New Bridges - McIntyre Creek November 2010

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

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

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

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