Friends of McIntyre Creek Blog

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2011-12-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

A cartoon published in the paper. It would be funny if it wasn't so close to the truth!

Letter to Council from Mike Tribes, Porter Creek Resident

2011-12-15T12:23:00.001-08:00

Supporters of McIntyre Creek need to get involved by sending letters to the City Council, and the newspapers, to keep up the pressure to protect the McIntyre Creek wildlife corridor.

If you read the comments below, you will see that again the deck is being stacked so the City gets the answers it wants, without being open to the possibility that Porter Creek D will not be developed.

Thanks to Mike Tribe for this letter.

"I want to thank the City Council for hearing input from concerned citizens and various groups.

I especially want to thank Councillors Cameron, Irwin, and Pillai for recognizing that a communication breakdown occured during the working group meetings, and that the process needed to be fixed. Councillors Stockdale and Roberts offered encouragement by suggesting that we move ahead with this preliminary phase and answer a lot of questions, so we can proceed to make a decision, and that development is not a done deal.

After reading the PC-D Subdivision Development Agreement between YTG and the city, I noticed some things that are of particular concern, that make me question whether or not this is a done deal.

On page 1

Whereas: B. the Parties have agreed in principle that the area known as Porter Creek D... is developable land for a residential neighbourhood and wish for the planning and public consultation process that will lead to development of this area to proceed.

Whereas: E. the Parties have agreed that all planning work undertaken to develop lost must be 100% recovered from the sale of such lots.

This suggests to me that the basic terms of reference of the agreement suggest that the city and YTG want the development to occur, and the planning and public consultation will lead to development of the area, and that all costs will be 100% recoverable.

Councillor Roberts: If development does not occur, which you promised is a valid outcome, how will the $420,000 cost be recovered, as stated in this agreement? And why does section B say planning will lead to development?

The document also says under responsibilities, item 2.2:

The Planning, feasibility and subdivision approval exercise will result in:

An Environmental Assessment decision document that supports the Porter Creek D subdivision development; and
an approved subdivision plan for the phased development.

This item also suggest that there will be an approved subdivision plan. This sounds like a done deal. There is no "if" in this clause. Apparently YESAB will approve development and an approved subdivision plan will be produced.

Under resposibilities, item 2.5:

The detailed engineering design and tender documents exercise will result in:

Development of the Porter Creek D Subdivision

Again this raises the fear that development is a done deal.

I understand the sense of urgency to push ahead with this. Section 6.0, Schedule says the detailed design of the development can commence no later than December 2011. Was it this clause that was driving the pressure to not restore the faith in the City's consulting process, in delaying a decision by 6 weeks?

And while I have faith in the promises made by Councillors Roberts and Stockdale that development is not a forgone conclusion, and that this is just predesign, will those commitments supercede this Subdivision Planning Agreement, which commits to cost recovery, should it be decided that development not go ahead?

Thanks for listening.

Mike Tribes

Porter Creek Resident"

Let's Fill the Room on December 12th!

2011-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends of McIntyre Creek,

Another big meeting is approaching: on Monday, December 12th, 2011, City Council will be making the decision whether to give the go-ahead for further planning of the proposed developments in Middle McIntyre Creek. City Council needs to keep getting the strong message that we say No! to Porter Creek-D and the connector roads - we need everybody out on Monday!

The meeting will be held at 7:30 pm in Council Chambers, City Hall. If you would like to make a presentation, you must pre-register with the City Clerk at 668-8621.

Despite the weather this past Monday, we had a great turnout at the City Council Meeting and a number of very good presentations. Since that meeting, an Administrative Report has been made available by City Planners that summarizes and responds to the concerns that have been raised. If you want a copy, or you have questions or comments, call Christina at 668-5678. We're currently drafting a response to this Administrative Report which will be circulated shortly.

See you all on December 12th!

NEWS Release Dec. 10-11

2011-12-06T23:06:00.000-08:00

NDP to Table McIntyre Creek Petition in the Legislature

The New Democratic Party is tabling a petition about McIntyre Creek in the legislature
tomorrow. The petition calls for the Yukon government to protect Middle McIntyre Creek
and oppose development proposals in the area.

The Friends of McIntyre Creek, Yukon Conservation Society, Porter Creek Community
Association and Takhini North Community Association have been circulating the petition
since Nov. 3rd.

“Our MLA Kate White strongly supported protecting Middle McIntyre Creek during the
territorial election, so we were happy to accept her offer to table the petition in the
legislature,” said Takhini North Community Association President Noel Sinclair.

221 signatures were signed in hard copy and 145 signatures were obtained through an
online petition, for a total of 366.

“These signatures show significant support for protecting this well loved recreational
and wildlife area,” said YCS Executive Director Karen Baltgailis. “The vast majority of
the public input to the City’s consultation process about the proposed developments
also calls for the area to be protected from roads and houses.”

City Council Decision on Middle McIntyre Creek December 12th

2011-11-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

City Council Decision on Middle McIntyre Creek December 12th!

Hello Friends of McIntyre Creek,

City Hall has received over 500 comments about the proposed developments in Middle McIntyre Creek! Let's keep the pressure on in the days leading up to the December 12th decision by City Council.

Here's How:

1. Attend and/or present at the December 5th and 12th City Council meetings. On December 5th, City Council will be reviewing public input on the proposed developments. On December 12th, City Council will be deciding whether to approve the proposed developments. The bigger the presence we have at these two meetings the better - let's fill the room!

Both meetings will take place at 7:30pm in the Council Chambers, City Hall.

I encourage you to make a presentation at one or both of these two meetings. If you would like to present, please contact Norma (668-8622) or Frieda (668-8621) at City Hall. Pre-registration is encouraged for the December 5th meeting and is mandatory for the December 12th meeting. 5 minutes are allotted per presentation.

2. Kate White of the Yukon NDP, will be presenting the Petition to Protect Middle McIntyre Creek to the Yukon Legislature on December 5. As of today, over 350 people have signed the petition! A big attendance in the Legislature when this Petition is presented is key. Details about timing to follow.

3. Persuade City Councillors to listen to the public input and protect Middle McIntyre Creek. Here is the website containing their contact information: http://www.whitehorse.ca/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={ACDB6341-BF17-45A6-880F-243DF59D4A7D}

Questions, comments? Contact Christina at YCS, 668-5678

Flooded Creek - November 23, 2011

2011-11-24T23:53:00.000-08:00

The trail was closed when the creek overflowed the banks. It was at least 6 feet higher than normal and had flooded well over the banks. It was interesting that the creek by the Pump House looked normal, so the flooding was only at the bridge closest to the College.

Petititon to Save McIntyre Creek Corridor

2011-11-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Friends of McIntyre Creek had this petition at the recent open house when the City of Whitehorse presented their plans to develop Porter Creek D. We got 126 signatures in 4 hours. We have the petition at the Yukon Conservation Society Office at 302 Hawkins Street in Whitehorse, so if you are down town, you can drop in and sign it.

However, in this age of internet access, we decided to add this to our blog, so more people can show their support. Just click on the link, fill in the information, and press done.

Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/M7WHL6K

New Eagle on the Perch

2011-11-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

On our hike today, I spotted an eagle on their favourite perch in McIntyre Creek. This perch is normally occupied by a Bald Eagle, so when I saw this one, I at first thought it was a young bald eagle, but from the colouring I saw when I got the photo on my computer, I am guessing it is a Golden Eagle. It is always enjoyable to see the changing seasons bring out different species. Unfortunately, I was only carrying my pocket camera, with 5x zoom, so wasn't able to get the detail I would have liked. The bird was quite interested in watching us, as much as we were interested in watching it.

Nov. 16/11 - Just got an email from someone who knows birds, and was told this is indeed a young bald eagle, not a golden eagle. "The immature Golden Eagle has no white on the body, only on the wings, at the base of the primaries, and at the base of the tail."

November 5, 2011 - Bridge and ice

2011-11-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

The rocks that had been placed to prevent cars and trucks crossing the bridge by the Pump House, had been moved, leaving only one in place, which may be enough to stop traffic for the moment, but why the other three rocks were moved is still a question.

The bridge closer to the College has ice forming on the branches of the trees across the creek, making ice sculptures.

This area has so much to offer hikers, photographers, dog walkers, joggers, schools for education, and of course a passage for the wildlife who use the corridor to pass from the mountain to the Yukon River, as well as the creatures who make this area their home, that we really need to work together to protect it for future generations.

Petition to Protect Middle McIntyre Creek

2011-11-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Friends of McIntyre Creek and Yukon Conservation Society held an open house at the High Country Inn November 3, to show people the values of preserving the McIntyre Creek as a a wildlife corridor, and recreation area. The petition below had 126 signatures collected in one night.

At the City of Whitehorse Open House, there were only a couple of comments supporting development, and hundreds of comments against. This is not enough to stop development in the area, and we need to get more signatures to save the corridor.

If you agree that this area needs protection, please go to

Yukon Conservation Society Office at

32 Hawkins Street in Whitehorse,

and add your signature to the petition.

Petition to Protect Middle McIntyre Creek

To the Honorable Ministers of Environment, Education, and Community Services:

Whereas a healthful environment is indispensable to human life and health; and,

Whereas every individual in the Yukon has a statutory right to a healthful environment; and,

Whereas having nearby natural areas contributes significantly to a healthful environment; and,

Whereas the McIntyre Creek Corridor has been identified as the largest contiguous Significant Wildlife Area within the City of Whitehorse, and is thereby an irreplaceable natural and educational resource for the citizens of the Yukon;

We the undersigned strongly support the conservation and long-term protection of Middle McIntyre Creek for the benefit of present and future Yukoners.

We hereby petition the Government of Yukon to designate Middle McIntyre Creek as an environmentally protected area and to oppose any municipal proposals for roads, housing or other developments which are inconsistent with environmental protection.

The Classroom of the Outdoors

2011-11-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

KIDS NEED DIRT, TREES, AND FRESH AIR TO LEARN

The convergence of two crises: mental and physical health in children. The two problems are related: the more detached kids become from the natural world, the more stunted their mental growth and the more obese they become.

When you build real nature (rocks, trees, bugs, birds, animals, etc.) into kids activities they behave more civilly to one another and they concentrate better in school and perform better.

A 45 minute walk in the forest increases cognitive performance, a 45 minute walk in the city does not. University of Michigan researchers.

