Category: Community Blog

The abundance of wildlife sightings this year is quite astonishing and the yards around Lac des Roches look like they belong in a petting zoo. The normally elusive fox and coyotes are on regular hunting excursions through several yards in the area and are not deterred at all by the several new dogs around the neighbourhoods. Moose sightings are common, even in the water. The deer seem particularly plentiful and tame. Recent reports of violent attacks on pets and people by relatively docile deer in urban areas around the province serve as a reminder to all that wildlife are just that, wild. We need to exercise cautious around all wildlife.

Fresh snow

The morning snowfall of June 30 and the temperatures hovering around 0 C was not a Canada Day joke. The weather this year is getting a little crazy and very unpredictable. The "winter that wasn’t" was followed by the "spring that came late" and it now looks like we are heading into "what summer"? One seasonal resident asked me the other day, how much snow we got this year. My estimate of six inches should have been, "six inches and still counting. " Don’t put those toques and mitts away just yet.

Pollination questionable

The Saskatoon berry bushes were in full bloom in mid-June, just when the cold and damp storm patterns rolled in to give us some relief from the months of near-drought weather. We can only hope that the few pollinating insects that seemed to have braved the miserable weather were enough to turn the little green buds into tasty berries later in July.

Do not disturb

This is the time of year to reminder residents fledglings, which appear to have fallen from their nest, should be left alone. Often, what appears to be abandonment by their parents is often just a normal part of their training to be a bird. If the situation is not part of the training, as difficult as it may be, leaving the bird alone will allow nature to take its intended course.

Leaf miner

The aspen tree leaf miner is slowly making its presence known this year. Practically overnight, the leaves on the smaller trees in the area have turned from dark green to silvery white as the leaf miner weaves its tunnels around each leaf and robs the leaf of its chlorophyll. Once again, we will miss seeing the once-vibrant colours of the trembling aspen when they turn orange in the fall, as the faded leaves provide only a dull orange tinge before they drop for the winter.

Safety glasses

As I was setting out to do some daily chores around the yard last week, a neighbour asked me what I was doing that required the safety glasses I had just put on. My reply was, "everything". I explained that not only was it annoying to have a dust spec or the odd fly bother my eyes, but there had been one too many close calls where harmful flying debris almost cost me an eye. He agreed that it was a good idea, that "in a blink of an eye" accidents do happen, I encourage everyone who doesn’t wear protective glasses as a rule to consider investing in some relatively cheap safety glasses and protect your eyes.

In early June, while visiting their daughter’s new home in Kamloops, Lac des Roches residents, Tony and Marguerite Neill received a wonderful photo album, sent by their son, Scott, and his family who reside in Australia. The picture on the last page was that of their young grandson, holding his new passport. Viewing this photo was the cue for the surprise entrance at the front door of Scott, his wife, Bec, and son, Finn, ending their clandestine journey to Canada. The timing could not have been better because a few days following Scott’s arrival, Tony and Marguerite finalized the sale of their rental business in 100 Mile and their commuting lifestyle was about to change. It is going to be hard for all their well-wishers to top this unexpected retirement gift but no doubt, the many friends and neighbours of these long-term lake residents wish this hard-working couple the absolute best for their well-deserved life-of-leisure, at last.

Better wet than dry

Our rainy spring and resulting high water level is a welcome surprise, but what it brings is some unwelcome hazards, namely floating debris on the lake. Several old logs and broken trees have been lifted from the shore and pushed around the lake by the shifting winds. Boaters are reminded to never let down their guard when it comes to watching for on-the-water hazards, especially after exceptionally high rainy periods.

Calling all neighbours

I wish to extend a big thank you in advance to all those neighbours who will be volunteering at and supporting the upcoming Bridge Lake Stampede on July 3. The events scheduled throughout the day should prove entertaining for participants and spectators alike. The hardy country pancake breakfast begins at 8 a.m. and is followed later in the day by grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and, of course, French fries smothered in gravy. See you all at the rodeo grounds.

Busy schedules

Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake met on June 16. Water quality monitoring is underway at all four lakes in the chain — Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. High water levels have taken their toll on several loon nests, but one chick is being closely monitored by its parents and our local birders on the big lake. BC Lake Stewardship Society’s report on the health of Lac des Roches is being finalized and will soon be available on several websites. The group is concerned about lack of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access at the west end of the lake and will continue to investigate options. Prior to the upcoming annual general meeting on Aug. 25, the group is planning a public consultation open house for review of its Optimum Land Use Plan, a culmination of its work for the past few years, likely scheduled for Aug. 7.

