Jackfish Lake Management Association

Jackfish Lake ECHO

Quarterly newsletter of the Jackfish Lake Management Association
Association Address: Box 7, Site 20, RR2 Carvel, Alberta T0E 0H0
Web Site: www.jlma.enable.org e-mail: jlma@enable.org (780) 963-1690

The deadline for submissions to the next newsletter is December 31, 1999.

Jackfish Lake ECHO (Fall 1999 Volume 3, Issue 3)

[ President's Report ]     [ Boat Patrol Update ]     [ Social Events ]     [ Evergreen Bay Update ]
[ Snowmobile Patrol Update ]     [ Attn: Snowmobilers ]     [ Fire Station ]     [ Thank You ]
[ Letter to the Editor ]     [ Classifieds ]     [ Sponsors ]

President's Report

The Annual General Meeting on September 18th was a very
positive meeting and a lot of direction was given to our new
board and executive. I would like to thank the members
who were in attendance for their support and input … it
definitely makes our job easier.
The underlying message that I heard throughout the
various issues on the agenda was that it is time for Phase 2.
Phase 1 was working together to establish an Area Structure
Plan (ASP) that would provide an overall framework of
policies and goals for environmental and recreational/
developmental sustainability. The ASP has been completed
and it looks good … on paper. Phase 2 requires taking what
is on paper and making it come to life as a workable and
effective lake management plan.
We DO NOT have a traditional Area Structure Plan
and I know that sometimes we forget what a unique situation
we are in. We are the first “Lake under Pressure” in Alberta
to do an ASP that takes into account the lake in its entirety.
There are objectives and policies created in the ASP that
require the various levels of government to work together.
When I spoke at the Alberta Lake Management Society’s
Workshop, it reminded me of the number of people in
various environmental departments and agencies and all the
individuals from lakes across Alberta who are anxiously
following our progress. Yet, at a local government level
there has not been any further follow-through since County
Council accepted the ASP in November of 1997. In the last
two summers, a number of issues have developed that need
to be addressed before next summer. A motion was passed
unanimously that the JLMA make a presentation to County
Council and ask for clarification and/or accountability for
the following:

1. Linear Verus Cluster Development

Two Island Point was the first subdivision to be approved
under the new ASP and the lack of definitions of “linear
development” versus “cluster development” left the ASP
open to interpretation. Many who attended the ASP Steering
Committee Workshop recall being told by Russell Dauk that
Linear Development followed the shoreline and Cluster
Development was set back away from the shoreline to
minimize additional environmental and recreational impact
on the lake. Why is this such a big deal? The ASP allows
Cluster Development to have a smaller 1-acre lot size
instead of the 3-acre parcels required for Linear Development.
A clarification of the density at which a peninsula
shaped piece of land would be allowed to develop ( i.e.: 1
acre or 3 acre lot size) would make being neighbours easier
when the next Application for Subdivision comes around.

2. Policies for Future Development

The Two Island Point Restrictive Covenant was considered
to be a positive initiative as a means of Environmental
Reserve (ER) enforcement. Its effectiveness came into
question this summer when the JLMA filed two (2) complaints with
Parkland County regarding the clearing of Environmental
Reserves. Another issue of concern is that the Common
Pier/Dock component of the Two Island Point Subdivision
was allowed to go into the Restrictive Covenant as a “recommendation”.
When the JLMA was voicing your concerns
at the Public Hearing for the Two Island Point Subdivision,
to request that anything going into a legally binding document
such as a Restrictive Covenant be written in a legally
binding manner did not occur to us. The thought that the
JLMA would have to request public notification of any
changes to the Restrictive Covenant did not occur to us
either. To have made such simple requests would have
insulted their sense of credibility and intelligence. (Yes, I
know, I know, I’m venting my frustrations. Thank God for
Freedom of Speech.) It was recommended that our Council
presentation suggest that perhaps Two Island Point Subdivision
is not the state of art subdivision that it was acclaimed to be
and should not be considered as a precedent for future
development at Jackfish Lake.

