Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 30, Hike
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Middle McIntyre Creek Timeline
Middle McIntyre Creek Timeline
1992 - the Yukon Department of Education hosts an information meeting to discuss management
of College Endowment Lands. A map produced at the time shows the College Endowment Lands
encompassing all the undeveloped land north of the College between Mountainview Drive and the Alaska
Highway, south of Porter Creek. Proposed at this time is a Board made up of representatives from the
City of Whitehorse, Yukon College and the Yukon government who would develop a land use plan for the
area for public review and comment.
1993 - the Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN) propose a land claim selection (C-14) in the area where the
City of Whitehorse is currently proposing to develop the Porter Creek-D subdivision.
1996 - the Yukon Government Departments of Community and Transportation Services and Environment
express interest in the greenspace proposed to be Yukon College Endowment Lands and commit to further
consultation with concerned parties once First Nation land claims have been settled in the area.
1997 - petition presented to Yukon Legislature by Pat Duncan, MLA for Yukon Liberal Party, urging the
government to “ensure the lands were protected and to designate these lands as a park.” Government of
the day responds with “Further consideration will be given to the specific park land petition once the First
Nation land claims are settled in the area.” Also, “this area has previously been identified as potential
future endowment lands for Yukon College and the Minister of Environment has made a commitment
to consult with all the parties involved including the residents of Porter Creek before making any final
decisions about the land.”
2000 – AEM Ltd. produces a report titled Defining Ecologically-Based Significant Wildlife Areas for
the City of Whitehorse: Expanded Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping Program. This report states: “The
McIntyre Creek Corridor represents the largest contiguous Significant Wildlife Area within the City of
Whitehorse”
2001 - the Yukon government advises KDFN they want the proposed C-14 area for other purposes,
including college expansion, environmental studies programs and general green space. KDFN drops their
land claim selection in the area.
2002 - the Whitehorse Official Community Plan (OCP) designates the land in Middle McIntyre Creek east
of the Pine Street Extension and north of McIntyre Creek as Residential-Urban.
2005 - Pine Street Extension Porter Creek Feasibility Study completed in September and presented to
the public. City of Whitehorse undertakes public consultations on proposed Phase D of the Porter Creek
development, also known as the Pine Street extension. In December, City withdraws from planning
process because of conflicting plans for the land – Education Minister, John Edzerza, committed to
endowing the land to Yukon College, while Community Services minister, Glenn Hart, announced
consultations on turning the area into park land.
2006 - the Yukon Department of Community Services holds a series of Public Open House Meetings to
discuss McIntyre Creek land use.
2008 – May, first meeting of the Friends of McIntyre Creek (incorporated as a Society in November
2009).
2009 - Minister of Environment, Elaine Taylor, responds to requests from the opposition to protect
McIntyre Creek from development by deferring responsibility to the municipal government.
2010 – Minister of Environment, John Edzerza, indicates his support for protection of the McIntyre Creek
Corridor for its ecological, educational and recreational values. The Whitehorse OCP rezones a section
of Greenspace west of the Pine Street Extension to Residential-Urban, resulting in the current crescent
shaped area of land proposed for the Porter Creek-D subdivision. The 2010 OCP makes no mention of
College Endowment Lands and the land around the Yukon College, designated “Public Service”, has
shrunk to a fraction of its original size, much of which is taken up by the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.
2011
February – Friends of McIntyre Creek (FOMC) and Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) hold Middle
McIntyre Creek Workshop to collect information from local experts on wildlife and habitat in the area.
Summer – Yukon Fish and Game Association (YFGA) funded project to revegetate former creek crossing
near the Pumphouse.
August – Yukon Liberal Party calls for permanent protection for the McIntyre Creek corridor.
September – the Great Miss-Stake – FOMC stakes Middle McIntyre Creek to show the public
the location and scale of the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision.
November – EDI McIntyre Creek Wildlife Corridor Assessment released. FOMC holds their
own Open House in conjunction with the City of Whitehorse Open House. Over 500 comments
submitted to City, the majority opposed to the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision.
