to the area

There is growing concern about the quality of living in our corner of the South Cariboo. Development and the trend towards recreational use are changing the demographics which seem to have an exponential negative impact on the water, land, wildlife and residents. Many people and groups look to more regulations and enforcement in an attempt to control change and the rate at which it effects of our way of life. This is evidenced by the emphasis on new regulations and proposed by-laws for recreational vehicles, noise, barking dogs, operation of wood stoves and boilers and renting out property, to name a few. Despite the rules, we really can only impress on our neighbours to use common sense and care when they live and enjoy this pristine area, with the hope of keeping it that way. Respecting private land, treading lightly on public lands, controlling pets and children’s behavior, limiting your residential footprint on the environment and caring for your surroundings like they are your permanent home, are all ways we suggest residents help sustain our piece of paradise. Please protect the lake from deteriorating pollutants and debris. The shoreline and riparian buffer zone may be inside your property line but there exist strict guidelines against clearing and development for the protection of the lake and its abundant wildlife that relies on this area for its survival. There are many publications and websites that offer suggestions to rural residents on development, dock care, use of public lands and roads, boating etiquette, ATV etiquette, protecting property from wildfires, and use of firearms, to name a few. Contact us through our website and we will happily guide you to available resources for yourselves and your guests.

Calendar of area events this summer season

• June 12 – Friends of Bridge Lake 2010 Fishing Derby
• June 18 thru 20 – Free Family Fishing Weekend (all of B.C.)
• July 3 – Bridge Lake Stampede
• July 8 thru August 19 – Friends of Bridge Lake’s Summer Speakers Series (BL School)
• July 31 & August 1 – Interlakes BCRA Rodeo
• August 15 – Bridge Lake Fair (Interlakes Hall)

Membership rewards and renewal

Once again, we would like to remind members and other lake users that our annual membership runs from September 1 to August 31. Benefits of membership include voting rights at all meetings, direct receipt of quarterly updates and newsletters and residential alert notices. If we know how to contact you, we will keep you informed! Your annual dues of $10 for the entire family are used to fund the administration of the society, mainly our website and membership to the BC Lake Stewardship Society.

Download the membership form here.

Thank you and enjoy your summer!

Comments?

Published by Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, contact Sharron Woloshyn 250-593-0041

Volume four

The community and lake stewardship society, Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, is pleased to provide its fourth annual newsletter for the residents and visitors to the area. This year the newsletter is in an on-line condensed format to save costs and time of printing and distribution. Looking back at our publications over the last three years, many of the articles are still very appropriate today and readers are encouraged to have a look a previous volumes posted on our website for; fly fishing suggestions, boating etiquette information and area recycling options, to name a few of the timeless pieces.

Society updates:

Chairman’s message by Barry Reid

After a wonderful winter everyone is now busy with gardening, fishing, hosting visitors, birding, soaking up the ambience, and enjoying our beautiful lakes. We should feel privileged to have such a beautiful “front yard!” Lois and I spent a month in southern California (again) looking after Lois’ Mom, and on our journeys back and forth we were constantly reminded of how fortunate we are to live in an area where people care about their community and work to make it better. How much more we could do if all of us decided to set one “lakeside protection” goal for ourselves and then follow up with some effort to make sure our property is not contributing to environmental degradation. Our personal goal is to replant native vegetation along our riparian zone in an attempt to rehabilitate the area and restore the natural habitat. Could be a challenge because now you can come and check on our progress!

Optimum Land Use Plan Update

Many winter hours were spent researching and developing maps of the area showing key uses and values of the land in the watershed. Our presentation is in its final stages. We are extremely encouraged by a couple of recent events that are indicating that our Land Use Plan has been an extremely useful exercise. Firstly, the TNRD and CRD have worked together successfully to develop a joint Official Community Plan (OCP) proposal for the Green Lake/Watch Lake area, proving that the two Regional Districts can produce a common set of objectives even though their criteria is typically interpreted differently. Secondly, both TNRD and CRD staff have recently indicated they would welcome our input into the Interlakes OCP, particularly since there have been some staffing changes in both districts. Lastly, the provincial government group, Integrated Land Management Bureau, has put out a call to the public to submit feedback on its land use objectives for our area which include many of the key values that we have already identified. It is so good to know that when we talk about the best use of the land in this watershed, there will willing listeners.

We are a something

On May 4, 2009, our society was officially granted its Certificate of Incorporation. As an entity, the group will potentially exist long after the founding and replacement executive members have retired from their roles. No change in activities is expected as the group has been run under the Society Act since its inception although a more descriptive and stewardship focus has been submitted to the Registrar and is published in our constitution along with our Mission Statement on the website, click here.

Welcome packages

Lorraine Jollymore has been updating our “welcome packages” for new property owners on the lakes. The package is filled with information about the area and what it means to live next to a pristine lake. If you would like a welcome package for yourself, or a new neighbour, contact Lorraine through our email, contactus@lacdesroches.org.

Website improved and faster

Our website has again undergone some major renovations thanks to our neighbour at Bridge Lake, Karl Schmitz, who showed us how to improve the response times on our website and make updates to the dynamic pages. We are very grateful to Karl for his hours of work on our website and his ongoing technical consultation and guidance to our team.

Our team of volunteers

Current Executive members and their availability at the lake:

Barry Reid, Chairman (year-round)
Marie Wallewein, Co-chair, Lake Monitor – Little LdR (year-round)
Bill Jollymore, Media Relations (year-round)
Lorraine Jollymore, Co-media (year-round)
David Woods, Treasurer (part-time)
Al Wallewein, Website, Lake Monitor – Little LdR (year-round)
Gordon Marshall, Membersip, Lake Monitor – LdR (year-round)
Wendy Marshall, Wildlife/Steardship, Lake Monitor – LdR (year-round)
Sharron Woloshyn, Secretary/Publicity, Lake Monitor – Phinetta (year-round)
Lois Motz, Director at large (year-round)
Bev Sinclair, Director at large (part-time)
Heidi Ruegg, Director at large, Lake Monitor – Birch (summer)
Ralph Watson, Director at large, Lake Monitor – Birch (summer)

A direct link

Marie Wallewein, our Co-Chairman is our liaison with Bruce Rattray, Area L Director of the Cariboo Regional District (CRD). This role has the benefit of instant communication between residents and local governing bodies. In the last year, information and knowledge of area events has increased exponentially with the formation of several organized groups and our new CRD director’s website. See more information below under “area updates”.

Membership renewal

Once again, we would like to remind members and other lake users that our annual membership runs from September 1 to August 31. Benefits of membership include voting rights at all meetings and direct receipt of quarterly updates. Your annual dues for a family of $10 are used to fund the administration of the society, mainly our website and involvement with the BC Lake Stewardship Society. Click here to access our membership renewal form on our website.

