Five to 600 people attended the Horsefly River Salmon Festival, on the Sept. 28/29 weekend.
We had lots of volunteers to help operations to run smoothly.
There was a large family participation, and we feel the young people are learning valuable information regarding the river and all the contributing factors to a healthy system.
The Arts on the Fly entertainment on Saturday night at the Horsefly Community Hall was excellent; and the festival was attended by two CRD representatives who were suitably impressed with our salmon trail and the festival.
Sam Albers, our channel manager gave walking tours along the trail which went very well.
Next year we will have folk stationed right at the spawning channel to provide information.
We are not sure if we are getting the same folks out year after year, or if new faces appearing. Perhaps we should have a guest book.
The general consensus is that BC Rivers Day is a good choice for the festival, and there was ongoing discussion as to whether the festival should be for only one day, but because of some people working Saturday.
It was decided to continue with the two day event.
Steve Hocquard gave a glowing report of the Woodjam Creek repairs, indicating that the co-operation given by the Louis Seelhof with his excavator and labour was invaluable and the project is a tribute to the accomplishments that can be achieved with owner participation.
The new 50-meter route for the creek was immediately inhabited by Kokanee and trout, and it was suggested to tour the site after the spring freshets, and open it to interested community members.
The work had the full approval of Northern Shuswap Tribal Council.
Funding was provided by Pacific Salmon Foundation and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
DFO and NSTC provided valuable input to the process as well.
Our proposal to the Land Conservancy regarding the management of the Horsefly River Riparian Conservation Area is not in place yet but is ongoing, and we are still researching a better outhouse system and location.
Our meetings will continue to be held at the Horsefly Library every third Thursday of the month with the exception being December when no meeting will take place. Much concern was expressed regarding director liability for the campground because of young teens drinking and partying at the location during the AOF festival. This responsibility will be investigated.
At the Nov. 21 meeting members are asked to bring ideas for short, medium and long-term goals for the Roundtable to strive for.
See you at the next meeting!