BCLSS Loonie News - February 2021

  *reposted with permission*

BCLSS Loonie News February 2021

Online Forum: Boating on BC Lakes - Is it time for something different? Join the BCLSS, Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA), and Living Lakes Canada (LLC) as we host an online forum on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Time TBA. We will be examining the environmental impacts of boating, discussing regulatory issues, and identifying potential solutions. Speakers include: Heather Larratt of Larratt Aquatic Consulting Ltd. Darryl Arsenault of Arsenault Environmental Consulting Ltd. Alan Drinkwater of the Decibel Coalition Shannon McGinty of Lake Windermere Ambassadors Kat Hartwig of Living Lakes Canada And more..... Further information will be sent out soon. Please email the BCLSS office if you would like to be notified when the agenda is finalized and registration is available. Outstanding Volunteer Awards 2020 The BC Lake Stewardship Society is pleased to announce the recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Awards for 2020. This award recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding volunteer efforts that demonstrate our society's fundamental values - preservation, protection, and restoration of lakes throughout British Columbia.  Doug Broadfoot of the Heffley Lake Community Association is recognized for his contribution to stewardship through lake monitoring, establishing a Clean Drain Dry program, and ongoing collection of ice and bird data. Merle and Phyllis Hiltz, previously of Big Bar Lake, are recognized for their contribution to lake stewardship through 17 years of lake monitoring and data collection. The BCLSS truly values the commitment of volunteers and look forward to continuing to work together on a shared vision of clean, healthy lakes throughout the province. Announcements and Reminders   Ice On/Off Data Ice events - the freeze and thaw dates of waterbodies - are easily recorded changes that, with the help of volunteer observers, can help us monitor the effects of climate change on our lakes. The BCLSS submits ice on and ice off data to IceWatch, part of the NatureWatch suite of national volunteer monitoring programs designed to help identify ecological changes that may be affecting our environment. Please submit the ice on and ice off dates of your lake to the BCLSS. A data form can be found here. LaBounty Best Paper Award Nominated Papers Available Through Open Access From the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS). The papers nominated for the Jim LaBounty Best Paper Award in 2020 will be available through open access through the end of March. Normally papers published in the last 3 years are only available by subscription, but as a tribute to the quality of research and importance to the lake management community, these papers are being made freely available for a limited time. The collection can be found here. Women and Water Lecture Series Hosted by the Global Institute for Water Security, Global Water Futures - Young Professionals and Global Water Futures. Lectures occur monthly until April. The schedule can be found here.  BC Water Funders Collaborative The BC Water Funders Collaborative is a group of funding organizations working together to facilitate the strategic use of collective resources to advance freshwater protection in BC. For more information and a reference guide to water funders, please check out their website. Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation PCAF Grants The Public Conservation Assistance Fund provides small grants to organizations and individuals who need financial help to implement a conservation project. Approximately $150,000 is provided each year to help implement on-the-ground conservation work, with a particular focus on hands-on, community-based, and public awareness initiatives. Grants will be due in Spring 2021 - now is a good time to start thinking about projects. More information can be found on the HCTF website. The BCLSS is available to help our members with applying for grants of all types. Please contact the office for assistance. Learn About BC's Freshwater Fish - Fish Identification Guide Great for educators, naturalists, and anglers. The Guide to Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia (Taylor and Tan) is a richly illustrated, waterproof, tearproof, foldable guide to 90 species of fish found in lakes and streams of BC. It includes notes on distribution, biology, and conservation. More information can be found here. Also available as an app: Fish Sorter. All proceeds go to support the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.   News and Information Webinar Recording - Car Tires & Salmon Health: Exploring New Research Researchers say widespread lake drainage on tundra another sign of climate change Invasive freshwater clam discover in Shuswap Lake prompts meeting

Not a member of the BCLSS yet? Please consider joining our network of lake stewards! For more information on the benefits of membership, please visit our website. Thank you to LUSH for funding the BC Lake Stewardship Engagement Initiative.  The BCLSS gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

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BCLSS Quarterly Newsletter - Winter 2021