Backburner projects and their status

• Rest stop signage is on hold since the old map was reinstalled. This project may be resurrected next year if funding is still available from the CRD.
• A map of Lac des Roches, showing sensitive areas and highlighting hazards will be available on our website this year as part of the Optimal Land Use Plan presentation.
• Lake speed reduction request for Little Lac des Roches is waiting on Transport Canada’s action.
• Birch Lake Public Access is off the books at this time as there appears to be no funding for the Provincial Government to develop this. Access to the lake is still through private land at the Birch Lake Fishing Resort on the lake.
• 2004 Crown Land Development Proposal at the east end of Lac des Roches by Integrated Land Management Bureau is still on the books but “set aside”. With several methods of increased information flow, we continue to monitor the potential resurrection of this project.
• Regional District Boundary change to put all of Lac des Roches in the Cariboo Regional District is not an active project at this time but we plan to take this up with the new CRD Board next year.

Community updates:

Lake activity

Lakes

Gordon Marshall reports that lake level is the same as last year at this time. Ice off Little Lac des Roches was May 5 and Lac des Roches was May 10th. Once again all four major lakes in our watershed will be monitored by local volunteers this summer. Lac des Roches, Little Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake will have Level 1 testing, which is their temperature, turbidity and pH, recorded and submitted to the BCLake Stewardship Society for ongoing study by the Ministry of Environment. The extra testing, or Level 2 testing, on Lac des Roches which occurred the last 3 years will be repeated on a 5-year cycle if the Ministry has the necessary funding at that time. Results and reports of lake monitoring throughout the province, particularly several lakes in the area, can be an interesting read and can be found on the BCLSS website, www.bclss.org.

Stocking

Gordon obtained the 2009 planned yearling fish stocking information for the 4 lakes.

• Little Lac des Roches – 4,000 one-time (done on May 14)
• Lac des Roches – 100,000 in 3 different stocking events (2 known to have been done)
• Birch Lake – 10,000 in 2 different stocking events
• Phinetta Lake – 8,000 in 2 different stocking events

Creel Reporting

Once again, the Ministry of Environment is asking for catch information for these stocked lakes in order to analyze the appropriateness of the stocking program. Anyone interested in recording their catch data can obtain a creel report form from Gordon through our website. The information is valuable whether the fish is kept or released. For the first time, the biologist has requested fish heads of kept fish from our lakes, in order to analyze brain material which apparently provides a more in-depth history of the fish stocking program. The creel information related to the fish head is essential and to ease the chore of recording this, a large twist tie with noted pertinent catch data can be attached to the head, tossed in the freezer and delivered to Gordon when it is convenient to do so. Your contribution to this initiative is very appreciated!

The Great Outdoors by Wendy Marshall

Loons

The loons have returned and are pairing up on all our local lakes, checking out where to nest for this year. This is a good time to remind boaters: kayaks, canoes, and powered boats to leave a distance between themselves and the loons – particularly in May and June, when one of the pair is incubating eggs. Approaching too closely will force the adult off the nest, instinctively looking after themselves first. Exposed eggs are very vulnerable to prey, including deer, gulls, herons, coyotes, fox and yes, your pets, especially dogs. Both the wake from power boats and natural wave action from a storm, will literally wash the eggs off the lake platform nest, which is located at lake level. Last year, on Lac Des Roches, 2 of 9 pairs of loons, produced 4 chicks, who all survived till fall. On Little Lac Des Roches, 1 pair raised two chicks successfully till migration. These results are reported to the Canadian Lakes Loon Surveys, a department of Bird Studies Canada, every year online at www.bsc-eoc.org.

Birds

Also in the birding world, many of our songbirds are returning – some just passing through, others finding suitable nesting habitat. The BC Breeding Bird Atlassing project is entering year 2 of 5. The object of this survey is to record the highest possible evidence of breeding, e.g.: adults observed entering nest site indicating occupied nest, adults carrying food for young, nest containing eggs, and finally the highest level is a nest with young seen or heard. If you observe any of the above, please call Wendy at 250-593-2327. If you are interested, the website to go to is www.birdatlas.bc.ca. The 2, 10km squares that cover all of Lac Des Roches are 10FC60 and 10FC70. Last years’ results can be found there now.

Gardens

Following our late spring, gardens are most demanding! Most years, we can get at perennial beds in April, not this year. Everything needs doing NOW!!! Especially this spring, the old rule of not transplanting annuals until the long May weekend, is so very true. Personally, I’ll wait till the 24th as “May Day” is earlier than usual this year.

Birch Lake bites by Heidi Ruegg

Ice off was May 10th this year. We were here at the lake May 1, 2, and 3 and it was still pretty solidly frozen then. This year’s best guess for ice off was Ralph Watson, guessing the 10th with Karen Roy a close second, guessing the 11th.

Some nice fish have come out of the lake these first weeks; several 5+ pounders from fishers staying at the fish camp. Kurt Roy caught an 8 pound Rainbow but that became overshadowed by local resident, Raymond Rousselle, when he caught a 9 1/2 pounder. We are expected to receive 10,000 fingerlings in two stockings by Fish and Wildlife this summer, but no word on exactly when that will happen.

Birch Lake Fishing Resort is up and running and in full swing already, with several weekends totally booked already.

We have had two cabins on the lake sell in the last year and we would like to welcome our new neighbors, Phil and Jane and Greg and Marion.

Already spotted on the lake; at least 2 pair of Loons and a Golden Eagle.

We are all hoping for a great summer season with great weather for great fishing and birding.

Information overload

In addition to the community correspondence column for the Lac des Roches area which is published every two weeks in the 100 Mile Free Press, and reproduced on their website, community information about the area is also published regularly in the monthly newsletter produced in our neighbouring community to the south, the Little Fort Squawk, with the by line “What’s Up Over the Hill?”. The Squawk can be picked up in hard copy at several business locations in Little Fort and can be subscribed to vial email, squawk@xplornet.com.

Area Updates:

Property Tax increase is significant

With the passing of the fire department referendum in 2008, an increase in property taxes on some properties is significant. On the radar screen is a possible future referendum which would see property taxes increased to fund a proposed Aquatic Center servicing the 100 Mile House area.

Area development radar screen

Other than the new 43-lot subdivision approved at Muddy lake, at the headwaters of Little Lac des Roches but barely visible from Highway 24, there is little new development in the area. New construction and major renovations are evident on existing privately-owned lots, but no rezoning or land use changes are on the radar screen in the immediate area. At the beginning of his 3 year term in office, Bruce Rattray put together a team of volunteers to sit on the Area L Advisory Planning Commission (APC). The APC reviews all applications involving land use that are submitted to the CRD and provides a recommendation to the CRD to consider the application or not, and why. Most of the members have been on the committee for many years, but a few new members bringing geographical diversification and new perspective to the process have been accepted by the CRD Board. Representing the Lac des Roches watershed is Sharron Woloshyn, full-time resident at LdR.

