A little fire preventive grass burning and raking this spring served as a sad reminder of the hazards we humans have created for our pets and wildlife over the years. In the grassy fields overlooking Lac des Roches and near existing range fencing, we have discovered more abandoned barbed wire from when the area was an active cattle ranch. Where road construction has covered up old fencing wire, we can only cut the exposed portions and leave the buried wire. Where coils and coils of wire are hidden just under the surface, a little time spent pulling and digging will usually free the wire from the roots and dirt. New and old fence locations are likely spots where used wire may be a hazard but on several occasions, old coils must have bounced off the back of vehicles or wagons as the wire can be found in very unlikely spots like in the middle of a grass field. My only advice is that when trekkers feel a tug at their legs when walking in ranching and grazing country, check that it is not abandoned wire on the ground. If it is, do your best to remove the wire for the safety of others, human and animal.
Boaters watch out
Official ice-off on Lac des Roches was May 5 on the little lake and May 10 on the big lake. Unlike some years, when the ice will break up and disappear within hours, the ice took several days to clear out of the east end and the narrows of the big lake as the ice was partially protected from the predominant strong winds from the east. Despite the frigid lake temperatures, both a wake boarder and a jet skier were observed for a short time on the lake during the May long weekend. Brrr. One hazardous log was spotted floating on the big lake during the May long weekend. As the lake level is still rising, boaters must use caution as debris will likely be dislodged from the shores until the end of May, increasing the risk of floating hazards.
Power losses
The unexpected hydro power outage affecting our area for much of a day in early May prompts me to remind residents — especially those living where we are, at the "end of the line" — rural customers should report all power outages. BC Hydro monitors trouble calls but a single caller who cannot confirm that the problem is isolated to one facility will not prompt the dispatch of an investigation crew. With so few residents occupying their homes during the day in the non-summer months, it can be difficult to confirm power outages with neighbours. If residents in remote areas experience a power outage, please report it to 1-888-769-3766.
Wildlife
Buds have just begun to appear on the bushes and trees in the area, signifying the return of the food source for some of our favourite animals. Sightings of deer have been scarce, but they are slowly making their presence known feeding on the sides of the highway and leaving their footprints in the dust and mud. Although I have heard no reports of bear around the lake yet, there has been unmistakable fresh bear sign observed in the surrounding hills. It is time for walkers and hikers to strap on their bear bells and be extra alert to their surroundings when enjoying the great outdoors.