December 1 – City of Whitehorse By-election. Eight of the thirteen candidates are in favour
of protecting McIntyre Creek from the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision. Kirk Cameron,
supporter of protection for Middle McIntyre Creek, is elected to City Council.
December 7 - Petition to protect Middle McIntyre Creek presented to the Yukon Legislative
Assembly. Over 350 signatures
December 12 – City Council votes to award contract for pre-design and planning for the Porter
Creek-D subdivision to HB Lanarc
1992 - the Yukon Department of Education hosts an information meeting to discuss management
of College Endowment Lands. A map produced at the time shows the College Endowment Lands
encompassing all the undeveloped land north of the College between Mountainview Drive and the Alaska
Highway, south of Porter Creek. Proposed at this time is a Board made up of representatives from the
City of Whitehorse, Yukon College and the Yukon government who would develop a land use plan for the
area for public review and comment.
1993 - the Kwanlin Dun First Nation (KDFN) propose a land claim selection (C-14) in the area where the
City of Whitehorse is currently proposing to develop the Porter Creek-D subdivision.
1996 - the Yukon Government Departments of Community and Transportation Services and Environment
express interest in the greenspace proposed to be Yukon College Endowment Lands and commit to further
consultation with concerned parties once First Nation land claims have been settled in the area.
1997 - petition presented to Yukon Legislature by Pat Duncan, MLA for Yukon Liberal Party, urging the
government to “ensure the lands were protected and to designate these lands as a park.” Government of
the day responds with “Further consideration will be given to the specific park land petition once the First
Nation land claims are settled in the area.” Also, “this area has previously been identified as potential
future endowment lands for Yukon College and the Minister of Environment has made a commitment
to consult with all the parties involved including the residents of Porter Creek before making any final
decisions about the land.”
2000 – AEM Ltd. produces a report titled Defining Ecologically-Based Significant Wildlife Areas for
the City of Whitehorse: Expanded Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping Program. This report states: “The
McIntyre Creek Corridor represents the largest contiguous Significant Wildlife Area within the City of
Whitehorse”
2001 - the Yukon government advises KDFN they want the proposed C-14 area for other purposes,
including college expansion, environmental studies programs and general green space. KDFN drops their
land claim selection in the area.
2002 - the Whitehorse Official Community Plan (OCP) designates the land in Middle McIntyre Creek east
of the Pine Street Extension and north of McIntyre Creek as Residential-Urban.
2005 - Pine Street Extension Porter Creek Feasibility Study completed in September and presented to
the public. City of Whitehorse undertakes public consultations on proposed Phase D of the Porter Creek
development, also known as the Pine Street extension. In December, City withdraws from planning
process because of conflicting plans for the land – Education Minister, John Edzerza, committed to
endowing the land to Yukon College, while Community Services minister, Glenn Hart, announced
consultations on turning the area into park land.
2006 - the Yukon Department of Community Services holds a series of Public Open House Meetings to
discuss McIntyre Creek land use.
2008 – May, first meeting of the Friends of McIntyre Creek (incorporated as a Society in November
2009).
2009 - Minister of Environment, Elaine Taylor, responds to requests from the opposition to protect
McIntyre Creek from development by deferring responsibility to the municipal government.
2010 – Minister of Environment, John Edzerza, indicates his support for protection of the McIntyre Creek
Corridor for its ecological, educational and recreational values. The Whitehorse OCP rezones a section
of Greenspace west of the Pine Street Extension to Residential-Urban, resulting in the current crescent
shaped area of land proposed for the Porter Creek-D subdivision. The 2010 OCP makes no mention of
College Endowment Lands and the land around the Yukon College, designated “Public Service”, has
shrunk to a fraction of its original size, much of which is taken up by the Whitehorse Correctional Centre.
2011
February – Friends of McIntyre Creek (FOMC) and Yukon Conservation Society (YCS) hold Middle
McIntyre Creek Workshop to collect information from local experts on wildlife and habitat in the area.
Summer – Yukon Fish and Game Association (YFGA) funded project to revegetate former creek crossing
near the Pumphouse.