New public information sessions

About the time our new Area Director, Bruce Rattray was elected, the Cariboo Regional District had just changed its process to include public information sessions for any “major” rezoning projects in the area. Although still a challenge for absent land owners, this is one more opportunity for residents to be informed of pending changes to land use. One citizen pointed out that while property owners have a right to be informed; they also have a responsibility to keep informed. With that objective in mind, Bruce Rattray has created a very informative website full of information and links to information in the entire Cariboo Regional District. Bruce also emails a frequent newsletter with up-to-the-minute board meeting information. Residents are strongly urged to add Bruce’s website you your favourites, and include your email address on his newsletter distribution.

General Interest Shorts:

Don’t fence me in

A reminder that since we live in old ranching territory, there are many abandoned fences and the hazards that accompany them local residents should be aware of. Abandoned page wire, barbed wire and rail wire seems to be everywhere and poses a serious hazard to wildlife, pets and humans. If you encounter these hazards while landscaping or walking the land, please do your best to remove the hazard or at least mitigate the harm it may do to others.

Garbage in … garbage out

What do the following have in common; tires, plastic drink bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags and kid’s toys have in common? They have all been found floating on the lake since the ice went off in early May. The increased volume of garbage in the lake is partly due to high spring water dislodging junk from the shoreline, but it shouldn’t be there either. We know that the wind is often the culprit, picking up loose articles from backyards and boats and depositing them into the lake. We hope that everyone will do their best to keep garbage out of the lake, and if you do come across an out of place item, do your best to retrieve it and dispose of it properly. Thanks for your part in keeping hazards out of the water and our lakes pristine!

Buy vinegar in bulk

Executive members were discussing environmentally safe ways to remove weeds recently and it seems that everyone agrees that vinegar works just as well as any weed killer they have tried in the past, whether it was organic or the deadly “Round Up”. Whether you wish to remove weeds from a gravel driveway or from a green lawn, a spritz of full-strength vinegar will kill the plant life it comes in contact with. Apply it on a dry day and reapply as needed. Vinegar is a key ingredient in alternative and environmentally safe household products, particularly for cleaning purposes, so purchasing a large quantity is recommended.

Risky business

Residents are reminded to take no chances when it comes to protecting our valuable lakes. Several resources are available to guide us on the “do’s and don’ts” of living nearby water. In particular, we would like to remind residents and their guest to be cautious of potential fuel and oil spills and seepage into the lake or ground. Everything that spills will end up in someone’s drinking water somewhere. A little research on the Internet provided the following disturbing data. Just 2 cups of gasoline, spilled into a lake, will contaminate over 1 million gallons of water, making it unsafe to drink. It is almost certain that between filling lawn mowers, weed whackers, chainsaws and all terrain vehicles, 2 cups of gasoline has been spilled on the ground in a year in any neighborhood in our area. Granted some will have evaporated, but there is a good chance some has made its way into our lake. Perhaps this statistic will help remind readers that we just can’t be too careful when it comes to protecting our lakes!

Calendar of events 2009

• June 12-14 Watch Lake – BCLSS Annual Convention (FoLdR attending)
• June 13 Friends of Bridge Lake Fishing Derby
• June 19-21 Fathers Day free fishing weekend (free prize)
• July 4 Friends of Bridge Lake Annual General Meeting (AGM), Bridge Lk School 4 – 6 pm
• August 20 Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake AGM, Bridge Lake School 7 pm

Comments?

Newsletter input or comments may be directed to Editor/Writer: Sharron Woloshyn at 250-593-0041.

Published by Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake

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:

1. Geology
2. Watershed
3. Current land use
4. Topography
5. Recreational use
6. Wildlife areas and bird nesting areas
7. Forestry designation
8. Meteorological (weather)
9. Historical use
10. 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.”

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.

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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?

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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

Welcome Neighbours

The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake (Friends) welcome you back and hope you enjoy a safe year. We’ve distributed a complimentary copy of our second annual newsletter to all the lake properties and hope you find it informative and entertaining.

Go S-L-O-W

By Barry Reid

Several visitors to Lac des Roches have asked why the small lake and the channel connecting the lakes have restricted speeds. Here’s the rationale: The channel is the narrowest and shallowest portion of the entire system, and wave action from boat wakes has been severely impacting the channel edges. The resulting siltation is contributing to the declining depth of the channel, a situation which, over the next few years, could end access between the lakes. The channel is also an area where many waterfowl raise their young, and as such, it should be an area where sensitivity to their habitat is practiced.

On Little Lac des Roches, the 20km/hr speed limit was set by the Federal Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans, which has determined that higher speeds would contribute to the deterioration the shorelines and riparian zone, negatively impact fishing, and would also impact the docks and waterfront of residents. Friends support the various uses of the lake for pleasure and recreation, but ask that residents and visitors respect the speed limits for the benefit of all.

Rats!

By Gordon Marshall

Pack rats will quickly inhabit an empty building such as a barn, cabin or garage and unfortunately, will proceed to do extraordinary damage by building nests and running amuck. One resident swears by his anti-rat secret weapon – the CBC! Like some of us humans who are loners by nature, the pack rats, don’t seem to like the continuous talk that is aired by the CBC, pretty well 100% of the time. Keep your radios tuned loudly to CBC, 24/7 and you may rid yourself of those pesky rats.

Now, if only we could get rid of the gophers as easily!

All about Friends

Friends initially organized in 2004 to provide a unified voice of opposition to the massive residential development that is proposed at the east end of Lac des Roches (LdR). The development continues to be our key focus, and in addition, we have expanded our role to official lake stewards and are gaining recognition as a community group with diversified interests related to our lakes and the surrounding area. Below is a list of some of our more significant work over the past year.

• Ensured our petition opposing the development, with 700 signatures, was entered into the B.C. Legislature by MLA Charlie Wyse.
• Commenced lake monitoring on Phinetta and Birch Lakes in addition to that done on LdR and Little LdR, of temperature, turbidity and pH levels.
• Developed “welcome packages” for new users of the lake and for the resorts and rental properties.
• Alerted the Ministry of Environment to high pH levels we detected in Little LdR.
• Initiated discussions with the Ministry of Tourism on further identification and preservation of the Hudson’s Bay Fur Brigade Trail along the north side of LdR and Birch Lake.
• Started a map-based community plan for the LdR watershed straddling the two Regional Districts, to be incorporated into a revised Interlakes OCP (Official Community Plan). *
• Provided input into the TNRD’s (Thompson-Nicola Regional District) proposals for area OCP’s, Wildland Fire Policies and New Resort zoning bylaws.
• Provided input to the Lemieux Creek Watershed Roundtable group, looking at water storage possibilities in the LdR watershed. *
• Maintained dialogue with various levels of government of our continued opposition to the proposed residential development.
• Researched recycling opportunities for publication. *

*More information on the starred points is contained in this newsletter.

