IMPORTANT!  GUN LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS:  Update on Douglas Fir Bark Beetle Infestation & Fuel Mitigation Projects

Please read previous posts if you haven't already for background:  http://www.debbiedemare.com/2013/07/gun-lakers-important-douglas-fir-beetle.html

Another meeting was held last night with Bruce Morrow who reviewed the current situation with forests in our area including the various pests that have attacked the trees, the state of the forest, and what he is proposing for fuel mitigation projects in the next couple of years.

The main concern of last night's meeting was the increased observed attack by Douglas Fir Bark Beetle. This beetle generally attacks downed trees, however it will also attack "stressed" live trees and this is exactly what it is doing in the Gun Lake area.  Once these trees have the Douglas Fir Bark Beetle in them - they are done for!  PROPERTY OWNERS YOU NEED TO REMOVE THESE TREES , BURN THEM OR AT THE VERY LEAST GET ALL OF THE BARK OFF OF THEM BEFORE NEXT SPRING!!! Next spring /early summer these Douglas Fir Bark Beetle will fly short distances and find the nearest down tree or nearest very stressed fir tree and away you go.  One flight from one tree can affect up to 8 other trees.

Another concern is firewood. If you bring firewood in that has bark on it and has these beetles in the wood they will also fly to your nearest down/stressed fir and you now have a whole bunch more trees that will die.

Please see this pictures taken last night by Norris Girling.  What  a great job he did, thank you so much Norris.    These photos will help you identify your firs that have the Douglas Fir Bark Beetle in them.   If they have the reddish/yellow "frass" on the bark, your tree has the Douglas Fir Bark Beetle in it!!!    Please deal with them, we have enough issues with our trees in the Gun Lake Watershed, we don't need more!

 This reddish material sort of looks like a combination of sawdust and a kind of dead mossy looking stuff.

ROAD 40 Erosion Issues and Other items

Want to make special mention of the Wildfire Management Branch, the Gun Lake Fire Protection Society directors and volunteers, and folks from around Gun Lake who got "on it" Sunday, August 10 after a very very bad electrical storm landed itself right on top of the Gun Lake area.  Thank you all for your prompt and effective response!

NEW BRIDGES ON SLIM CREEK FSR

Two new bridges have been installed on Slim Creek Main FSR , one across Roxey Creek and one across Slim Creek.   This will ensure travel is a-ok on this road for some years to come and will also allow for snowmobile access beyond the Slim Creek drainage.

This is a very positive investment for our community!!!  Thank you to Ministry of Forests Cascade Forest District!!!



ROAD 40 EROSION ISSUES

For those of you who didn't see my initial blog post on this issue it is here:   http://www.debbiedemare.com/2013/04/our-favorite-topic-and-other-items.html

I also wrote a Director's report to the SLRD board requesting their support on the issue.  The board agreed and a letter was sent to the Minister of Transportation.

On August 14, there was a meeting that involved Ministry officials from Ministry of Transportation and Environment, BC Hydro, Jackie Tegart (MLA) , her constituency assistant Lori Pilon and Phil Doddridge, Interior Roads on the topic of Road 40 erosion & dirt piling and myself.   DFO officials were invited but did not attend.

There are 8 sections totalling 1020 m. of the road which are being eroded.  Prior to 1990, policy permitted material coming down from the upslope to be used to fill areas of erosion.  Since the policy changed, the erosion has developed into serious areas of concern. 

The meeting took a very positive and cooperative direction with the main focus on instituting a program of erosion control rather than infrastructure type programs.  The result of this could actually be neutral or cost saving, as this material is currently trucked and dumped in piles all over the place. I was particularly impressed with the approach of Ray Stevens, Area Mgr., BC Hydro who frankly admitted this section of road is a mess and it needs to be fixed and asked: “What can BC Hydro do to help”. 

Specifically at this meeting:

MoTI:

·         committed to identifying and prioritizing approximately 7- 8 sites for short term repair, to be identified by location and scope.