Rezoning application

A rezoning application is underway for a change to the Muddy Lake Subdivision at the headwaters of Lac des Roches that would see an increase in the number of lots from the original proposal. The process of rezoning land in the Cariboo includes a future public hearing that may be of interest to residents, particularly those living on or near Gerald Crescent, the adjacent property. Up-to-date information on land use is always available through our Cariboo Regional District Area Director Bruce Rattray’s website at www.brucerattray.ca.

Lac des Roches residents have spotted baby ducks swimming in a bay below Boutlbee Road. There was some fear raised by neighbours earlier this spring that the low water levels could cause some of the waterfowl to build nests too low and they would, therefore, be susceptible to flooding should the water level rose naturally or boats created wakes that reach the shoreline. At least one duck family has survived and many more are expected. This is a critical time of year for the survival of the young ducklings and boater are reminded that any loud noise produced by any species of waterfowl in late spring and early summer is likely a distress signal, often as a result of boaters venturing too near a nest or young fledglings. If frantic calls are heard, boaters should leave the vicinity immediately and avoid travelling into the same area for the next month. We all need to encourage the continued health and reproduction of our local waterfowl population.

Bring on the rain

Each of the recent daily downpours are decreasing the risk of wildfires in the area. The much-needed moisture has prompted spring growth as evidenced by the buds finally appearing on the young evergreens and the welcome flower blooms on the many wild Saskatoon bushes. The lake level has risen a few inches, which will help residents reinstall docks and launch their various water crafts for the summer season. Newly planted garden seeds appear to be suffering from excessive moisture and cool night-time temperatures but everyone agrees the rain is preferred to an uncontrollable drought. The slow start to outdoor gardens will give residents more time to develop a plan on how to guard their greenery from the inquisitive and hungry deer during the upcoming summer munching season.

Neighbours helping

We may not be building barns around the lake, but a recent project on Boultbee Road had all the characteristics of a good old barn raising, as many of the neighbours came out to maneuver a new dock into the water. Steve and Kelly Raby put the word out that they could use the muscle power of a few strong men, and about a dozen hardy neighbours showed up to help. With wives and children looking on, these "human cranes" lifted the new dock into the water without incident, injury or damage to the shoreline.

Possible assault hoax

In May, an e-mail story began circulating around the South Cariboo of an assault on a lone traveler at the McDonald Rest Stop on Highway 24, overlooking Lac des Roches. It has not been confirmed if the incident was reported to any detachement of the RCMP in the vicinity, and it may be another example of an Internet hoax. It did, however, initiate some worthwhile discussion among area residents about personal safety and due diligence of those who often walk the roads around the lake for exercise or travel alone on the highways. Let us hope this was just a story, but realizing it could happen, we must ensure precautions are taken to protect ourselves and our families from harm.

Friends meeting

Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake will hold its next meeting une 16. This will be the last scheduled meeting before the annual general meeting Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Bridge Lake Elementary School. All are welcome and annual memberships are available for $10 per family.

Spring is a busy time for volunteers with the lake stewardship society, Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake. The group has just published its fifth annual community newsletter, and while copies have been delivered to all the residences in the area, it is available to everyone on the society’s website, www.lacdesroches.org. The society’s annual general meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Bridge Lake Elementary School. The group has commenced its water quality monitoring of the four area lakes: Little Lac des Roches, Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake. At each of these lakes, volunteers also monitor the Loon population and their breeding success for Bird Studies of Canada. The society would like to remind lake users to keep their distance from breeding loons, as they will abandon their vulnerable nests if distressed. This can put their eggs and chicks at risk to the many natural predators that hunt the lakes shorelines.

Cariboo gardening

Area residents have the opportunity on May 29 to brush up on their Cariboo gardening techniques thanks to the Bridge Lake Community School. The school has once again partnered with Lac des Roches resident and experienced gardener Wendy Marshall. She will be offering a morning filled with tips and tricks of how to make vegetable and flower gardening a successful and rewarding experience in our harsh growing season. Wendy’s charm and unending wit guarantees this to be as entertaining as it will be informative. Please call Wendy Dubbin at 593-4538 for registration and details.

Aspen at risk

The tiny white flies, or aspen leaf miners, are back just as the new green leaves are unfurling. The warm weather in mid-May provided the perfect conditions for a major hatch of these pesky parasites. It won’t be long before the flies will attack the local trees and cause their leaves to turn a pale green or silver colour from their natural vibrant green. Eventually, these annual attacks will cause the aspen trees to die, but the Cariboo seems to toughen up even the trees, and so far, the local trees have managed to survive half a dozen years of repeated assault by these relentless flies.

