Meetings. No meetings have been held since the AGM in October.
Wheelchair access grants. The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) put out a call this fall to groups that may be interested in available grants for developing wheelchair access trails to local sites. This opportunity could be very exciting for promoting tourism in the area, particularly with the increase in demand for “adventure tourism for the disabled”. The area we are interested in “developing” would be the east end of Lac des Roches which falls in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, not the CRD. There has been similar funding available from that government body as well, but the deadline had passed. Our society has been reassured that this opportunity will arise again and so we will be looking at options and asking members to provide any information or feedback on plans to install wheelchair accessibility to our lakes.
Fish stocking. Luca Lanzoni, owner of Lac des Roches Resort addressed the society executive about his concerns on the quality of sport fishing in both Lac des Roches and Little Lac des Roches. His observations indicate a decline in angler’s success by both residents and resort guests. Luca has been talking to provincial fisheries personnel about assessing the fish stocking program to encourage an improvement in returns. The executive members agree with Luca’s action plan and will write a letter from our Society in support of assessing and altering the fish stocking program. The letter will ask in what way our stewardship group can assist in the goal to improve sport fishing on Lac des Roches and Little Lac des Roches as well as our two adjoining lakes, Birch and Phinetta.
Around the Lakes …
**CAUTION**. On December 21 a skier on Little Lac des Roches observed thin ice and small holes in front of the Lac des Roches Resort Restaurant. The ice near the cabins and chalet seemed fine, as does the ice on the rest of the little lake.
Smart meters. Beginning in January 2012, BC Hydro customers in 100 Mile House and the surrounding area can expect installation of the controversial wireless “smart meters”. A resident near Access #7 was advised of the intent to locate a central collection device on the power pole outside her home. Her concerns about radio waves so close to her residence prompted her to do some research about the new meters. She contacted our society in order to advise members of the plan and she has put a petition which is against the installation of these meters at the Bridge Lake Store. Information on the benefits and risks of these meters are on the Internet as well as copies of the petition and posters which can prevent the installation on individual properties. Two websites suggested are; www.bchydro.com and www.citizensforsafetechnology.org
Changing ice conditions. Although we have only just officially begun winter, most residents are used to finding lake ice and snow conditions suitable for a variety of winter activities over the Christmas holidays. This year, while Little Lac des Roches iced over in mid-November, the ice on the big lake was slow to completely cover the lake. Large holes finally iced over the first week of December and large cracks of open water iced over on the cold nights at about the same time. For almost a week, the big lake was covered with clear, smooth ice, free of snow or frost pebbles. Skating was almost limitless, although somewhat un-nerving as everything under the ice was visible too – including swimming fish! Then snow and varying temperatures in mid-December changed the ice overnight. Under the snow, where there wasn’t slush from the water seeping up through the cracks, opaque ice pebbles were forming between the ice and the snow. Now, the lake is perfect for sledding, snowshoeing and skiing, but not so good for skating without clearing the ice and flooding it. The forecast is for daytime highs above zero, significant winds and possibly some snow. The ice conditions could change again, but the lake is there to be enjoyed, one way or another!
Trapping. Beaver trapping at the east end of Boultbee Road is complete however there is active fur-bearing animal trapping in the area. Traps are often accessed by sled and foot so human tracks leading off into the bush are often evidence of a trap set nearby and should be avoided.
Road conditions. Local roads have been well-plowed. The grader was by with his wing blade on December 22, followed later in the day by the sanding truck. Plow berms are only an issue for those driveways not winter maintained. Eakin Creek Road has been plowed to the Phinetta turnaround and underpass. Wavey Lake Forestry Road was plowed at the beginning of December, but remains well-covered with snow. It is doubtful that the road will be plowed during the holidays for the planned logging in that area, but it is not impossible. Wavey Lake Road has year-round inhabitants and is a busy road with many users. Sledders should expect vehicles on the road, plowed or not plowed.
Following tracks. Now that there is snow covering the ground, some natural and man-made boundaries which indicate private property are hidden. Often outdoor enthusiasts will follow the tracks of previous excursionists, whether on sleds, skis, snowshoes or foot, but these do not imply public access. Please remind your guests that all of the cleared land around the lakes is private and should only be used with the permission of the owners. There are miles of lake and hundreds of miles of roads and trails in the surrounding hills which are public and there for the enjoyment of all. Public roads are not the place to play although it is understood that they are used to access winter playgrounds, but caution must be exercised as there are lots of people and pets that are unfamiliar with the area on our roads.
Community Interest …
Rattray re-elected. Bruce Rattray successfully defeated his opponent in the November civic elections and will serve as the Cariboo Regional District Area L Director for another 3 year term. Bruce lives on nearby Bridge Lake and was a founding member of the Friends of Bridge Lake Society which is a like-minded group to our society. Bruce has an excellent website and keeps his constituents abreast of government and community activities through his regular newsletters by email. We encourage members and residents to get on Bruce’s distribution list through his website, www.brucerattray.ca.
Volunteer invitation. Bruce Rattray is looking for interested parties who would like to sit on the Area L Advisory Planning Commission. Sharron Woloshyn of Lac des Roches has been on this voluntary panel during Bruce’s first term and is willing to continue on, but recognized that each member has special knowledge and expertise to bring to the group and Bruce would certainly like to hear from anyone interested in participating.
Barry rocks! Our own Barry Reid of Little Lac des Roches (and our society founder and chairman) is this month’s featured artist at the Bridge Lake Library’s Community Showcase. Barry’s many talents include rock hounding, rock polishing and rock sculptures. His unique and distinctive Inukshucks are sold exclusively at a gallery in 100 Mile House, but samples of his work are on display until the end of the month. The library’s regular hours are 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and is located in the Bridge Lake School.
Store hours. Bridge Lake Store will be open on Christmas Day but will be closed on December 26 & 27.
Merry Christmas to you all and have a happy and safe New Year!!