No child should be left inside. Our brains are built to process sensory input from all sides, to focus our attention tight and pull back for a global sense of where we are. If we deprive that input we become vulnerable to “Nature deficit disorder”

Last child in the Woods by Richard Louv The Biophilia Hypothesis Harvard Dr. E.O. Wilson. Check out “Forest School” education in Canada & USA http://www.forestschools.com/what-are-forest-schools.php Waldkindergarten in Europe. http://www.edutopia.org/early-childhood-outdoor-education-waldkindergarten

Wildlife Sightings - Nov 2, 2011

2011-11-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Today on our hike through McIntyre Creek we heard a very distressed squirrel in a tree, and wondered why our dog was looking at a hole in the ground under the tree, instead of looking up. We at first thought she had dropped her ball into the hole, so went to look, and lo and behold, there was this little white face, boldly looking back at us, showing no fear or concern at all.

We only stayed for a few moments, long enough to get a couple of photos, and then went on our way. The dog had recognized a superior force in the wee ermine, and was not pursuing any further interaction, and I respected the weasels right to be, and left after a couple of photos. Whether this weasel was an interloper in the home of the squirrel, or the hole under the tree belonged to the weasel is still an unknown, but the confidence and bravery of the weasel was not in question.

November 3, 2011 IMPORTANT MEETING

2011-10-29T19:17:00.001-07:00

EDI and the City of Whitehorse will be bringing their wildlife study and the results of the consultation out for public review on Thursday, November 3 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the High Country Inn.

It is important that everyone who is interested in protecting the McIntyre Creek wild life corridor show up at the meeting to see what the City is planning to do.

We need the support of all Whitehorse residents, regardless of whether they live in Riverdale, Wolf Creek, or Takhini.

The area that is proposed for the development of Porter Creek D, could be a wonderful park for all residents and tourists to enjoy, as well as allow us to preserve the wild life corridor for the wild life, (moose, deer, bear and other animals) that are currently using this area to pass through the City to the Yukon River.

Media Release October 28, 2011

2011-10-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Groups cry foul over McIntyre Creek Report
The Friends of McIntyre Creek and YCS are shocked at the City of Whitehorse‟s spin on a
McIntyre Creek Wildlife Corridor Assessment.

A City press Release says that the EDI report concludes that Porter Creek D and proposed roads
along and across McIntyre Creek would not negatively impact wildlife, provided mitigation
measures are undertaken.

“That‟s just plain nonsense,” said YCS Executive Director Karen Baltgailis. “Do City Planners
really think that Whitehorse residents are so stupid as to believe that clearing most of the forests
on all the flat land north of McIntyre Creek between the Alaska Highway and Mountainview
Drive, and building roads along and across the creek will not impact wildlife?”

City Planners say that the high level of recreational use of the area is already impacting wildlife.
And City Planners quote the EDI report as saying that the area should not be managed as a
movement corridor for large mammals like bear and moose because of the potential for human wildlife conflicts. The EDI report proposes that a 250 meter natural buffer will solve the human wildlife conflicts and provide sufficient habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.

“It‟s unbelievable,” says Friends of McIntyre Creek President Dorothy Bradley. “It is astonishing
that the EDI report suggests that developing all the flat land north of the creek except a 250
meter buffer will improve the situation. Just imagine all of the people, dogs and wildlife
crammed into 250 meters – now we‟ll really see human-wildlife conflicts!”

“The area is already a travel corridor for large mammals,” says Baltgailis. “Do the planners
really think that bears are going to stop coming into the area? Imagine the conflicts once there
are houses and garbage cans right in their path.”

The groups are critical of several aspects of EDI‟s study. It only looks at the area as a movement
corridor for mammals, rather than as habitat for the wildlife that actually live there. In particular, birds were not studied at all. And the study only took place from spring to early fall of one year.

“The City obviously wanted certain answers and it appears that EDI gave them those answers,”
said Baltgailis. “The City kept the parameters of the study narrow, and now they‟re „spinning‟
the results. Just because no species would go extinct if Porter Creek D is built does not mean that
this is not a special place for wildlife, and for people.”

YCS and the Friends of McIntyre Creek are considering resigning from the Porter Creek D
Working Group.
“We were told when we agreed to be in the group that no decisions had been made and our input
about the values of McIntyre Creek would be duly considered as the City decides whether to
move ahead with development in Middle McIntyre Creek,” said Baltgailis. It was extremely
inappropriate for the City to send out a media release about the EDI report before it is available
to the public, or even to the Porter Creek D Working Group.

And it was even more inappropriate to then „spin‟ this report to say that the wildlife that use McIntyre Creek are not important. The people who use this area every day all year long will tell you that McIntyre Creek is important to wildlife, and to people!”

6 day photo challenge

2011-10-06T17:09:00.001-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/archbould/6214391925/

This photo challenge is being run before the election by Archbould Photography. Check it out, and send in your photos.

Check out the link below for entries to the Photo Challenge.

http://www.facebook.com/ArchbouldPhotography

CBC Interview Oct 4, 2011

2011-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Doris Bell interviewed Friends of McIntyre VP Gerry Steers at the McIntyre Creek during a walk with Reg Steers and the family pets. This video was filmed from the TV screen, and the barking dog is the black rottie, adding her comments to the video.

Trans Canada Trail Bridge over McIntyre Creek

2011-10-04T16:36:00.000-07:00

The bridge that was built for skidoos and ATV's to cross the creek was built too wide, and now there are cars using the bridge to cross. The previous pedestrian bridge was damaged by recreational vehicles driving over it, and now that it has been rebuilt to handle recreational vehicles, I am concerned that cars driving over it will damage it, making it unuseable.

McIntyre Creek Educational Value - Oct 4, 2011

2011-10-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

For the second time in two weeks, a grade 4/5 class from Jack Hullund School was cycling in the area, scouting out where they would return for their Thursday science class. With so much educational activity and value in the McIntyre Creek wildlife corridor, it is really important to preserve the area, and stop the proposed road from Whistle Bend across the creek, and the development of Porter Creek D.

We need more than assurances from the City that they will set aside a mere 100 meter belt where construction would not happen. We need the Territorial Government, who own the land, to protect it and give it Park status where housing developments would not be allowed.

The Yukon College has not received their endowment lands for their educational purposes, and this should also be finalized before there are any discussions about putting either a road or houses in the area.

The City has clearly demonstrated that environmentally sensitive and protected areas as well as green belt areas are not safe from their land grab when they want to build houses. City Planner Mike Gau was quoted in the Whitehorse Star stating "times change, and so do needs", which puts any green space in Whitehorse in danger.

The Great Miss-Stake - Press Conference September 29, 2011

2011-09-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

The Friends of McIntyre Creek held a press conference today at McIntyre Creek to inform press and the politicians running for election where the proposed Porter Creek D development would be place, and how the proposed road from Whistle Bend would run over the McIntyre Creek and damage the surrounding area.

It was well attended by both press and members of the political parties running in the current territorial election. A local school group cycling through this area during the Press conference, also stated their love of the area, and desire to see it remain undeveloped.

Sept28, 2011

MediaRelease

FOR IMMEDIATERELEASE

“TheGreat Miss-Stake”

Before You Vote Consider What Middle McIntyreCreek Could Look Like.

TheFriends of McIntyre Creek have staked part of Middle McIntyre Creek to showwhere housing and roads could be constructed if City of Whitehorse proposals goahead. Middle McIntyre Creek is the part of the McIntyre Creek watershedbetween the Alaska Highway and Mountainview Drive.

TheFriends of McIntyre Creek’s intent is to help residents better understand wherethe proposed Porter Creek D subdivision androads connecting Whistle Bend to the Alaska Highway would be. The City ofWhitehorse intends to consult about the proposed Porter Creek D subdivision,and roads across and parallel to McIntyre Creek, in the near future.

“Inmy experience people often don’t pay attention to consultations because theydon’t fully understand what is being proposed,” said Friends of McIntyre CreekVice President Gerry Steers. “We want to give people an idea of what MiddleMcIntyre Creek could end up looking like unless people who care about this areamake this into an issue in the territorial election. The land is owned by Yukongovernment, it would be sold by Yukon government for housing, and the roads wouldbe developed and paid for by Yukon government. People really need to ask theircandidates in the territorial election whether a government led by their partywould protect McIntyre Creek.”

TheFriends of McIntyre Creek (FOMC) also say that the Yukon College EndowmentLands, which have not been designated and transferred, are a Yukon governmentissue. FOMC fears that the College Endowment Lands could end up being a nothingbut a sliver of land.

“Thisis a really important area for education. There are diverse types of habitat,including wetlands and old growth forest here,” said Steers “and it won’t beany good for nature education if it is full of roads and houses – excepteducation about the fact that after a natural area is destroyed it can’t be re-created.”

TheFriends of McIntyre Creek are encouraging Whitehorse citizens to have a look atthe area that FOMC has staked, and then look at the development in Whistle Bendto get an appreciation for what could occur if Porter Creek D and roads to linkWhistle Bend with the Alaska Highway are built – before voting.

“TheCity says that the huge clear cuts in Whistle bend were a result of a mistake –well it would be a huge mistake to build any roads and houses in Middle McIntyreCreek at all,” said Steers.

Theattached photos are of the construction ongoing in Whistle Bend Phases 1 and 2 (Sept. 23, 2011) and whata new road clearing looks like.

TheFriends of McIntyre Creek are working to maintain urban natural habitat andpreserve a valued area for future generations of Yukon people. This issue isalready being raised at the door with political candidates in the ridings nearMcIntyre Creek.

The attached map is what the City was last proposing as a development for Porter Creek D in the McIntyre Creek area.

Educational Value of McIntyre Creek

2011-09-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

When the new school season opened, there were several groups of students found roaming around the McIntyre Creek area. Some came on bicycles, and others from the Yukon College were able to walk from the College to pursue their studies of biology and Renewable Resources in the real outdoor world of McIntyre Creek. It is important for everyone to recognize the value of the area to everyone, and to realize that no development that would encroach on this wild life corridor should be allowed.

This area belongs to all of us for recreation, wildlife, and educational studies, and should be protected.

Photos by Gerry Steers

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup 2011

2011-09-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

The Takhini North Community Association, the Friends of McIntyre Creek, the Yukon Fish and Game Association and the Klondike Snowmobile Association organized a cleanup of McIntyre Creek as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. Volunteers met September 25 to clean up the area around the pump house pond.