 *reposted with permission*

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Quarterly Newsletter, Winter 2021   View this email in your browser British Columbia Lake Stewardship Society Furthering Lake Stewardship Through Education & Communication Year in Review Despite the pandemic, the BCLSS was able to continue offering our programs in 2020, although slightly modified. In response to provincial restrictions, and to ensure the safety of our volunteers and staff, the start to our regular programs was slightly delayed. By adjusting lake monitoring programs, establishing COVID protocols for fieldwork, and adapting our BCLSEI program, we were still able to work with provincial lake stewards in a hands-on, yet distanced way. This year also offered the opportunity to build our online educational resources. Our 2020 accomplishments: 26 lakes visited under the BC Lake Stewardship Engagement Initiative 29 lakes monitored by volunteers and supported by the BCLSS 6 lakes monitored by BCLSS for the BC Long-Term Lake Trends program 6 lake reports written for different lakes throughout the province using data collected by committed volunteers. Visit our library for reports on your local lakes. Conducted LakeKeepers training at East Barrière Lake Proclamation of July as Lakes Appreciation Month Organized the BC Secchi Dip-In for the 18th year. Once again, Gun Lake had the deepest Secchi reading at 22.8 m! The full Dip-In report is available here Led a review of 10 years of water quality monitoring data collected by a BCLSS member group The BCLSS continues to be inspired by our volunteers that are committed to their lakes. We welcome new members and volunteers to join us in 2021 to work towards our vision of clean, healthy lakes throughout British Columbia. Thank you to our funders that make our programs possible: The BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and LUSH. BC Lake Stewardship and Monitoring Program 2021 Since 2003, the BCLSS, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV), has implemented the BC Lake Stewardship and Monitoring Program. This program is unique in that it gives dedicated volunteers the knowledge, training, and tools to become stewards and contribute invaluable information to an ever growing data set for provincial lakes. Many of our member groups have participated in data collection on their favourite lake(s). After data has been collected, lake specific reports are written to outline the data collected. These  can be found in the BCLSS library under BCLSMP Lake Reports. The BCLSS recognizes the importance of volunteers that take on significant roles in environmental monitoring. Collection of lake data by volunteers is critical for the protection of lake water quality as it helps establish a strong baseline of data that allows for lake health to be determined, monitored, and managed over time. If you are interested in participating in this program in 2021, starting with Level 1 monitoring, please contact us for more information. Level 1 monitoring involves collecting at least 12 evenly spaced clarity (Secchi disc) and temperature readings from May through September (or ice off to ice on). The BCLSS can provide the equipment and after three years of data collections we can provide a report on results. More information on volunteer lake monitoring can be found on the BCLSS website and the BC Ministry of Environment website. Lake Life: The Diatoms  At the base of our aquatic ecosystems are the primary producers which provide the link between the sun’s energy and other organisms higher in the food chain. These include free-living algae (phytoplankton), attached algae (periphytes) and aquatic plants (macrophytes).    The diatoms (Bacillariophyceae) are single-celled algae that comprise a large portion of the phytoplankton in both fresh and marine waters. Diatoms range in size from a microscopic two microns to a few millimetres, just visible to the naked eye. Though small, these tiny plants play a huge role - it has been estimated that diatoms are responsible for approximately ¼ of the earth’s primary productivity! There are more than 10,000 diatom species identified with about the same number named in the fossil records. Their abundance also makes them an important component of the diets of zooplankton and invertebrate larvae.    Diatoms are also one of the most beautiful organisms in the phytoplankton community. They consist of two glass-like silica shells called frustules and the shape and patterns of the shells are used to identify the species. The two frustules fit inside one another like a pill box and come in two general forms: pennate (elongated) and centric (round). Most freshwater diatoms are pennate. Diatoms usually reproduce asexually through cell division; the halves separate and a new shell is laid down in each of the parent frustules to produce two new cells. As a result, a population of diatoms will get progressively smaller over time.  Eventually, after a minimum size has been reached, the diatoms begin to reproduce sexually and a larger cell size is achieved.   Diatoms are so abundant that the frustules of dead organisms form large, economically significant deposits in both lakes and oceans. The diatomaceous earth, as it is called, is used in a number of applications including water filters, insecticides, paints, toothpaste, soil amendments and thermal insulation.   Diatoms can also be used in the practical management of water resources. The silica shell is a very durable and provides a useful indicator for investigating past water quality conditions. Diatom communities are influenced by water chemistry (e.g., phosphorus, nitrogen, pH, alkalinity, salinity) and so examining diatom assemblages in lake sediment cores can provide clues to historical changes in water quality.  