More details are sent to our members through quarterly updates and special messages and are published on our website.

Fly Fishing Lac des Roches Ice Off to Ice On

By Bill Jollymore

The early feed for trout when the ice first comes off is Chironomids and Leeches. Leech pattern sizes #6-8 in black, brown and burgundy work best. Chironomids sizes #13-16 in black or burgundy are most popular. Chironomid fishing takes patience and study and goes on through the season.

June and July is the time for Sedge hatches as well as Damselflies and Dragonflies. These are also the months for the famous Mayfly hatch that is world-renowned. Mayfly nymphs work best, as trout on this lake seem to leave the adults alone. Damselfly and Dragonfly nymph patterns are a must but there is no greater experience that taking a trophy trout on a Tom Thumb if the fish are surface feeding.

August produces little fly fishing except for trolled flies. Half Backs, Leech and Dragonfly patterns will work when fished fairly deep.

September, October and November shows renewed life for the fly fisherman. Sedges hatch into late September and Dragonflies become a major food source.

The one trout food that is abundant all season is the Shrimp and Scuds. These make up a large portion of the fish diet and in September they lay eggs on weed and grass stems along the lake edge in their orange egg-laying colour. The fall is a favorite time for the dedicated fly tossers.

This is a very brief outline as the complexity of the lake and fishing it is as varied as the opinions and patterns of the pursuers. However, mornings and evenings seem most productive. During the day fish the drop offs of the shoals. In the evenings cover the same water but fish the shoals.

The successful fisherman will have a rod of 8.5 to 10 feet with a line weight of #5 or #6. A floating line, a full sinking line and a floating sink tip are musts. Leaders of 9 to 16 feet and 3 to 6 lb. will cover most situations.

The big thing is “Go Fish”.

Dump and Dumper

There have been several cases of illegal dumping of yard, land clearing and cabin waste on private and crown land in our watershed. The Interlakes Solid Waste Refuse site is only 15 minutes down the highway and is relatively unrestricted. Residents, please do your part in keeping our rural area pristine and report illegal activity on Crown Land to the Ministry of Forests and private land trespassing to South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol (1.877.593.2344) or the RCMP.

Boundary Unchanged & Land Use

No change is in store for the regional boundary line that dissects LdR between the Cariboo (CRD) and Thompson-Nicola (TNRD). It is this division that leads to conflicting classifications of LdR as “ sensitive” by the CRD and “development” by the TNRD. As a partial solution, Maureen Pinkney of the CRD suggested that a joint Official Community Plan (OCP) could be created for the entire lake and we are inspired and excited to provide input into this process.

The executive is currently researching and developing a map-based land use plan of our watershed area for presentation to the CRD and/or the TNRD for inclusion into their OCP. We plan to present the draft to our members at the August 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Members are invited to contact any executive member, through the website, with land-use ideas.

Best of Friends

Thank you, members of Friends. Your support and our 186 voices are gaining recognition as a strong lake stewardship group with a clear message of lake and land preservation in the Cariboo. We continue to grow and welcome new members, their financial support and ideas. You do not have to be a property owner to join. Our current one-time membership fee of $10 for an individual or $20 for a family entitles members to;

• Receive quarterly membership updates,
• Vote at general meetings and the Annual General meeting (must be 19 years of age),
• Attend executive and special meetings with chairman’s approval, and
• Submit “around the lake” stories for our website.

Our next general meeting is Wednesday, May 30. Our AGM is Wednesday, August 29. All meetings are at 7pm at the Bridge Lake Community School.

Where There’s Smoke …

The well-used Highway 24 rest stop is responsible for LdR being called “the most photographed lake in B.C.” There’s always a risk however, that the many travelers stopping here for a break, increase the risk of a grass fire, especially if we have another hot, dry summer. On April 15, the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department’s used a controlled burn of the privately owned grass land below the rest stop as a fire practice. From the landowner and the residents of Boultbee Road, thanks to the department’s volunteers for their time and mitigating the fire risk.

Under the Ice

By Bryson Kerr

What’s happening under the cover of ice at Lac des Roches and Birch Lake?

Every January through to March lake residents become amorous during the nighttime hours. Groups of up to 12 individuals are thrashing about in a frenzied ball of passion. It is the spawning time for the lake’s Burbot. Females may deposit up to a million eggs as the males and females cross the lake bottom. Spawning is the time Burbot are most vulnerable to fishermen as the Burbot come into the shallows to begin a new life cycle. This is also the time their meat is at its flavor peak. Burbot may also be taken in the summer, but they prefer water in the 15°C range and are found on the lake bottom in deep water.

Burbot also referred to as Freshwater Ling has a slim, brownish body with smooth skin (Burbot appear scale less but actually have small microscopic scales). It has a flattened head and distinctive “barbells” or filaments of tissue hanging from its lower jaw and nostrils, which provide a sense of touch and smell. Predominately night predators, they eat fish, aquatic insects, and even small rodents. At the age of about 5 years they are sexually mature and feed mainly on fish, most of the fish being other Burbot. Burbot can grow to 39 centimeters.

Burbot are found throughout BC in streams and lakes. While Burbot have long been considered a non-recreational fishery this has been changing. Today, many sports persons are realizing the winter sporting potential and the good eating that the delicate white meat provides. In 2003 management officials chose Lac des Roches and Birch Lake as a site to develop field procedures to estimate fishing mortality rate of Burbot. One of the goals was to assess the ability of releasing Burbot (they bloat when brought to the surface). It was discovered that the age of Burbot in Birch ranged from 5 to 16 years and fish were 417 to 765 mm in length. In Lac des Roches Burbot ranged from 5 to 14 years and were 336 to 719 mm in length. The sample group diet was mainly fish – the Lac des Roches Burbot diet was 50% other Burbot; and the Birch Lake Burbot diet while also mainly fish was not analyzed as to species.

Burbot can be caught using standard bait fishing techniques – a hand held rod, a 2/0 or 4/0 single hook (a long shank is best as they have a big mouth) and a 1 oz weight to take it down. Remember that in Regions 3 and 5 you may not use a setline (an unattended line) and you may not use a finned fish or any part of for bait. Daily catch limits for Region 3 is 2 and for Region 5 is 5.

The easiest way to clean a Burbot is to hang it by its head, cut the skin around the head and pull the skin down using pliers, remove fins, and fillet.

Old Docks, New Tricks

By Gordon Marshall

Old docks make great mating floats for loons and ducks however too many abandoned docks are creating lake hazards. Rotting ropes, shifting ice and summer storms are breaking up some of these docks and littering the lake with spiked boards and disintegrating Styrofoam. Mating floats must be well secured and situated in quiet waters, unaffected by changing weather or lake conditions, and be free of all dangerous and hazardous material. If you are not sure of their security for years to come, we recommend you remove old docks from the lake.