3. Enforcement of Environmentally Sensitive Areas

In regards to the ER clearing, Parkland County sent out
letters to the landowners to give them an opportunity to
reach an agreeable solution before taking further action like
fines. Both landowners have agreed on the re-vegetation of
the damaged areas. In regards to the pier issue at Two Island Point, we
heard the “all -too -familiar phrase”: the pier permitting/licensing “is
not within Parkland County’s jurisdiction”.
It appears that the “Multi-Jurisdictional Issue” of responsible lake
management has resurfaced yet again. The concept of the:
local government being responsible for land-use
provincial government being responsible for the water bed & shore use
federal government being responsible for water surface use
should have been a simple way of delegating out a workload. The
government only overlooked one thing … the lack of ACCOUNTABILITY
created by the multi-jurisdictional issue. The JLMA will follow up on
this issue with Public Lands. Also, the JLMA will check with Alberta
Natural Resources on the status of having the bay registered with a
“Protective Notation” that will restrict the types of development and
activities allowed in this area.
It was noted that an embankment gave away this spring, which had
sediment pouring into the lake. Although the problem was promptly
reported to Parkland County, action was not taken for days.
A commitment for policy and procedures for future environmental
enforcement issues is required as soon as possible. As always, a united
voice and membership support helps to bring about change. We will let
our membership know when we will be speaking to County Council.

4. Other issues

There were several other items addressed at the AGM and by
reading the rest of the newsletter you will be updated on most of them.
I want to welcome our new board of directors. The mixture of new and
familiar faces encourages me. Thank you to the directors who have
completed their term for their support and hard work over the last two
years. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you and work with you. I
would also like to welcome back Gary Truhn who agreed to fill the
Vice President vacancy and Cindy Darby who volunteered to fill our
Public Representative vacancy. I welcome Valinda Bergner who was
gracious enough to accept the position of Secretary. Special thanks to
Carrie Dann for continuing to be an active founding executive member
by accepting the Treasurer position.

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Boat Patrol Update

The RCMP Boat Patrol program was hampered by poor
weather conditions this year. It seemed like the weather
turned inclement as soon as the weekend rolled around. On
a couple of overcast days, the RCMP patrolled the lake at
no charge to the JLMA. Printed below is the RCMP Report
prepared by Staff Sergeant Inglehart from the Stony Plain Detachment:

Re: Enhanced Policing Agreement – Jackfish Lake

Four dates were identified for patrol on the lake over the
summer. Due to inclement weather the patrols were
modified or abandoned.
The work we were able to do was directed to Education
and Prevention. A total of 32 boats and personal water craft
were checked over the summer.

The following Literature was handed out:
1. 1999 Boating Safety Guide
2. Personal Water Craft Operation
3. New Boating Safety Regulations

The following statistics were generated as a result of the Patrols:
1. 10 warnings for violations of the 10 KMH within 30 metres of shore
2. 4 warnings for unregistered Boats/Personal Water Craft
3. 2 warnings for use of unapproved Personal Flotation Devices
4. 1 warning for Ffishing without a license
5. 2 warnings for pulling a skier without a spotter

The members that attempted to do the patrols state that
the response from the public was very positive.
The total overtime claimed for the summer was four hours.

Yours truly,
I.S. Inglehart
Stony Plain RCMP Detachment

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Social Events

Two social events are on the works for the 2000 season.
The first event would be An Evening With Wayne Lee
slated for sometime in June. The second event would be a
Family Summer Dance to be held on Sunday August 6
(August Long Weekend). Mona Fairless has volunteered to
work with the JLMA on both projects however additional
volunteers are critical to the success of either event. Interested
individuals should contact the JLMA office via
telephone, fax or email.

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Evergreen Bay Update

Nothing too special happening at Evergreen Bay. Full
time and Seasonal families are getting prepared for the
upcoming winter. What a thought to look forward to. Boats
and lifts are coming in and the lakeshore is starting to look
deserted. However we do have a bright side to all of this.
We have new Seasonal residents that have moved into
Evergreen Bay and at this time we would like to welcome
Irene and Hubert Walke to Jackfish Lake. May they have
years of lake enjoyment.