Restoration Work September 24, 2011

2011-09-24T18:32:00.001-07:00

Photos by Gerry Steers

I have been on a cross Canada trip this past 4 months, and just back in time to witness a restoration project at McIntyre Creek, at the pumphouse near the Yukon College.

A group of biologists and volunteers, with the help of Yukon Fish and Game Association (YFGA) , restored a section of McIntyre Creek next to the Army Pumphouse Pond.

Spruce saplings were harvested from previously distrurbed sites. They were planted on a one-meter grid. Willow live stakes were acquired from donor stock in adjacent areas. Re-bar was first pounded into the ground to make holes. The live stakes were then placed in the holes and tapped until they were well seated. Soil was deposited around each live stake and tamped in. Water was poured around each stake. A pole fence was constructed to the north side of the ford to block vehicle access. The site will be watered in the spring and summer of 2012 and 2013 to enhance potential for success.

The project has a broad range of broad community partners and is being supported through
Environment Canada's Environmental Damages Fund, Yukon College, Environment Yukon, the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee, and Friends of McIntyre Creek.

A number of young volunteers from the Ukraine were volunteer labour on this project. Having personally witnessed the hard, rocky ground they were digging in, I don't doubt they felt they were in some gulag, and would no doubt have many sore, and aching parts after a day of hard labour.

For more photos go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/friends_of_mcintyre_creek/?saved

Spring activities

2011-05-05T20:20:00.000-07:00

check out http://yukonbirdobservatories.blogspot.com for days to view the birdbanding operations in McIntyre Creek. There are a great many interesting birds to see while visiting this site.

Ugly Duckling??

2011-04-26T17:07:00.001-07:00

On our Easter Sunday hike through the trails of McIntyre Creek, we spotted this lone swan hanging out with a flock of ducks. It brought back the memory of the children's story, where the swan was considered an "ugly duckling". I thought it was rather strange to see a single swan, and wondered how it had gotten separated from its flock.

Easter Weekend

2011-04-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, but it wasn't crocuses that were filling the woods, but people. The sunny, warm days had lots of folks out and about to enjoy the McIntyre Creek hikes and play in the creek. People were happy to shed the heavy winter clothing, and enjoy the sun.

Signs of Spring - We need your Help

2011-04-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today on our hike along McIntyre Creek, we spotted a young eagle dining on some camp fire left overs. I would have expected to see crocus flowers popping up by this time of year, but there is still too much snow this year.

McIntyre Creek needs your support to protect the wildlife corridor. Please keep working, talking with City Council, writing letters to your MLA, letters to the editor, and whatever you can do to get your friends and neighbours onside before Porter Creek D development destroys this jewel. The City appears to be on the fast track to proceed with this development. They had assured us that work would not proceed on Porter Creek D until Whistle Bend was completed, but I am afraid it does not look like this is their current view. The plans are still going forward to have a road crossing the Creek for Whistle Bend, and there is talk of more work with culverts for bringing water services to the Porter Creek D development. We cannot relax our vigil to save this wildlife corridor. We need your help!! You can contact us at friendsofmcintyre@gmail.com.

Spring is on its way & Jane Goodall Comments

2011-03-26T16:38:00.001-07:00

Spring is quickly melting the Creek. Only a week ago, this was still frozen, and now it is rushing towards the Yukon River.

I was reading a Readers Digest (November 2010) interview with Jane Goodall, the world famous primatologist, and found these comments relevant to our City's development plans.

"RD: Is our planet better or worse off today than it was when you first began your work in 1960?

Goodall: In most ways, it is worse off. The human population has soared, as has the damage to the ecosystem. We still face the loss of species and the threat from climate change . I think we've lost wisdom. We don't ask how decisions made today will affect generations to come, but instead how they affect the bottom line. Perhaps there has been a separation between the clever brain and the heart - the seat of love and compassion."

I believe this is where our City officials are, in that they only are concerned with the bottom line, and not how their decisions will affect future generations and the ecosystem. It is up to the people like you, members of the Friends of McIntyre Creek who still care about the ecosystem, to make their voices known to the Officials as well as the public, and hopefully we can make them see the light before it is too late, and the wildlife corridor is destroyed with Porter Creek D. The City of Whitehorse advertises itself as a Wilderness City, so we need them to step up and prove it by not destroying the wilderness that is easily accessible from our neighbourhoods within our City.

Bridges Across McIntyre Creek - December 2010

2010-12-31T18:32:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, that with the weather being so cold, and the work closing the bridge closest to the Yukon College, I have not been hiking my usual trails. However, today with close to zero temperatures, I took the hike to see what changes had happened.

The bridge closest to the water station had been finished weeks ago, and is now a busy snow mobile trail. As I feared, more snowmobile access has also increased the snowmobiles on trails where they are not to go, but the tracks in the snow tell the tale, as well as attempted blockades to prevent their access.

The bridge closest to the College was the biggest surprise. For years I complained to the City that the pole barriers were often set too wide, which still allowed motorized vehicles on some of the trails & bridges, where they were not supposed to go. I was told that they had to have them wide enough for wheel chair access. Now honestly, I doubted very much any wheel chair would want to traverse those hills and trails, but that was their explanation. The new bridge nearest the College has steps on both sides to get onto to the bridge. Hmmmm....I wonder how a wheel chair is supposed to access the bridge now? Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that the steps should be turned into ramps, but it makes me question the reasoning in the replies I got from the City.

At any rate, here are some photos of the bridges being built and finished. Now that the weather has warmed up, I am sure more folks will be out and about enjoying the McIntyre Creek trails.

Gerry

New Bridges - McIntyre Creek November 2010

2010-11-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

Well the "trail closed" signs have been up for several weeks, but as of November 18, 2010, it is for real. The work on the pedestrian bridge by the Water Station (Takhini area) has now closed the bridge, and will likely be closed at least until Monday 22nd. The small log bridge is still accessible further up the trail. I have been taking photos as the various stages of the bridge have progressed, from the foundations, to the dropping of the beams, and will post photos at a later date on Flickr. But for now, this is the current stage of the snowmobile access bridge.

I had hoped that the rail would be left up to separate the pedestrian path from the snowmobiles, but unfortunately, it will become one bridge for all to access.

The creek has been flooding, and whether it is an ice jam further down, or an increase water flow is hard to determine, but the water is moving very quickly, and could hamper the replacement of the bridge closer to the College if it continues to rise.

Residents of McIntyre Creek

2010-10-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

A coyote walking along the wildlife corridor, was curious about us, and stopped to watch us approaching him.

A young eagle was seen waiting patiently for a fish to come by the opening in the freezing pond.

There is a new access road created on the wildlife corridor in anticipation of a traffic circle which will be built on Mountain View connecting with the road for Whistle Bend. Lots of changes happening in the area.

There are new bridges about to be placed over the creek. Signs have been up for over a week stating the trails are closed, although as of this afternoon, (Oct. 23), they were still passable.

Fall 2010 - McIntyre Creek Scenes

2010-10-17T01:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spotted an eagle perched on the tree where (s)he hung out most of the summer. I also saw a very healthy coyote who stopped and stared at us. Today I saw a lone duck swimming. I wondered if it was damaged that it had not flown with the rest of the ducks who had been resident on the pond. I am certain the early snow was a surprise to the ducks as well as the humans in Whitehorse.

Today there were signs out on the trails saying they were closed. I suspect that the new bridges are about to be installed over the Creek over the next several days, and this was the reason the trails were closed. However, it did not stop the many dog walkers and joggers from continuing on their regular paths throughout the area.

Photo by Gerry Steers

Wetland Keepers Program

2010-09-30T00:21:00.003-07:00

The wetland keepers program had only 4 attendees out of the 10 that had registered. However the program was well received by those who took it and they learned a lot. They worked in the McIntyre Marsh on the Fish lake road and were observers to many birds while they worked. This is a recommended course for all who love the outdoors. Watch for the dates of a course next summer.

TD Shore Cleanup - McIntyre Creek

2010-09-30T00:21:00.001-07:00

The McIntyre Cleanup was held near the lower pumphouse. Because there were so many helpers we were finished in two hours. While we were there hauling out wrecked computers, bikes, pallets, etc some ran across a stolen truck and others were able to deter some adventurous individuals testing out the endurance of their vehicles by running them up steep sandy slopes. We met some new people who were interested in the area. Many thanks to the students from the college who helped clean up as well. They were the helpers who missed the hotdog/hamburger barbeque supplied by the Friends of McIntyre Creek. The Friends of McIntyre Creek would invite you to join us next year.

Which Side Are You On?

2010-09-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Which Side Are You On?

The screaming is so loud I have to cover my ears.
I look around wondering why no one else is listening.
“Stop!” I yell
But when they look at me
I see dollar signs where their eyes should be.
The sights and sounds of devastation surround me.
Clear cuts
Slash piles
Bareness where there once stood a forest.
Cut down
Massacred
For the almighty dollar.
Majestic beings
Trees
Screaming
As their life blood drains upon the ground
Men wielding chainsaws searching for their next victim
Tears
Screaming
Engines roaring
No time to mourn
Trucks piled sky high with lengths so long
Bits and pieces left behind
Like a warning that they will be back.
Screaming
Then crying
Homes destroyed
Bodies mangled
Loved ones gone.
A war zone
Disaster
The ultimate sacrifice given
Did anyone ask?
Or pay their respects to the lives taken?
Trees
Animals
Birds
Reptiles
Fish
All giving up something,
For us humans
Dwellers of wooden structures
Do you appreciate the sacrifice?

Written by Kathryn Marynowski

McIntyre Creek Walk August 8, 2010 with Tami Hamilton

2010-08-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

McIntyre Wetland Hike was sponsored by FOMC and the YCS lead by Tammy Hamilton.

The walk started at the Alaska Highway and went upstream from the highway along the shore adjacent to Raven’s Ridge.

The bird is some kind rare blackbird. Photographer was Jeff Marynowski

Housing Development being Pushed by City Planners

2010-07-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

If you care about McIntyre Creek and other wildlife and outdoor recreation areas in Whitehorse you may want to attend the City council meeting on Monday evening.

City planners will be presenting their recommendations for the OCP revisions at that meeting and Council will be discussing them. We fear City planners may recommend that Porter Creek D be zoned for housing development. This would block the wildlife corridor between the Alaska Highway and Mountain View Drive. We have tried to reach a compromise by asking for this area to be zoned for planning so that a scientifically justified, effective wildlife corridor can be designed and THEN some housing can be planned where appropriate. Most City Councillors seem much more interested in developing Porter Creek D regardless of wildlife, recreation, and the opposition of local residents.

