Residents have observed several instances of illegal garbage dumping along Highway 24 since the closure of the garbage transfer bins at Opax/Birch Lake.
While overflowing garbage bins at the McDonald Rest Stop overlooking beautiful Lac des Roches have occurred during long weekends in past years, there is still a suspicion the transfer station closure is catching tourists and residents off guard.
The unsightly mess was reported to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure when discovered by a resident from Boultbee Road, but the scene was undoubtedly noticed by hundreds of tourists who travel this busy stretch of highway every summer day.
Quiet waters
Cold temperatures, rain and hail were the likely cause for limited boating traffic on the lake during the July long weekend.
Fishing has been productive, but it wasn't until July 3 that tubers were observed riding behind a pleasure boat. Although some hardy swimmers were out on air toys on Saturday, they stayed in the warmer and quieter waters of the shallow bays.
Leaf miner returns
The abundance of a tiny white moth-like fly and the silvery tint on the aspen tree leaves is a sure sign that the aspen leaf miner is back this year, doing its damage to the aspen trees.
Although the infestation appears to be sporadic, it may just be the weather that is preventing the usual complete change to the trees that we have seen over the past few years.
It is so sad to lose the beauty of our fall season to this pesky insect as what is left of colour in the leaves now turns to a brown in the autumn rather than the brilliant yellow and orange hues we used to enjoy.
Wonderful wildlife
As with many rural communities in the South Cariboo, bear sightings are common this year.
A black bear and cubs are frequenting the yards all around the lake, as well as several grassy patches along Highway 24.
Residents must use every precaution to keep from attracting the bears to their yards, especially their outdoor storage of kitchen waste.
Three different families of deer are frequenting the yards along Boultbee, with one, two and three fawns observed with each doe. Several bucks are showing their velvety antlers and seem to already be trying to round up the does.
The resident badger family continues to cull the ground squirrel population, much to the delight of property owners.
Vegetable gardens
Although some vegetable crops are producing well, such as lettuce and spinach, low daytime temperatures and over abundant precipitation are still delaying the real growth spurt we expect in early July to various vegetable crops.
Cold frames and green houses are almost a necessity when the days see little warmth from the sun. Irrigation has yet to be an issue for the area, but most residents agree they would rather have the warmth and work to keep the gardens well watered, than the past month's cold and rainy weather.
