Bouchie Lake Stewardship CommitteeBouchie Lake is not “dying”, but has become more biologically productive as a result of land and residential development
The decomposition of the algae & other plant material depletes oxygen in the lake bottom waters
There was a dramatic decline in water quality in the 1950s
Fish kills are the result of the lake turning over and mixing this low oxygen water at the same time as analgal bloom.
Fish kills may become more frequent in the future as the climate warms because the lake will turn over more often – these will be worse if something is not done to address sources of phosphorus
There are many sources that add up to a big problem:
| Phosphorus source | Annual phosphorus input to Bouchie Lake from the watershed: amount (kg) |
% of total |
| Agriculture land (including hobby farms) | 190.2 | 42.2 |
| Lakeshore sewage disposal systems | 70.0 | 15.5 |
| Livestock wintering areas | 60.2 | 13.4 |
| Crown land (excluding lakes and ponds) | 37.6 | 8.3 |
| Lakeshore residential land | 36.0 | 8.0 |
| Rural residential land | 28.2 | 6.3 |
| Atmospheric contributions to lakes and ponds | 28.2 | 6.3 |
| Total | 450.3 | 100.0 |
The above sources need to be reduced regardless of whether or not some sort of lake treatment were to be done – no single source reduction will solve the problem. This will take a concerted effort on the part of everyone living on the watershed i.e. development of a management plan for the lake & watershed. Once source reductions are undertaken, it will take 10 or more years to see a noticeable improvement in water quality (based on experience with lakes in other parts of North America).
What can MoE (Ministry of Environment) do?
Monitor water quality (with the assistance of volunteers) & conduct studies to determine the cause of the water quality problems (this has been done over the last number of years).
Regulate commercial livestock operations (some work has been done, follow-up scheduled for winter 2009/10)
Assist the community with the development of a management plan for the watershed (funding has been obtained for 2009/10)
What does MoE not do?
MoE does not “treat” or restore lakes – if that were to be part of a management plan, a society or local government would have to take on this responsibility and apply for funding
2009 Project with Bouchie Lake Stewardship Committee
Funding obtained by MoE for 2009/10 to develop a management plan and begin watershed restoration, i.e. riparian planting
In partnership with the Bouchie Lake Stewardship Committee, a contract has been given to the Baker Cr. Enhancement Society who has experience with this type of work
A management plan will help the community obtain funds for future projects to restore water quality
MoE is continuing to monitor water quality with the invaluable assistance of volunteers
MoE will continue to assist the community in any way we can, however a management plan needs to be the product of the community, i.e. it needs to be led by the community
What would go into a management plan?
The plan would be developed by the Baker Cr. Enhancement Society in partnership with the Bouchie Lake Stewardship Committee and other stakeholders in the watershed, e.g. ranchers, logging companies, smallholders, MoE, other ministries
Possible recommendations might include:
Work with the Cariboo Regional District to determine the feasibility for a sewage collection and treatment facility
Obtain funding to conduct further riparian area restoration
Conduct watershed awareness & education programs for residents on the impact of lawn fertilizers, benefits of Phosphorus free detergents, etc.
Work with local logging companies on ways to minimize their impact on water quality
Work with smallholders & hobby farmers on minimizing their cumulative impact on water quality.
It is essential that a sewage collection and treatment system is put in place for the lakeshore residents and possibly the watershed in order to improve water quality.
Ministry of Environment
Cariboo Region
December 2009