Please come show your opposition to developing PC-D by attending Monday’s Council meeting, writing letters to the editor, and calling and emailing city counsellors. To email all City Counsellors and the mayor send to mayorcouncil@whitehorse.ca.

To write letters to the editor use the following email addresses: rmostyn@yukon-news.com and letters@whitehorsestar.com.

Thank you!

Karen Baltgailis,

Director, Friends of McIntyre Creek &

Executive Director, Yukon Conservation Society

Surveyors at McIntyre Creek - July 26, 2010

2010-07-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today the surveyors were out and about, preparing for the new bridge for motorized vehicles to cross the McIntyre Creek at the Pump House in the Takhini/College area. Since the City extended their fence around the Pump house to narrow the trail, I have been enjoying peaceful walks, listening to the creek bubble over the rocks, to the singing birds, and hearing the wind rustling in the trees. Unfortunately, the the scent of the many flowers will soon be replaced with the stench of exhaust from the motorized vehicles. The peaceful hikes will be no more, as the sounds of motors echoing into the trails from the snowmobiles and ATV's will carry throughout the trails.

Even if these motorized vehicles stick to the "roads" to cross the new bridge, and not invade the trails, they will be allowed to surround the Creek hiking area, as there is the service road for the power lines on one side of the Creek, and the service road for the Pump house on the other side, and with the bridge approved for motorized vehicles to cross the Creek, it will encourage more vehicles to use the area, and take away from the quiet enjoyment of the trails.

For myself, and many other hikers/joggers in the area, the peaceful quiet is one of the simple pleasures of the trails. I have met one woman in the woods, even in the winter, who sits and meditates above the Creek. Unless her timing is great, where she can catch a time there are no vehicles in the area, she will have to find a new peaceful area to enjoy.

So people, get out and hike the trails while you can still enjoy the simple pleasures of the sounds and smells of nature along McIntyre Creek!!!

McIntyre Creek happenings July 25, 2010 - Ninja

2010-07-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Photos by Gerry Steers

It was another beautiful day for a hike along McIntyre Creek, and two eagles were watching the creek for their next meal.
As well, a few young movie producers were taking advantage of the great day to film a Ninja movie.
The small beaver pond in the Takhini College area near the pump house, has the lowest water levels I have seen in the 24 years I have been hiking the area. There are mud flats, and marshes forming where pond water used to be. I have no idea of what the problem is, but the water flowing in the Creek above this pond is also low. Does anyone have any ideas?

Warning - This Could be Whitehorse!

2010-07-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

This type of thing could happen in Whitehorse, with a moose, bear, or other wild animal that is trying to pass through the McIntyre Creek wild life corridor, if it is choked with houses. We need to keep the wild life corridor along the McIntyre Creek open, to prevent this type of encounter.

Thank You Mackenzie Morgan

2010-07-14T00:14:00.000-07:00

It is very touching and encouraging to see that we have such great supporters, even in our young people. We thank Mackenzie for her fund raising and we promise we will do our very best to protect this area for a Park, so even her children will be able to enjoy it, as she and her mother do today. See email below:

"My daughter Mackenzie and I travel the trails often and she has raised/saved $19.10 for the Friends of McIntyre Creek. She wants it to help save the beavers, the ducks, the eagles, the foxes and the honeysuckles. She is very upset about the human houses being built by the animals' houses. She is eight years old and very concerned about the situation.How can she get these funds to you?

Thank you, - Cindy-Anne on behalf of Mackenzie Morgan"

July 8, 2010 at McIntyre Creek

2010-07-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

Today I saw many happenings at McIntyre Creek. There were cyclist, guys wading in the creek, families enjoying the "beach", and dog walkers. Yesterday there were 3 adult eagles watching the ducks who were huddled into the reeds. A duck family that once had 5 or 6 ducklings was down to 1, and I found it interesting to see that to protect the one remaining baby, one adult swam in front of the duckling, and the other adult swam behind. It appeared to be a male and female sharing the responsibility for protecting their last offspring of the year.

Another thing I found was bear poo, right in the area proposed as Porter Creek D. If we don't leave this corridor open for wildlife to pass, we will be have many more encounters of the unwelcome kind between wildlife and human residents.
Click to view more photos.
All photos by Gerry Steers, Gerry's Computer Magic.

Strange Happenings at McIntyre Creek

2010-06-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be in the McIntyre Creek area behind the Yukon College this week, you may have come across some strange beings inhabiting the woods. The Aikido Yukon Club were holding a samurai camp during the week of June 21 to 25, and with their costumes, masks and "weapons", were having fun conducting their wars in the woods. This is another indication of how our valued area is utilized by many Yukoners, for sport, recreation, education, and just plain fun!
Photos by Gerry Steers, Gerry's Computer Magic copyright.

Spring Celebration 2010 Report

2010-06-27T10:48:00.001-07:00

"The Friends of McIntyre Creek Spring Celebration held June 11, 12, 13, 2010 was well attended, and enjoyed by the people who took part. The weather was windy and chilly but there was no rain for the event. Several people attended the Yukon Invasive Species weed pulling, (there are a lot of weeds at Yukon College). The dog powered sports dry land racing was an interesting event, and dry land casting was very educational with Dennis Zimmerman and Bruce Ross demonstrating the techniques. Exploring nature with your child was poorly attended as it seamed the soccer and ball tournaments took all the youth. The Bird walk on Friday evening revealed many birds in the wetlands, and a visit to the salmon fish incubation hatchery along Mountain View was very educational. During this event we sampled many of the bugs and things that live in the creek and make it a great place for fish to live"

Photos by Dorothy Bradley.

Schedule for the June 11, 12, 13, 2010 Events

2010-06-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Time

Event and Sponsor

Details

6:30 – 7:00 PM

FOMC: Tami Hamilton

Registration for June 19^th & 20^th Wetland Keepers Program

Yukon Arts Center parking lot.

7:00 – 9:00 PM

Bird Walk Yukon Bird Club led by Katie Aitken

Meet at Yukon Arts Center parking lot.

Saturday June 12^th

9:30 – 10:00 AM	FOMC: Tami Hamilton Registration for June 19^th & 20^th Wetland Keepers Program	Meet at far end of Yukon College parking lot, closest to student residences.
10:00 – 12:00 AM	Yukon Fish and Game Association: John Carney Dry Land Casting.	Meet at far end of Yukon College parking lot, closest to student residences
12:00-1:00 PM	Yukon Environment: Bruce Bennett Exploring Nature with your Child	Meet at far end of Yukon College parking lot, closest to student residences
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM	Yukon Invasive Species Council: Bruce Bennett Invasive Species Walk and Weed Pull	Meet at far end of Yukon College parking lot, closest to student residences. Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves.
3:00- 6:00 PM	Northern Research Institute Open House McIntyre Creek Salmon Incubation Facility: drop in any time between 3:00 and 6:00 to tour the facility, see incubated salmon and fish from McIntyre Creek, invertebrate sampling, etc.	We suggest walking down the trail from the Yukon Arts Center toward Range Road, then north along Mountain View Drive to the hatchery. If you decide to drive to the fish hatchery and park at Mountain View Drive please be very careful of traffic.

Sunday June 13^th

6:00 PM

Dog Powered Sports dry land racing with Jonathon Lucas

Meet at Icy Waters on the Fish lake Road.

First Annual General Meeting June 14, 2010

2010-06-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Friends of McIntyre Creek are having their first Annual General Meeting, Monday, June 14, 2010, 7:00 pm, at the Yukon Public Library. This is a very important meeting for us to choose officers, and set our course for the work required to protect the McIntyre Creek wildlife corridor, and begin our planning for the proposed park. Please plan to attend this meeting with us and share your views.

McIntyre Beach?

2010-05-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

It isn't my idea of a beach, but this is the second time in two weeks I have seen people relaxing on the small gravel area at McIntyre Creek by the pumphouse.
This just shows Yukoners are tough folks, and the pleasure we get from being around McIntyre Creek, is worth any discomfort we might feel from lying on the gravelly "beach".

Flowers

2010-05-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

It is easy to walk by the many blossoms that are flooding McIntyre Creek these days, but this blossom caught my attention. Do you know what it is? Yes, it is the common dandelion, the plant we all consider a nasty weed, yet if you let yourself observe the flower, you will see it is truly beautiful. We fight so hard to grow flowers in our gardens, and hate the dandelion, but it really is an amazing plant. You can eat the leaves, it has beautiful flowers, and it doesn't need to be babied, as it grows in even the most difficult soils. So maybe we should slow down and observe some of the beauty nature offers us, which requires nothing from us, but to enjoy.
Photo by Gerry Steers

Garbage at the Creek

2010-05-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

I was very disappointed to see that sometime last night, against the fire ban in Whitehorse, that some one built a fire in McIntyre Creek at the beaver pond near the Takhini sub division. I think they might have felt they were being responsible, by putting the fire out with sand, but they also left their cans and garbage in the sand pile. It never ceases to annoy me that people find it so easy to carry their drink cans & their food bags into the Creek area, yet once they are empty, they find it too difficult to carry their empty containers out. How do we educate people to be responsible to the environment??? I expect they enjoy the environment, or why else would they be there, so why do they not respect it? More mysteries to be solved...

Bird Watching

2010-05-20T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Bird Observatory blog has been updated and includes the latest from McIntyre Marsh and Albert Creek, both of which have been very busy with birds and visitors/volunteers in the past week. Currently, we are seeing many more of the neotropical migrants including species such as Wilson's Warbler, Yellow Warbler and Blackpoll Warbler.

You can view of blog at http://yukonbirdobservatories.blogspot.com

McIntyre Marsh flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukonbirds/sets/72157623884862913/

McIntyre Marsh will be open from tomorrow (May 21) to monday (May 24). The station will also be open next weekend.

