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.