·         Construction consideration using select ditch waste materials to be end dumped using a suitable size and gradation.

·         review Hydro reports for relevant information and consideration towards Sec. 9 approval (Seton and Carpenter lake reports) (Section 9 is the environmental-fish bearing issue approval)

·         compile information and send to Regional environmental staff to develop a plan for submission to DFO

·         forward Mission Mtn Road geotech report for further geotech and environment background information on Carpenter lake.

·         collate information and forward to our environmental team.

Hydro:

·         Communications with environmental group/supply any relevant reports or background reservoir information to MoTI

 

Both the MLA and myself were very pleased with the positive, cooperative approach and I am very hopeful that this particular part of the challenges regarding Rd 40 may be solved.  I will keep abreast and advise if further roadblocks appear.

 

GUN LAKE BOAT LAUNCH - SOUTH END
As you know the south end Boat Launch at Gun Lake was damaged by ice last winter.  It is very difficult to use.   A small group of Gun Lake people met recently to discuss its short term and longer term maintenance.
One of the action items out of that meeting was to conduct a survey to see what users of the boat launch think should be done.  SO HAVE YOUR SAY!! 

SURVEY RE GUN LAKE BOAT LAUNCH SOUTH END


FIREARMS DISCHARGE BYLAW - UPDATED

The Firearms Discharge Bylaw has been updated and adopted.

One sign will be erected in each of the 3 areas this year and if required more will be put up next year. 

The link to the bylaw and maps is here:

http://www.slrd.bc.ca/files/%7B51BCC3D9-0B70-4F9D-9B44-EA92BDACB0F1%7DRB_1293%20Electoral%20Area%20A%20Firearms%20Bylaw.pdf

 Both the RCMP and the Provincial Government (for hunting regulations) have been advised.

I will make sure that the Community Resource Building has copies of the maps for a minimal charge and also they will put them on the wall somewhere down there.

HAVE YOUR SAY!
By now you probably have figured out that I like to know what you are thinking about various issues.  It really helps me determine the approach I take on various issues, and it gives me strength to really be strong when advocating for you the taxpayers of this area.  Thank you for participating in all my surveys!  You can always call, email, Facebook or Tweet me too!

Survey about the Hurley River Rd.  I'm sure you will all enjoy doing this one if you haven't already!   Don't forget to keep an eye out at isurvivedthehurley.com  for updates and information about the Hurley and roads leading to and from it!


FORESTRY ISSUES
As many of you know our community, and Bralorne in particular, has been dealing with the return of forestry to this area...See my previous blog for info.
http://www.debbiedemare.com/2013/03/hi-everyone-here-finally-is-update-from.html

Two resolutions, forwarded to SLRD and on to the local government associations have been passed.  Similar challenges have cropped up elsewhere in the SLRD and the following letter was written, subsequent to SLRD Board discussions and resolutions:
Letter to Steve Thomson re Public's Role in Forestry

I would like to also draw your attention to a series of Bulletins put out by the Forest Practices Board which to me see to have balanced and thought through recommendations.

The need to manage culmulative effects

Professional_Reliance_in_BC_Forests - Is it really the issue?

Public Involvement in Forest Planning


LILLOOET LANDFILL FEES MAY CHANGE

 Report & Proposed Bylaw Amendment

Let me know what you think! 

VOLUNTEERS FROM GOLD BRIDGE NEEDED

Coming out of the Community Information Meeting in July, I am asking for two Gold Bridge property owners to volunteer to work with me over the 8 or so months to review the Gold Bridge Water System budget, determine best alternatives and options for funding the Gold Bridge Water System and to report back to Gold Bridge property owners. This work will inform the budget/taxation going forward for this service.   Please contact me if you are interested.  We will get started in October and probably complete next April. 

 

August 11 - Wildfire Situation in Bridge River Valley

Latest news: 2:30 pm, Aug 11. WMB had a helicopter bucketing out of Little Gun Lake for fire K70582 (east of Downton-Lajoie BR. 2) and out of Gun Lake for fire K70589 (Northwest of Gun Lake, south of Slim Creek). Both fires are now in mop-up.