Originally published in BCLSS Quarterly Newsletter Volume 7, Issue 2 Diatoms in Charlie Lake. Photo provided by Bruce Kosugi, Charlie Lake Conservation Society. Welcome to new BCLSS members: Whistler Lakes Conservation Association, Adam Ungstad, Rod Andrew, Vincent Russell, Denelle Taffe, Zihao Wang, Doug Manton, Erin Reece, Deborah Kannegiesser & Joe Cortese, Shawnigan Basin Society, and Equilibrium Health Management. Landscaping and Gardening Tips to Keep Your Lake Healthy Have you had enough of winter? Are you already planning your spring garden? If you have a lakeside property, check out these gardening and landscaping tips adapted from the Ministry of Environment's fact sheet: Some Guiding Principles to Lakeshore Living in Relation to Water Quality. Using native plant species means minimal maintenance, including less watering, fertilizer and pesticides. Fertilizers can be carried by runoff to nearby waterbodies, causing an increase in nutrients and possible decline in water quality. Keep existing trees and shrubs where possible and plant trees and shrubs in open areas to help prevent erosing and lessen runoff. Mulch grass trimmings to promote recycling of nutrients and moisture back into the existing lawn. This also reduces the need for watering and fertilizer application. Clean up after pets and domestic animals. Waste can be transported by runoff causing fecal contamination and phophorus input to nearby water. Maintain vegetation near the shoreline to filter and absorb runoff, to provide shoreline stabilization, and to discourage waterfowl from frequenting. Waterfowl can contribute considerable levels of fecal coliforms and phosphorus. For more gardening and landscaping tips, as well as other tips to keep your lake healthy, check out our Lake Stewardship Guidebook. Thank you to our sponsor:   Cariboo Environmental Quality Consulting Ltd.   www.environmentalquality.ca Events and Announcements Pacific Salmon Foundation Community Salmon Program Spring 2021 Funding This grantmaking program supports volunteer and community-driven organizations that undertake salmon conservation and restoration projects in BC and the Yukon. Applications accepted until February 15th. Information and application can be found here.  Real Estate Foundation - General Grants The REFBC grants program supports projects that contribute to sustainable land use and real estate practices. The deadline to apply is March 2nd, 2021. Go to www.refbc.com/grants for more information on eligibility and how to apply. Columbia Basin Water Survey  Do you work with or around water? Have you ever used a dataset involving water? Or maybe you are just a concerned citizen wondering if your water is safe to drink? We are all dependent on water, and data is a crucial part of monitoring the health of our watersheds. The Columbia Basin Water Hub is looking for your input. We want to know what you consider to be good quality data. Please fill out the survey below and help build a community standard for water data in the Columbia Basin. Survey closes on Wednesday February 3rd at noon PST!   Survey: https://forms.gle/YKcwyxnkX4B4ES2K8   If you would like to find out more about the Water Hub visit this link. Women and Water Lecture Series The Women and Water Lecture Series, hosted by the Global Institute for Water Security, Global Water Futures - Young Professionals, and Global Water Futures, will be offered monthly from January to April 2021. The schedule and registration link can be found here. The Keys to a Blue Economy This four-part series focuses on how Canada should define its blue economy and all of the key elements that will ensure a strong national water sector. Information on the series can be found here. AquaHacking Challenge Expands into Western Canada for 2021 AquaHacking is a tech challenge for post-secondary students and young professionals with an interest in freshwater issues, clean-tech innovation, and entrepreneurship. More information can be found on the AquaHacking Challenge website. Ice on and ice off Please send your ice on and ice off dates to the BCLSS office as this information is important for climate change research. Ice on/off data sheets can be found on our website.   Share your information with us!  One of the primary objectives of the BC Lake Stewardship Society is to provide a public forum to discuss information on specific lakes and watersheds, lake conservation issues/concepts, and educational programs relevant to British Columbia’s freshwater resources.    The BC Lake Stewardship Society Board of Directors welcomes written submissions, whether short articles, advertisements, or photos/figures relevant to British Columbia’s lakes from both BCLSS members and the community at large.  If you have information on BC’s lakes, please forward it to us for publication: info@bclss.org. News from the Web Adams Lake First Nation heads program to restore salmon habitat in Adams Lake High winds, whitecaps and cold temperatures create crazy tangle of serrated ice in Taynton Bay B.C.'s freshwater stocking program complete despite pandemic challenges Blue-green algae bloom confirmed in Elk Lake, water-based activities not recommended Ice-Fishing Update from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC GONE FISHIN': Pandemic has new and returning anglers hooked around Kamloops fishing holes World's Largest Lakes Reveal Data About Climate Change Alouette Lake boaters may be left high and dry   We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Donate to the BCLSS Copyright © 2021 BCLSS, All rights reserved.  Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