May celebrations

Best wishes to our friends and neighbours celebrating milestone events this month. Tony Neill, Arnold Foster and Jacquie Woloski are all celebrating birthdays in May. Enjoy your special day.

The recent shooting incident at Lac des Roches could be evidence once again of part-time residents mistaking rural living for wilderness living. Residential areas, no matter how close to the edge of the wilderness, are not the place for wild or extreme sports like target shooting, ATV riding or motor cross racing, a reminder worth passing on to visitors and residents alike, throughout the Cariboo.

Moving mail

Lac des Roches residents will officially receive a Bridge Lake postal address this summer. Rural route mail recipients may change to a box at the Bridge Lake store at no cost. Like in the past, residents may opt for a mail location other than that designated for their particular address however it will result in an annual fee where there may not have been one before. Notices of these changes should be forthcoming from Canada Post and inquiries may be made to the local post offices.

Lake hazards

Normally, high water levels in spring dislodge natural and man-made debris from the shores and fill the lake with floating hazards. This year, low level ice which scraped along the lake bed, dislodged debris from the bottom of the lake. Many of the shallow areas show tree limbs and old submersed dead heads, protruding out of the water. Worse yet is the dislodged debris that is just under the surface of the lake that may catch the unwary boater off guard. Boaters beware that the lake geography may have changed and a few snags may be ready to attack propellers, fishing lines and delicate inflatable hulls.

High speed

Lac des Roches residents will soon benefit from the success of a very persistent Peter Lunn of BC Wireless who obtained necessary grant money to subsidize the installation of a repeater tower to provide high speed internet in the area. The tower, which will be located at the top of the west Lac des Roches hill, should serve the majority of residences within its sight, including most of Boultbee Road. With a target availability date of July 2010, Peter suggests residents phone the 100 Mile Netshop at 250-395-4397 to add their name to the list of subscribers. Both closed and open contracts will be offered to accommodate seasonal residents who may wish to carry the service for only part of the year.

Firewood harvest

With warm spring weather, melting snow and crown land once again accessible by vehicle, many residents are making an early start on this winter’s firewood supply. This is a very good idea considering the action taken by Forestry to close the forest during last year’s drought, and the likelihood of a recurrence this year. Residents are reminded that they must be in possession of a free firewood cutting permit for each forestry region they harvest in. Both the 100 Mile House and Kamloops forest regions provide their permits on-line which can be downloaded, printed and endorsed. They must be available for inspection wherever firewood cutting is occurring. For 100 Mile House, go to www.for.gov.bc.ca/dmh and for Kamloops, www.for.gov.bc.ca/dka/permits/firewood permit.htm.

Wildlife

The migration of white-tailed deer into the fields and yards around the lake is an exciting development this year. Grazing somewhat anonymously now, amid the herds of mule deer, the whitetail bucks, with their unmistakable angled antlers, will stand out in the coming months as their horns develop through the summer.

Thank-you goes out to the Lac des Roches residents who recently provided information regarding their postal service. Evidently, we can expect a change to rural postal service in our area soon and we were given an opportunity to provide feedback. Of the 22 year-round occupied residences, 14 of the 17 contacted indicated Bridge Lake Store as their preference for regular mail pickup. Respondents stated the convenience, security and having Bridge Lake as their town name as their reasons for this choice over rural roadside boxes. The information was forwarded to our rural postal representative Sheila Michener.

Public hearing

Cariboo Regional District Director Bruce Rattray will be hosting a public hearing at Interlakes Community Hall on April 26, starting at 7 p.m. , to discuss two proposed amendments to the Interlakes Official Community Plan. The amendments would be to include policies and actions to reduce greenhouse gases as required by provincial legislation, and to include vacation rental of residential properties as an allowable use under the provisions for Temporary Commercial and Industrial Permits. The close of the public hearing is the last opportunity for constituents to have input into these amendments, including any written submissions by those who may not be able to attend. Details are on Bruce’s website at www.brucerattray.ca/pages/areainfo/communityplans. There are several cabins on Lac des Roches that are potentially affected by this change.

Congestion

Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake (Friends) met on March 4 to discuss the possible impact on Little Lac des Roches by increased boating traffic from strata-owned lots of the new Muddy Lake subdivision. Working with Transport Canada and the RCMP over the years, the local lake stewardship society supported enforcement of the boating speed restriction of 20 km/h to mitigate damage to the sensitive shores and personal property. Further speed reduction on Little Lac des Roches to 10 km/h and development of hygiene facilities at the public boat launch and lake access on (big) Lac des Roches are initiatives that Friends members will continue to promote and encourage recreational power boaters to use the big lake and avoid the sensitive small lake and connecting channel as water playgrounds.

