Impacts of Recreation on the Takhini
In May 1994 the ES class studied a popular paddling section of the Takhini River from Kusua Lake down to Steamboat Landing where the Mendenhal joins the Takhini. We set out to identify and map human impacts along the river, identifying and picking up litter, mapping fire scars and campsites the had left visible traces of their presence. We mapped these on a 1:10,000 scale map. Students walked both shores over the three day period it took to complete the survey.
From our survey, it became apparent that some specific areas needed public attention. The area around the "Gums" needs some attention. It is an assembly place. Many portage the rapids while other groups may run the rapids a number of times. This simply means that people spend time ashore at this location. There were many signs of people defecating in the surrounding area without disposing of the waste appropriately. This was also seen at Mendenhall landing. Students sent a letter to YTG Parks suggesting that outdoor toilets be located at both these locations. The number of fire scars, one leading to a localized forest fire, suggests some more effective managements needs to be applied. Identification of specific stop and camping locations was a recommendation the students made the YTG Parks.
In May 1994 the ES class studied a popular paddling section of the Takhini River from Kusua Lake down to Steamboat Landing where the Mendenhal joins the Takhini. We set out to identify and map human impacts along the river, identifying and picking up litter, mapping fire scars and campsites the had left visible traces of their presence. We mapped these on a 1:10,000 scale map. Students walked both shores over the three day period it took to complete the survey.
From our survey, it became apparent that some specific areas needed public attention. The area around the "Gums" needs some attention. It is an assembly place. Many portage the rapids while other groups may run the rapids a number of times. This simply means that people spend time ashore at this location. There were many signs of people defecating in the surrounding area without disposing of the waste appropriately. This was also seen at Mendenhall landing. Students sent a letter to YTG Parks suggesting that outdoor toilets be located at both these locations. The number of fire scars, one leading to a localized forest fire, suggests some more effective managements needs to be applied. Identification of specific stop and camping locations was a recommendation the students made the YTG Parks.