Dog Walk Clean Up

Our last clean up of 2024 was along the West Arm. We had a decent turnout despite the cooler, November, weather, with just over 10 community members and local supporters showing up to help clean.

We collected litter, including cans, old clothing, and food wrappers, as well as larger waste materials such as a shopping cart, chunks of metal, and even an old TV! The walkway was clean. Nevertheless, we removed about 100 lbs of waste from the bushes and slopes around. This will help keep the lake healthier for local wildlife and for future visitors to enjoy. 

The positive energy and dedication from our volunteers is always inspiring.

Looking ahead, there is still a lot of trash to be removed in and around the lower section of Cottonwood Creek. With more outreach and our partnership with Living Lakes Canada, we can expand our efforts next season and inspire even more residents and local groups to join us in preserving the beauty in this section of Kootenay Lake.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page this spring for more cleanup information!” 

Harrop Wetland

New FoKLSS member, Lily Feeback visited the Harrop Wetlands restoration site with FoKLSS volunteers Andrea and Penny, who have been monitoring the area post-restoration (June 2023). They walked through the constructed ponds and riparian zones and observed the changes. 

The spread of invasive plants, particularly Reed Canary Grass, is a concern. It has overtaken portions of the site and surrounding areas and continuous monitoring is needed to address this and other emerging issues, we need to ensure we fully understand the area’s ecological dynamics. Community Engagement is also vital to give residents knowledge and opportunities to actively participate.

We are exploring the possibility of introducing a community monitoring post near the entrance signs, with observation forms and instructions on what to look for to help foster stewardship and introduce residents to relevant online platforms. Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) also have previous experience with the project so we look forward to future collaboration.

Whirling Disease Detected in Kootenay Lake

This is most concerning news: The B.C. government has detected cases of a parasite that is potentially devastating to young trout and salmon. Whirling disease does not pose risks to humans, but it preys on young fish, causing them to swim in a whirling pattern, and often eventually killing them. The province says it is not sure of the source, but it appears to be spreading North America, and biologists are testing more samples from this year in the ongoing investigation.

Prevention Is Vital

Whirling disease spreads through spores that cling to equipment used for activities like swimming, paddling, boating, water pumping, and fishing, and through pets or infected fish and their parts.

There is no treatment for infected fish. Please follow these guidelines to stop the spread of this and other aquatic invasive species:

1. Handle Fish Carefully: Never move fish or fish parts between waterbodies. Use fish-cleaning stations or dispose of fish waste in garbage.

2. Always Clean, Drain, Dry boats, gear, and equipment before moving them between waterbodies.

• Clean all mud, sand, and plant material.

• Drain water from all compartments, including bilges, livewells, and coolers.

• Dry items thoroughly, ideally for at least 24 hours.

3. Follow Decontamination Protocols for those using watercraft or equipment, This includes submerging or treating equipment with appropriate disinfectants for a minimum of 10 minutes. 

Get more information here

BC Questions and Answers

Welcome our new FoKLSS Board Members!

At our recent AGM we welcomed onto the Board no fewer that four new members. Davis Reid, shown above, has served on the FoKLSS Board in the past and is now returning and stepping up to replace Martin Carver, our previous and long serving Chair. Martin, himself, is not leaving the Board but stepping back to assume a more advisory role. So we will continue to benefit from his wisdom and experience.

All our new Board volunteers stepped forward in the summer at our June 2024 members meeting which marked a decision to end the hiatus (announced in Fall 2023) and move forward. This means that they have all been playing a very active part in our transition.

Please join with us to heartily welcome:

Melanie Mobbs

Robin Louie

Lily Feeback