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Snowmobile Patrol Update

There was a motion carried at the AGM to have the
JLMA Board investigate the feasibility of using the balance
of the prepaid boat patrol funds to sponsor a snowmobile
patrol initiative. Discussions with Constable Kim McKee
revealed that currently the RCMP is in the process of
acquiring the resources to offer this type of program. A
snowmobile focus group has been formed to try to find
solutions to the problem of snowmobiles trespassing on
private property in Parkland County. Constable McKee has
asked Rhonda Holmes to attend the meetings to offer input
for this area.
Since it is unknown at this time if the RCMP will
have snowmobiles for enforcement this season, the JLMA
has contacted the farmers/renters within the watershed to
ask if snowmobiling is permissible on their property. An
insert of the map outlining the various areas has been
enclosed in this newsletter for your perusal.
Usually we provide a snowmobile safety article in
this issue but this year we’ll keep it simple. Please use the
same principles that we use for Community Building while
you are out snowmobiling …
COOPERATION, KINDNESS, TOLERANCE AND RESPECT
… for yourself, your family, friends and neighbours.

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ATTENTION: All Snowmobilers

[A Jackfish Lake area map was published on the verso of this article in the print edition.]

If you are snowmobiling on the frozen lake, you are on crown land. But if you leave the lake and head into the fields, do you know whose land you are on? Do you have permission to be snowmobiling on private property?

To increase your awareness of this, Rhonda Holmes and Carrie Dann contacted the farmers within the watershed to ask if they allow snowmobiling on their land. It was an interesting project for us because it made us aware that we do not know the local farmers as well as we should. Especially when we consider how some of our recreational activities (ATVs and snowmobiling) affect their farming operations.

Points to Ponder

The farmer's decision on whether or not they will allow snowmobiling will vary from year to year depending on what type of crop is planted on that parcel of land or if there is livestock there, etc.
Hay and alfalfa fields may sustain winterkill in cases where there is not enough snow cover to protect the crop from the frost being pushed into the ground by snowmobiles. This affects the crop yield, which is the farmer's source of income.
"Having Permission" is not defined as seeing tracks in a field and "assuming" that the farmer does not mind. It only takes one trespasser to create a big problem for a farmer in this area. Some farmers have farm equipment stored in their fields. It is unmarked danger when it is covered in snow. The last thing that anyone wants is for someone to be injured or killed. To address the liability issue that this presents, many farmers put up "No Trespassing" signs because anyone injured on their land entered at their own risk.
Many farmers have had incidents that demonstrate a lack of respect for the landowners (i.e. cut fences, litter, No Trespassing signs removed, gates opened, newly planted trees trampled, etc.).

It is our hope that through this article and map, we can continue to build community spirit and look for ways of avoiding the tensions caused by our diverse interests and activities. Education and communication will play a key role in working and living together in harmony.

A closing note: A number of the lakes in this area are believed to be spring-fed, so please remember that areas of thin ice may exist throughout the winter.

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Satellite Fire Station Update

Over the past two (?) years members of the JLMA have expressed an interest in the possibility of a Satellite Fire Station in the Jackfish Lake area. Board Member Steve Zelych went on to investigate this concept. We were told that we would require a minimum of twenty volunteers before the idea would be considered at Parkland County level. President Rhonda Holmes distributed bulletins to the Keephills, Duffield and BlueBerry schools in hopes of increasing interest in the project. At this time we still only have twelve volunteers. At the September 18 Annual General Meeting the Satellite Fire Station project was tabled however a motion was passed to research the establishment of a pump hose station for each subdivision. Dwayne Shandro agreed to work with Steve Zelych on the project. At the Kenglened subdivision, the Rosborough family has purchased a pump and graciously offered its use to Kenglened residents in the event of a fire emergency. It is a Honda two inch, 4 horsepower pump purchased from Factory Small Engine Repair for $555.00. Hoses and clamps purchased from UFA in Spruce Grove cost an additional $163.00. Most hardware retailers would carry stock of pumps and accessories required. Edson Fire Chief Bill Dann discussed the concept of "fighting your own fire" and had some cautionary advise for residents who may find themselves in this situation. Municipal firefighters are insured through the United Municipal Association in the event of injuries sustained while fighting fires. An individual who is fighting their neighbors' fire would not have the same coverage therefore must exercise extreme caution and good judgment so as not to jeopardize lives. There is a huge liability issue at stake if an untrained fire fighter makes the wrong decision and costs someone his or her life. It is strongly recommended that the following steps be taken in the event of a fire:

