Quarterly Update - March 2011

Meeting Highlights from the last two Quarters

Marg Sidney from the Kamloops branch of the Ministry of Environment attended our meeting in November. The ministry is very supportive of our stewardship activities and we discussed methods that we can improve lake monitoring data collection (less frequent but longer time frame) and possibly adding dissolved oxygen readings. There may be grant money available to purchase a $2,000 monitor for this activity which we will look into with some direction provided by Marg. Marg is now a director with the BC Lake Stewardship Society (BCLSS) and hopes that we can send a representative to their Annual Conference in the Kootenays this summer. Gord was able to send the collected fish heads and creel reports from lake fishermen with Marg to Steve Merikle for analysis of stocking data. This work will continue in 2011 and anyone interested in supplying data to Gord should contact him at 250-593-2327.
BCLSS has produced a report on the health of Little Lac des Roches, similar to the report that was produced for Lac des Roches. These reports will be linked on our website soon. The reports are a snapshot of the current health and become more meaningful as lake monitoring data is collected and can show positive or negative trends in the lake's health to the biologists. BCLSS is developing a plant survey program for algae growth in lakes and since there is some concern over the large blooms seen in the lakes the last few years, we would like to see Lac des Roches included in these surveys. Marg indicated that clearing of the overabundance of the bloom in front of private property is not bad for the environment and may be necessary for enjoyment of the lake by some residents.
The speed reduction initiative for Little Lac des Roches, from 20 km/hr to 10 km/hr, has received CRD support and Bruce Rattray has informed Bill Jollymore that the CRD will act as the "proponent applicant" and will fund the required public hearing at the end of the 2011 summer. Information collected in the past such as pictures, event documentation and a petition, are all required with this change in approach. If members have anything to add to the documentation, please contact Bill at 250-593-9305. Regulation enforcement has not been successful due to limited resources of the authorities. Although Luca of Lac des Roches Resort has suggested that the group consider "electric only" motors, the speed restriction appears to be the most palatable and cost effective solution to the current speeding and wake problem.
Muddy Lake development is proceeding with additional upland lots on the north side of Highways 24 receiving third reading from the CRD Board. A private dock was installed on the waterfront "common property" for the subdivision at the northwest end of Little Lac des Roches. Bruce Rattray, Area L Director with the CRD had a covenant placed on the waterfront property, restricting further development there which should alleviate residents' concerns about a boat launch. An purchase application was made by the developer for the piece of "stranded" crown land on the northeast end of Muddy Lake. To the Interlakes Volunteer Fire Department's concerns about the safety of the subdivision highway access, the Ministry of Transportation replied that they have no safety concerns and did not see any highway upgrades necessary.

Around the Lakes ...

Ice on the lake has been pretty solid all winter and there is no evidence of mass shifting or dock damage - yet. In late February, several small holes developed above of warm water springs, but none of these caused too much concern as they are too small for a snow shoe to go through but large enough for the otters to use - and they are! There is some slush appearing on the ice but for the most part, both lakes and the connecting channel are still very solid, supporting walkers and sleds (as of April 5). If the night temperatures stay above freezing, this could quickly change - so ice travelers must always stay cautious!
Snow fall was significant this year, more than residents have seen in well over 10 years. The wind and warmth is slowly decreasing the snow depth in the fields, and many open areas have gravel and grass showing through. The roads are bare and surprisingly not too spongy. The runoff is slow this year and unlike some years, does not have some residents chipping ice or digging ditches to divert water away from structures. Gutters may overflow if they weren't cleaned out last fall or if down spouts are frozen, but limited rainfall and a slow spring thaw requires a lot less effort by those residents around to enjoy it.
Trees went down during several winter wind storms this year. One cabin near Gerald Crescent received roof damage from a large healthy spruce tree that snapped at its base and fell in the opposite direction it was leaning. The tree cutters, contracted by BC Hydro to take down dead trees that could reach power lines, have been busy in the area and are still cutting pine, fir and spruce trees this week along Boultbee Road. Evidence of their work is everywhere and some residents may be a little surprised to find so much tree clutter left in their yards, once the snow has melted. In some cases, the crew has only trimmed off the top portion of trees that would have reached the power lines (particularly large dead firs), so these once majestic structures, may provide a less appealing view to some and a few residents may want to take down the remaining lengths of tree just for aesthetics. Its a lot of work to do but if you consider it a day's worth of healthy exercises for an entire family, it may actually be more fun that you could have expected!
Birds are returning to the feeders set out around the lake. Everyone knows that sound of the Red winged black birds is a sure sign of spring, and they have been squawking for a month now. Annoying crows have been building nests for 3 weeks. Eagles and hawks are quite abundant and noisy. Since there is considerable snow still in the grass fields, mice and other prey are "easy pickings" for these raptors.
Wildlife has been relatively sparse. The fox were around most of the winter, but relatively elusive. Moose have been sighted in February and March and one particular cow moose is pruning berry bushes quite beautifully along the shores of Boultbee Road properties. Some burrowing critter has been busy around the mid-point of Boultbee Road, making huge dirt mounds in the hillside. A badger would be a welcome resident to control the gopher population however the attack on a lady on Lee Road last summer by a mother badger makes one think that perhaps a neighbourhood of families and pets is not the best place for a badger.
Loon chick survival in 2010 was low. One chick survived at Rock Island and in Birch Lake. Other nests were swamped by high water and eggs were likely lost to predators. As always, the society will endeavor to inform lake users to be cautious around nesting sites. Hopefully the expected high water levels this year - due to deep snow - will present itself early enough for the loons to build their nests a bit higher this year, also protecting the nests from boat wakes.
Pussy willows are barely out but there seems to be a slight tinge of green amid the branches of the "early" aspen groves on the south shore. Perhaps it is the evergreen trees behind the empty limbs, and only wishful thinking, but when those limbs are green, spring is here, so here' hoping for a little green!