August 11

K70582 – North of Downton FSR

One Initial Attack Crew is on site, estimated at 0.1of a hectare, burning rank 2 (little or no spread, but has open flame)  Burning in brush and heavy timber.  Crews have requested an additional 5 pack and a heli to support.

 

K70578 – Mount Williams

Rap Crew deployed this morning, fire is 10ft x 10ft, and just smouldering.  Will be on site to extinguish today.

 

K70567 – Kingdom Lake

Spot sized lightning fire, 5 firefighters on site working to extinguish today.

 

K70556 – 19km Highline Road

Air tankers are on site already this morning.  Fire is estimated at 1.2 hectares, burning rank 2, minimal spread.  1 helicopter and 10 firefighters are working the blaze.

 

K70505-Truax

A mudslide across the Truax Road this morning, has closed access to the fire.  We are flying the 18 firefighters to the site, and working on re-establishing road access.  The fire did take rain last night, but smoke is still visible from the smouldering ground fire.  The fire is now GPS’d at 8 hectares (was estimated at 12).

August 8
This is a 12 h - Category 3 (fairly intense) fire. It is currently being actioned by 1 Air Tanker & 2 more are on their way. This fire has been assigned a Fire Info Officer & as I get information I will share with you. I will also put this info on my blog, www.debbiedemare.com shortly.

 

 

Sal and I went out on the Lake and you can definitely see smoke in this area and also could see the air tanker auctioning.

 

I will update this blog as information becomes available & if needed!

GUN LAKERS: IMPORTANT - Douglas Fir Beetle attacking the trees

DOUGLAS FIR BEETLE INFECTING TREES IN GUN LAKE AREA - VERY SERIOUS

Bruce Morrow is the fellow who has been contracted to develop the prescription for Fuel Mitigation around Gun Lake and in the Gold Bridge area.  The prescription is needed before SLRD applies for the project $ to actually do the mitigation work (probably around $200k).

He attended the Gun Lake Ratepayer’s meeting on May long weekend (If you were at it).  You will see his initial report on my latest post on my blog www.debbiedemare.com.   

It is very important that you read his letter at the link below.  While I am just headed for a vacation I will be working on this to get more information to you and more resources if required.  This is a very serious development and I really ask that you read what he has found.  He stopped by this past week for a beer with Sal and I and told us his findings, which you will read.  When I know when Bruce is coming back I’ll try and arrange and informal/on the ground meeting in an affected area so you can see,

Please email or give me a call with your thoughts concerns.  ALSO please print out his letter and pass on to neighbors around Gun Lake that may not be on my email list etc.  If you have a website/facebook page posting would be much appreciated.  Lets get the word out and try and slow the move of this Douglas Fir Beetle.  

Please Read this:
July 21 info from Bruce Morrow

As many of you know SLRD received funding to undertake a fuel prescription plan for this area.  The first phase of that is complete.  Report Here. Bruce's findings above may change this in that if his initial prescription was to take out the understory/thin etc, if the mature trees are going to be attacked by Douglas Fir Beetle and they have taken out the understory.....that leaves 0 trees.  

Please read this information and be informed.  Print out and pass on to neighbors.  The report will be available at the Gun Lake Ratepayers Picnic as well.

SLRD Community Info Meeting and other items

Special thanks again to Norm Verner, my SLRD alternate who attended a Northern Development Initiative Trust Regional Advisory Committee meeting while I was in Nakusp at a Southern Interior Beetle Action Coalition.  It is great to be able to contribute at both places at the same time!  

I am also pleased to welcome Norm as the area's new Marriage Commissioner.  For many years the Bridge River Valley had a marriage commissioner but for various reasons lost it. Last year, at the request of businesses and some good friends who were trying to get married up here, I pressed to get a Marriage Commissioner here with the Vital Statistics Branch.  I am just so pleased that we now have the position and it is filled with a great guy like Norm.  NOW we need some weddings!!!

