Wetland Keepers Program

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

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?

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

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

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

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Surveyors at McIntyre Creek - July 26, 2010

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

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?