--
Ben Schonewille

Station Manager
Teslin Lake Bird Observatory

Family Enjoys McIntyre Creek Picnic

2010-05-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken today, of a family enjoying the little "beach" at McIntyre Creek, with a family picnic. The temperature was 19C, and the cold water cooled the children, as they played in the water, and on the rocks. Most people might not consider this a "beach", but our McIntyre Creek provides much enjoyment for many people without leaving the City, even if our "beach" is micro sized.
Photo by Gerry Steers, Gerry's Computer Magic

Hansard Yukon Recognizes McIntyre Creek

2010-05-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hansard (Yukon)

April 22, 2010

TRIBUTES

In recognition of Earth Day

Hon. Mr. Edzerza: I rise today to pay tribute to Earth Day, which is observed on April 22 around the world. It has been 40 years since the very first Earth Day. The celebration of Mother Earth has spread to more than six million Canadians who join one billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. Nearly every schoolchild in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity.

Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson. During the 1960s, environmental issues were not even publicly considered. Senator Nelson was disturbed by this lack of concern and over many years he worked to bring the environment to the public and political conscience. In today’s world it is difficult to not hear about climate change and our impact on the environment but Earth Day brings this issue to the forefront of our attention and reminds us of our own responsibilities and what each individual can do to help reduce our impact on our environment.

Earth Day is about enacting our respect for Mother Earth, who is a provider. All of the two- and four-legged animals that walk on Mother Earth, all of those that fly in the sky, those that swim in the water, and all of those that live and crawl under the earth must be respected.

Earth Day reminds us of the importance of conservation of our planet’s limited resources. Each of us can help by using the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. The Government of Yukon has taken action on climate change, which we know is affecting our environment. The government is now implementing the Climate Change Action Plan.

We are working to reduce government’s greenhouse gas emissions and help us to adapt our operations. The Yukon government is now implementing the Solid Waste Action Plan. The Yukon Liquor Corporation has just eliminated single-use bags. By having customers bring their own bags or purchase a reusable one, liquor stores will eliminate 12 metric tonnes of paper from the waste stream each year.

Earth Day is observed by schools, by municipalities and by environmental organizations. I thank them for their creative ways. They educate, inspire and help us address environmental issues as families and as communities. Earth Day reminds us all that we are each capable of positive change.

Mr. Speaker, a famous chief called Chief White Cloud wrote: “The Earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the Earth. This we know. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth, befalls the children of the Earth.”

I encourage all members to take positive action for the environment today and every day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Elias: Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Official Opposition to pay tribute to Earth Day on its 40th anniversary. April 22, Earth Day, is the most celebrated environmental event worldwide. The idea behind Earth Day is to honour the planet and all living things that inhabit it and to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.

In the Yukon we are very fortunate to live in a part of the world that is, in large part, untouched by major development. It is easy for us to enjoy our territory’s wealth of waters, wildlife and untamed spaces, but with this gift comes a responsibility. With our wealth of natural areas, we have a responsibility to preserve some of them for future generations.

Many Yukoners have weighed in on what should happen in the Peel watershed, a vast area that is virtually untouched by human activity. The Peel planning commission has recommended significant environmental protection there, a view many Yukoners share. It is a view that my colleagues and I in the Liberal caucus share. It is a view shared by most of the governments that are parties to the plan.

When it comes to the land uses in the Peel River watershed, I would say my hope is that 100 years from now Yukoners, our neighbours, and international citizens will look back and view our decisions as visionary and that they are thankful and proud that we avoided the commodification of the arteries within the Peel River watershed as the first order of business. Believe me when I say, Mr. Speaker, that this is no ordinary or mundane tract of land by any stretch of the imagination. Many of our caucus members have taken the time out of their lives over the years to travel to the Peel area to view it and to absorb it for themselves.

The Yukon Liberals recognize the paramountcy of the wilderness values in the Peel River watershed and we support the principles within the draft plan. It’s a view that we hope will eventually be adopted by the Yukon government, which holds title to the land in the Peel and which has to date remained silent on this important environmental issue.

Closer to home for many Yukoners is McIntyre Creek, a vibrant wildlife corridor here in Whitehorse. Moose, coyotes, salmon and a range of other species occupy the creek. Students from elementary schools to the post-secondary college level explore the area and its ecological richness. Many families and recreational users, such as hikers, skiers, and bird watchers enjoy its beauty and its accessibility. This is another gift we should preserve for future generations. Like the Peel, many Yukoners believe it should be protected. Like the Peel, we hope to soon see the Yukon government commit to its preservation. As I said and as many Yukoners experience as part of their daily lives, we are blessed with the wealth of landscapes, untouched by human activity and richly populated with local wildlife.

Unfortunately here in the Yukon, we are also feeling some of the most profound effects of global warming. Believe me, I know this first-hand. It is incumbent upon us to be leaders in climate change prevention and mitigation within Canada and internationally. When opportunities arise to collaborate with our international colleagues, we must seize those opportunities. It is wrong to let the current federal Conservative government speak for us at events such as at Copenhagen.

We hope the Yukon government will soon recognize its responsibilities and take leadership in this role. The damage is obvious when you look at the Earth today and the frequency and ferocity of the tsunamis, the floods, the hurricanes, the tornados, drought, devastating earthquakes, wind, ice and snowstorms, extreme heat waves, mud slides, disappearing glaciers and ice caps and, more recently, volcanoes.

It is clear our Mother Earth is fighting back in a way that has not been recorded in human history. She’s trying to cleanse herself from the damage we’ve caused. As Yukoners, many of us receive our strength from our families, the mountains, our lands, the wildlife, our rivers and lakes and our clean air. Those are our monuments, Mr. Speaker. The effort to keep them all healthy is our heritage and legacy to future generations.

Every single living thing on this Earth expresses in its own way a willingness to live and a vitality to exist: the Arctic poppies that face and follow the sun daily during the summer months; fish that migrate thousands of miles to come and spawn and die in our great territory; birds that fly from thousands of miles to breed, moult and have their young. Larger mammals and predators flee to escape danger or stand and fight to protect their young, and we must respect that vitality to live. I want to be able to look my great-grandchildren in the eye and say that we made decisions now in our time so they did not inherit an impoverished world and that we did everything that needed to be done to heal the broken ties between people and the natural world.

Of course, Earth Day is not just an opportunity to identify the work that still needs to be done. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the work that is being done to reduce our environmental impact. We would like to recognize and thank all Yukoners who are responsible citizens and respectful of our environment and engage in environmentally friendly lifestyles and activities. We salute you all. We also want to thank our youth and the many schoolchildren and schools throughout the Yukon that take part in Earth Day events. With our young people reminding us to take care of the Earth, there is hope for the future. We must all do our part to protect our shared home for the next generation and for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Hardy: I speak on behalf of the NDP caucus to honour Earth Day — a day to reflect on our relationship to our lonely planet, the only source of life found to date in the entire known universe, at least from our perspective.

One reflection is that the way we humans have managed our activities is extremely out of balance with the interest of our planet, its ecosystems and even ourselves ultimately. The question we need to ask is, 40 years ago was the first Earth Day and have we managed our time and activities well over 40 years? I think everybody can very easily say, no, we haven’t.

We have far more issues facing the planet, facing its very survival. It is clear we are stretching the capacity of the Earth to support us when we look at climate change, at species’ extinction and at the perilous state of our oceans. Scientists have said we must stave off an increase of two degrees Celsius in average global temperature to avoid the tipping point of catastrophic climate change. Will we do this? It is very hard to say.

The debacle that was Copenhagen, the pushing of trade agreements, the inability to move quickly to a low-carbon economy all suggest to many of us that we prefer to live in denial. Climate change is not an abstract concept. It already results in the death of over 300,000 people a year, mostly in the world’s poorest countries. About 325 million people are being seriously affected with economic losses averaging $125 billion a year, according to The Anatomy of A Silent Crisis, the first detailed look at climate change and human impacts.

This report was released last fall by the Global Humanitarian Forum based in Geneva. It was noted that: “These deaths and losses are not just from the rise in severe weather events but mainly from the gradual environmental degradation due to climate change.” Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations and president of the forum, writes the following in this report: “People everywhere deserve to have leaders who find the courage to achieve a solution to this crisis.”

Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, our current federal government was recently accused of muzzling climate change researchers, slashing their funding and closing their research stations. The latest federal budget failed to provide any funding for Canada’s main climate science initiative, the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences. The foundation funds everything from global climate models to the melting of the polar icecap and the frequency of Arctic storms to droughts and water supplies. However, it will run out of money early this year and that is bad news, Mr. Speaker, but there is some hope; there is always hope; there needs to always be hope.

Today an international People’s Convention on Climate Change is taking place in Bolivia. The world’s people, tired of government inaction — governments all around the world — and their inability to recognize that our very survival is at stake here. The world’s people are coming together to demand that change.

Here in the Yukon, we, too, must demand real change. We, too, must demand action. We, too, must do whatever we can to protect our earth, its precious biosystems and all living things that depend on them. Our challenge, Mr. Speaker, is this: can we change? Will we change before change is forced on us? I believe we can; I believe we must for our future to be possible.

Page 1 of 5

Yukon Bird Observatory blog

2010-05-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Bird Observatory blog has been updated and includes the latest from McIntyre Marsh and Albert Creek, both of which have been very busy with birds and visitors/volunteers in the past week.

You can view of blog at http://yukonbirdobservatories.blogspot.com

Albert Creek flickr page at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukonbirds/sets/72157624009261782/

McIntyre Marsh flickr page at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yukonbirds/sets/72157623884862913/

McIntyre Marsh will be open from tomorrow (May 7 to May 16); however, the weekdays will operate on a reduced schedule from 9 am to noon for school groups. On weekends, the station is open from 7 am to noon. The site will then be open on all weekends and holidays until the end of May.

Albert Creek is open daily until early June.

2010-04-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Email from Dennis Zimmerman toTami Hamilton thanking the Friends of McIntyre for the talk to the children

Hello Tami:

Thank you so much for the wetland talk on Friday. As a parent with two kids at the event I can tell you that they got a great deal out of it.

I really appreciated it and hope we can work together again. One of the kids wrote you a nice thank you letter.

Sincerely, Dennis
--

TD Great Canadian Shore Cleanup

2010-04-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

The link below is the final report on the 2009 cleanup.

http://shorelinecleanup.ca/

The 2010 cleanup is listed below. We will psst more information closer to the date.

http://shorelinecleanup.ca/en/cleanup/event/2010/yukon-river-mountainview-dr

Biodiversity of McIntyre Creek

2010-04-09T20:22:00.002-07:00

Gerry Steers, the creator of the Friends of McIntyre Creek biodiversity poster, is shown standing beside her creation. This poster will be present at many of the upcoming events in Whitehorse, so you will be able to get a closer view of the wildlife, and photos of the various activities that take place in our proposed McIntyre Creek park area.

