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!
Mail-in Contact Form
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