BC SPCA asks public to remove bird feeders after salmonella outbreak

-----BC SPCA News Release January 25, 2021-----

The BC SPCA is asking the public to temporarily remove backyard bird feeders in order to stop the spread of a deadly salmonella outbreak that has spread throughout the province. The outbreak is affecting pine siskin birds specifically.

“2021 has gotten off to a rough start for pine siskins on southern Vancouver Island and the rest of the province with a deadly outbreak of salmonella,” says Andrea Wallace, manager of wild animal welfare.

So far in January, the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) has admitted 43 pine siskin birds with many of them showing signs of disease but few surviving.

“Salmonella is a severe and contagious disease so we’re asking people to temporarily remove, or at the very least clean, their bird feeders and bird baths to prevent further spread of the disease,” says Wallace.

The Bridge Beyond the Boundary by Perry Kilby

Our friends Perry and Elizabeth Kilby lived in the upper subdivision of Lac le Jeune for many years as they raised their children. Since their retirement and move away from this area, Perry has written a children’s book, The Bridge Beyond the Boundary. You may recognize Lac le Jeune in some of the locations referred to in his book, even though in this week's Kamloops This Week article, he refers to Kamloops as the area. We know where it really is!

The book is self published and can be purchased from Perry's website.

Posted by Kathy Wyse

Timely Snow Removal on Lac Le Jeune Roads

"Snow falling" by Fellowship of the Rich is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

A couple of weeks ago a Lac Le Jeune resident had to call an ambulance in the middle of the night because of a suspected heart attack. When the ambulance arrived it was not able to reach the individual’s house because the driver was concerned the ambulance would get stuck in the snow. In this instance the individual had to drive his four wheel drive vehicle onto Lac Le Jeune Road and from there he got into the ambulance. Although in this case everything was resolved happily, in another situation it could have been fatal. Without a four wheel drive vehicle, how long would the paramedics have taken to trudge through the snow and carry a sick patient on a stretcher back to the ambulance perhaps a kilometre away?  

If you feel as I do that the roads this winter have not been plowed in a timely fashion please register a complaint with the Yellowhead Road and Bridge.  There is a form to do so on their website, or you can call 1 250 315 0166.  