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Community Meeting

Great Opportunity to ask questions, give feedback, etc.  Hope to see you there!

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is working to improve how we communicate with citizens and stakeholders in our region, and we want to hear from you! We’ve created two surveys – one related specifically to our website, and one regarding more general communications practices. Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback.

http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/slrd/general-communications-survey-external/

http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/slrd/website-refresh/

These surveys will be online until July 21.

Thank you for your time and feedback! 

Gun Lake and Gold Bridge Wildfire Threat and Mapping

As many of you know SLRD received funding to undertake a fuel prescription plan for this area.  The first phase of that is complete.  Report Here.  If you have any comments, questions etc come to the meeting above or email me.

Upper Lillooet IPP Power Projects

Three Run of the River projects are planned for the Upper Lillooet River area.  I became aware of some concerns related to access by snowmobiles to the Hurley due to the fact that the Lillooet River FSR will now be plowed.  Innergex had requested temporary use permits to undertake the construction and at our last board meeting the SLRD voted 6-3 opposed and the temporary use permits were denied.  

Here is a link to a Pique article which explains in more detail:

Article: http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/slrd-rejects-temporary-use-permits-for-upper-lillooet-ipp/Content?oid=2462829&showFullText=true

There is more to come on this and I will keep you advised.  My main goal is to ensure that sledding access for both public and commercial operators is not hampered.

Cascadia Burn

Many of you emailed me the article that appeared in The Vancouver Province.  

Province article

I have had over 50 emails and calls of concern regarding this "event".  Even this past July long weekend when I was out and about property owners continued to express their concern about this event particularly as it relates to the granting of an exemption to the open burning ban and also what will happen next year.

Unfortunately the event was too small in numbers to need a special event permit from the SLRD, however I want to thank Ryan Wainwright, our Emergency Program Manager for doing a whole bunch of footwork to figure out what was going on.

The "event" organizer did make attempts after concerns were raised with him by Ryan and the RCMP, and supported by some in Bralorne, to address the concerns related to safety, cleanliness and orderliness.   Concerns for this year, eased when the weather was god awful with pouring rain for day after day.  So things worked out this year.  As a property owner said this past weekend though, the 2009 fire started near the end of May and started from a small campfire.  So it is really understandable why folks worry.

Here is an article from the Lillooet News: 

I am interested in hearing from residents and property owners on whether they think, with proper precautions, this event should be supported OR if you are dead set against it. Take the confidential survey!!!


Break and Enter & Vandalism
Some time over the last two weeks and potentially over the weekend a cabin in the S. Gun Lake/Lajoie Lake area was vandalized, damaged and had theft.   This was private property and the cabin was quite damaged.  The owners are understandably upset that their property - private property- was deliberately damaged and some valuable things stolen.     This has been reported to the RCMP. If you have an information regarding this please contact the RCMP.

Information on where Area A residents and visitors seek health care. 
Here are the results from the survey on where you access health care so far:

Comments:

When I had to call 911 in April 2013 because we had an injured snowmobiler, we were told that they were not aware of any first aid or ambulance service in Gold Bridge. I thought I had been told when we purchased in 2006 that there were emergency services available in Gold Bridge. As a property owner I would like to know what services are available in the Area and where the closest services are.

2/5/2013 

you are far from it

30/4/2013

Received prompt, thorough care (far better than I have ever received in the Lower Mainland!)

20/3/2013 

way faster service than in Vancouver arrived late at night and the doctor was there in 20 In Vancouver that is a 3 to 4 hour wait

20/3/2013

Proximity of even a basic health center is 2 hours away from Goldbridge

19/3/2013

I need more information about what is available and what hours/days it is available. God forbid we ever need it.

19/3/2013 

Thoughts: 1. I think it would be better to have a few on call paramedics so our single paramedic can enjoy more days off, additionally it will quicken response time for emergencies. 2. Perhaps each community could have a few OFA level 3 on call. ?

