The windstorm that arrived late afternoon on Jan. 14, as predicted by TheWeatherman.ca, was an astounding sight. The cold front and its accompanying snow was literally a wall of snow that rapidly moved down the lake, cloaking everything in a cloud of white. I was glad to hear that our neighbours had already returned from their day of sledding. I had just come in from a walk out to Rock Island and would have had difficulty finding my way home in the blizzard that engulfed the entire valley. More often than not, a strong northern wind such as this, will take down trees along the lake and a few were lost in this storm, but luckily only minor damage was reported. As I write this column on a more typical sunny Cariboo winter day, I am content. Regardless of the temperature, a sunny winter day cannot be beat for keeping away Cariboo cabin fever!
Something’s fishy
Ice fishing on Cariboo lakes can be a fun winter activity, especially during good weather. It is disturbing to hear that the local conservation officers have found fishers on the local lakes breaking several laws, particularly those which prohibit setlines (unattended lines) and the use of illegal bait. Setlines were banned in most regions throughout the province years ago as the privilege was being abused through neglected or abandoned lines causing harm to wildlife, domestic animals and humans. I still find abandoned lines on the ice in late winter, when the snow melts from the top of the ice. The use of illegal bait is a particularly troubling problem as it introduces foreign fish and fish diseases into a water body that may not have any natural defenses, putting the entire fishery at risk. According to the fishing synopsis, offences fall under two jurisdictions. License infractions are covered under the Provincial Wildlife Act. Infractions around method of fishing fall under the Federal Fisheries Act, which can result in seizure of equipment, a hefty $100,000 fine, up to 12 months in prison, or all three! For more information on ice fishing, see the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulation at www.bcfishingregs.com. To report suspicious ice fishing activity on any lake, call the Conservation Hotline 1-877-952-7277.
Rural watching
The neighbourhood is a little brighter with the addition of yellow Rural Crime Watch (RCW) signs that have been erected on our streets, indicating that many of the area residents are supporting the RCW organization. Although there continues to be an informal and comprehensive network of neighbours watching out for neighbours in our community, those who are now members of RCW will be able to further assist the formal program. As reported in the Free Press, Jan 16, RCW has expanded into a province-wide crime-watching network and local residents are proud to provide their input.