Development – still on hold
Although we have been advised that “the project is still under review”, we continue to look at information that supports our concerns for the development proposal we saw in 2005. Most of our research is intended for presentation at a future rezoning meeting, but some will be used in the development of a land management (or unofficial community plan) map-based presentation we intend to make to both the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD). Drafts of this work should be available for members to review at the August 29th AGM.
Recycling
We have arranged for a community recycle bin, located at the Bridge Lake Store. This blue bin is for any liquid or beverage container that can be recycled and have a return deposit. Metal, glass, tetra packs and plastic are all acceptable. The Knights of Columbus pick-up, sort and return these items for funding community needs in the entire 100 Mile House area.
Lake Monitoring
The official ice-off dates were,
| Little Lac des Roches | May 4 |
| Birch Lake | May 5 |
| Lac des Roches | May 6 |
On May 13, Marg Sidney of the Ministry of Environment did extensive water testing on Lac des Roches and the results are very positive. To quote Marg, “Lac des Roches is slightly alkaline which is a good thing for life and productivity”. Overall Lac des Roches looks to be in good shape so with a bit of education … and some work we hope to keep it that way”.
We are looking at devices and methods of provided lake water levels on Birch and Phinetta lakes as we currently have devices on LdR and Little LdR.
Good News
Our community newsletter was delivered to all properties near Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta lakes. Recognizing that some of our members do not use properties near these lakes, they were mailed a copy as well. The cost of producing the newsletter was just under $200, and we have increased our membership revenue by almost that, as a direct result of the newsletter, so it seems to be money well spent. In addition to some positive feedback on the content of the newsletter, our distribution method is under question and we have discussed discontinuing the door-to-door delivery, both for safety and security reasons. In our next issue, we will be inviting property users to provide us with mailing addresses for future editions.
No Dam – yet
We have received unofficial word that there are no plans to dam lakes or creeks in our watershed at this time. The likely target for an upgrade is Taweel Lake, as there is an existing weir at the outlet, but should changes be made to the existing structure, it would not change lake water levels. This is good news and we hope it is more long-term.
Fur Brigade Trail
A year ago, we reported that this designated trail, between Little Fort and Lac des Roches, would be celebrated in B.C.’s 150th birthday celebration however we have been informed that this is no longer the case. The identification of this trail, along the north side of Lac des Roches, is still one of our many research projects in preparation for a future rezoning meeting of the development area.
Around the Lakes …
The map that was stolen from the Lac des Roches rest stop this winter will not be replaced by the CRD but the Tourism Association has one on order. The CRD has invited us to apply for a lake-specific sign that would be funded by the CRD and installed at the rest stop. This is under consideration by the executive.
For convenience and safety reasons, we are expanding on an existing map, which would see names applied to the bays and feeder streams of our lakes. Drafts of this map will be presented at the August 29 AGM.
We will be posting official Forestry Protection Act signs on some lake “picnic sites” along with providing buckets for campfire dousing – in order to protect these areas from human-caused forest fires.
Gordon Marshall is overseeing the collection of trout catch information this fishing season for the Ministry of Environment. Many thanks to the fishers that are completing these creel reports this summer.
Wendy Marshall reports that the numbers are down for the official Spring bird count but although these results are disturbing, they are not an isolated problem to our area.
General Items
Our membership totals 193. We are looking at a new, longer-term membership strategy for sustaining funding for our society. We welcome your input.