The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is conducting a series of field reconnaissance surveys at Ruth Lake this summer.
The surveys are being done to determine whether or not there is potential to develop new public recreation sites on the lake located northeast of Forest Grove. The feasibility study is being conducted by Recreation Sites and Trails BC, which is responsible for managing public recreation opportunities on Crown land and managing a large network of recreation sites and trails throughout the province.
The ministry received funding for the study from the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, which owns six fish hatcheries from Duncan to Clearwater. The society wants to see recreation opportunities built that give the public access to high-value fisheries. They've partnered with the ministry in the past to help facilitate similar projects across the Highway 24 corridor.
"We have been working in close partnership with the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC on numerous projects along the Highway 24 corridor for the past several years, including new fishing docks at several lakes to encourage greater angling participation and opportunities for the public, including individuals and families that may not have access to boats," stated Curtis Ofstie, the district recreation officer for the 100 Mile - Chilcotin Recreation District.
Ofstie said that Ruth Lake is not the first lake to have its recreation reserves surveyed - others have been done on Sheridan Lake and Lac Des Roches. Ruth Lake was specifically designated as part of the recreation reserves in the 1970s, under the Land Act for the use and recreation enjoyment by the public.
"There has been no decision to proceed with any development at any of those locations at this time," Ofstie clarified. "We were essentially just taking an inventory of what each of the recreation reserves has to offer, and that information may help guide us in the future should we decide to consider development."
Ofstie also noted that if development is going to proceed, "we will certainly make a plan to engage with stakeholders before any development work takes place, which would include consulting with nearby residents, government agencies, and First Nations."
There is no word yet on when the field reconnaissance surveys will be completed, or when the feasibility study will be released.
