High Country Inn

Elysia Resort on Quesnel Lake. Quesnel Lake is the deepest Fjord lake in the world. Situated in a remote setting in BC's central interior, Anglers can experience fishing through fully guided or self guided tours out of Elysia Resort. To learn more visit www.elysiaresort.com

my 83 year old dad with a...

my 83 year old dad with a bouchie lake rainbow

Mount Polley area update for anglers

After last year's tailings pond breach at Mount Polley mine, regular water monitoring is conducted on Polley Lake, Hazeltine Creek, Edney Creek, Quesnel Lake, and the Quesnel River. Currently, turbidity levels are lower than earlier in the year, though anglers should check Imperial Metals' weekly environmental monitoring updates before heading out (see link below). http://www.imperialmetals.com/s/Mt_Polley_Update.asp?ReportID=671668

Steep access but able to launch decent sized boats

Cleanup progressing, company says

From www.caboodle.ca, Imperial Metals reports on the recovery efforts related to the Aug. 4 tailings impoundment breach at its Mount Polley mine: The initial response and recovery phase has been substantially completed and crews have commenced rehabilitation and restoration activities. Response and recovery phase The initial response to the tailings impoundment breach included a program to secure the remaining tailings within the impoundment, reduce the water level in Polley Lake, and clean up woody debris deposited in Quesnel Lake. Tailings security: A rock berm was constructed upstream of the breach area to secure the remaining tailings. Additional rock berms were also placed inside the tailings impoundment to further secure the remaining tailings and establish sumps to collect water. Polley Lake water level reduction: Approximately 6 million cubic metres of water flowed into Polley Lake from the breach and was trapped when the outlet to the lake was plugged. The resulting lake level was 1.7 metres higher than it had been prior to the breach. Eight pumps were installed to pump water out of Polley Lake, around the plug and into Hazeltine Creek through two pipelines. Polley Lake has now been returned to near pre-breach level and is now only pumped as required to maintain the level. Quesnel Lake wood recovery: The flow path of the water and tailings dislodged and deposited trees and bushes in Quesnel Lake, posing a navigational hazard. On Aug.4 a team was formed, led by local contractors working with two boom boats, a barge and four smaller support craft. Floating wood was secured, following which, crews began the cleanup of beached debris. The wood recovery cleanup is expected to be completed by mid-November. These recovery efforts and related safety issues, which are now largely complete, were required to be conducted prior to Imperial proceeding with the rehabilitation and restoration phase. Where possible, Imperial initiated some restoration work concurrent to the recovery efforts. The complete report: http://www.caboodle.ca/williams-lake/williams-lake-news/763-cause-of-mount-polley-tailings-dam-breach

BCWF looks at recovery

An update from the B.C. Wildlife Federation on the Mount Polley spill, posted by Nakusp Rod and Gun Club, www.nakusprodandgunclub.com: BCWF representatives recently visited Likely, B.C., for the second time in the aftermath of the Mount Polley spill. BCWF vice-president Jim Glaicar and director of operations Cheryl Johnson were in the area earlier this week to meet with local community and club representatives and First Nations, as well as environmental and fish and wildlife experts in the area to talk about steps moving forward and how BCWF can help the area recover. Jim and Cheryl met with salmon expert Alexandra Morton, who is in the area studying the nature of the spill and its potential negative impacts on fish. During her research in the field, Alexandra discovered an alarming blue substance on the top of the water that produces a burning sensation when touched. The substance is now being tested by the province. BCWF also spoke with Sam Albers of the Quesnel Research Centre at the University of Northern British Columbia, whose team will be involved in a thorough examination of the water quality and effects on aquatic life in the area, as well as Jack Leggett, a retired fisheries biologist with extensive knowledge of the area. One of the topics of discussion with stakeholders centred around BCWF's belief that establishing a natural resource practices board in B.C. would be the best way to improve the monitoring, assessment, and practices surrounding resource extraction in B.C. A good example of the role the new board could play would be review of the "remediation plan" that Imperial Metals is required to submit to government. The new board would provide oversight and independent advice, and would be a welcome addition in building public trust in an industry that plays a large role in B.C.'s economy.