The photos in the poster are all taken from the McIntyre Creek area. Most of the photos are Gerry's, but we did get submissions from other photographers as well, and they have been given credit on the poster for their submissions.

Things of Interest about McIntyre Creek

2010-04-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

Check out what is interesting about McIntyre Creek. we have a booth at this forum with the wetland model there, and much more....

Greetings:

Environment Yukon is pleased to host two public events on Saturday, April 17, to engage the public with the individuals and organizations involved with protecting or enhancing Yukon’s environment. Here are write ups suitable for a newsletter or email notice you might want to use:

Environment Fair: Biodiversity in Your Backyard

This interactive, day-long event connects the public – especially families – with a diverse range of organizations and government services involved with protecting or enhancing Yukon’s environment. Runs 10am-3pm April 17 in the ATCO ice space at the Canada Games Centre. Free. Sponsored by Environment Yukon and Environment Canada.

Environment After Hours

Hear Dr. Wade Davis speak about the links between vanishing cultures and climate change and the importance of biodiversity. Davis is Explorer-in-Residence with the National Geographic Society and an award-winning ethnographer, writer, photographer and filmmaker. April 17, 7-9pm at the Beringia Centre. Free, but ticket(s) must be reserved (667-5652) due to limited seating. Sponsored by Environment Yukon and Environment Canada.

Invasive Species

2010-04-08T20:19:00.001-07:00

http://www.weedcenter.org/newsletter/docs/2010-04-seed-dispersal.pdf

Please view this link to see the dangers of invasive species in our environment.

Friends of McIntyre Creek - A Registered Society

2010-04-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

The Friends of McIntyre Creek have been registered as a Society which we hope will give us a bit more recognition when fighting to save the McIntyre Creek watershed. If you would like to join us as a member, please send a request to friendsofmcintyre@gmail.com and we will forward you an application form to your email address. Our membership fee is very reasonable - $10.00 for one year single membership, $15.00 for one year family and $25.00 for one year corporate membership.

We look forward to your support to protect this area from development, and in establishing a wilderness park for McIntyre Creek.

Moose along McIntyre Creek

2010-02-17T18:30:00.000-08:00

This moose was spotted on December 13, 2009 around midnight, and again the next morning at 5 am in the area that the City of Whitehorse is proposing to develop as Porter Creek D. This area is an important wildlife corridor, and some people are lucky to spot animals such as this moose passing through and have a camera with them to catch the event.
Photo by Ken Binns

TD Canadian Shore Cleanup - Sept 19/09

2009-09-23T00:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the items that were too large or too far down into the valley to bring out. We did not have the equipment to remove cars and appliances this far down the banks.

Elk Bugling - Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm

2009-09-22T22:50:00.001-07:00

It is that time of the year again
All are welcome to attend an evening with the elk

Thursday, September 24th, 6:30 PM
Elk Bugling
Meet at the Alaska Highway Cousins Airstrip Rest Area (500m south of the North Klondike & Alaska Highway junction).
Carpool to Takhini Valley.

It's rutting season and the bugle is on! Join Environment Yukon Biologists to look for elk and listen for their calls.

Please bring warm clothing, binoculars, and sturdy footwear for this free 3 hour event.

For more information contact
Bruce Bennett
(867) 667-8291
or visit
yukonwild.ca

TD Great Canadian Shore Cleanup September 19, 2009

2009-09-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

We were extremely happy to have so many people turn out, and collect over one ton of garbage and 28 bags of garbage from the McIntyre Creek area. There are still some very large items, appliances, furniture, etc. that were too heavy for us to bring up the cliffs without heavier equipment. Thank you to all our volunteers who came out to help.

Alaska - CNIPM Workshop

2009-07-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in invasive species, you may wish to attend this Workshop in Alaska. It is very likely the problems Alaska is facing will be similar to those of the Yukon.

Click for link

Weeds Across Borders 2010

2009-07-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Plant Invasions, Policies and Politics
Weeds Across Borders 2010
June 1-4, 2010

National Conservation Training Center,
Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA

The Weeds Across Borders 2010 (WAB10) conference will focus on the theme of
Plant Invasions, Policies and Politics. This will be the fifth time this
conference has been held since the group first got together in Tucson,
Arizona, in 2002. Weeds Across Borders was originally founded in 2000 by the
U.S. Federal Interagency for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds
(FICMNEW).

WAB10 conference registration details and an agenda will be posted soon.

Weeds Across Borders is an international biennial conference covering the
interests of professionals and organizations involved in invasive plant
management and regulation across North America. It is composed of
organizations from numerous jurisdictions in Mexico, the United States, and
Canada. Because weeds do not respect human-imposed laws or boundaries, we
believe the development of partnerships, information sharing mechanisms, and
cross-boundary programs are crucial to successful invasive plant management.
Bruce Bennett, Wildlife Viewing Biologist
Environment Yukon
Wildlife Viewing Program V5N
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Y1A 2C6
tel: (867) 667-5331
fax: (867) 393-6263
http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/viewing/index.html

Summer Heat at McIntyre Creek

2009-07-29T01:26:00.000-07:00

People seen playing and enjoying the cliffs and cool water on a hot summer day at McIntyre Creek.

Even the eagle was hot, and trying to catch a breeze with his wings spread to cool off.

Photos by Gerry Steers July 28, 2009

August 7 - Interpretive Walk

2009-07-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Yukon Conservation Society - McIntyre Marsh Interpretive Walk

Friday August 7th , 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

McIntyre Creek is one of Whitehorse’s only two remaining large
east/west wildlife corridors, with coyotes, wolves, moose and bear
moving through. It is also a salmon spawning stream, a home to rainbow
trout and grayling, and one of Whitehorse’s most popular bird watching
sites. The Friends of McIntyre Creek are proposing that McIntyre Creek
should be protected by designating it a park. Learn about the
conservation of urban wetlands on this hike with Tami Hamilton.

MEET: The gazebo on Fish Lake Road, across from Icy Waters. DIRECTIONS
FROM TOWN: NORTH on 4th Avenue (Up Two Mile Hill), RIGHT onto
Alaska Hwy, LEFT onto Fish Lake Road.

DETAILS: Please ensure you are dressed for the weather with
comfortable shoes, hat, and sunscreen. For more information call
668-5678 or ycshikes@ycs.yk.ca.

The attached pdf on Future of Water Workshop, may be of interest to you.

August 9, McIntyre Creek Walk

2009-07-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Plants of McIntyre Creek

Meet at the Kopper King parking lot, Whitehorse, 4:00 pm

Come for a walk into McIntyre Creek with Wildlife Viewing Biologist Bruce Bennett.

Learn about the area's native, introduced and invasive plants

Check out the website below or go to http://www.yukonwild.ca and follow the links.

http://environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/wildlifebiodiversity/wildlifetalks.php
Photo by Gerry Steers, Gerry's Computer Magic

YCS SPECIAL INTERPRETIVE EVENTS

2009-07-02T19:57:00.001-07:00

McIntyre Creek Interpretive Hike

McIntyre Creek is one of Whitehorse’s only two remaining large east/west wildlife corridors, with coyotes, wolves, moose and bear moving through. It is also a salmon spawning stream, a home to rainbow trout and grayling, and one of Whitehorse’s most popular bird watching sites. The Friends of McIntyre Creek propose that McIntyre Creek should be protected by designating it a park. Learn about the conservation of urban wetlands on this hike with Tami Hamilton.

TIME: Thursday, July 9

5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

MEET: Yukon College Student Parking.

McIntyre Creek - Samurai Club June 2009

2009-06-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

Some of the characters and creatures found playing along McIntyre Creek during the week.

The McIntyre Creek is used for nature hikes and education, as well as for events such as this where there is plenty of room for fantasies to be played out for the enjoyment of the participants, as well as people who like myself, came across them and wondered what these unusual creatures were doing dashing about in the woods.

Photos by Gerry Steers - Gerry's Computer Magic

Biodiversity Walk August 9, 2009 at 4:00 pm

2009-06-22T17:17:00.000-07:00

Interested people should meet at 4 pm at the Kopper King parking lot on Sunday August 9th, 2009. It is posted on the website below or go to yukonwild.ca and follow the links.

http://environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/wildlifebiodiversity/wildlifetalks.php

Road from Whistlebend proposed through McIntyre Creek

2009-06-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

http://whitehorsestar.com/archive/email-story/29881/
This site leads you to the Whistle Bend road access plans by the City of Whitehorse. The Friends of McIntyre Creek Board is asking for support from you by writing a comment letter to Mayor Bev Buckway, Mike Ellis, City Planner, and the Whitehorse Star newspaper. We believe the proposed road through McIntyre Creek is definitely an hindrance to the development of the proposed McIntyre Creek Park, and will impact the McIntyre Creek wildlife corridor.
I hope you will help with this project.
Dorothy

Whistle Bend will need expensive road changes

The city could end up spending anywhere between $20 million and $30 million on fixing up and building roads to accommodate the upcoming Whistle Bend subdivision.

The money would be spent on everything from making Mountainview Drive a four-lane road to building an access road between the Porter Creek neighbourhood and Range Road.

On Friday, officials with the city and consultant AECOM unveiled the city’s most recent transportation study which looked at how the city’s next major area for development on the Porter Creek lower bench would impact traffic throughout the city and what would be needed to handle the new volumes.

“It really impacts the entire city,” AECOM’s Bill Jenkins said, citing Mountainview Drive, Range Road and the Alaska Highway among the roads that will see the most impact.

Using current information and the number of projected residences for Whistle Bend, AECOM created traffic simulations for the neighbourhood, looking at how traffic would be moving when Whistle Bend starts up, then when it is halfway done, and finally when it is fully developed.

It also looked at the different possibilities for full population of the neighbourhood at 10,000, 7,500 and 5,000 people.

It was found that as the main corridor between Whistle Bend and the downtown core, Mountainview would see enough traffic to justify its being widened to accommodate four lanes, with more traffic signals at various intersections on the road.

“There is a new access proposed,” Jenkins told reporters, stressing the proposed access, about 150 to 200 metres from Tamarack Drive, would not impact McIntyre Creek.

The access would be built in a way that it could connect to another proposal that would see an access built between Mountainview Drive and the Alaska Highway from Pine Street to Kopper King.

