Fire Prevention on Crown Land
Jim Waddell continues to monitor this with no changes to report. May 15,2014.
Steve Levitt (from the Dept of Forestry), Ted Hart and Jim Waddell met on Nov. 26 to look at the Crown Land in Columere and what can be done re: forest fuel management. Basically, the procedure for provincial assistance is for a recommendation and “prescription” for forest fuel clearing goes to Victoria, and if approved, to be put into the cue with other areas that are slated for clearing. Because of limited budgeting, actual work could take time before implementation (perhaps up to 2 years). Steve had a good look at the areas and took some photos for the record. He classified them as “small” plots, which could put us farther ahead of some other larger areas, depending on the availability of funds, crews, etc. He will take our request to Victoria and set the wheels of government in motion. In the meantime, here is a web-site that he sent me for everyone’s general information. It basically compliments the info we got from Jim Miller (Windermere Fire Chief) at last Spring’s AGM. https://www.firesmartcanada.ca/
Steve also provided us with an information manual on how to “FireSmart” individual homes and communities and suggested that this become a community initiative.
Columbia Watershed Tour
Columbia Lake Conversation Summary
Columbia Lake Stewardship Society
CLSS has a dedicated team of 7 directors including concerned citizens, local business owners, individuals from geology, meteorology, engineering and nursing professions. They are both permanent and part time residents. All have a keen sense of lake pride and cherish Columbia Lake and its environs. Visit their site to learn more http://columbialakess.com/.
RDEK – REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY
It is important to be an informed resident of Electoral District F. The RDEK website provides a wealth of information on our area.
To view the RDEK HOME PAGE go to: www.rdek.bc.ca/index.htm
To view the main RDEK MINUTES PAGE go to: www.rdek.bc.ca/Minutes/minutesmain.htm
The RDEK toll free phone number is 1-888-478-7335
Our Area F Director is Wendy Booth. She can be reached at 250-345-6155, or wndbooth@gmail.com You can also check on her website: www.wendybooth.ca. When writing a letter to RDEK or other government agency, if you send Wendy a copy, she is better able to represent our wishes.
EAST KOOTENAY GUIDE
Some things you should know as a rural landowner in the Regional District of East Kootenay.
MAPS
To view Map of the RDEK East Kootenay Communities including Columere Park, go to: www.rdek.bc.ca/Maps/Mapsmain.htm
LOCAL NEWSPAPER LINKS
The Columbia Valley Pioneer go to: www.columbiavalleypioneer.co
Serving the Upper Columbia Valley including Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats. The Pioneer’s new website now covers every page of the magazine as well as all back issues!
The Valley Echo go to: www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/invermerevalleyecho/
Serving B.C’s Columbia Valley from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen.
GOVT OF BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS AND RANGE
Wildfire News, Bans and Restrictions go to: www.bcwildfire.ca
Since the wildfire season is upon us, it is important that residents keep up to date on Fire Bans and Restrictions.
NATURE LOVERS LINKS
Wildsight – www.wildsight.ca
“Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada’s Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain Region. This area is internationally recognized as a keystone to conservation in Western North America. Wildsight received the 2005 Canadian Environmental Award for Conservation in recognition of its successful work to protect the region’s wildlife and wild life values.”
Visit this site for news our very own “Columbia Valley Wetlands”, “Columbia Lake Provincial Park”, Lot 48, and much more!
Wings Over The Rockies go to: www.wingsovertherockies.org
REPORT ALL POACHERS AND POLLUTERS
The Conservation Officer Services encourages the public to Report all Poachers and Polluters (RAPP)
By calling the 24-hour hot line toll free at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP), #7277 on the TELUS Mobility Network or through their website at: www.rapp.bc.ca
Bear Aware
“Bear Aware™ is an educational program designed to prevent and reduce conflicts between people and bears in our communities.
While most of us enjoy beautiful BC’s wildlife, we don’t want bears in our backyards! Both people and bears would be better off if there were fewer bears in our towns. Because bears are simply animals seeking whatever food they can find, the onus is on us to prevent conflicts. If we all took more responsibility for our garbage, tree fruit and kitchen compost the bear “problem” would largely disappear, as it has in many jurisdictions.”
Also visit the Banff Parks Canada link for timely information on Bear Safety: www.pc.gc.ca/banff-bears
NEIGHBORING VILLAGE, TOWN and COMMUNITY LINKS
Invermere and Surrounding Columbia Valley
www.columbiavalley.com and/or www.invermere.com
This comprehensive visually pleasing website based in Invermere provides Columbia Valley, BC, and World News as well as a Columbia Valley Events Calendars at: www.columbiavalley.com/events/
Fairmont Hot Springs
www.fairmonthotsprings.com
This excellent Fairmont Hot Springswebsite provides a wide range of up-to-the-minute information on local activities.
Canal Flats
The Village of Canal Flats Website is: www.canalflats.ca/
This Village of Canal Flats website keeps us up to date on the activities of our neighbors at the south end of Columbia Lake.
Panorama
http://www.panoramaresort.com/index.htm
Check out the Panorama Mountain Village website to keep up to date on all of their activities.
Chamber of Commerce
Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce: www.cvchamber.ca/
The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center is located just south of the Invermere Crossroads on Highway 93 and 95.
Phone (250) 342-2844, Fax (250) 342-3631
Mail: PO Box 1019, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0