Vanessa Lunn monitors Moyie Lake in B.C.
The Lake Blitz Volunteer Spotlight series gives us the opportunity to show appreciation for our remarkable Lake Blitz volunteers. From B.C. to Nova Scotia, 442 volunteers signed up to create a snapshot of lake health from May to September 2023 by collecting temperature readings and taking photos of the lake they’ve decided to monitor to better understand climate impacts.
We are excited to present our latest volunteer to be featured in this series: Vanessa Lunn, who is joining in on the Lake Blitz from B.C.!
Q – What is your background?
A – I am a physiotherapist in Castlegar, B.C.
Q – What lake(s) are you monitoring (include province)?
A – I am monitoring Moyie Lake in the East Kootenay region of B.C. where we have a property.
Q – Do you have a personal connection to your lakes?
A – My husband grew up spending his summers at this lake and for the past 30 years I have been able to enjoy this beautiful place too, along with our three now adult sons. A summer trip home for them is never complete without spending time at their beloved Moyie Lake. We love swimming in its cool, clean waters, paddling around to see abundant wildlife, and stargazing on the beach at night time.
Q – What motivated you to volunteer with the National Lake Blitz?
A – We feel so fortunate to have access to such a beautiful place and wanting to see that it is appreciated and cared for is what motivated me to get involved with the Lake Blitz.
Q – What concerns do you have about the future health of your chosen lake?
A – Over the years that we have been visiting Moyie Lake, we have seen so much development along its shores; many more big houses and the huge boats and jet skis seem to come with them. We are concerned about the impact these changes are having on the birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals who live here. We have also experienced the effects of climate change, specifically a couple of wildfires that have burned along the shores.
Q – What is your favourite bird, fish or other wildlife species you see at your lake?
A – We especially love watching the osprey that soar above the water and then fold in their wings and dive straight down with so much speed to snatch a fish.
Q – What is one thing everyone can do to protect their local lakes?
A – Everyone should keep an eye out and be aware of changes that impact their lake, and get in touch with and ask questions of local authorities if necessary, especially if it seems like plans for development are overlooking concerns for the environment.
