Want to Play in the Lake?

                                                                                                               Image: Ron Lyster, 2021

Are you looking for an excuse to get out on the lake? If so, we hope you will join us and volunteer for the Lac Le Jeune Lake Monitoring Program. This initiative helps measure the health of our two lakes by lowering a probe into the lake to capture information like temperature and dissolved oxygen!

The old adage rings true - many hands make light work! So, with just a few more community volunteers, the time commitment of each person will be less than 2-3 hours per year!  The good news is that the fabulous Hugh Burton is planning a brief orientation session in the coming weeks (date and times to be finalized) and he will teach you everything you hoped to learn and more! 

If you are interested in joining us, please e-mail colleenkennedy.apple@icloud.com with your phone number and preferred e-mail address and we will notify you when the orientation is happening!

FireSmart Colouring Contest

Crayon Tips by chrismetcalfTV 

For those with kiddies at home, the TNRD library has partnered with FireSmart for their April colouring contest for kids 12 and under! The contest features Ember, the FireSmart BC mascot!  You can pick up colouring sheets at your local branch and enter for a chance to win an Ember plush toy by showing a completed colouring page to staff at the library desk.

FireSmart: It Starts at Home!

At a community level, we are working to reduce the risk of wildfires, but did you know that FireSmart offers helpful steps that you can take right in your own back yard? As we are all itching to get outdoors this time of year, we thought there was no better time to walk you through each of the four FireSmart zones (Fig.1). 

Figure 1: FireSmart Zones - Credit FireSmart - Click image to enlarge

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing simple steps in each of the zones to help reduce your wildfire risk. This week we’re starting with the non-combustible zone - this is the area 0 – 1.5 m from your home. Why worry about this zone? Well, those embers falling from the sky might seem small, but did you know that 50% of home fires caused by wildfires start with sparks and embers? Regular work around your home (e.g., cleaning up wood debris, leaves and other flammable items) can make all the difference!  FireSmart invites you to consider things like your roof, chimney, gutters, eaves & vents, siding, windows, doors, decks and fences/outbuildings and offers some simple, low-cost steps you can take to reduce your risk (Fig. 2 below)!

Figure 2: Non-Combustible Zone, Credit FireSmart - Click image to enlarge

Well, that should keep you busy for a few weeks! Stay tuned for more tips from FireSmart. 

Don’t want to wait until our next tip? Check out the FireSmart site and download the FireSmart Begins at Home Manual  (PDF) and get all the juicy details yourself! The manual outlines the steps you can take at home to reduce the risk of wildfire and even offers a FireSmart home assessment.

 

 

 

 

 

March 2022 Update from the Lac Le Jeune FireSmart Committee

Province of British Columbia Fuel Management Demo CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 

The Lac Le Jeune area now has a FireSmart Committee with 11 members who represent all areas of our community. This should assist us in accessing government funding and assistance to prepare for any future wildfire events in our area. The Committee includes Bill Miller, Colleen Kennedy, Brian Gordon, Glen Sparrow, Clay Govett, Jim Philips, Rod Faust, Scott Alan, Bruce Mitchell, Chris Murray, and Brad Smith. Tim Cole, a LLJ resident who is also a Professional Forester, has agreed to participate in an advisory role. 

So far we have had two organizational meetings and we have gathered important information to get us started toward being a FireSmart community. Activities completed or initiated so far include:

• Recruiting of committee members from most neighbourhoods of the Lac Le Jeune community. Our Committee includes members with fire suppression and fuel management experience.
• Checking in with the LLJ Resort owners to see what level of involvement they would like to have with our FireSmart initiatives.
• Planning regular FireSmart informational updates to share with Lac Le Jeune residents.  These articles will describe how we can all make our properties more FireSmart and, therefore, more likely to survive a wildfire event. The first of these bulletins was shared on the Community Facebook page in February, 2022.
• Reviewing Forest Ministry maps of our area to see where timber removal and fuel management activities are planned on Crown and private lands near our properties.
• Visiting with Doug Wilson, the Chief of the Logan Lake Fire Department to get advice on how to become a designated FireSmart community, as well as what is the best fire suppression equipment for our residents, as well as for the community at large, to have on hand in case of a wildfire.
• Checking in with Ronaye Elliot, our area representative on the TNRD, to access what funding available to assist us in educating our members, purchasing supplies or renting necessary equipment. We are currently putting together a budget to submit to the TNRD so that funds can be provided to us.