Wind needed

It is unlikely, but a few good wind storms blowing in from the west may help push the ice back to the east, and, thereby, mitigate some of the damage that has occurred to docks on the Lac des Roches so far this spring. The incredible force of the moving ice has snapped beams as large 10 square inches and reduced some two-by-four ramps to kindling.

Entertainment

Ducks and geese are returning to the area and providing a humorous interlude for residents. What we don’t see, we can easily surmise from the tell-tale tracks on the snow covered ice near the open water around the edges of the lake. After awkward landings on the solid ice, they walk, they sit, they walk and then take flight again, presumably in search of food.

Celebrations

Best wishes to Tony and Marguerite Neill who are celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary this month. Still operating a successful rental business in 100 Mile House, we wish them many retired years together soon.

The extreme swings in daily temperatures are having a remarkable effect on the lake. Like nature’s own boom box, some days and nights are filled with the constant and resounding booms and “kerflubbs” caused by the cracking and shifting ice. Sporadic damage detected to docks and lakeside structures is now a common complaint from most lake residents. Rocks and other lake-bottom materials are now exposed along the shoreline, due to the low water levels. The debris is being lifted and pushed upward by shifting ice and frost to levels higher than the lakeshore edge itself. The lake is offering unique sights and sounds this year as it prepares to consume the weakening ice.

Good logging

Salvage logging of dead pine and fir trees along the highway just north of Lac des Roches has come to a close. Any logging so close to the lake is unsettling for many residents due to its potential environmental impact. From the looks of the remaining forest, the selective technique and the apparent care taken to preserve the live trees and minimize impact on the land indicates this salvage logging project may not have caused harm to the ecological balance of the watershed.

The clues were there: colourful outdoor tree lights, the smell of roasting turkey and the Chinese New Year holiday in mid-February. These signalled Cheryl Materi was home from China to celebrate a late Christmas with her family, Yvonne and Daryl Llewellyn, at their home on Lac des Roches. Cheryl is in her second year of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to approximately 120 high-school students in Qingyang, Gansu in northwest China. Her strong desire to travel abroad, but lack of funds to do so, made working abroad a viable option and teaching English was a natural choice following her four years of university training to acquire a Bachelor of Arts in English. From rural living in the British Columbia Interior to a foreign country and city of 300,000 would seem like a huge change for anyone, let alone a 25-year-old, but Cheryl has found that foreigners, such as herself, are treated with utmost respect where she lives and works. She has also made many friends in addition to the 11 other ESL trainers she is acquainted with. Her biggest adjustment was learning to go without her two biggest loves — chocolate and cheese. "I do what I can, making western dishes with Chinese utensils and Chinese ingredients. " Cheryl adds she has learned to "alternate dinners between noodles and rice," but she stir-fries everything. She really appreciates the care packages sent by her mom, which have included Kraft Dinner, a staple in any young person’s pantry. When her contract is complete at the end of the school term this spring, Cheryl says she will consider alternative locations to continue ESL teaching. It will be interesting to learn which corner of the globe Cheryl is working in at Christmas next year and won’t it be a surprise to us all — to see when the Llewellyn’s will light up their yard with bright lights to celebrate Christmas 2010?

Property damage

Shifting lake ice at Lac des Roches has already done some structural damage to docks on the big lake. The snaps and bangs emitted from the ice slab during the mild winter months are an indication of developing cracks. What is so amazing is how all those hundreds of narrow cracks can accumulate to such a degree as to allow the ice ­— and anything in its path — to shift by several feet. While many waterfront property owners pull their docks onto the shore or move them temporarily into quiet bays to protect them from damage, this is not always practical and damage is often the result.

Temporary fuel outage

Residents should note the Husky fuel pumps at the junction of Highways 24 and 5 are scheduled to be shut down for upgrades March 15-22.

Wildlife

There have been several sightings of the few mule deer that stayed on the plateau for the winter, as they seem to be more active now with the longer days and mild weather. A pair of bald eagles has been perched at Rock Island, above some ice fishing holes and may be scouting out potential nesting areas on the west shore. Several migratory birds have reappeared at the feeders and made for some lengthy recording for the Backyard Bird Count, which took place Feb. 12-15. See www.birdcount.org for results. A Canadian lynx was spotted just east of Lac des Roche in late February. It is a rare treat to catch a glimpse of one of these elusive felines.

