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Funds launch Kinsmen Beach foreshore restoration work
The District of Invermere (DOI) is spending $12,000 to top out the tab for some foreshore stabilization work at Kinsmen Beach.
District council April 23 unanimously approved the completion of the Kinsmen Beach foreshore restoration initiative that is being done in partnership with the Lake Windermere Ambassadors (LWA).
The work is being done to reclaim and protect the foreshore along the eastern edge of Taynton Bay from erosion, explained Rory Hromadnik, district director of development services.
“A commitment of $12,000 by the district, when added to the funds and in kind donations obtained by the LWA, will provide the resources necessary to complete the initial phases the restoration / erosion control; plan. To date, the LWA has raised $18,000 which has been allocated and expensed to coordination, administration, and preparation of the R.P. Biologist’s report, plants, signage and other miscellaneous items noted in the LWA correspondence with council,” Hromadnik reported.
The District of Invermere has been working with the LWA for two years on developing a shoreline restoration plan for Taynton Bay at Kinsmen Beach.
The restoration project and fundraising efforts by the LWA have been supported by the district under foreshore management initiatives along Lake Windermere, Hromadnik explained.
“As a result of the work to date the LWA have received sufficient funding to develop a shoreline restoration plan developed by Aquaparian Environmental Consulting, a Section 9 Water Act approval in the District of Invermere’s name, and a schedule for preliminary erosion control and restoration works within the plan. The districts commitment in the 2012 budget of $12,000 will provide the combined resources to complete the initial phases of the shoreline restoration project,” he said.
Hromadnik said Canfor donated the over-sized spruce (pictured above) and BJ Planscape donated the rock to be used in the restoration work.
Hromadnik emphasized that the project is a district endeavour and will be handled with sensitivity.
“There is also significant archaeological risk, not to mention Mrs. Bruce’s grave is there, too,” he said.
Mayor Gerry Taft said he is pleased the district can give back to the lake.
“We often make references to how important our lake is. This is an example of putting some money behind something that will benefit the lake,” he said, adding he hopes the project can provide some education on lake and shoreline health.
Coun. Greg Anderson, who has had extensive experience in his forestry career with restoration projects, noted he is pleased to see the intended use of native plant species in the project. However, he warned that expectations must be kept in check.
“Chances are they are probably going to get trashed,” he said. “Manage your expectations.”
The Lake Windermere Ambassadors were appointed by the Regional District of East Kootenay as the Lake Windermere Management Committee (LWMC) in August 2011. The focus of the LWMC is the engagement and education of residents and visitors to the Lake Windermere area
Funding for the district’s commitment is coming from the town’s operational funds.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW