BYC Manager Update – Summer 2018
Sitting near the shoreline the other night with a sizable group of BYC residents reminded me once again how blessed we are to be located next to the greatest of all lakes. The sky was that deep Bayfield Blue, the air mercifully dry, and the temperature in the low 70’s. There was just enough breeze to keep the mosquitoes away and cause the sun to glint off the ripply water. Of course, the conversation’s crescendo took place when the light from the setting sun finally shifted to the island and well, you know.
As I made my way back to the cottage, I found myself celebrating how fortunate we are that this portion of shoreline was not developed but instead granted to all BYC residents and Roy’s Point Marina members to enjoy through a perpetual easement. Even after fifteen years of ownership, that knowledge has always caused me to approach the area with respectful gratitude like that of a guest.
It is this notion in addition to some recently received questions that prompted this update on the Shared Easement Area.
Well, first, it’s a construction zone. If you have ventured down this season, you have seen the barge, piles of steel, and the large crane to put it all in place. An orange snow fence has been erected and for a good reason. Each piece of stacked sheet piling weighs approximately 3000 lbs! As Dave Culberson requested at the annual meeting, please stay away from the staging area and wherever the crew is working. It is hazardous work, so the construction team is expecting that boaters and kayakers keep an appropriate distance away. You know what they say about the cat.
And dogs! Without question, we are a dog-loving community, and it’s fantastic to have an area that the pups can swim, fetch and socialize, but a reminder that they must be actively engaged and under control or leashed at all times. Of course, this comes down to constant awareness and courtesy for others. Always important but crucial with the compromised space we can expect throughout the rest of the year. Please review the Dog Policy in the Shared Picnic and Beach Area on the Brickyard Creek Community website. This policy is also posted at the trailhead on the edge of the parking lot. By the way, this “communication board” is also a go-to resource to learn about upcoming events, get-togethers, and stewardship opportunities. I hope you’ll check it out before taking a walk on the trails, going for a paddle, or relaxing at the lake.
Constructing the trailhead and staining the picnic pavilion were excellent first steps towards improving the entire area. Recently, the kayak rack was moved and extended to meet our growing need for more space. It is serving its purpose but this Fall I will ask that all kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards be removed so that I can level the rack, stain it, and add protective padding. I’ll share more on logistics as we near the end of the season. You will also be pleased to see a temporary fire ring has been added just above the lake with a jaw-dropping view down the West Channel. The idea is to have the option to move it if necessary. Once an ideal location is determined (possibly right where it currently sits) a permanent, more attractive fire pit can be built. We’ll see how it works. The idea is to keep embers away from the boats while enhancing this incredible gathering place. There is also a plan to build a firewood rack, so good burning wood is readily available.
If the forest trails and listening points are for inward reflection, then the picnic and beach area is where we gather, talk, and build community. I hope together we can make this shared space more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and an excellent experience for all.
Jeffery A. Garrett
Manager, Brickyard Creek
“An environmental community on the shore of Lake Superior”
715-781-3958 (m)
Jeffery.BYC@gmail.com
