Fisheries and Oceans Canada officers from Clearwater and Kamloops have been out checking lakes in the Lac des Roches area.
Since access to remote lakes improves during freeze-up, cold weather and significant snowfall in February has made sledding into the area an ideal and economical method of transportation for the team.
Al Woloshyn, resident and frequent user of the area trails, accompanied the team on Feb. 28. He was able to point out the many frozen paths where the local sledders “ride the meadows” to find short cuts to some of the more remote lakes.
There are several issues with the lakes and lake users in both summer and winter. However, a key concern is the widespread problem of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Several species of non-native and unwelcome fish have been introduced into the North Thompson watershed accidentally and/or intentionally, according to the officers. Native species often cannot compete with the AIS and are lost forever from traditional habitats.
While the provincial Ministry of Environment personnel are the contacts for fish monitoring and stocking programs in this area, the problem of AIS crosses government jurisdictional boundaries.
Officer Graden Cameron explained “these fresh-water lakes empty into the Thompson River, bearing salmon, which is a federal issue.”
Salmon and salmon-bearing streams affected by invasive species from lakes will carry the problem to the ocean and potentially impact creatures in the entire aquatic food chain, from shell fish to whales, and decimate the fishing industry.
While there are many causes of AIS, transportation of live fish as bait is a known problem and it is illegal.
It is extremely costly to eradicate AIS from a lake once it’s established, but it is being done to contaminated lakes throughout the province to protect the fisheries.
Officer Monte Bromley noted the public could be involved in the solution and help prevent the spread of AIS by its own due diligence when moving from lake to lake. The public is encouraged to report sightings of any of the invasive species, including yellow perch and small-mouth bass, to 1-888-356-7525 (DFO) and reporting any questionable activities observed near lakes to 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). Additional information on the problem, as well as pictures of the foreign species, is at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Meter men
Smart meters have been installed for BC Hydro customers not refusing the new technology.
Deep snow and cold temperatures on the installation days were obvious hindrances to the contractors. However, they soon discovered avoiding snow-drifted driveways and cutting paths through treed lots was the best way to access meters at most seasonal residences.
Snow ball champs
Once again, the Lakeside B&B Beavers of avid slo-pitch players, walked away with the trophy from the Ryan Larson Memorial Snow Ball Tournament at the Interlakes ball diamonds, March 3-4.
The Beavers consist of Jamie and Jacquie Moberg of Lac des Roches and eight of their good friends who travel from the Lower Mainland to play in the annual tournament. Jamie says the teams were “knee-deep in the snow and things were pretty slick.” Aside from the aches and pains of using otherwise dormant muscles, there were no known injuries sustained by the members of the seven teams who enjoyed a spectacular weekend of ball playing.
Wildlife sightings
The lack of fresh cougar sign is a relief, but residents should still be cautious.
Several deer and moose have returned and are feeding near Boultbee Road.
Goodbye good dog
Condolences go out to Jamie and Jacquie Moberg for the sudden loss of their canine companion, Shep.
She will be missed by the entire neighbourhood.