The FireSmart committee are now looking for a Forestry Professional who can assist us in developing a FireSmart Community Action Plan that will guide us toward becoming a designated FireSmart community.  The Forester will survey our entire community and assist us in getting maximum protections with focused fuel management activities and astute equipment acquisitions.

Please watch the Lac Le Jeune Community blog, the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association Facebook page, and the neighbourhood bulletin board (by the mailboxes) for more FireSmart suggestions. If you would like more information on FireSmart, check out www.firesmartcanada.ca. If you would like to assist with future projects, or have expertise to share with our Committee, please contact Bruce Mitchell at brucej53@telus.net or call me at 778-257-0855.

FireSmart in Lac Le Jeune: Join Us!

The summer of 2021 was the third worst wildfire season in BC with many of those fires burning through or near residential areas. Communities in the Thompson Nicole region were among those most at risk of the devastating effects of wildfire. The threat for our community is real. This past summer the township of Logan Lake showed that action can be taken to reduce the risks. 

FireSmart practices, along with forest management, are key to reducing the threat of wildfire. Logan Lake is considered a model of how adopting a FireSmart plan should be done. The collective and individual efforts made by Logan Lake residents helped save the town.

We are taking action and invite you to join us! The newly formed Lac Le Jeune FireSmart Committee is looking for action-oriented individuals to assist in developing and implementing plans to help our community prepare for the future.

Current memberships includes:

• Bruce Mitchell (Chair)
• Clay Govett
• Rod Faust
• Colleen Kennedy
• Bill Miller
• Jim Phillips
• Glen Sparrow           

To join us, please contact Bruce Mitchell (brucej53@telus.net).

Image: Wildfire by Laymik from NounProject.com

Notice to all residents regarding wildfire mitigation work

This notice was sent out to some residents via email.

---

To All Residents of Lac Le Jeune
Re: Lac le Jeune Ski Hill Wildfire Mitigation Works

As many of you are aware, harvesting equipment has been moved to the ski hill area in the past week and you may be wondering what is going on. The owners of the ski hill and Lac le Jeune Resort have put together a plan to reduce the risk of wildfire to both their private lands and the community of Lac le Jeune as a whole. After the recent wildfire season and the two biggest fire years in 2017 and 2018 in BC’s history, this is a welcome development. Forests within the ski hill lands and adjacent Crown lands are considered to have some of the highest wildfire hazards in the Kamloops region due to the very high, natural densities of pine with approximately 10-20% of the pine infested with mountain pine beetle in 2006 and 2007 which is now dead and dry. This dead timber is now falling out and contributing to significant surface fuel loading that is the key ingredient to intense and fast moving wildfires.  

The first phase of this plan is to strategically harvest timber from the area that will remove the majority of the fuel. The plan is not to clear cut the whole area but to cut patches and strips and to leave enough timber to maintain some of the aesthetics of the area. The stream that drains north to the small lake on the west side of the ski hill will also have a significant no-harvest buffer to protect this feature.  

The second phase will consist of machine raking and piling residual fuels after the harvesting is complete as well as spacing and pruning other sites where the timber is too small to be harvested. This work may start in conjunction with the harvesting, depending on snow levels, and will continue next summer and fall and to be completed prior to next winter.

