Society Activities …
- Meetings. The only meeting held last quarter was on July 16 when the following items were discussed;
- No build covenant – The developers of the Muddy Lake strata-owned subdivision would like to have the “no build” covenant removed from the gated waterfront common property on Little Lac des Roches. We have notified members so that they can provide input to the CRD (Bruce Rattray) on this issue.
- Timber Supply review – Individuals and organizations of the South Cariboo were invited to provide input to the government sponsored timber supply review committee. We provided a letter of concern mainly over the potential visual impact that relaxing forest harvesting restrictions could have on viewscapes like ours – thus eliminating years of work with the forestry companies and ministries to protect pristine areas.
- Welcome packages and waterfront pamphlet – the remaining few welcome packages were distributed and can be copied as necessary for handing out to new residents. The waterfront pamphlet to be prepared for Luca to distribute to the guests of Lac des Roches Resort will be a winter project for Lorraine and Wendy.
- Telephone tree – Years ago, a formal telephoning tree was in place among the executive, used as a communication tool on community matters – usually of an urgent nature – that were worth sharing such as forest fire reporting status and neighbourhood needs. The group agreed that an informal “cariboo telegraph” already exists among the local residents, including some executive, covering most of the subdivisions and that nothing formal was needed.
- ATV’s near Birch Lake – Concern was voiced about ATV riders using designated snowmobile trails during the summer and riding on the unmaintained road which accesses the private cabins at Birch Lake. As the sign at the beginning of the “Birch Lake Dump Road” indicates, summer use of snowmobile trails is discouraged but not illegal. Since there is an alternative trail to the access road, it is understandable why residents would want to discourage public use however evidently the access road is not legally designated as private property.
- AGM moved – The 2012 annual general meeting (AGM) has been pushed back to late fall this year. The exact date has not been determined but will likely be in December. An announcement of the date, time and location will be sent out to current members.
- Membership reminder – Just a reminder that we hope residents and friends who support the lake stewardship, development monitoring and community communication our society focuses on, will renew their membership. Annual membership is still only $10 fee per family and can be left with any executive member or mailed to the society @ Box 193 Bridge Lake BC V0K 1E0. Thank you for your support.
- Funding cut – The British Columbia Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS) has lost a source of funding from the Ministry of Environment totaling $75,000 per year, used to develop lake reports from water test data submitted by volunteers (Level 1) and Ministry staff (Level 2). The BCLSS has requested that member groups provide feedback to the BC Government on the impact of the loss of lake reporting. They are encouraging volunteers to continue with Level 1 water testing while their staff looks for alternative sources of funding. Our volunteers will continue to monitor Lac des Roches. Little Lac des Roches, Birch Lake and Phinetta Lake and expect the 2nd and 3rd level 2 tests to be conducted as planned for 3 of the lakes in 2013 and 2014.
Around the Lakes …
- Free accesses – Structures may suffer from the effects of heavy snow loads and shifting ice so it is common for residents to pull property out of the water and build temporary structures over stored items. Residents are once again reminded that it is both unlawful and annoying to place private property such as docks, ramps and boats on public accesses. Many accesses are used heavily during the winter months for all types of recreational activities on the icy playground as well as provide access to a year-round water source for firefighting. Docks stored in sheltered bays adjacent to crown land should be flagged. They could both pose a hazard to sledders or receive damage if hidden by a blanket of deep snow.
- Great shoreline cleanup – Boaters agree that the lake shores seem to be clean of garbage and man-made debris this summer. Whether this is attributed to cleanup by the kayakers or more care taken by lake users, it is very appreciated by those that have noticed the improvement. Thank you!
- Disappointing disposal – Illegal dumping of yard waste on public and private land is becoming an eyesore around the neighbourhood. Piles of grass clippings, tree trimmings and fire ashes have appeared on crown land and unused private lots and are a disappointing sight for such a beautiful area. Since even the smallest inhabited lots around the lake have wisely been developed with a rustic flavour and include natural bush and visual barriers, it is hard to imagine anyone not finding a small corner of their property to pile and compost their organic garbage or cut up wood waste small enough to feed a small campfire during visits. Hopefully residents will rethink their behavior and help keep this known city problem away from our pristine country.
- Wildlife whereabouts – The adult loons appear to have been gone since the end of September and on Oct. 9, it was noticed by boaters that there were no sightings of the several juvenile loons that have been observed on the big lake this summer and fall, so they may have left as well. The flocks of migrating birds are beginning to appear in the sky but are rarely noticeable unless they are one of the larger and noisier species like snow geese or Canadian geese. Keep your eyes peeled to the sky if you are at the lake and on the migration flight path as you will definitely get a visual feast. Bears are back – on Boultbee Road at least. During the first week of October, a bear has rummaged through an outdoor beer fridge and wandered through several yards, oblivious to people, pets and commotion so please be “bear aware” and keep your family and property safe and secure and let the bear move on to more bountiful feeding grounds.
- How low can it go – Wet weather in spring and early summer combined with cool temperatures contributed to relatively high lake levels but once the heat wave and dry spell hit in August, the lake level has dropped significantly. Several neighbours speculate a drop of close to two feet and mention that they have beaches in the front of their waterfront property, a rare occurrance. Lack of water on soft lake bottoms – typical of the shallow bays and some shorelines – means there will be little or no ice under the anticipated blanket of snow on the lake. These areas can be hazardous to walkers, skiers and sledders. Unfortunately this is mentioned from a resident who knows too well from several repeat incidents over the years of sinking knee-deep into the unfrozen mud under the snow – in the same shallow place!
Community Interest …
- Development – Despite the growing number of “for sale” signs for a variety of property options around the lake and in the vicinity, there continues to be development of lots to add to the market. Some developments are within the established zoning in the approved “Official Community Plan” (OCP) but many are not and require public hearings and CRD board approval to deviate from the OCP. Several controversial developments of old farm and ranch land are planned for Webb Lakes and Bridge Lake. Residents who feel they are impacted by development and changes to the OCP are encouraged to become informed of these proposals and speak up in support or opposition. Bruce Rattray provides links to details of proposals through his website, www.brucerattray.ca.
- Stay informed – Members are reminded that in addition to these regular updates and the posting of the bi weekly community column on our website, Area L Director, Bruce Rattray, sends out a regular newsletter filled with important and informative issues that may be of interest to his constituents. To be included on Bruce’s email distribution, go to his website www.brucerattray.ca.
- Fire at will – Open burning is finally permitted but due to the continued dry conditions, limiting burn piles to the size of a campfire is a very good idea. Heavy dew and frost is not adequate protection from wayward sparks and floating embers. We need significant precipitation in the form of rain or snow to make open burning a wise choice for dealing with yard waste.
That’s all for now … enjoy this wonderful autumn and hope for lots of snow and ice for winter holidays!
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