As Jenkins pointed out, the growth of Whistle Bend is not going to happen overnight - it’s proposed to be done in nine phases - and, like the development improvements to roads leading to the neighbourhood, would be spread over time.

Even with lower population sizes than the 10,000 initially proposed for a full build-out of the area, AECOM’s Leah Libsekal said the study found the city’s major roads would suffer significantly, with travel times for residents using them increasing.

“People would have to sit and wait at intersections,” she said.

Much of the focus on Whistle Bend has been on sustainability, with the city moving toward a neighbourhood that has a higher density, is pedestrian-friendly and encourages transit use.

The study proposed the plans anticipating a more efficient transit system with more users, Jenkins said.

As the city moves ahead with the first two phases of zoning on the subdivision - up for first reading at tonight’s council meeting - officials will be reviewing the report and its recommendations, city manager Dennis Shewfelt said.

It’s likely any recommendations from the study would come forward as the development continues, depending on the needs at the time.

Botony BC at Muncho Lake - July 15th, 2009

2009-06-10T22:27:00.000-07:00

For anyone interested in plants - there is an excellent opportunity to participate in BOTANY BC

BOTANY BC is an annual meeting of botanists and plant enthusiasts of British Columbia and is open to anyone interested in plants. Although BOTANY BC meetings are focused to British Columbia, we welcome all the plant enthusiasts from the neighbouring territories/states, and from elsewhere in the world.

For a fun filled weekend check out:

http://members.shaw.ca/BotanyBC/

Bruce Bennett, Wildlife Viewing Biologist
Environment Yukon
Wildlife Viewing Program V5N
Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Y1A 2C6
tel: (867) 667-5331
fax: (867) 393-6263
http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/viewing/index.html

Flowers Along McIntyre Creek Hiking Trails

2009-06-08T01:02:00.000-07:00

Except for the purple crocus (center top), which is the first flower we see in spring, this is a composite of the June flowers currently in bloom along the hiking trails surrounding McIntyre Creek. The Wild Roses should be the next flowers to blossom, and will enhance the hiking experience with their wonderful fragrance. There are carpets of tiny mauve flowers that almost appear as ground cover, growing in and around rocks, and in the clay soil. I don't need to know the names of these flowers to enjoy them on my hikes. Now is a great time to experience the McIntyre Creek trails and enjoy our wilderness City.

Photos by Gerry Steers
Gerry's Computer Magic

Hot days in June at McIntyre Creek

2009-06-06T01:40:00.001-07:00

It may only have a rocky gravel shoreline for a beach, but Whitehorse citizens and their canines are happy to cool off playing in the McIntyre Creek waters on a hot June day.

Article in Whitehorse Star, June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

By Julius Debuschewitz on June 5, 2009

As some of you know, quite some time ago, I wrote a column about the day my wife, Deborah, and I “discovered” McIntyre Marsh. I told of how we were simply overwhelmed by the beauty of the marsh, the canyon and the wetlands along Fish Lake Road near the Alaska Highway.
Since then, we have gone to that area about once a week, summer and winter, to see what is happening, spot birds and other wildlife, and take photographs.

This beautiful piece of wilderness - literally minutes away from our home - provides us with a place to relax and observe all kinds of creatures, usually in very peaceful surroundings.
We are, of course, not the only ones to take advantage of these amazing wetlands.
Every so often, we run into like-minded people, be they bird watchers, fellow photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, or just folks out for a leisurely walk.

Most of the time, these “users” of the area will stop to exchange not only pleasantries, but also to tell each other about birds and plants they have discovered while out there.
This exchange of information has enabled me to take some nice photographs I would otherwise not have been able to get.

You are probably wondering by now why I am telling you all this. Well, it appears that some folks are bound and determined to develop this area - ducks, birds, coyotes and nature lovers be damned.

Apparently, we have not enough room in the city to build more houses unless we encroach on the few unique wilderness areas we have left around town.

The current city council has already demonstrated its short-sightedness by wanting to build a road through existing greenbelts around Porter Creek to connect with a new housing development in the Whistle Bend area.

I gather broadening existing roads or building a proper connector road to downtown is not in the cards, so walking trails have to go instead.

Now our city fathers have their sights set on the so-called Fish Lake development, which will encroach on the same wetlands I mentioned at the beginning of this column.
The so-called “consultation with residents” is laughable.

Moreover, the city wants to do away with the Green Space Referendum Bylaw, claiming it prohibits changes in the existing Official Community Plan (OCP).
More importantly, Mayor Bev Buckway has apparently pointed out that the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce wants the bylaw to disappear.

Sadly, it seems that greed by developers may once again win out over common sense.
The latter would dictate that we must preserve certain parts of the city to enable wildlife to thrive and residents to recreate close to home.

The whole McIntyre Creek and McIntyre Marsh area teems with wildlife, big and small, and it is also a wildlife corridor. Should we really destroy such an important part of our local eco-system in order to slap up a few more housing units?

Change is inevitable, and our city continues to grow. Alas, growth should be controlled and channeled properly.

Surely there are less sensitive areas fit for development. There seem to be tracts of land along the Alaska Highway in both directions that could be developed with less impact on wildlife.
Why is it that developers have the ear of our city fathers, while the common citizen has to fight for the right to be heard?

Is the lure of a fast buck that tempting? Are citizens so unimportant that their concerns are simply ignored?

We all chose to make our home here in this beautiful part of the world and - for the most part - still beautiful city. Yet, there are some who cannot leave well enough alone.
Whitehorse is not a huge metropolis where park space is at a premium. We are surrounded by beautiful wilderness, which attracts most of us to live here and also is a boon to tourism.

Eroding that beauty, even little by little, might bring short-term gain to some, but in the long run, it will leave us with a much less desirable place to live and to visit.

I know that these pleas will most likely fall on deaf ears. City council has shown time and again that it gets what it wants, regardless of what the citizens of Whitehorse might think.
What our city fathers do forget, however, is the fact that they are elected to serve us.

Arrogance and ignorance will not carry the day, as some of them may find out to their detriment come civic election day this fall.

The writer is a Whitehorse resident.

Wild Life Viewing in the Yukon

2009-06-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/wildlifebiodiversity/wildlifeviewing.php

Check out the above link

Vandals Strike Again - May 31, 2009

2009-05-31T18:04:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how limited the mental capacity is in vandals who needlessly destroy property. This bridge that crosses McIntyre Creek was vandalized between Saturday, May 30 at 3 pm and Sunday, May 31 at 3 pm, by destroying the right side railings. What motivates individuals to destroy public property? If you see anyone who looks suspicious or know anything about this vandalism, please report it to the City and the RCMP. We hope citizens will keep their eyes open to help catch these vandals, and possibly prevent further damage.
Reported by Gerry - a Friend of McIntyre Creek
June 3, 2009 Update - I am happy to report that the bridge has been repaired. Thanks to the City of Whitehorse for taking quick action on this repair.

Barrow's Golden Eye

2009-05-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Photo by Julius Debuschewitz
I noticed the duck in the pond at Icy Waters (the first pond). The photo was taken on the morning of May 18, 2009, with a Canon 50D camera and a Canon 100-400 L lens (focal length 400 mm). We often go down there when we are at the actual Marsh to take a look...
Julius

Writing Contest - Why McIntyre Creek is Your Favourite Place

2009-05-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

Yukon Tourism and What's Up Yukon has teamed up to offer a writing contest. We are asking people to tell What's Up Yukon about their favourite place.

Please send Darrell Hookey 500-word stories on why you think McIntyre Creek is your favourite place. Send photos and he will publish them. And, you could win one of several prizes.

Darrell Hookey,
Editor
What's Up Yukon
How Ya Feeling Yukon
How's Business Yukon
editor@whatsupyukon.com
334-9301 phone
667-2913 fax
www.whatsupyukon.com

OCP Process to Date - Letter from Peter Long

2009-05-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

A letter from Peter Long to OCP -

The Café process was interesting but flawed. People are saying to develop in wetlands, put gravel pits in subdivisions and subdivisions on first nation lands. Asking people to plot where our city should develop in the future with crude maps and a multitude of ill-fitting overlays was poor and should be considered unprofessional.

You easily have enough staff to set up a process for INFORMED decision-making at these community meetings. Just imagine how productive, and fun, a meeting would be then!!

(The maps in this step of the process are designed to not be analysed. For instance, the downtown height map is incomprehensible. Are blue/light blue to be low height/high height? Are non-blue to be anything goes? What about using a real legend for the map?

Generally, where are land selections, existing park boundaries, wetlands, industrial areas, elevation, sewage, dump, Hamilton Extension, land totally unsuitable for development..... Why can't we have a proper base map and a series of overlays that show what the options are. Most people don't have the capability of making overlays and digging out relevant base maps. This seems like it should be the city's job, not ours.)

Looking at the urban residential map, people propose building in places that should be protected. I reiterate, there should be no new development inside the Paddy's Pond Ice Lake area, bounded by existing subdivisions, Alaska Highway, Ice lake Road, Hamilton Blvd Extension.

Fish Lake development is inside the McIntyre Creek wetlands, and overlapping Kwannlin Dun land.

Are you saying Chadburn Lake/Hidden Lake area should lose protection? Forget it!

I think it is important that we keep the referendum process until such time as we get real citizen participation and representation in city processes. Our city is too important to give control without some sort of check on the process. I can't believe that this was a "big" requested item that made it into the Café process. A bit more effort working with citizens and less focus on developers and your legal staff seems in order. There seems to be a concept that for a city to grow we must continue to develop the wilderness we are all so proud of.

Some seem to be in a panic for developing in new empty spaces. As a result, greenspaces are not being dealt with in a reasonable way. Our city should be planned in a way that has less chance of messing up. It's especially sad when you look at what is purported to be the 2009 OCP Vision "maintains and conserves wilderness spaces for future generations."

Think ahead. Each person can not always get a fresh new piece of empty pristine land. Development should not be "okay, that's full, where to next?" "There has to be room for everybody," the mayor noted, pointing to the growing population! Country residential for Robert Service Way? I thought our land was valuable. Land development near the downtown, no matter which side of the river should be high density.

As I pointed out in earlier submissions to this OCP process, people want respect for their opinions. They want to be heard. You have a difficult set of choices that could be community building exercise, not community disrupting.