All residents are asked to refrain from entering or using these private lands while harvesting activities are ongoing. Operations involving heavy equipment are inherently dangerous and you will put yourself at severe risk by being in proximity of the equipment. Information will be posted at the main entrance and other signage will be posted at all known access locations/trails. Please see attached map.
Work is scheduled to begin Dec 14, 2021 and will run to at least Dec 24, 2021 and possibly longer.  A notice will be sent out informing residents when operations are complete.

Thank you for your cooperation. 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association AGM

 Minutes of the Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association 

Annual General Meeting 

September 26, 2021

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park Day area

Meeting Called to Order 10:20, by Cindy Swain, President

Adoption of minutes from the 2019 AGM 

(Note: Due to COVID provincial health orders there was no meeting held in 2020) 

1^st Hugh Burton, 2^nd Bruce Mitchell, passed unanimously

Treasurer’s report

 There was a questions about whether our BCLSS membership was paid this year, Cindy to follow up with Leyla, Treasurer. 

1^st Jim Phillips, 2^nd Allan Schock, passed unanimously.

TNRD area J representative - Ronaye Elliot

Ronaye updated the group on what has been happening in area J over the past year. It has been difficult for local groups to fund raise due to COVID restrictions. 2021 forest fires affected many areas throughout the TNRD. There is not much funding available for LLJ for fire prevention as we are not a municipality and there is no firehall. TNRD provided funding through the Community Works Funding (previously GAS Tax Fund) to finish lighting at Stake Lake trails.  A $1,500 cheque was presented to LLJCA to help continue the Lake Study Project. The attendees thanks Ronaye for the generous donation. Ronaye plans to retire from her position and does not expect to run in the next election. Cindy (president), presented Ronaye with a gift of our appreciation for her support over the years. 

Senior Wildfire Officer Prevention, Kamloops Fire Centre – Jennifer Young

Firesmart

John Collavin & Justin Waito discussed our firesmart options. John is our point of contact for Firesmart queries. We have 2 avenues of funding:

1)    Community resiliency investment

2)    Funding to firesmart homes 

Funding to firesmart homes needs to be directed through TNRD. 

Individual homeowners can apply for a 50% rebate to firesmart their homes. Owners can do to be more immediately, e.g. move wood piles, prune trees, and remove flammable materials from the house. 

 Jason Tomlan & Jamie Viera look after fire departments and serve as services coordinator.

They commented that parks branch and the TNRD will help with fire prevention on crown land and the park. However, homeowners need to handle the properties. When Lac Le Jeune area is at risk, people all around province will help out with structures through/under the program. The biggest issue is knowing where to invest the money. The biggest risk for Lac Le Jeune is coming from the south and southwest – think direction for mitigation. 

The TNRD is the first step for funding since we are not a municipality. Then the TNRD applies for funding on our behalf. To fight forest fires we need money to fund time, training, and experience. Since we need resources toward forest fires the resources for other fires would be depleted henceforth there is a liability there. Mitigation like roof top sprinklers helps more with bringing the ambient temperature down rather than protecting the roof. 

If Lac Le Jeune becomes a fire smart community, we can get a decrease in insurance. It also allows home owners insurance to include water damage from fighting fires. BC Parks is becoming more active in managing the land for forest fires

Fire Mitigation - Clay Govett

Clay reported on the current projects in our community.

The new owners of the ski hill have been working on their own fire plan. 

Treatment of a large plot of crown land is being funded, however we will still need to apply to get to fire smart funding for our local community. The Coquihalla Highway is a big ignition source with vehicle fires. 

We will gather a committee to work toward becoming a firesmart community. Bruce Mitchell has experience in this work from his time at Sun Peaks. Collen Kennedy and Clay Govett will participate in this project.

Lake Monitoring - Hugh Burton 

Water monitoring was started in 2012. About 14 volunteers have participated in the last 4 years. Would like to continue the study. Foster Wynne has been highly involved in the project. Hugh indicated he would like to step downs as lead. Hugh is concerned about the continued build up of algae, which will be damaging the fish, and there is potential for winter kill. The prob cable is broken which will cost $1500-1800. 

