The phone lines were busy on the morning of Nov. 28, when Charlie Wyse, MLA South Cariboo, delivered the news to the Executive of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake (Friends), that the development proposal at the east end of Lac des Roches (LdR) “was dead”. Mr. Wyse has presented the issues raised by concerned citizens and visitors regarding the proposed development, to the legislature over the last three years. The Crown Land Opportunities Branch has responded, indicating that the development does not fit in with the provinces’ goals and objectives. The Friends’ executive members are pleased with this news and grateful for everyone’s involvement and support in the process.
Set for winter
We survived the power outage and subsequent telephone outage from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14. Since most waterfront properties pump their own water and sewage uphill, generators are considered by most, a necessity. The wind took its toll with dozens of downed trees in yards but no significant damage to property has been discovered. Residents are reminded that when reporting downed lines or tripped breakers to BC Hydro, the pole number will help identify the location for the restoration crew. A neighbour pointed out that the metal plate on each hydro pole includes an abbreviated version of the longitude and latitude co-ordinates of that pole. Not necessary information for BC Hydro, but interesting to know as it will give you co-ordinates that you may use for other reasons, such as reporting the location of a forest fire, as recommended in my Aug. 15, 2007 article. Most neighbours are speculating that although the hydro service has been upgraded and provides a more reliable service to our area, the abundance of dead and dying trees near power lines will contribute to power losses during our more sever wind storms in the fall and winter months. Since they are such a newsworthy topic, I wonder if its time to start naming our windstorms, like typhoons and cyclones?
Pay dues please
Residents are reminded that the voluntary fire protection renewal period was October, but is never too late to pay the annual dues. The Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department relies heavily on our annual dues since the department does not currently receive financial support from the Cariboo Regional District.
Give Me a Home
The “east” fire truck, which services the LdR area and was located in the Bridge Lake Community, is still in need of a new building in a secure area. The location of the truck and equipment will impact homeowner insurance for many residents. Any suggestions for a new home for the truck should be passed on to Doug Townsend 593 – 4665.
Birdfeeding time
Now that we have a layer of snow covering the ground and seed pods, it is time to put out the birdfeeders for our feathered friends who will stay through the winter. A mixture of songbird seed and black oil sunflower seeds will do well in our area. Our resident birding advisor, Wendy Marshall, says that hanging beef suet high off the ground in a tree near your feeders will help keep the birds warm in the colder weather by giving the birds a source of nutrients which will help them maintain a layer of fat under their skin.
Lake quality
The lake underwent extensive testing on Nov. 6 by Marg Sidney of the Ministry of Environment. Sidney indicated she was “happy with the health of the lake”. Fall turnover (when the temperature at the surface of the lake is the same as the bottom) occurred the following week. Sidney plans to return in the spring to test both Lac des Roches and Little Lac des Roches. Official “ice-on” for Little Lac des Roches was Nov. 19. As is typical for the “big lake”, as of Nov. 28, a persistent easterly wind is keeping the ice from forming even during these colder nights.