To the Editor:
I have enjoyed the relative unspoilt beauty of Lac des Roches on a regular basis since the mid-1960s. I have canoed its shoreline, hiked the surrounding hills on many, many occasions and as a result probably have a better understanding and appreciation for this lake matched by only a very few, long term Lac des Roches residents/land owners.
I find it appalling that you are considering further ‘development’ of this lake, knowing the collective negative impact the relatively few seasonal residents on Boultbee and McArthy roads and guests of the lakeside resorts have had on Lac des Roches over the years.
Wildlife once was common in the area, namely bear, moose, otters and beaver are now rarely seen. Further development of Lac des Roches would rid them from this landscape forever.
Nesting sites for osprey, eagles, heron, merganzer, loons and goldeneye have dwindled – take for example, the pond at the east end of Boultbee Road that someone in their wisdom drained dry three years ago.
Fortunately, this spring, and thanks to the efforts of one of the few remaining beavers, this pond is now back to its original state and supporting a healthy population of birds and insects.
The choke between Eagle Island and the lake’s shoreline once teamed with nesting birds. Now, constant motorboat traffic through this most sensitive of areas has resulted in most of the nesting sites being abandoned.
It is also my observation that the once prolific hatches of mayflies and sedges at the ‘sunken island’ – a popular fishing spot near the south shoreline – have been decimated by the oil from numerous fly fisherman’s outboard motors. On many occasions I have noted a film of oil on the lakes surface, especially during calm weather in June and July, and during ‘prime’ hatching conditions.
I have come across Native artifacts, old trapper’s cabins, fresh water springs and unusual geological formations – all in my opinion should be protected.
Your proposed development plans – along with the casinos, drive-in restaurants, used car lots, high-powered motorboats, noise pollution and ‘day campers’ who will have little respect for this most pristine, fragile environment – will surely follow.
The visual beauty of Lac des Roches, along with the surrounding countryside and the wildlife it supports, should and must be left undisturbed and exempt from any further development.