Society Activities …
Meetings. During the first quarter, we held several meetings, here are the highlights;
- No build covenant removal, Removal of the “no-build” covenant on the waterfront property on Little Lac des Roches is a concern for the society executive. Zoning does not restrict this lot – or any lakeshore lot in the Cariboo – from being used as a “common” lake access lot for all owners of a detached strata-titled subdivision, such as the Muddy Lake Subdivision owners. Further development and multi-purpose structures on this lot will accommodate up to 52 owner families and their guests wishing accesses to all of Lac des Roches.
- Aquatic plant survey. Gord Marshall is going to take plant samples from the lakes this summer and identify them as possible invasive species.
- Logging concerns. Executive members met with two Kamloops forestry representatives to discuss planned clear cut logging to the southeast of the big lake which will be highly visible from several lots around the lake and the McDonald rest stop. The forestry planners have committed to re-design the cut blocks to mitigate the visual impact and proximity to sensitive waterways. Due to our list of concerns sparked by poor practices witnessed in the area, our society members have been invited to provide input into the logging practices of the contractors that will work in the area over the next few years.
- Environmental concerns. Executive members met with several government officials to discuss many environmental issues to do with the lake and lakeshore and to look for guidance on how best our members can protect the watershed. We had representation from the Ministry of Environment from the Cariboo and Thompson-Nicola, BC Lake Stewardship Society, Cariboo Regional District and Friends of Bridge Lake. Although there are resource issues at all levels of enforcement, reporting of infractions, particularly tampering with the riparian zone of waterfront properties must be reported to the RAPP line to possibly make a difference. The group should be prepared to commit effort to the development of a new OCP
- Lake monitoring. Open water means our volunteer lake monitors are taking their bi-weekly readings for the BC Lake Stewardship Society and the Ministry of Environment. Lac des Roches, Little Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake are all tested by local residents. Muddy Lake has been deemed too shallow to conduct normal lake analysis.
Around the Lakes …
- What an incredibly mild winter we enjoyed. There was plenty of snow – although not as much as last year, at least in the hills for sledding. Although we only experienced one night of -20 C, we also did not get the normal winter daytime highs, which is why the snow built up all winter before it slid off of structures. For most of the winter, we had good ice and enough snow on the lake to provide a varied playground. The spring ice was excellent for those of us who discovered the fun of “Nordic skating” which meant you could skate anywhere on the lake with the aid of balance poles for the few rough spots.
- As mentioned, many residents found damage caused from the heavy ice-filled snow that slid off of structures in the spring. Our busy chimney contractor pointed out that this year’s abnormal winter conditions were a “one in twenty year occurrence” and do not warrant construction changes for most residents. Hand rails that may not have survived would likely be replaced due to wear and tear before this weather phenomena happens again.
- Melting and shifting lake ice did do some damage to docks and ramps this year, but for most, their docks will be totally functional for another year. The south shore seems to have been a good choice for those big lake residents looking for a safe haven for their docks during the winter although several were used as jumps by the snowmobilers early in the winter.
- Ice off is different every year. On all of our lakes, it took a week from the initial break up to the total ice-free state. Lac des Roches was ice free on May 4. Little Lac des Roches, Birch and Phinetta were all ice free on May 2. Wind and mild temperatures were very strong in the beginning, but then a cold snap had the open water refreezing for several nights. It wasn’t quite the show we have experienced some years, but it is always good to see it gone. It is hard for our pets to understand why they can no longer run out on their winter playground. Adventure walks with grandchildren and dogs are very challenging in the early spring when you can’t get into the bush for the deep snow and you can’t go near the rotting ice!
- Animal sightings have been very odd this winter and spring. There were a few deer spotted throughout the winter but very few moose. There were tracks from a lone wolf several times on the lake and a pack of 3 wolves actually seen travelling on the lake in early spring. Coyote and fox sightings were noticeably down. Now we are well into spring and all critter counts are still down and there are very few ducks and geese around. There are several theories to explain the decline, all of which are disturbing as there is little chance changes in climates and reduction of existing development is going to be influenced by a few concerned residents living in the south Cariboo, but we will do what we can.
- Dumping is a problem. It is sad to see that our little piece of paradise is plagued with the “big city” problem of dumping organic waste on public and unused private property. The accumulation of fireplace ashes, rotten firewood, grass clippings, fallen leaves and tree pruning clippings is not what we want to see on our adventure hikes and strolls around the neighbourhood. Every lot around our lakes has enough room to set aside a small piece of land for an organic waste compost area. Please discourage your neighbors from dumping their waste by setting a good example and discouraging this behaviour and thank you for keeping our community clean.
- Real estate is moving again. Several residences have sold in the last year and our demographics are changing as a result. While the loss of full-time residents will be noticeable at first, there are several part-time residents who plan to make Lac des Roches their full-time home with in two years, most contemplating retirement to the area. The last census showed the average age in the Interlakes or Area L area to be 62. It is with certainty, our community average is older than 62, although we all know it is a young and active 62 which just so happens to be the new 52, right?
- Birders enjoy far away places. Wendy Marshall continues to regularly lead a group of birding enthusiasts to both local and distant bird viewing areas. She is always happy to take along new and amateur birders from the area. Some of the early morning trips are on private property with allowed access restricted to only special interest groups. Other trips are made to pristine public areas but access routes are kept secret to protect these sensitive areas from being overwrought by multitudes of outdoor enthusiasts.
- Tree planters are in the area. One crew travelled all the way from Lac la Hache every day to plant seedlings in the cut blocks on both sides of Highway 24, east of Lac des Roches. The crew that was tenting at the Lac des Roches Resort were planting west of the lake, near the Interlakes corner. Despite the devastation experienced from the Pine Beetle infestation, the trees being planted are 100% pine.
- Thistles, orange hawkweed and burdock are still a problem at Lac des Roches. The invasive plant team from the Cariboo Region may be back to the lake this summer to spray herbicide on private property at the request of land owners. Residents who have had their property sprayed in the past, are eligible for receiving 2 litres of herbicide from the CRD for spot spraying themselves. Questions should be directed to the Cariboo Regional District office.
Community Interest …
- More development planned nearby. Lac des Roches residents are well aware of the impact in the community of strata-titled subdivision developments since the creation of Rainbow Estates above the rest stop and the Muddy Lake subdivision above Little Lac des Roches. A development plan at the end of Lee Road on Webb Lakes proposes 11 small lakefront residential lots and the remaining agricultural fields and structures of the horse and hay ranch to be converted into “common” property for all the owners to share. This major development would require amendment to the Official Community Plan and development of an entirely new zone in the Cariboo. A public information meeting is scheduled for June 1 at the Interlakes Community Hall and Lac des Roches residents could share their insight into what this plan could mean to the community.
- Stay informed of issues important to our community. With so few full-time residents living out here, we need our seasonal landowners to be aware of and have their say on issues that affect our community services and taxes. The bi weekly community newspaper column is posted on our website and you are encouraged to include your e-mail address on CRD Area L Director, Bruce Rattray’s distribution list, via his website www.brucerattray.ca.
That’s all for now … watch for our next members update (in about a month) and our annual community newsletter – delivered door to door – early this summer 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