Weather or Not …

What do Sargeant Lake Lookout, Windy Mountain, and Bridge Lake have in common? They are just a few of the weather station sites monitored by professional meteorologists to produce accurate weather forecasts for our area. These emailed forecasts include; conditions, precipitation, significant winds, temperatures and during the fire season, smoke and ash warnings. Initially, these emails were obtained through word-of-mouth but a full page notice in the 100 Mile Free Press on September 27, 2006 introduced the public to this free service and our mysterious (but internationally famous) weather forecaster.

To receive these free forecasts, send your email address to weather@bcinternet.net. Guaranteed, you will be pleased by the accuracy and entertainment supplied in these emails. Let them also know if you have high speed internet and you will receive bonus emails such as webcams and video links of local phenomena, like the fireball caught on camera in the night sky over Bridge Lake! The website is still under construction, www.theweatherman.ca.

Birding News

By Wendy Marshall

2006 proved to be a poor year for our lake’s nesting loons. Most nests on the big lake were drowned by high water in June. The resident pair on the little lake successfully raised one chick to maturity.

We held our annual Bridge Lake Naturalists’ Christmas Bird Count December 30th. Once again, numbers were down significantly. We’ve been doing this count for 10 years, fewer numbers of most species recorded is certainly cause for concern.

On a lighter note, we saw our first Red-Winged Blackbird Feb. 18th, which is always our first sign that spring is imminent and with it many more migrants will be “on the wing”!

Water Woes

The LdR watershed is a potential target for water storage primarily for downstream irrigation purposes around Little Fort. The Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has considered constructing water retention dams on Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. Their initial concern was property loss or damage by potential flooding caused by increased water levels or impact on licensed water works by decreasing water levels (such as stranded pumps).

A startling fact is that while we estimate that between LdR and Birch Lake, 115 properties are drawing water from the lakes for domestic use, only 13 water licenses exist. The Ministry made their impact analysis based on a total of 13 active water licenses of 500 gallons of water per day, far below the actual number of properties relying on water from these lakes.

A water license is not a guarantee of water supply or priority, but the existence of a water licenses is definitely a factor in development proposals for water-related studies where water availability is, or may become, an issue. Residents may wish to become more informed on the water act and licensing, especially as development in our area seems imminent.

Drilled wells for ground water are regulated by new legislation and must now be registered and tagged but do not require a water license.

Complete information on the act, water licenses and ground water regulations is available on the Internet, www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/

Towering Towers

Cellular phones don’t work at most LdR and Birch Lake locations although cellular customers can usually get a signal from the rest stop or above. TM Mobile Inc. (Telus Mobility) has several applications pending with Integrated Land Management Bureau (previously Land and Water BC) for installing communication towers along Highway 24. One is to be located above Lac des Roches (File 3411525). Notices have appeared in the 100 Mile House Free Press and the applications can be viewed in detail on the Internet www2.lwbc.bc.ca/ApplicationPosting/viewpost.jsp?PostID=7758.

Evidently these towers won’t be used to deliver high speed Internet, but satellite service is becoming commonplace in our area.

Death by Beetles

Residents may be quite shocked to see how quickly the area forest has been affected by the beetle epidemic in the last year. Not only are we losing our stands of pine trees but spruce and fir trees are dying as well. There is a posted sign at the LdR rest stop but more comprehensive information is available on the Internet. A search for “mountain pine beetle” will take the viewer to several types of sites.

The ‘locals’ have observed that a beetle-killed tree does not remain standing as long as a tree that has died a “natural” death. It seems to quickly lose its’ root stability and becomes a falling hazard, to people, buildings, wires and roads. Aspen trees, infested with a leaf-mining moth for the last 3 years, are losing their roots to either a fungus or ants. Be mindful of trees on or near your property. You could be injured – even killed – by a bug!

Diary of a Lake Skier

Jan 14 – Wow, 6 inches of snow last night on the lake. Too deep, only went round Rock Island.

Jan 15 – Sledders made excellent track on south shore. Went to Eagle Island and back in sledder’s track. Thank you sledders!!

Jan 17 – Big wind storm for 2 days. Snow is gone from ice, no skiing.

Jan 19 – More snow, 3 inches is perfect. Made a real nice track along the north shore and back.

Jan 20 – Great skiing, track is perfect. Used by the neighbours this morning too!

Jan 21 – DARN! Sledders went all along the shore today, on top of my tracks! Got to start all over again. Wish they wouldn’t do that!

Goose Guards & Duck Deterrents

Many pairs of geese (and their fine feathered friends) make our lakes their mating grounds and homes for the summer months – after all, it is their lake too. For the property owners with trimmed lawns on their waterfront, the presence of geese is obvious as they create quite a mess and health hazard with their waste, or “calling card”.

To gently urge geese from calling your lawn their home or feeding ground, we have found some applicable published advice. In the pamphlet we included with our 2006 newsletter, “Waterfront Living”, it is recommended that you “…start a buffer strip by leaving some grass uncut near the water.” In its publication, Cariboo-Chilcotin Lakes, Protecting Water Quality and Shorelines, the CRD says “shoreline buffer strips can deter Canada Geese as they like to have a wide, unobstructed view and need to have close and easy access to the water to escape predators. Although lawns are attractive to geese, dense vegetation and tall grasses between the water and lawn are an effective way to keep them away.” It is clear that the landowner’s landscaping decisions have the most influence on the habitat habits of geese.

To deter geese from using a floating dock as a rest stop, one LdR resident has had success with suspending animal netting about 16 inches above the dock, which is set in place in the evenings and removed during daytime use.

News – Flash – Fire

As reported in the April 2007 Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD) newsletter, the borrowed east hall has been sold and the Bridge Lake fire truck needs a new permanent home. A temporary arrangement has been made at the Interior Roads Ltd. maintenance yard at Bridge Lake, but this is a short-term solution. The search is on for a suitable location and building to serve the Bridge Lake area. Funding will be a challenge as the fire department’s expenses are covered by; annual fire dues, fund raising and a Lottery Corporation grant.

Residents may be impacted, as the move, by just a few kilometers, could affect homeowner insurance policies where premiums are dependant on the distance from the fire department. To ensure continued fire protection, we may each have to become an active part of the solution, specifically indicating our endorsement for the CRD to support the IVFD and payment of voluntary annual fire protection dues for our properties.

Fire chief, Doug Townsend would be pleased to hear your suggestions for a new hall and funding solutions, ditownsend@telus.net.

A Letter to my Neighbours

Dear Neighbour:

Welcome back. I hope you and your guests enjoy the lake as much as I do. I am concerned that some of your guests are unaware of the provincewide shoreline speed law that restricts boats and personal watercraft (pwc) to 10 km/hr within 30 meters of all inland shores. On occasion, I have been uncomfortable swimming or paddling in the water in front of my cabin when guests at your cabin are operating pwc’s at excessive speeds. I notice at these times as well, the absence of our usually abundant waterfowl and their young families, likely due to the excessive noise and waves.