August – Yukon Liberal Party calls for permanent protection for the McIntyre Creek corridor.
September – the Great Miss-Stake – FOMC stakes Middle McIntyre Creek to show the public
the location and scale of the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision.
November – EDI McIntyre Creek Wildlife Corridor Assessment released. FOMC holds their
own Open House in conjunction with the City of Whitehorse Open House. Over 500 comments
submitted to City, the majority opposed to the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision.
December 1 – City of Whitehorse By-election. Eight of the thirteen candidates are in favour
of protecting McIntyre Creek from the proposed Porter Creek-D subdivision. Kirk Cameron,
supporter of protection for Middle McIntyre Creek, is elected to City Council.
December 7 - Petition to protect Middle McIntyre Creek presented to the Yukon Legislative
Assembly. Over 350 signatures
December 12 – City Council votes to award contract for pre-design and planning for the Porter
Creek-D subdivision to HB Lanarc
New Executive for the 2012-13 term
I am pleased to announce that at tonight's meeting our new Board Executive was chosen:
We have Dorothy Bradley, as returning President,
John Carney agreed to be Vice President when past VP Gerry Steers declined.
Karen Baltgailis, as Secretary/Treasurer - we combined the Secretary and Treasurer this year into one position.
with Christina Macdonald agreeing to be the Minute taker
The remaining members of the Board are: returning Directors Gerry Steers, Al von Finster, Michael Bendall, Jeffrey Marynowski, and our new member joining us this term, Cathy Deacon.
We wish to thank outgoing Treasurer Lidia Krukowska for her work for us this past year.
We look forward to working together this new term for the preservation of the McIntyre Creek area, and with the hope of having it designated as a Park.
We have Dorothy Bradley, as returning President,
John Carney agreed to be Vice President when past VP Gerry Steers declined.
Karen Baltgailis, as Secretary/Treasurer - we combined the Secretary and Treasurer this year into one position.
with Christina Macdonald agreeing to be the Minute taker
The remaining members of the Board are: returning Directors Gerry Steers, Al von Finster, Michael Bendall, Jeffrey Marynowski, and our new member joining us this term, Cathy Deacon.
We wish to thank outgoing Treasurer Lidia Krukowska for her work for us this past year.
We look forward to working together this new term for the preservation of the McIntyre Creek area, and with the hope of having it designated as a Park.
Creek Update - May 29
On my hike today, I came across Al von Finster watering the young trees in the restored creek banks. He had a look at the slime and felt it was only algae, which could be from a number of different causes, but did not think it was anything to be too concerned about at the level it is now.
I was happy to learn that some of the tiny sticks that were planted last year are beginning to sprout. It will be exciting to watch them begin to grow into trees.
I was happy to learn that some of the tiny sticks that were planted last year are beginning to sprout. It will be exciting to watch them begin to grow into trees.
Monday, May 28, 2012
May 28 - Vandals
Vandals have destroyed the fence protecting the replanted area along McIntyre Creek. I didn't see who did it, but the tires tracks right down to the destroyed fence, kind gave me a hint of who the perps were. Fortunately the planted trees had not been damaged, and I hope this remains the case.
The sign on the fence just went up in the last while, and I kind of wonder if that sign was the catalyst to the vandals' actions. I was so pleased to see all last year, and all winter, the fence was not attacked. Yet not that long after the sign went up, the damage took place.
We talk about sharing the McIntyre Creek area, some for non-motorized use and others for motorized vehicles, but I have to admit it makes me less considerate of the motorized users when I see this kind of senseless damage. I know that not all motorized users are vandals, but all motorized vehicles cause damage with their huge tires churning up the ground, when they travel the trails. All it takes is a few vandals causing damage to sour people's attitudes towards them.
The sign on the fence just went up in the last while, and I kind of wonder if that sign was the catalyst to the vandals' actions. I was so pleased to see all last year, and all winter, the fence was not attacked. Yet not that long after the sign went up, the damage took place.