Other Stuff ...

Lac des Roches resort owner, Luca Lanzoni is in the process of subdividing the resort property into two lots. The waterfront resort lot would stay in its current zoning C2 (Tourist Commercial), but the new proposed 25.2 acre back lot, from the cutbank/road and up to the top of the hill would be zoned RR1 (Rural Residentia). The required public hearing for this rezoning is scheduled for 7 pm, April 6 at the Roe Lake (Interlakes) Hall.
Town Hall meetings hosted by the CRD are just one of the ways the residents are kept informed about local issues. The January meeting was focused on the CRD budget and included some new regional cost increases and proposed changes to fee structure border lines (for recreational facilities as an example) that would affect property taxes. Bruce Rattray, our elected Director for the CRD, sends out regular newsletters and maintains a highly informative and efficient website for anyone interested. Contact Bruce's website to be added to his email distribution, www.brucerattray.ca.
High Speed Internet with BCWireless from ABC Communications in 100 Mile House has been installed successfully on Boultbee Road and Gerald Crescent. You must have a direct line of sight to the tower, which resembles a limbless tree on the horizon, located on Eagleridge Road, west of Little Lac des Roches. Tree leaves that we can expect in late May or June will apparently impede the signal, so some residents are waiting until the summer to test. For some homes in the Bridge Lake area, a fixed tower on a building roof top has been required to obtain the line of sight. The company will waive the $40 site survey fee for clients who sign up for a 2 or 3 year contract period. ABC Communications (formerly 100 Mile Net Shop) contact information is 250-395-4397.
Could there may be enough interest in a May Long Weekend Community Garage Sale event for Boultbee Road, or perhaps all of Lac des Roches? Long time neighbours, Tony and Marg Neill are listing their home and anxious to clear out their basement. If residents would like to participate in a "road sale" the signs and advertisement would reflect a "community" sale which will likely attract more people; to the sale and perhaps to the several homes and properties that are for sale around the lake. Please let Sharron (250-593-0041) know if you would participate in a community garage sale and Marg will advertise accordingly.
The Boultbee Gals have been walking all winter and invite any residents and visitors to join the group at the mid-point of Boulbee Road at 12:30 every day for some good conversation and exercise in their "walking pool".
My sincere and grateful appreciation goes to all the friends and neighbours who have participated in the guessing game for when the "Little Rock Island" will sink through the ice on Little Lac des Roches (that wooden "tepee-like" structure seen from the highway). Piper Loft is monitoring it from the school bus every morning and every afternoon. While all of the 8 hour time blocks between April 22 and May 22 have been chosen, there are still times available on the dates preceding and following. Please contact Sharron at 250-593-0041 if you would like to be join in on this fun community project.

Next meeting in April, details TBA