Would you please ensure your cabin users areaware of all boating laws and encourage them to respect the resident’s desire to keep this lake “quiet, peaceful and … the perfect place for relaxation”.

Friends have several copies of Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and would be happy to provide these on request.

Respectfully; Your Neighbour

In the Dark

Are you in the dark? Literally? If you experience a power outage at your property, you should report it immediately to BC Hydro, don’t assume they will know. BC Hydro has indicated that a localized power outage, especially near the end of their line, (as we are) will not be detected – we must report it.

At the beginning of each powered sub-division there is a main breaker. Usually, any problems along the local line will cause the main breaker to trip and all the properties will lose their power. An outage on a specific property may only trip the breaker on the step-down transformer however often, several properties share a transformer, so all effected properties would lose power.

If the problem is along the mainline and affecting a large area, BC Hydro may know about it, but it is best to report ALL outages to initiate a repair crew. Oh, and you should have at least one phone, that doesn’t require electricity to work, to make that call!

Country Cleaning

Many of your neighbours have unofficially adopted stretches of highway and public places around our lakes. That is, they pick up other people’s garbage during their routine walks. If you are one of our country cleaners, thank you! For those thinking of becoming one, be sure to invest in a box of disposable gloves for your health and safety. To the rest, thank you for being part of the solution.

Wait Watchers

Our weekly lake monitoring is a summer event, when the lakes are free of ice. During the fall and spring, we do watch the ice conditions carefully and report lake conditions to the Ministry of Environment. In the spring, they will conduct a level 2 water survey of LdR as soon as the ice is gone. Here is how we report ice lakes in B.C.

Freeze Up (Fall): F0 – No ice formation F1 – Ice formation on shore F2 – Ice covers bays F3 – Lake Completely Frozen

Break Up (Spring): B0 – No sign of break-up B1 – Open water on shore B2 – Open water offshore B3 – Ice in movement B4 – Lake ice Free

100 Things

Once again, Lac des Roches is included in the booklet “100 Things to See and Do Around 100 Mile House, BC”, published by the 100 Mile House Free Press, and included with the May 2, 2007 edition of the paper. We may not be # 1, but visiting Lac des Roches is # 75! There are a number of local attractions listed that may not be common knowledge to all of our residents and their guests. Booklet copies are available at the Free Press office and the Tourism Office in 100 Mile House.

A few really local “things to see and do” which may not be well known to our neighbours and are not included in the pamphlet are;

• Emar Lake Provincial Park and canoe portage (Janice Lake).
• Eakin Creek circle tour (old Highway 24).
• Wavey Lake Forestry Road to “cow camp”.
• Phinetta and Taweel Lake Forestry Road sightseeing and trails.
• Hudson’s Bay Fur Brigade Trail hike.
• Bridge Lake Ice Caves (walk in trail).

It should be noted that most of these “really local” sites are close to our watershed but fall in the TNRD jurisdiction, and would therefore not be included in a South Cariboo write-up.

If you would like more information about these destinations, contact Friends. A member has a copy of the Emar portage map (you must have the map to find your way) and we have a member who has hiked the Fur Brigade Trail. If you know of other interesting local places you would like to share with your neighbours, let us know and we’ll put them in next year’s newsletter.

Rainbows Never End

Most residents know about the history of LdR’s MacDonald ranch either through the plaque at the rest stop or the book, “The Rainbow Chasers”. What you may not know is that the 2005 edition of this book includes pictures of the original MacDonald homestead, which tell their own stories of pioneer ways like horse logging. There are many familiar landscapes and landmarks such as the last farmhouse built by Mr. MacDonald, which was located where the wood frame barn stands today and the unmistakable grassy slope where the Cottage Country Estate lots are being developed.

What we understand is that Mr. Boultbee replaced all the original buildings with log structures in the mid 1940’s which are still used today on various lots on Boultbee Road; the ranch house, the family house further down the road, and the horse barn, to name a few. Later, in the 1950’s, the wood frame cattle barn was erected and modified over the years. This book about the area pioneers is available everywhere, and is an enjoyable account of some colourful area history.

Historical accounting and preservation of our area is an important component of the Friends‘ ongoing goal of keeping this area pristine.

Watch Outt!

Keeping an eye on what’s going on in the neighbourhood is a big part of crime prevention with rural living. If something doesn’t look quite right, chances are, its not. Being an attentive neighbour or having a canine buddy who is a great watchdog is a real benefit to the security of our area, especially with so many seasonal residences left uninhabited for months at a time.

Throughout the year, there are articles in the local newspapers about the many watchful organizations in our area. Their websites are worth a look.

South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol routinely patrol rural roads in personal vehicles for suspicious activities. www.sccop.com

Rural Crime Watch is a group of residents who watch vehicle traffic during the course of their regular day and observe and report suspicious activities. www.ruralcrimewatch.com

BC Wildlife Federation Wilderness Watch is a group of residents who routinely patrol wilderness areas and observe and report infractions of environmental legislation (poaching, pollution, etc). www.bcwf.bc.ca/programs/wildernesswatch/

On a final note, the canine buddy will also tell you about the deer, moose, coyote, fox, bear and owls day and night – little training required!

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Recycling

When the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) announced at the February 20th Town Hall meeting that they had no plans to expand recycling in our area (except for new share sheds), a few Friends decided to do some research to see just what recycling opportunities were available to us. We found that there are extensive recycling opportunities and facilities in the Interlakes area, at 100 Mile House and in Kamloops. We’ve summarized our findings on pages 7 & 8, which we encourage you to cut and save for future reference. For those part-time residents who have full recycling at their permanent place of residency, we encourage you to take your recyclable items home, if possible.

Local recycling opportunities at a glance …

Interlakes Area: Beverage bottles and cans, liquor containers, large metal objects (like fridges and cars), propane tanks.

100 Mile House Area: Beverage bottles and cans, liquor containers, corrugated cardboard, milk jugs, newspapers, ink jet cartridges, cell phones, office paper, computer paper, paint cans, plastic grocery bags, certain product packaging (plastic, cardboard, metal, glass), cell phones, liquid containers, car batteries, rechargeable batteries, plant containers and tags, metal cans, plastic and glass containers.

Kamloops: All of the above plus used oil, E recycling (electronic equipment) and hazardous materials.

Support your Local …

Many area businesses and organizations support various types of recycling and are reasonably accessible to our residents and visitors.

Bridge Lake Store
Sheridan Lake Store
Interlakes Store
Knights of Columbus Bins
Lone Butte Garden Center
Gold-Trail Recycling – 100 Mile House
CRD Recycle Bins (Save-On & Safeway)
CRD Interlakes Solid Waste Disposal Site
Save-On Foods – 100 Mile House
Canada Safeway – 100 Mile House
Tip Top Radio-TV-Video – 100 Mile House
City of Kamloops Recycle Bins (various locations)

Recycling Groups

Bridge Lake Store & Interlakes Store will accept all water, juice, pop and liquor containers that they sell (no juice boxes).