We talk about sharing the McIntyre Creek area, some for non-motorized use and others for motorized vehicles, but I have to admit it makes me less considerate of the motorized users when I see this kind of senseless damage. I know that not all motorized users are vandals, but all motorized vehicles cause damage with their huge tires churning up the ground, when they travel the trails. All it takes is a few vandals causing damage to sour people's attitudes towards them.
More Slime photos
After reading the previous post about the slime, I went back to view the slime, and although there was less around the shoreline, I believe what the poster showed, is what I see in the Creek. I haven't gotten any samples, so if any of you have sterile containers, and wish to take samples for testing, please do.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Slime - a reply from Yukon Invasive Species Council
This alga, also known as “Rock Snot”, has been found in the Yukon and Kathleen rivers,
but it may be elsewhere in Yukon.
Didymo is a potential invasive species.
It can degrade fisheries, the aquatic ecosystem, and the look and feel of lakes and rivers.
Photo: Environment Canada
How do I identify it?
Didymo may be found in both lakes and rivers.
It ranges in colour from brownish yellow to white and is found in shallow water.
Though it may look smooth, Didymo feels rough to the touch, like wet cotton wool.
What can I do about it?
Humans are the main way that Didymo is moved around. Boats, trailers, fishing gear, and wading
boots made of felt in particular, are some of the main ways in which Didymo, and other aquatic
species are moved from water to water. Didymo cells can survive for up to 40 days in felt soles under
cool damp and dark conditions.
Make sure you wash and thoroughly dry all of your gear before moving between waters.
Yukon College Endowment Lands
Hello Friends of McIntyre Creek,
A reminder that the Yukon College is holding a public input session tonight (May 23) at 7pm at the Association franco-yukonnaise (L'AFY), 302 Strickland St. If you can't attend the session in person, you can submit comments online until June 1. Follow this link to provide input online:
www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/about/
This is an important opportunity to share your thoughts on how you see the College evolving and adapting to the future. More specifically, this is an opportunity to tell the Yukon College how important protecting McIntyre Creek is to the future of the College.
Please consider the following when submitting comments:
Any lands that are designated College Endowment Lands need to be managed with the participation of the public and local organizations and in a way that ensures the ecological, recreational and educational values are protected. A large buffer must be maintained along McIntyre Creek – the 250m buffer (125m each side) suggested by the EDI McIntyre Creek Wildlife Corridor Assessment (2011) is not sufficient. The College should be encouraged to ask for a Park designation for lands that are not designated College Endowment Lands.
A reminder that the Yukon College is holding a public input session tonight (May 23) at 7pm at the Association franco-yukonnaise (L'AFY), 302 Strickland St. If you can't attend the session in person, you can submit comments online until June 1. Follow this link to provide input online:
www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/about/
This is an important opportunity to share your thoughts on how you see the College evolving and adapting to the future. More specifically, this is an opportunity to tell the Yukon College how important protecting McIntyre Creek is to the future of the College.
Please consider the following when submitting comments:
Any lands that are designated College Endowment Lands need to be managed with the participation of the public and local organizations and in a way that ensures the ecological, recreational and educational values are protected. A large buffer must be maintained along McIntyre Creek – the 250m buffer (125m each side) suggested by the EDI McIntyre Creek Wildlife Corridor Assessment (2011) is not sufficient. The College should be encouraged to ask for a Park designation for lands that are not designated College Endowment Lands.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Slime - May 10, 2011
For the first time I have found slime in the Middle McIntyre Creek area. I have seen this slime further up Creek near the Fish Lake road, but not this low down. Does anyone know why this is forming?Is it something we need to be concerned about?
May 9, 2012
I saw the first crocuses along the banks over the little lake yesterday. They had been out in another of our hiking areas a week ago, but this is certainly a sign of spring at McIntyre Creek. The ice is still on the lake, but is getting less each day.
There are some interesting ice formations at the bridge closest to the Yukon College where it had flooded earlier, and now the ice is breaking up.
The AGM had a lower attendance than we had anticipated, but the participants were very eager and committed to preserving the middle McIntyre Creek area from development of Porter Creek D. The officers will be chosen at the next Board meeting which will be May 29th.
