Spreading thistles are a major problem in the grassland around Lac des Roches, but the Cariboo Regional District’s Invasive Plant Management team is going to help residents take control of the problem. Thanks to the efforts of several residents, property owners have been contacted and most have invited the team to assess and treat spot problems in the region. Initial application of herbicide is applied by the team free of charge to landowners and free support is available following that. Residents who may not have been contacted can call 1-800-665-1636 for more information.
Mail delivery maintained
The latest update on the Bridge Lake post office closure has a mitigated impact to residents. Since the majority of box holders responding to the survey opted for rural boxes, Canada Post had indicated that mail delivery will be moved from the store to roadside boxes located just across from the store. Residents will retain their box numbers and the Bridge Lake address. This is a temporary solution until civic addresses can determined for all customers. Relocation of other postal services to Sheridan Lake or Interlakes corner is yet to be decided.
Earth day cleanup
Thanks goes to those residents who picked up roadside refuse during Earth Day cleanup week. Unfortunately filling dozens of bags with used beverage containers has become the norm for this annual cleanup. Sadly, coffee cups, cigarette packages and food wrappers fill almost as many bags, even within yards of garbage bins at the McDonald rest stop.
Jump for Heart
Piper and Jessica Loft from McCarthy subdivision are just two of the entire student population at Bridge Lake Elementary School who are raising money for the BC & Yukon Heart and Stroke Foundation by skipping rope. The jump rope event was on May 4, but the girls have until May 11 to increase their donations. Anyone willing to add to their pledges can phone the writer.
Disturbing break-ins
Thefts at cabins on Boultbee Road have led residents to scrutinize unfamiliar vehicle and foot traffic on local rural roads. All residents are encouraged to observe and report any suspicious or unfamiliar behaviour.
Watch for rolling roches
It is unlikely that Lake of Rocks (Lac des Roches) got its name for large rocks found on the road, but that was the result from the downpour on April 26 to the cut bank near the end of Boultbee Road. Boulders loosened by the rain where small enough to clear manually but large enough to have caused serious damage if struck by a vehicle.
Road repair required
Residents of Birch Lake may be surprised and dismayed at the condition of their access road this spring. Extensive logging activity along the road has deteriorated the road to four-wheel-drive only. Wet ground and load restrictions will hamper repair until after the spring thaw and the first holiday weekend of the season.
Friends monitor water
Members of Friends of Lac des Roches and Birch Lake gathered May 1 to expand local water testing. In addition to the volunteer level 1 testing, the Ministry of Environment will conduct level 2 testing on Phinetta and Birch lakes and Little Lac des Roches for the next three years. This data will be added to that already collect for Lac des Roches as part of its creation of a watershed plan for the region.
Surprise under melting snow
That set of keys thought to be lost on the frozen lake – and presumed drowned – has appeared from under the melting snow just blocks from the owner’s house.