Please reread my earlier submission for this process. There is a lot of carefully thought out material there. People should not have to make new submissions at each of your stages to be listened either. There should not be a sense of despair and frustration when dealing with an organization paid for by our taxes.

Finally, it's hard for people to comment much until we see the complete OCP document WITH real maps, and whatever the city staff decides they want to do.

Peter
--
--------
Peter Long
K-L Services - 8442 Yukon Ltd.
* organizing information thoughtfully *

McIntyre Creek Clean-Up May 29-31, 2009

2009-05-26T00:40:00.000-07:00

Friends of McIntyre Creek challenge residents to take part in the clean up of winter debris along the watershed and surrounding trails between the Alaska Highway and Mountain View Drive.

For more information or to register bags, contact Aisha at aishakate@hotmail.com

Greenspace Referendum

2009-05-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone - at the last Friends of McIntyre Creek board meeting we
discussed the fact that the City of Whitehorse as part of their Official
Community Plan review is asking whether the Greenspace Referendum Bylaw
should be done away with. Evidently Planner Mike Gau has said that it would
be impossible to make changes that are recommended in the review with this
bylaw in place. I disagree - the only changes that would not be possible
without a referendum would be ones that change park reserves, environmental
protection or greenbelt into development zones. I'm attaching the bylaw for
your info.

http://www.city.whitehorse.yk.ca/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BADA6C371-38A7-4376-A020-33C43181D3B3%7D&DE=%7B46AEBD4F-E2CB-4014-819F-80AF2B121B5A%7D

Mayor Buckway was quoted in the paper as saying it was the Chamber of Commerce that wants the bylaw axed.

Another thing that was raised at the FOMC meeting was that maybe we couldn't
get McIntyre Creek made into a park because of the OCP referendum
requirement. The way I read it is that there might have to be a referendum
before the park was created, but I don't think that would be a bad thing.

I think it is important to let the City know that the referendum bylaw is
valued by residents as a way to ensure a democratic process for zoning and
to protect greenspace from being eroded a little at a time by City Council
in response to rezoning applications.

- Karen

Karen Baltgailis
Executive Director
Yukon Conservation Society
302 Hawkins Street
Whitehorse, Yukon
Canada Y1A 1X6
Tel: (867) 668-5678
Fax: (867) 668-6637
ycsed@ycs.yk.ca
www.yukonconservation.org

Yukon Birdathon! May 29 to May 30, 2009

2009-05-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

Get set for the Yukon Birdathon!

May 29 (start 5pm) to May 30 (finish 5pm)
Dear Birders:
The Yukon Birdathon is approaching quickly. The spring migration is in full swing and there are birds everywhere!
Migratory birds are a reminder that we are directly connected with habitats that span continents. The shorebirds and terns that arrive over the next few weeks may have travelled from southern South America. They depend on the great work of groups like the Yukon Bird Club to protect important habitats.
You can help that work by taking part in the Birdathon. You don’t need to be an expert birder! It’s also fun. One pledge form was included with your recent copy of the Yukon Warbler. If you need more, print them off the YBC website or pick them up at the Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) office at 302 Hawkins Street. Call 668-7370 if you want more information.
YCS has challenged the Bird Club to see which group can raises the most money for conservation. The winning organization receives the “Bluebird Cup” for a year. Attached photo is of the Bluebird Cup. It’s worth winning for our club! Come out and have fun. Our reputation is at stake!
Wendy Boothroyd

http://www.yukonweb.com/community/ybc/yukon-birdathon.pdf
http://www.yukonweb.com/community/ybc/yukon-birdathon-pledge-sheet

Swan, Duck & Wildlife Sightings

2009-04-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

The swans were there as I had surmised. It is a spring ritual, after all! Also, at the Range Road Dump lookout, there were close to 100 swans, about 20 Canada Geese and a plethora of ducks. While cycling on the haul road, I bumped into a moose leaving his drinking hole, located less than a kilometer passed the culvert.

Report and photos by Adam Skutkowski April 29, 2009

American Dipper - McIntyre Creek

2009-04-28T17:27:00.001-07:00

The photo of an American Dipper and location information is provided by Adam Skrutkowski. "It was located about 20 feet downstream of the culvert about 2KM from Fish Lake Road on the Copper Haul Road. I was watching the dipper for a while as it dove into the water every 30 seconds or so to feed on the vertebrae in the water. It chirped away between dives."

Swan Viewing

2009-04-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, April 26, 2009, there were a dozen swans (and more ducks) in the small opening of water.

The best viewing is to walk in to the end of Range Road Dump or along the bluff from the golf course road. Either way, you have to walk in a bit.

Any day now too, there should be some swan viewing at the Hydro Pond, up the Fish Lake Road, as the south end of the pond is opening up.

Adam

History of Yukon Fish & Game in McIntyre Creek - Jon Carney April 1, 2009

2009-04-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Wetlands Education Facility Dream - Tami Hamilton - April 1, 2009

2009-04-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Public Meeting - April 1, 2009

2009-04-19T17:01:00.001-07:00

April 1, 2009 Friends of McIntyre Creek held a public meeting in the Mount McIntyre Recreation Center, to show the value of protecting this area from development. Various Clubs and Organizations, as well as private citizens, spoke about their use of the McIntyre Creek area, and their desire to see it preserved as a nature park. Dorothy Bradley, Director, appears in this photo, with a map of the proposed park area showing in the back.
Representatives of the Klondike Snowmobile Club, Yukon Bird Club, Rock Climbing Club, Dog Mushers, Icy Waters Fish Hatchery, Fish & Game Association, Porter Creek Association, Members of Ta'an and Kwanlin Dunn First Nations, the Yukon College, Yukon Conservation Society, Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club are some of the groups who shared their visions for the proposed park.

Bird Watching May 19, 2009 with Ione Christensen

2009-04-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

May 19, 2009 Bird Watching

2009-04-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Bird Watching

2009-04-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

McIntyre Creek and its wetlands provide a veritable feast of photo opportunities for bird watchers. Bald Eagles, many species of ducks, ravens, chickadees, and many other bird species inhabit this area, nesting and rearing their young, and passing through to other breeding and feeding grounds.

Moose, deer, bear, wolves, foxes, coyotes, lynx, beavers, porcupine, squirrels, and rabbits are also found along this wildlife corridor that the McIntyre Creek runs through. There are also several fish species, as well as flora and fauna for the nature lovers to explore.

All this nature is within the City of Whitehorse bounderies and is a treasure and jewel that the Friends of McIntyre wish to preserve for future generations. A lot of the area is easily accessible by foot from the residents homes, providing exercise and enjoyment for the citizens, as well as an area for students from the nearby schools to study nature.

Some of the activities enjoyed along the creek are hiking, walking with dogs, dog mushing, fishing, orienteering, rock climbing, skiing, skidooing, ATV'ing, bird watching to mention a few.

Friends of McIntyre Vision Statement and Proposal

2009-04-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

Check out our vision statement:
http://cid-bfa5834fa546e27e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/Friends%20of%20McIntyre%20Creek%20Vision%20Statement.doc

This is our proposal for the envisioned park inside the City of Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada:
http://cid-bfa5834fa546e27e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/McIntyre%20Creek%20Park%20Proposal.doc

Friends of McIntyre Creek Blog

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Letter to Council from Mike Tribes, Porter Creek Resident

Let's Fill the Room on December 12th!

NEWS Release Dec. 10-11

City Council Decision on Middle McIntyre Creek December 12th

Flooded Creek - November 23, 2011

Petititon to Save McIntyre Creek Corridor

New Eagle on the Perch

November 5, 2011 - Bridge and ice

Petition to Protect Middle McIntyre Creek

The Classroom of the Outdoors

Wildlife Sightings - Nov 2, 2011

November 3, 2011 IMPORTANT MEETING

Media Release October 28, 2011

6 day photo challenge

CBC Interview Oct 4, 2011

Trans Canada Trail Bridge over McIntyre Creek

McIntyre Creek Educational Value - Oct 4, 2011

The Great Miss-Stake - Press Conference September 29, 2011

Educational Value of McIntyre Creek

Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup 2011

Restoration Work September 24, 2011

Spring activities

Ugly Duckling??

Easter Weekend

Signs of Spring - We need your Help

Spring is on its way & Jane Goodall Comments

Bridges Across McIntyre Creek - December 2010

New Bridges - McIntyre Creek November 2010

Residents of McIntyre Creek

Fall 2010 - McIntyre Creek Scenes

Wetland Keepers Program

TD Shore Cleanup - McIntyre Creek

Which Side Are You On?

McIntyre Creek Walk August 8, 2010 with Tami Hamilton

Housing Development being Pushed by City Planners

Surveyors at McIntyre Creek - July 26, 2010

McIntyre Creek happenings July 25, 2010 - Ninja

Warning - This Could be Whitehorse!

Thank You Mackenzie Morgan

July 8, 2010 at McIntyre Creek

Strange Happenings at McIntyre Creek

Spring Celebration 2010 Report

Schedule for the June 11, 12, 13, 2010 Events

First Annual General Meeting June 14, 2010

McIntyre Beach?

Flowers

Garbage at the Creek

Bird Watching

Family Enjoys McIntyre Creek Picnic

Hansard Yukon Recognizes McIntyre Creek

Yukon Bird Observatory blog

TD Great Canadian Shore Cleanup

Biodiversity of McIntyre Creek

Things of Interest about McIntyre Creek

Invasive Species

Friends of McIntyre Creek - A Registered Society

Moose along McIntyre Creek

TD Canadian Shore Cleanup - Sept 19/09

Elk Bugling - Sept. 24, 2009 at 6:30 pm

TD Great Canadian Shore Cleanup September 19, 2009

Alaska - CNIPM Workshop

Weeds Across Borders 2010

Summer Heat at McIntyre Creek

August 7 - Interpretive Walk

August 9, McIntyre Creek Walk

YCS SPECIAL INTERPRETIVE EVENTS

McIntyre Creek - Samurai Club June 2009

Biodiversity Walk August 9, 2009 at 4:00 pm

Road from Whistlebend proposed through McIntyre Creek

Whistle Bend will need expensive road changes

By Stephanie Waddell on June 15, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Botony BC at Muncho Lake - July 15th, 2009

Flowers Along McIntyre Creek Hiking Trails

Hot days in June at McIntyre Creek

Article in Whitehorse Star, June 5, 2009

Wild Life Viewing in the Yukon

Vandals Strike Again - May 31, 2009

Barrow's Golden Eye