Our Treasurer, Lidia Krukowska had to resign, as her day job was taking up all her time. We thank Lidia for her contribution to our Society over the past year. Cathy Deacon joined our Board, and we look forward to her help this coming year.
You are reminded to send in your membership forms, and please do indicate where you are willing to participate as more willing hands make the work easier for all.
It is interesting to learn that mining and exploration is down 40% (reported by CBC), and in fact people who have been employed, are now looking to the Northwest Territories for work. Helicopters are waiting on their pads for business that appears to have dropped off.. So true to the boom and bust nature of the economy, we are on a downturn. This just proves the panic that real estate was having that we needed to develop McIntyre Creek for housing was false, just as we have been saying all along.
If any of you have been trying to find us on Facebook, I have discovered why I could never find it,. The name "McIntyre" was misspelled as "McIntryre". We have requested the person who manages our Facebook site to make a correction. I am not familiar with Facebook processes, so don't know if this is easy, possible or if we will have to set up with a new name. So in the meantime of you are looking for our presence, you will understand why it is hard to find.
We are beginning to plan a clean up for McIntyre Creek to tie into the Great Canadian Cleanup program. If you know of an area along the Creek, upper, lower, middle, or wherever that can use our efforts, please let us know. You can email friendsofmcintyre@gmail.com. In my hike yesterday, I was rather pleased that the middle area I hike, did not appear to have much garbage left over from the winter, so whether other hikers are cleaning up as they walk, or people are being more considerate of the environment, I don't know, but it was improved over past years. There are still left overs from local partiers by the Pump House, but even that doesn't appear to be as cluttered as previous years.
I am getting a new camera, and will be definitely out and about capturing more pictures of this gorgeous area. We saw a fox yesterday, but were already in the car driving on the access road to the Pump House, and wasn't able to capture a photo before the fox reached the trees on the Takhini side.
There are some interesting ice formations at the bridge closest to the Yukon College where it had flooded earlier, and now the ice is breaking up.
The AGM had a lower attendance than we had anticipated, but the participants were very eager and committed to preserving the middle McIntyre Creek area from development of Porter Creek D. The officers will be chosen at the next Board meeting which will be May 29th.
Our Treasurer, Lidia Krukowska had to resign, as her day job was taking up all her time. We thank Lidia for her contribution to our Society over the past year. Cathy Deacon joined our Board, and we look forward to her help this coming year.
You are reminded to send in your membership forms, and please do indicate where you are willing to participate as more willing hands make the work easier for all.
It is interesting to learn that mining and exploration is down 40% (reported by CBC), and in fact people who have been employed, are now looking to the Northwest Territories for work. Helicopters are waiting on their pads for business that appears to have dropped off.. So true to the boom and bust nature of the economy, we are on a downturn. This just proves the panic that real estate was having that we needed to develop McIntyre Creek for housing was false, just as we have been saying all along.
If any of you have been trying to find us on Facebook, I have discovered why I could never find it,. The name "McIntyre" was misspelled as "McIntryre". We have requested the person who manages our Facebook site to make a correction. I am not familiar with Facebook processes, so don't know if this is easy, possible or if we will have to set up with a new name. So in the meantime of you are looking for our presence, you will understand why it is hard to find.
We are beginning to plan a clean up for McIntyre Creek to tie into the Great Canadian Cleanup program. If you know of an area along the Creek, upper, lower, middle, or wherever that can use our efforts, please let us know. You can email friendsofmcintyre@gmail.com. In my hike yesterday, I was rather pleased that the middle area I hike, did not appear to have much garbage left over from the winter, so whether other hikers are cleaning up as they walk, or people are being more considerate of the environment, I don't know, but it was improved over past years. There are still left overs from local partiers by the Pump House, but even that doesn't appear to be as cluttered as previous years.
I am getting a new camera, and will be definitely out and about capturing more pictures of this gorgeous area. We saw a fox yesterday, but were already in the car driving on the access road to the Pump House, and wasn't able to capture a photo before the fox reached the trees on the Takhini side.
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