A recent poker paddle on Milburn Lake raised funds and awareness for the Bouchie Lake Watershed Stewardship Society (BLWSS).
Participants of all ages took to the lake paddling, kayaking and even rafting Sunday, August 22, for the society’s second Dam Beaver Poker Paddle.
The event entailed drawing a playing card at five stations located around the perimeter of the lake, with prizes for the top three hands, said BLWSS director David Law.
“All 32 participants enjoyed the event, with one group enjoying the spectacle of a black bear swimming across in front of their kayaks,” Law added.
“It was a fun day. It was enjoyable. We got rained out at the very end, but everyone enjoyed it and it’s a good community event too.”
Cash prizes were provided to the top three winners, including Kayla Wilson ($200), David Douglas ($120) and Chelsea Parminter ($80).
There was also a 50-50 draw, a trivia contest with a $20 Tim Horton’s gift card, and a concession with hot dogs and drinks.
Law said the event raised almost $400 towards the purchase of bear-proof garbage containers and picnic tables at the site.
While it is not nearly enough to cover the three containers costing $5,700 that are hoped to be placed at the access of Milburn Lake and Bouchie Lake, Law said that the Cariboo Regional District has agreed to fund them.
“But we have to get approval first,” he said. “We have to get the permit for them because anything we do on that land, the land is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.”
BLWSS is a non-society with 70 members and nine directors committed to enhancing and maintaining the health of Bouchie Lake, Milburn Lake, and their watershed area to the benefit of all lakeshore residents and users.
Read More: Society working to improve Milburn Lake access
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