Community Meeting
West Fraser is in the consultation stage, exploring several cut blocks south of Lac des Roches. Luca Lanzoni, owner of Lac des Roche Resort hosted an information meeting on July 19, 2023 that was well attended by members of the Watershed Society and other local citizens. The group engaged in a rigorous discussion after a visual presentation illustrating the effects of logging around some local lakes. The Watershed Society agreed to support the effort to oppose clearcut logging in the Lac des Roches
area, specifically CP 635, FLA20002. Referral Map
Excessive runoff from clearcut logging activities can have severe repercussions in the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. Runoff can lead to accelerated nutrient loading in the bodies of water that can alter the pH levels of the lakes, causing proliferation of red algae and subsequent winterkill of fish populations. Environment damage has already been observed at Ripple Lake, Roche Lake, Pioneer Lake, Johnny Lake and Tortoise
Lake and we are seriously concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed logging south of Lac des Roches.
Meeting with West Fraser
A subsequent meeting was held with Tong Yeung from West Fraser at the Lac des Roches Resort. He presented the logging plans for the Lac des Roches area and provided a considerable amount of information about modern forestry practices that was very informative and provided perspective. Tong committed to eliminating the 3 cut blocks closest to Lac des Roches while continuing the consultation process throughout their planning. The group in attendance was extremely appreciative of his presentation and patience in explaining the environmental intricacies involved. More follow up is expected and we appreciated Tong explaining the process to encourage action from the Ministry of Transportation in regards to the flooding at Ripple Lake. It was great to see a contractor working on draining the plugged culvert causing the flooded lake.