Going forward, water sampling once per month will be sufficient. Looking for volunteers. Colleen Kennedy recommended a mailing list to facilitate communication among the volunteers. 

Clean Drain Dry - Cindy Swain 

We have a partnership with clean drain dry. The main purpose is to educate residents and visitors to clean boats, kayaks, paddle boards, etc when going from lake to lake to avoid contamination. 

RCMP 

A representative was unable to attend but sent a request for residents to ensure house numbers are visible to assist emergency services. 

Other Business

The Wilderness Resort owner would like the facility to be more a part of the community and would like residents to know it is possible to rent space for meetings, yoga, etc. 

The local firesmart representative is offering to present about available projects – via Zoom or in person.

There was a free draw for a bird feeder and free swap for those attending the meeting. 

Meeting was adjourned at 12:10.

Overlander Ski Club - Early Bird Registration

You have until November 15, 2021 to register for a pass that includes unlimited ski and snowshoe access for the Overlander Ski Club 2021-2022 season. 

Citizens on Patrol Information Session

Saturday, October 16^th from 10am to 2pm, the Logan Lake Citizens On Patrol will have an info booth set up at the Recreation Centre along with other volunteer groups. Please let those know in Lac Le Jeune, we continue to look for more volunteers. 

Cpl. Jarett Duncan

NCO i/c Logan Lake RCMP Detachment

2 Galena Avenue, PO Box 160 V0K1W0 

2021 LAC LE JEUNE CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION AGM

Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association

Annual General Meeting

September 26, 2021

Agenda

 

1. Adoption of minutes from the 2019 AGM
2. Treasurer's report – Cynthia Swain
3. TNRD area J representative – Ronaye Elliot
4. Jennifer Young – Senior Wildfire Officer Prevention, Kamloops Fire Centre
5. Jon Collavini/Justin Waito – FireSmart
6. Clay Govett - Fire Mitigation
7. Lake Monitoring – Hugh Burton and Foster Wynne
8. Clean Drain Dry update
9. RCMP update
10. Wilderness Resort neighbourhood opportunities
11. Other Business
12. Draw

---

COVID Safety: Lac Le Jeune Conservation Association AGM

The AGM is considered an inside event. Entry is first-come, first-served up to a maximum of 50 people. 

While we are not checking for proof of vaccination because of the event size, please do not attend unless you have received two vaccinations. We are working to keep this gathering as safe as possible. We take good notes and post them publicly should you wish to rely on that instead of attending in person. 

All participants must sign in. Bring your own pen to use. Contact information (name and phone number) of all attendees will be retained for at least 30 days. 

Practice social distancing by keeping two meters (six feet) away from one another. Do not gather to socialise inside the venue. 

Wear a mask.

Seating is at picnic tables and will be limited. Bring a chair if you prefer not to stand. Once inside the venue remain in place unless you are invited to speak at the front table. 

There will be limited photocopies of the agenda, and minutes from the 2019 meeting, as well as educational materials. We make every effort to publish all items distributed at the AGM on the Lac Le Jeune website.

There is no running water at the site. Hand sanitizer will be available at the check in table and where beverages are served.

Do not attend the meeting if you:

• Have travelled outside Canada within the last 14 days
• Have been identified by Public Health as a close contact of someone with COVID-19
• Have been told to isolate by Public Health
• Are displaying any of the following symptoms

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Loss of appetite
• Extreme fatigue or tiredness
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

References

Gatherings and Events COVID-19 Order for Interior Health Authority (PDF) September 13, 2021 

Centre for Disease Control Event Planning September 13, 2021

Order of the Provincial Health Officer - Gatherings and Events (PDF) September 10, 2021

Interior Health Provincial and Regional Restrictions September 15, 2021