Society Activities…
Here are the highlights of our second quarter activities;
- We have a one-page pamphlet available for distribution at the Lac des Roches Resort which explains the sensitive areas of the lake and the need to comply with all boating regulations to protect shorelines, wildlife and private property.
- We received meeting follow-up information from the Kamloops Forest District reps regarding the logging planned in the hills southeast of the lake. The cut blocks have been revised to lessen their visibility from the rest stop and many residences on the north side of the lake. We have committed to provide feedback to the ministry on the behavior and logging practices of the contractor once logging is underway. The dates of logging have yet to be determined once the timber auction process is complete. We have maps showing the planned logging and may put these on our website.
- There were many suggested actions resulting from our meeting with different levels of environmental officials. We are following up on the implementation of the “Riparian Protection” on water bodies north of the Kamloops region and the issue of the no restriction to converting a residentially zoned waterfront property into a common property lake access for a detached strata-titled subdivision. There is strong support from Regional Director, Bruce Rattray for a Lac des Roches “watershed” official community plan (OCP) as part of the new revised Interlakes OCP. The two regions (Cariboo and Thompson-Nicola, have partnered to create the Green Lake OCP which straddles these two regions, as does our watershed. We have committed to have representation from Friends on the OCP revision panel. We will continue to provide environmental resource information to our members and the residents of the lake. Individuals are requested to report environmental concerns to the regional bylaw officer or provincial RAPP line since allocation of enforcement resources are partly driven by demographic analysis of complaints received.
- Our welcome packages for new residents is filled with guidelines and references for lake living. We will update the packages and are all recommitted to distribute these to all new members of the community.
- We confirmed that we will proceed with a newsletter this summer for distribution to all residences in our watershed.
- It was pointed out that the 2013-2015 BC Fishing Regulations Synopsis includes some recommendations for restricting jet boats in shallow waters. The item on page 51 of the synopsis includes some good wording that could equally apply to our shallow channel between Lac and Little Lac des Roches. The signs in the Lac des Roches channel, restricting jet boats, seem to have been effective.
- Water testing has commenced on the four lakes, Lac des Roches, Little Lac des Roches, BirchLake and PhinettaLake. The first test should have been done within days of ice off instead of within weeks to get the best reading. We have one more year of the three year program of level two testing which we can do sooner next spring for Birch, Phinetta and Little Lac des Roches.
- The date for our Annual General Meeting has been set for Monday, September 30, 7 pm at the Lac des Roches Resort. All are welcome. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served.
Around the Lakes…
- There are sporadic sightings of bear, badgers and deer. So far the only unpleasant encounters reported have been with the deer accompanied by fawns. The aggressive advances of these mother deer are a good reminder to treat wildlife like the wild animals they are. Dogs especially, must be controlled around wildlife for their own safety.
- Peaceful Cove Resort is advertising again for cabins and camping which provides more options for residents hosting large gatherings this summer. The contact number is still 250 593 0046.
- Despite the rain and soggy ground, the Cariboo Regional District is keeping the open burning bans on. Currently, only small campfires are allowed.
- Once again, the high water has dislodged wood and logs from the shoreline. Although most of the debris has washed into the protected areas along the shore, the stormy winds that swirl around in many different directions are still setting them free and creating boating hazards. If you can restrain any debris found on your shoreline, please do your part to keep the lake safer for boats. If you need help with this task, contact a member of the executive and we will be pleased to organize some assistance.
- Road safety signs and repainted road lines are what the highways department can do to keep the highway safe. Drivers have to slow down and be wary of other drivers and wildlife to keep themselves and their passengers safe. Two single-vehicle highway accidents in one month are two too many. Residents and particularly their out-of-town guests are asked to be extra careful on the highway as the road gets busier during the summer season. Pulling out and turning off the highway are particularly hazardous driving events as other drivers may not expect slowed or slowing vehicles. Be careful on all of the roads, especially the secondary roads which are busy with foot traffic during the summer months.
Community Interest…
- There are so many changes going on in the Regional District such as changes to and adoption of new bylaws. There are land use and development issues in the area that may be of interest to residents and perhaps even have a far-reaching impact on residents and their property. Once again, lake users are encouraged to stay informed on community news by reading the bi weekly community newspaper column which is posted on our website and get your e-mail address included on Area L Director, Bruce Rattray’s distribution list for his informative regular updates via his website, www.brucerattray.ca.
- Sadly, there have been some break-ins and vandalism of unattended cabins in the area during the last year. While full-time residents keep a watchful eye on things all year round, there is far too much traffic on our roads to know a suspicious vehicle. The “for sale” signs draw a significant amount of traffic and ice fishers will often park their vehicles on the road for several hours – often well into the middle of the night – while trying their luck on the lake. In addition to removing valuable items and securing cabins and auxiliary buildings, seasonal residents may want to arrange for routine checks on their property with a reliable neighbor or one of the many local caretaking services.
That’s all for now…watch for our annual community newsletter coming out shortly from…
Your 2012/2013 Executive Members;
Barry Reid, Lois Motz, Bill Jollymore, Lorraine Jollymore, Al Wallewein, Marie Wallewein, Dave Woods, Bev Woods, Sharron Woloshyn, Gord Marshall, Wendy Marshall, Ralph Watson, Heidi Ruegg, Harold Edwards, Penny Edwards.