Thank you,

Pat Burton

BCLSS Loonie News - December 2020

 *Reposted with permission*

BCLSS Holiday Office Closure The BCLSS office will be operating with limited hours over the holidays starting on December 19th. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 4th, 2021.    The BCLSS Board of Directors and staff wish you a happy and healthy holiday season! Help Keep the Ice Clean this Winter When recreating on lakes this winter, please keep in mind these helpful tips:   Garbage On Ice To reduce garbage and other debris left behind by visitors from freezing into ice on rivers and lakes, join forces with a few neighbours to create a “Citizen’s Patrol” to monitor ice and speak to visitors about garbage. You can also plan a shoreline clean-up early in the spring to help protect nesting shorebirds. Winter Recreation Take care when accessing a frozen lake for skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, or tobogganing. Use summer access trails, rather than direct paths over snow. Even through the covering of ice and snow, vegetation and bank structure can be damaged by winter traffic. Cleaning Up After Your Dog There are a number of great reasons to pick up after your dog not the least of which is that you, or your closest friends, may be the ones who "discover" the treasure while going for a nice ski/skate. In addition to the aesthetic reasons to clean up behind your pooch, there are very sound health and ecological reasons: Feces contain pathogenic (disease causing) organisms that make people sick. Many of us rely on lakes as our drinking water source and children often ingest water while playing at the lake. Excess nutrient loading, including phosphorous, from more dog traffic causes significant imbalances in a lakes natural ecosystem. This leads to degradation of lake water quality. Nutrients from fecal matter may lead to increased algae growth and can effect oxygen levels and other physical characteristics that fish and other animals need to survive.  As more of us use the lake, and take our dogs with us, the fragile ecological balance and public health are further jeopardized. We need to reduce the risks to ensure the health of our lakes.  We need to be careful and responsible to ensure that the lakes that we love remain lovely! Originally printed in BCLSS Newsletter Volume15:3, November 2012.  Sources: Brian Nickurak and On the Living Edge by Kipp and Callaway Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society ~ Columbia Shuswap Region is Invasive-Mussel-Free for Another Year!   Invasive species can be extremely damaging to the health of both the ecosystem and our economy. At the top of the ‘Most Unwanted’ list are two aquatic invasive species: zebra and quagga mussels.  The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society (CSISS) partners with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy (ENV), the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and the Shuswap Watershed Council (SWC) to monitor high risk lakes in the upper Columbia and Shuswap watersheds for invasive mussels.  In a recent statement, ENV reported that 89 waterbodies in BC were monitored throughout the season by 12 grant recipients (including CSISS) and Ministry staff, collecting 954 plankton samples, all of which showed no evidence of invasive mussels.  Currently there are no known infestations of invasive mussels anywhere in BC, including the Columbia Shuswap. If invasive mussels were to become established in a BC waterbody, it would be extremely difficult to eradicate them and very costly to manage the negative impacts, so preventing establishment is key. Transportation of infested watercraft is a known way in which these species travel between waterbodies, even over large distances.  To prevent the spread of invasive mussels into our lakes and rivers, all watercraft entering BC. should be inspected by Provincial staff.  Travellers bringing watercraft to BC are encouraged to visit the provincial website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/invasive-mussels/bringing-your-boat-to-bc. Members of the public are asked to please report any suspected invasive species via the Provincial “Report Invasives BC” smartphone application (available for download from www.gov.bc.ca/invasive-species) and any suspected invasive zebra or quagga mussels to the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline 1-877-952-7277. Read the full press release from the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society here. The Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, management and reduction of invasive species in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.

