Solid ice and mild weather are perfect conditions for removing dangerous trees threatening property and structures around the lake. For a week in March, Ken Weadick, Jack Larson and Doug Kirkby with Larson’s Woodchipping and Tree Removal worked their way along the shores of Lac des Roches, taking down dozens of trees for several residents. Tree rounds and limbs were easily transported in Jack’s innovative hauler, a good use for his $20 boat purchase. The crew started its days very early, before the top layer of slush got too soft in the afternoon warmth. One incident of getting bogged down in the deep slush had the crew erecting what can only be described as a Cariboo inukshuk. Several neighbours were curious about the mysterious “people” on the ice until word spread that they were simply stacked tree rounds marking the wet spot to be avoided.
Thistle spraying
The Invasive Plant Management team from Williams Lake is putting together its spraying schedule for this summer and may include Lac des Roches in the plans. Interested residents must sign a 2013 release form to be included and should contact Natalie Borkowski at the Cariboo Regional District at 250-392-3351 or by e-mail.
Staying active
Residents who may not receive flyers in their mailbox may be interested to know the Bridge Lake Community School Society publishes its calendar on the Internet. In addition to its many services for children, the society provides learning, volunteering and recreation opportunities for adults and they described on its website.
Wildlife sightings
Since March 7, residents have seen wolves just west of Lac des Roches’ Angus Hill in the early evening and mid-afternoon. Sightings of a pack of possibly 10 to a single large wolf were sighted at a roadside kill, there is no doubt these are large and healthy-looking wolves. A nearby resident uses motion activated cameras to view the wildlife that travels through her property in this same area and she photographed a pack of three wolves and saw one herself. As beautiful and rare as these animals are they must always be viewed from a distance.
Beginning birding
Local birder Wendy Marshall has been collecting sightings of returning migratory birds from fellow enthusiasts around the area. Several flocks of geese were heard overhead on March 15, and residents have noticed blackbirds, robins and juncos in their yards. While bird feeders are nourishing the many seed-eaters, it is not clear what the robins are eating with so much of the ground still covered in several feet of snow. The bald eagles that stayed for the winter are perched next to last year’s nest near the boat launch, suggesting we will watch the antics of young eaglets this summer. Wendy will lead regular birding outings Wednesday mornings, beginning April 10. Anyone may join these expeditions, but should call Wendy for information at 250-593-2327.
Safe playground
Ice conditions on Lac des Roches have improved considerably during the past month, but they can change quickly with extreme changes in temperatures we typically experience in the spring. Cold night temperatures in mid-March succeeded in freezing the foot-deep water and slush on top of the lake ice. An auger hole drilled on the first day of spring (March 20) showed two distinct layers of ice, both about a foot deep although the lower lake ice layer was definitely “softer” than normal. The lake should provide a safe playground for residents coming to the lake for spring break and Easter.
Signs of spring
Pussy willows are out and a fresh badger hole has appeared along Boultbee Road – spring has sprung.