Al and Marie Wallewein of Lac des Roches were two of the many British Columbians who responded to a public request from Bill Barisoff, speaker of the legislative assembly, for submissions to the BC Moments celebration in 2008. While Al and Marie were packing up some belongings in preparation of their upcoming relocation, they came across their certificates, which acknowledge their contribution among the more than 400 submissions that were sent in to Barisoff. The selection and placement of engraved stones of the 150 “winning” BC Moments was halted by Barisoff due to the economic downturn, but it is delightful to know local residents took the time to submit significant moments in history that honoured our area pioneers. Al and Marie are significant contributors to lake stewardship through their involvement in water-quality monitoring for the Ministry of Environment, Loon survey data collection for Bird Studies of Canada and leadership roles they hold with Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake. While we wish them success at selling their home and moving to northern Alberta, it will be sad to say goodbye when the time comes. Thanks you two, from your many neighbours for the memories and moments.

Community involvement

The new calendar for the Bridge Lake Community School is out for the next three months and it is filled with events and courses that may be of interest to residents. The calendar includes an explanation that the organization is faced with potential funding cuts and must rely on community participation in its adult offerings to keep many of its popular children’s programs running. I would like to encourage neighbours to peruse the calendar as there will surely be something there, among the variety of selections, to entice your attendance. See you at the community school.

Looking at the bright side

The lack of snow in the area this winter is a bit disappointing to many winter sport enthusiasts. There are, however, several bright sides and residents are taking advantage of them. While there is no snowshoeing to be had in the fields surrounding the lake, there hasn’t been a day yet where the Boultbee ladies have not been able to enjoy their daily walk on the road. Snowmobilers may not be able to sled from their yards to the trails in the surrounding Crown land, but the forestry roads are bare enough to manoeuvre vehicles with trailered sleds to get closer to the snow at the higher elevations. Ice fishers haven’t given up their pursuit of burbot in our challenging lake as the general ice depth is still well over a foot in most places. Take note, however, that regular walkers on the lake have reported there is open water at all the small feeder streams, and where there is open water, there is bound to be thin ice. We may not have a winter to enjoy, but we can certainly find ways to enjoy the remaining winter months.

Residents mourn

Sadly, our good friend and neighbour Judi Stacey passed away last week. Our hearts go out to her devoted husband, Ed, her children, family and many friends. She will be missed by us all. Condolences are sent to Lois Motz and Barry Reid on the recent death of Lois’ mother. Our thoughts are with you both during this difficult time.

The constant drone of active logging that has drifted over the south Lac des Roches hills during these winter months seems to have stopped. In its place is the resounding sound of the shifting and cracking ice that now fills the air — night and day. Mild temperatures, strong winds and lack of sound-buffing snow are all contributing to the eerie yet delightful sounds that only a frozen lake can emit.

Land values rise

Residents are reporting about a 30 per cent increase to land values on their 2010 assessment notices for properties that lie in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District at the east end of Lac des Roches and those in the Cariboo Regional District at the west end. The subsequent calculation of property tax, while based mostly on assessment values, will reflect the regional districts’ tax differences, but we won’t see these for a few months yet. It is definitely time to start putting away a little extra savings to pay for the anticipated tax increases. Information on area assessments and related processes are all available on the website; www.bcassessment.bc.ca/evaluebc.

Readers retreat

The Feb. 6 meeting of the Bridge Lake Book Club will be hosted at the Woloshyn home on Lac des Roches, when the group will discuss The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill. Contact Wendy Dubbin at 250-593-4538 for details.

Give a hoot

Owls have been very active around the lake recently. Since they are nocturnal, most are simply heard, but a boreal owl was spotted in the area in January. Last week, on a rare calm evening, three owls where heard conversing from the treetops around the beaver pond at the east end of Boultbee Road and a Great-horned owl was heard calling in the night at the west end of the big lake.

Bird counting

Residents are encouraged to donate a minimum of 15 minutes of their time and join in on the Great Backyard Bird Count initiative Feb. 12-15. Volunteers report their sightings on-line to www.birdcount.org where instructions on ‘how to participate’ can be found. This is just one of the many bird studies local birding enthusiast Wendy Marshall is involved in, and she has offered to answer any questions volunteers may have on this activity. She can be reached at 250-593-2327.

Celebrations

Marguerite Neill will celebrate her February birthday later this year with nine high school chums at their decades-old annual pajama party. Never mind that this is the year they all turn 70… apparently even golden girls "just wanna have fun. " Happy birthday to Luca Lanzoni who is very active resident. Although winter months in the South Cariboo are traditionally known to be the resort industry’s quieter time, Luca’s involvement with the Bridge Lake Elementary School and his many artistic pursuits means his days are anything but quiet. Best wishes to you two and all those celebrating personal milestones this month.