Announcements and Reminders   Ice On/Off Data Ice events - the freeze and thaw dates of waterbodies - are easily recorded changes that, with the help of volunteer observers, can help us monitor the effects of climate change on our lakes. The BCLSS submits ice on and ice off data to IceWatch, part of the NatureWatch suite of national volunteer monitoring programs designed to help identify ecological changes that may be affecting our environment. Please submit the ice on and ice off dates of your lake to the BCLSS. A data form can be found here. Native Trout Stewardship Initiative: 2020 Call for Proposals The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is pleased to announce Year Three of its pilot funding initiative that provides resources to organizations and groups seeking to get involved in native trout conservation activities at the local level. These activities are expected to be collaborative and involve partnerships with community, stewardship and angling groups. The deadline of December 31, 2020 is quickly approaching! Further information can be found here. Women and Water Lecture Series Hosted by the Global Institute for Water Security, Global Water Futures - Young Professionals and Global Water Futures. Lectures occur monthly from January to April. The schedule can be found here.  BC Water Funders Collaborative The BC Water Funders Collaborative is a group of funding organizations working together to facilitate the strategic use of collective resources to advance freshwater protection in BC. For more information and a reference guide to water funders, please check out their website. Okanagan Water Board Opens Grant Program The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) is now accepting applications for its Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) grant program which will focus on water security. This application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2021. The complete Program Guide, detailed information, and application forms can be found here. Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation PCAF Grants The Public Conservation Assistance Fund provides small grants to organizations and individuals who need financial help to implement a conservation project. Approximately $150,000 is provided each year to help implement on-the-ground conservation work, with a particular focus on hands-on, community-based, and public awareness initiatives. Grants will be due in Spring 2021 - now is a good time to start thinking about projects. More information can be found on the HCTF website. The BCLSS is available to help our members with applying for grants of all types. Please contact the office for assistance. INVASIVES 2021 - ISCBC's Annual Forum & AGM February 9-11, 2021. The Invasive Council of BC will be holding their forum virtually. You'll hear from two great keynote presenters, enjoy a variety of plenary session, lighting talks, and have the opportunity to network with others in the invasive species community. The agenda and registration details can be found here.   News and Information Holiday glitter in our lakes? Watershed Security Agenda for British Columbia 'Dramatic changes': Study suggests more lakes fail to freeze over, could harm ice fishing, skating

Halloween 2020

This is a summary of activities and tips I've heard from residents. I'm also including tips to decrease the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, along with other general safety information.

• The Halloween Goblin Wagon will once again be touring the neighbourhoods!
• Plan for approximately 30 trick-or-treaters.
• Provide well-lit self-serve outdoor treat stations. 
• This is an excellent safety list from BC Centre for Disease Control
• There will be a fireworks display on Water Street at 7:30 and residents are encouraged to watch from a distance. If you're planning your own fireworks display, please keep to the 7:30 schedule that's already been established.
• Keep your pets indoors and ensure all escape routes are closed off. When terrified by noise from fireworks, animals may bolt and NEVER find their way back home. 
• If your pets are stressed, stay with them.
• Nix the fake spider web decorations; birds and small animals can get wrapped up in it.
• Pumpkins attract bears so bring them indoors at the end of the evening.

Sylvia

Job Posting: Onsite Maintenance at Wilderness Resort

The Wilderness Resort strata (30 units plus lodge with indoor pool, kitchen, dining and games area) is looking for a person to assist with onsite maintenance duties, preferably someone who lives at Lac Le Jeune. 

If you are interested please contact Chris Murray (250) 320-0476 or email chris.murray51@outlook.com. A job description and salary details will be sent out to anyone who is interested.

New Bridge Being Installed This Week

The following notice was delivered to some Lac Le Jeune residents. Perhaps the rest of the residents on the streets listed will receive a notice this weekend. In addition, there is a sign at the bridge.

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Lac Le Jeune, Lookout, Marmot, Osprey East, Ridgemont, Heron and Pineridge Roads

Yellowhead Road & Bridge (Nicola) Ltd. on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be replacing the bridge on Lac Le Jeune Road commencing on October 19, 2020 with a completion date of October 22, 2020. Expect minor delays between 7am and 7pm for the duration of this project. 

October 20th starting at 9am there will be no vehicular traffic allowed across the bridge while the old structure is removed and the new one is being constructed. YRB expects to have the bridge open to traffic by 4pm on the same day.

If you have concerns please contact

Ted Smart

Superintendent Merritt North and Structures

(250) 315-5027

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Please pick up after your dog

"Daisy Flowers and Bees" by Scott 97006 is licensed under CC BY 2.0

We have a lot of dogs living in Lac Le Jeune, and many enjoying the provincial park. That brings lots of joy, but also more poop! This is a reminder from Pat Burton.

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In the last few weeks there has been an increasing amount of dog poop left along the sides of Rainbow Drive. Please pick up after your dog and don’t leave unsightly messes behind to spoil the beauty of our neighbourhood.