12/12/2012 

So far irt has not been bad at all including the ambulance services which took me out to the Lillooet Hosiptol. In fact I could not get a doctor in Kamloops while I was there but got one right away in Lillooet!

3/12/2012

At present there is no information on who to contact for a possible life threatening emergency

3/12/2012 

Funny, I was just thinking about this. I had to drive a friend to emergency, not because the issue was life-threatening per se (which the ER attendant pointed out without actually accusing us of abusing the system), just for a quick exam and appropriate painkillers, as there would otherwise be a several day wait to go to the Lillooet clinic, which is just not right in the case of acute, debilitating pain. (This was on a weekend when the clinic is closed, and I've been told to call a week in advance to secure an appointment.) I had to go hunting for personnel, as there was nobody in the admitting office; then there was a bottleneck of about 20 minutes in the admitting lineup, so I and others who arrived were waiting...and waiting. The staff--by then 2 or 3 in Admitting--didn't say, "can I help the next person please" while dealing with whatever it was, but ignored the lineup and just let it grow, while patients were not being seen. My friend was seen to when there were no other patients around, but his admittance paperwork was held up until after he was discharged! Not how I'd run things. Also, on a number of occasions I've tried calling the clinic during their stated hours, and just gotten an answering machine.

3/12/2012

ambulance service - is there any? If so, is it a "taxi" service or a medical service?

2/12/2012 

Feel we need a physician in the Valley on a REGULAR basis. Not hit and miss when most people don't even know a doctor is coming in.

2/12/2012 

In 3 above, we needed transport to the hospital due to a head injury, but there was not a driver for the ambulance based in goldbridge, so we had to drive the ourselves.

2/12/2012

Its my main concern when considering full time residency. A 1.5 hr drive along an iffy road to the closest health care of an urgent matter is terrifying to me. It would be nice to at least explore having medical students doing residency in a rural environmnet; or lobbying authorities to resolve the problem of (new) immigrant medical professionals who can't get medical billing numbers: require them to log in some medical time as GP in rural areas (a first stop before hospital), having a medical office for 3 days a week, for example.

Please take the survey.   It helps when advocating on your behalf.  One thing I do see is the need for more information on what health services are available in the area.  

Firearms Discharge Bylaw

Bylaw 91, the Firearms Discharge Bylaw which prohibits shooting in specific areas of Area A such as around Gun Lake, Gold Bridge and Bralorne is being updated to make the area it covers clearer and to put in place much stiffer penalties.    This comes as a result of a number of firearms discharge incidents on or near private property in these residential areas over the last year.

Please let me know what you think of the proposed boundaries:
Gun Lake area
Gold Bridge area
Bralorne area

Burning Event in the Bridge River Valley

Update: Saturday, June 22:  The Lillooet Fire Zone has cancelled ALL fire warden patrols in the area apparently due to the deluge of rain we have had.  Please be careful with any fires.  Also, the "Burn Man" organization has advised that this event is not a sanctioned, official "Burn Man" event and have asked that the "Burn Man" name not be used.  I have changed my title of my post in respect of that. 

Update Tuesday, June 18: My understanding is the organizers are now doing some of the appropriate things such as contacting the campground caretaker and has been communicating with the RCMP.  In addition the community of Bralorne has stepped up and are supplying fire suppression, and donations to provide porta potties, and Kokanee Helicopters are making themselves available during the burning of the structure.  So good on Bralorne people.   The RCMP do have a security plan in place.  


Update: Monday June 17.  This matter is now in the hands of Emergency officials. If you would like more information or have any concerns please contact the RCMP.

This morning through many emails and phone calls became aware of this article,
Vancouver Province Article and this proposed event in the Bridge River Valley.