CALL THE FIRE DEPT!!! Before attempting to fight the fire make sure that the authorities have been contacted and that there is an individual designated to meet the fire truck on the road to direct them to the location of the fire. The first question that will be asked is if there is anyone inside of the burning building.

DO NOT ENTER A BURNING BUILDING! Firefighters have in depth training for this procedure and always have self-contained breathing apparatus. You will put your life in grave danger by making the decision to enter a burning building.

PREVENT THE FIRE FROM SPREADING. To believe that a pump hose station will extinguish a house or cabin fire of any magnitude is unrealistic. At this point the best possible use for the pump is to keep the fire somewhat contained until the fire dept arrives by dousing structures and vegetation in close proximity to the fire.

PRATICE SAFE FIRE PREVENTION. Although a devastating fire may be unpreventable, the following practices will put your investment at the least possible risk:
Know your municipal address. Post the proper emergency response lot identification numbers at each telephone. Parkland County initiated a new Municipal Emergency Response Numbering System in 1995 and sent notices to all taxpayers in November of 1998. Each lot should have a number sign in a visible location. For example my municipal address is 9-2413 TWP RD 522. I have a large "9" signed on the road at my lot. If you are not aware of this type of address for your lot please contact Parkland County.
Have a plan. You should have an escape route planned and practiced. If you own a two-story building you need an emergency escape ladder. Designate a meeting place in the immediate area of your residence.
Clean chimneys and stove pipes regularly.
Inspect your yard regularly for imminent hazards such as trees close to your building, fallen brush, debris on roof and in gutters and proximity of flammable item storage such as gas cans and paint.
Respect local fire bans and restrictions.

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Thank You

A special thank you to Mona Fairless from all the lucky
little Halloweeners. Mona contacted the neighbours and
put together a map for a local trick-or-treat route. It was
great for the parents to stay close to home and the kids
enjoyed showing off their costumes to people in their own
community.

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Letter to the Editor

ALBERTA LAKE MANAGEMENT SOCIETY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Submitted by Gerry Smith
Beach Representative for Paramac Cove

On September 24 and 25, 1999 Rhonda Holmes
and I attended the annual conference of the Alberta Lake
Management Society in Gunn, Alberta to provide representation
for the Jackfish Lake Management Association.
We heard two full days of presentations on many
diverse topics from sewage disposal to lake water quality
and from fish stocks to riparian zones (shoreline buffers --
weeds, reeds, and other vegetation). It was an interesting if
somewhat complicated couple of days. Experts presented
much information regarding lake quality from Fish and
Wildlife, Environmental and Agricultural Departments of
Government and University academics.
People involved in governing our lakes,
lakeshores and watersheds also informed us. In this regard,
Rhonda explained the history of our Jackfish Lake Management
Association and its formation since October of 1995. She
did a great job! As members of the JLMA, we should be
proud of Rhonda's presentation. The response from the
ninety plus people in attendance was incredible. Rhonda
had to run off extra copies of her presentation for interested
delegates representing many lake groups from all over
Alberta. These representatives openly envied the progress
and the achievements we've accomplished since Presidents
Dwayne Shandro, Cindy Darby and Rhonda Holmes guided
this very diverse group to its present state.
Members, please keep these words in mind when
you hear negative comments as to our progress as a lake
association. These other lake groups only wish they could
have what we have successfully developed. If you want to
continue to have a voice in local affairs please remember to
show your support to your volunteer subdivision or beach
representative when he or she calls on you for membership
renewal.

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Classifieds

Items for sale:
one large acorn fireplace $200.00
one fridge, good condition, turquoise in color $50.00
one full size white "beer" fridge $50.00
Contact Lise Nicholson at 465-5911