Sheridan Lake Store will accept all water, juice, pop and liquor containers that they sell and is also a drop-off point for out-dated and unwanted refillable propane tanks. All tank sizes, up to 100 pounds, will be inspected and may be refurbished and re-certified by a local resident for resale.

Knights of Columbus bottle and can bins are found along area highways. Volunteers empty these bins and the money raised goes back into our local community. Friends have arranged to have one located at the Bridge Lake Store in May.

Lone Butte Garden Center will accept all reusable plant containers and plant name-tags.

Gold-Trail Recycling and Bottle Depot accepts most household recycle items, car batteries and paint.

• Aluminum beverage cans & other metal cans,
• Plastic beverage bottles – clear and coloured,
• Other plastic jugs, cups & containers,
• Glass juice & beverage bottles – clear & tinted,
• Bag-in-a-box beverage containers,
• Polycoat containers (juice boxes, milk carton),
• Liquor containers and boxboard (cereal boxes).

The CRD and the District of 100 Mile House have established two bin-type recycling facilities located behind Canada Safeway and in the Save-On Foods parking lot. These bins are marked for;

• Newspapers (and accompanying flyers),
• Corrugated cardboard,,
• Office paper,
• Plastic milk jugs.

The CRD Interlakes Refuse Site (Garbage and Recycling) is our area’s CRD designated solid waste disposal site (also known as “the mall” to the local residents). It is located just northeast of the Interlakes Corner about 1.6 km on the Horse Lake Road.

• Large metals such as stoves, cars, etc.,
• Tree branches, wood, roofing material,
• Cement clocks, broken concrete,
• All household garbage,
• Sharable items (new share sheds).

Save-On Foods and Safeway accept specific brand packaging (check with the store), used grocery bags and ink jet cartridges for cash and store points.

Tip Top Radio accepts rechargeable batteries.

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Donations Accepted

The Bridge Lake Community School has benefited from the donation of older but still working personal computers and would welcome your used machine, if you should upgrade. Phone 592.4538.

The 100 Mile Food bank accepts donations of used ink jet cartridges and cell phones, which they can convert into cash. These items can be dropped off at The Wolf/Max, Tip Top, 100 Mile Free Press, PSO, 100 Mile Jr., and 100 Mile elementary. Info: 395.4661 or 397.2571.

Some recyclables are not refundable but benefit the environment by staying out of the landfill.

Dead Zone

Decomposed organic material does wonderful things for a garden and composting is a great way to keep certain waste out of the landfill. Some general guidelines;

• Include coffee grounds, eggshells, vegetable peelings, fruit rinds, leaves, grass clippings, and freshly pulled weeds.
• Avoid meat scraps, dairy products, cooking oils and grease, and noxious weeds.

Composting requires oxygen so turn or aerate your pile regularly.

The Smallest Hobby Farm

Worms work well for fishing many of the lakes in our area. Similar to compost piles, worm boxes or worm farms are a great way to use up your organic waste. Building your worm farm from used or scrap building materials is a start. Be sure to keep the box moist and cool, especially in the hot summer days. Before the frost comes, don’t forget to free your worms for the winter. You can start the process all over again next spring or summer.

Get Organized

An extra, small plastic garbage can in your cabin or house can be designated as the “recycle bin” for sorting later, maybe during one of our area’s fabulous summer storms.

Stackable and washable plastic storage bins make the best recycle bins as they safeguard against any leakage when placed in the trunk or cargo space of a vehicle. They are easy to stack when empty, or protect your purchases from getting squashed upon return from the recycle depots in town.

One Man’s Trash is …

Where there are cabins, mice and packrats (see RATS on page 1), there will always be the temporary need for used furniture and appliances. In our area, the “Cariboo Network” works effectively. Let your neighbours know that you are planning on ridding yourself of certain items, and there just may be a need out there. Other popular items include tools, tires and building materials. It may at least save you a trip to the landfill site.

If you have room to store them, smaller items may be of interest to local organizations for their nnual fundraising garage sales, such as the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department and the Bridge Lake Community School.

The CRD is constructing share sheds at their solid waste disposal sites. These unattended sheds are intended for the placement of reusable items that you think may be of use to others. We applaud the CRD for making these facilities available and look forward to cruising “the mall’s” newest outlet.

How Have You Bin?

The CRD’s Lone Butte & the TNRD’s Opax Road Transfer Stations have the following posted information – they are “for household refuse only. All other items must be taken to designated landfills. Please help keep your transfer station clean. Put all refuse in container. Close container lids. Do not deposit hot ashes.”

Would you believe we have seen; tree branches, dead animals, broken snowmobiles and rotten firewood in these bins. Can you imagine the household this stuff came from? Actually, these items should have gone to the landfill site.

Donated recyclable items are a major source of funding for many organizations. Recycle items left at the refuse site or transfer stations may not be recycled but may end up in a landfill. Please ensure recycled items are placed in a recycle bin – somewhere along your travel route.

Some of our full-time neighbours have started a “recycle run”. When one of us is traveling to town, we let our neighbours know when we are going and will take whatever sorted recyclable items they may have ready to go.

References and More Information

BC Recycling Hotline 1.800.667.4321

Cariboo Regional District 1.800.665.1636

Used Oil, Oil Container, Oil Filter 1.866.322.8662

2007 Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Info Book, pg 8 & 9

City of Kamloops www.kamloops.ca/garbage

The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake are a group of local property owners and interested individuals who are committed to preserving the incredible values that we share around these lakes. One of our goals is to increase the level of environmental sensitivity among those who live here in order to help sustain our lakes and lifestyles. To this end we are working to learn more about the proposed development (which, in its present form, we reject); to prepare for other impacts on our lakes, such as the possibility of dams across outlets leading to Eakin Creek; to collect data regarding lake water quality for the BC Lake Stewardship Society; and to promote environmentally safe activities along our riparian zones. We hope that you will be willing to assist us in these endeavors.

Winter Wonderland

The last two winters have been much milder than usual, although snowfall has been close to average. During the winter of 2004-05 the lowest recorded temperature over the winter was -44°C; this winter the lowest recorded temperature was -31°C. If you have other data regarding high and low
temperatures, please send them to us via our website. We are also collecting ice-on and iceoff dates and request your assistance with this also.

Healthy Lakes?

What should we all be doing to keep our lakes healthy?

• start a riparian buffer strip by leaving grass uncut near the lake
• plant native shrubs and trees close to the shoreline; let native shrubs grow back
• let natural debris (fallen trees, for example) accumulate along the shoreline
• reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides
• use phosphate free soaps and detergents; avoid toxic cleaners
• take care when re-fueling your boat; slow down within 500 feet of shore to reduce your wake and
  minimize damage to the riparian zone; if you are towing or tubing, take off at right angles to the
  shore.