I was also provided some communication from the organizers which in part stated: 
 " So now we are heading to Carpenter Lake, to the Gun Creek Campground, where a 2km square area... of open space awaits our return.
It’s a stunning location with a well kept campground next to it.
Being remote, no one cares what we do.
While we are close to Goldbrige BC, and just over the Hurley Road from Pemberton, we are far enough away from everything that we shall bother none.
I am dragging a very large sculpture in a full size school bus.
We have room for 6 people who want to split gas and enjoy a nice camping trip for a week."

The concern is obvious and I contacted RCMP, Lillooet Fire Zone and SLRD.  Once again, the Emergency Program Manager, Ryan Wainwright (best tax dollar any of us spends up here to my mind) has proved an invaluable asset to all of us tax payers in the Bridge River Valley.  He got right on it and this afternoon issued the following bulletin:
=======================================================================

Hi folks -

This morning, the SLRD became aware of an event scheduled for next week in the Goldbridge area with potential public safety implications. I am passing this information along for the awareness of organizations who may have a response role:

  

*         The event is called "Cascadia Burn" (http://burnbc.org/ ), and is a mini-Burning Man festival. The event will run from 17 - 23 June 2013.

  

*         The event is being held at the Gun Creek Hydro campground, with event activities on Gun Creek Flats, near Goldbridge. 

*         This is a non-ticketed event, open to all, and organizers are not providing anything in the way of extra services at the Gun Creek campground. There will be no provision for first aid on the site, and attendees are expected to self-regulate.

  

*         I spoke with event organizers this morning, and they project that 25 - 50 people will be in attendance. However, the event appeared in the The Province newspaper today (http://www.theprovince.com/news/Cascadia+Burn+organizers+fired+Burning+north/8523313/story.html), and that could increase the number of attendees.

  

*         Because the projected number of attendees for Cascadia Burn is unknown, and no tickets are being sold for attendance, the event does not fall within the Special Event Permit By-law for the SLRD.

  

*         Cascadia Burn is being issued a fire ban exemption by BC Wildfire Management Branch (Kamloops Fire Centre), as the culmination of the event is the burning of a 24 ft. wooden sculpture on the Gun Creek Flats.

=================================================================================

Also have heard the Lillooet Fire Centre plans daily patrols to this campground. 

I have to say I remain very concerned about a number of aspects of this:  50 people at the Gun Creek campground for a week, partying, burning 24 ft high structures, promotion through the front page of the Vancouver Province, the list goes on and on.  

I will continue to communicate with the various agencies about those concerns.

I will update this blog as more information becomes available.

Either way, if you're here might as well stop in and enjoy seeing a 24 ft piece high piece of art be burnt!  Perhaps we can sell something to raise funds for our community at this event!  No one ever said things aren't interesting in the Bridge River Valley!

I

 

Do you own the timber on your property? and other lovely items

Just want to extend a special acknowledgement to Clr. Patricia Heintzman, Squamish who is the Chair of the SLRD.  She braved the Hurley just after it was opened, attended the Community Partners Dinner sponsored by BRVCA, then spent the next morning with Sal and I touring Gun Lake from the boat and also going through the Community Resource Building and having lunch at the Gold Bridge Hotel.  Chair Heintzman always tries to "add value" whereever she goes making suggestions, using her networks to help us, and most of all being a source of encouragement and support.  Thank you very much Patricia!!!

Do you own the timber on your property?
Some mineral claims that were issued in the 1920's and 1930's conveyed surface and subsurface rights to the landowner.  These claims did not, however, convey the rights to the timber for any use other than for the epxressed purpose of mining.  In other words, the Crown retained the rights to the timber unless it was to be used for mining purposes.  Cutting the trees without a valid authority may be in contravention of Section 52 of the Forest and Range Practices Act.

Some landowners may not be aware that they do not hold the timber rights.  The "State of Title Certificate" issued by the Land Title Office does not specify those rights.  In order for a landowner to determine the extent of their rights they must obtain a copy of the original mineral claim over the property issued under the authority of the Mineral Act.  It is highly rcommended that you do so prior to any trees being cut.  A copy of the mineral claim can be obtained by accessing an internet web site at the following address:  https://tantalis.clrs.gov.bc.ca/.   You will be required to set up an account and a fee will be charged for each request made.  Account and fee information is available on the web site.