Go to www.livingbywater.ca for more ways to protect your investment

Snowmobiling.

It’s been an awesome year for snowmobiling. The trails seem to go on forever, and even when just playing on the lakes it can be totally fun. For those who love the sport, this area is one of the best in the province, giving miles of groomed trails and almost unlimited access to wide open spaces. We are happy to report no serious accidents, and that snowmobilers are taking their recycling and waste materials out with them. The trails have been pristine. Thanks!

Thanks!

… to our lake monitors who are making sure we have relevant data regarding our lakes: Al and Marie Wallewein; Gordon Marshall; Ralph Watson and Heidi Ruegg.

Something new in the channel:

Boaters will notice new speed signs in the channel between the big and little lakes. “Dead Slow” – approximately the speed of leisurely paddled canoe – will reduce the size and volume of boat wakes which have a devastating effect on waterfowl and their nests, which are so abundant in this sensitive channel. The 20 km speed restriction on the little lake has been in effect for years to protect the shoreline and waterfowl of such a small body of water. Boat wakes are destructive to the shoreline of the big lake as well, which is why speed boats are required to follow numerous rules, most importantly reducing speed near all shorelines and keeping out from the shore by 30 meters when traveling around the lakes.

The Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake

Our group organized in August of 2004 to unite our voices of opposition against the proposed massive development at the east end of Lac des Roches, and around Birch Lake. While we continue our work against the development, we have expanded into a recognized lake stewardship role of monitoring and protecting our watershed. This newsletter has been produced for the benefit of our lakes with the lake users as our targeted audience. We plan to put out a Spring/Summer edition in April and a Fall/Winter edition in September and invite our readers to provide feedback and comments. If you would like to support the Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake, please visit our website at www.lacdesroches.org for more information.

Wildlife Report

Several moose have been browsing along the shores, and a couple of resident wolves make our evenings brighter by singing to the moon. Coyotes, foxes, otters, and the occasional weasel are spotted in the forests, and the mule deer have been plentiful along Highway 24. A deer kill was reported – apparently killed by wolves – along the south side of the big lake. Red squirrels have entertained everyone as they search for food and fun.

Birding News

At one location close to the west end of Lac des Roches, over the past two years there have been more than forty different species visiting the feeders in particular and the lake in general. Due to limited observation techniques, several other species have gone unidentified. This area is a birders’ wonderland, and according to Wendy Marshall, there are over 75 different species inhabiting our areas during the year. Wendy has also been doing Loon Surveys for many years, and has several ideas for ways in which we can assist these magnificent lake dwellers.

Posters have been installed at several locations and it would be a good idea for all of us to check them out and follow their guidelines. We should also make sure that our guests (who may not be aware of the sensitive nature of these birds) are aware of how they should respect and relate to our loons.

Bill Jollymore’s Fishing Tips

It’s almost time to start fly fishing Lac des Roches. Where do we starat? Everyone has their favorite fly, their spot, and method. all of the water is productive but the best places are still the shallows and the drop-offs at the edge of the shoals.

Immediately after ice-off I like to start with chironomids as they start to hatch immediately. Black, brown, copper, red, and green are all good colours. As the fish are coming out of the winter doldrums they will feed on larger creatures, leeches being the most available, so the Brown Bunny leech words as does Jack Shaw’s Blood leech.

As spring turns to summer more hatches come off. like mayflies and sedges. Here the Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, small Halfbacks, Stimulators and definitely the Tom Thumb.

Come Fall – up to November – damsel nymphs, Halfbacks, Gompers, dragonfly nymphs, and back swimmers work well. Where and how is everyone’s choice and is always a learning endeavor.

In September, we united as a group. In our first two meetings we; established accountability guidelines; established executive duties and elected our executive. We then developed 8 objectives and the following mission statement, “the purpose of this association is to form an organized opposition to the proposed development on Birch Lake and Lac des Roches and to work for the future well-being of these lakes.”

Here are our 8 objectives and a list of our activities performed in the last year, as it relates to them.

#1 – Develop a membership roster

• Mailed out applications to all property owners
• Totaling 120 members and growing
• Mailing out quarterly newsletter
• Inviting member’s stories to our website
• Conducting monthly general meetings

#2 – Develop a contact list for a letter writing campaign

• Mailed list of governing bodies to members and property owners, and posted to website
• Composed and mailed multiple letters with issues and concerns to contacts and others
• Contacted MLA’s in North Thompson and South Cariboo, and invited them to speak with us
• Updated list with restructured cabinet ministers
• Developed questions for MLA candidates meetings and mailed these to our members and to the area MLAs

#3 – Provide sample letters to our membership for the letter writing campaign

• decided against this figuring that individualized letters would have more impact
• publishing all articles and letters to the editor on our website to provide ideas for member’s letters

#4 – Establish media contacts with our message

• published newspaper articles in Kamloops, Clearwater, Barrier and 100 Mile House
• attended the Kamloops Outdoor Show, BC Fly Fisher’s AGM in Vernon, and the Bridge Lake Flea Market and presented to the Kamloops Fish & Game Club
• contacted groups such as Ducks Unlimited and Trout Unlimited Canada for support
• constructed signage and provide pamphlets near the Highway 24 Rest Stop
• developed our website which averages 15 visits per day since March
• linked our website to the LWBC Watch website, like-minded groups opposing LWBC’s aggressive mandate
• asked questions at the public South Cariboo all candidates meeting about the development and attended the Kamloops meeting

#5 – Prepare for the rezoning meeting

• reviewed process maps of both TNRD and CRD rezoning process
• met and established an ongoing contact in the TNRD Planning department
• documented alternative proposal to use the land as an environmental study area, not submitted to the TNRD

#6 – Develop a petition for public input

• collected signatures at 100 Mile mall and throughout our region
• mailed approximately 700 signatures to the Premier’s office prior to the May election
• collecting additional signatures through our website petition form

#7 – Request a public hearing

• received a response to our written request promising 30 days notice of the mandatory public hearing for rezoning

#8 – Conduct our own environmental review

• hosted a site tour from Lac des Roches and created a photo journal of the more sensitive or challenging construction areas
• planning a fall fish habitat review with a Ministry of Environment contact established this summer

Two additional 2005 activities worthy of note;

Established our role as lake stewards. Evidently, groups that monitor their lake have influence on issues relating to their lake.

• joined the BC Lake Stewardship Society
• hosted a Lake Stewardship workshop focusing on the lake monitoring function
• monitoring lake quality in Lac des Roches, Little Lac des Roches and Birch Lake

Considered shifting the regional boundary

• analyzed the differences between the CRD and TNRD shoreline guidelines
• obtaining property owner support for our request to expand the CRD region