If a landowner determines that they do not have the rights to the trees but wishes to remove timber they must make application for a cutting authority.  Inquiries can be made at the Cascades Forest District 250 878 8400.  The compliance and enforcement office is currently Brad Beaupre (250) 256-1429.

This applies to Bralorne, Gold Bridge and Gun Lake areas for sure.  Not sure yet about Tyaughton Lake.  I am going to find out how we can get this changed.  We are also make enquiries as to what impact/difference this mades to Fuel Mitigation activities by the CROWN on private property where they still hold timber rights.

Do you have a dock or wharf, or other building in or near the foreshore on a lake or stream?
Much as many of us don't want to hear this, you must either make application or notification of building in or near a lake or stream.  Please read the attached for how to do so:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/water_rights/licence_application/section9/index.html

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/tenure_programs/programs/privatemoorage/reqs_best_mgmt_practices.pdf

I would also note that MFLNRO now has a Natural Resource Compliance and Enforcement Officer in Lillooet.  His number is 250 256 1429 if you wish to contact him and make questions.


Clean wood waste drop off
Following successful completion of a pilot program last summer, the SLRD is providing free wood waste collection at the Gold Bridge Transfer station all summer. 

YES:  Wood must be clean, organic wood debris like pruned branches, shrubs, stumps, fallen trees.

NO:  Lawn trimmings, treatedlumber, furniture, construction material and non wood waste.  These items are able to be dumped elsewhere at the Transfer Station paying the usual tipping fees.

Interface wildfire is a critical danger in the Upper Bridge River Valley.  This initiative is designed to assist residents in making their properties Fire Smart.  Firesmart manuals are available at the Community Resource Building as well as at www.southchiclotin.ca/gunlake/GLFPS.html.

Remember dumping any kind of clean or non clean wood waste anywhere BUT at the Transfer Station creates more of a fire hazard, an eyesore and is illegal.  Please deal with this material on your own property or take advantage of this opportunity.

Spruce budworm spraying on Crown Land
There are signs up around Gun Lake and Tyaughton Lake currently advising of the window for spraying for the Spruce Budworm from June 10 to July 5 weather permitting.  The program is being conducted by MFLNRO.
Spray area:  DRAFT map of spraying in our area

Lots of other info previously on my blog about this. 

District of Lillooet :  Reduction of Funding to SLRD

For those of you that read this article  Lillooet News Article it might have raised an eyebrow or two.  I want to let you know that the SLRD was unaware of this and I, as your Area A regional district director have not agreed to anything.  This is the presentation by District of Lillooet of how they think they are going to deal with their budget issues, nothing more and nothing less.  I will keep you in the loop as this progresses.

Gold Trail School District, Community Conversations and the Gold Bridge School
The Gold Trail School District has been holding a number of Community Conversations in order to build a long term facility plan (due out September).  The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Gold Bridge School both from a funding perspective and an enrollment perspective is perpetuating a negative cycle which is affecting the long term future of this school.  Rather than undertake another volunteer led process with scare resources and volunteers stretch so many ways, I have proposed to the School District to be a stakeholder and in part fund a School Viability Plan.  Major businesses, the PAC, BRVCA, the Library and many others have expressed in writing their support of their approach.  The plan would address educational model, educational content, marketing, community amenities, population recruitment and other community development aspects.     Letter and Submission to School District

Invasives around Gun Lake
Thank you to Interior Roads who will mow certain areas around Gun Lake.  Last year the Canada Thistle became very obvious and many volunteers got a lot of exercise pulling them out.  I contacted everyone I could think of to get help and have to hand it to Interior Roads for coming to our aid.  We cannot time the mowing so hopefully it will work out!  Thanks Phil Doddridge!!!