Loggers Creek and Nature Trail
Combined with the busy Loggers Creek Trail, Nature Trail provides a large area of paths among old trees, wetlands and bubbling brooks.
Prior to the Mamquam River changing its course westward in 1921, this area was its estuary. The maze of side channels along the original path of the river provided the necessary mixing of fresh and tidal waters that salmon and trout need for rearing juveniles. This was a prolific fishing area and the Squamish people caught a lot of their wintering supplies in the old mouth of the Mamquam River.
Eulachon, which are similar to anchovies but more oily, were a major catch that was important for over-wintering and trade with inland people. Their ancient site, Q’xa’xan, meaning stockade, was located on an island that was roughly between where the Squamish Adventure Centre and the high school are now.
When the flow of fresh water stopped in 1921 and the dike along Centennial Way was built in 1922, these wetlands stagnated and the fish departed.
Bring the Fish Back
The goal of the Mamquam River Reunion project is to restore the flow of fresh water into these wetlands, thereby bringing fish back to the area.
The work began in 2006 with the installation of an intake and piping under the dike and Centennial Way.
Water flow is controlled and freshwater is slowly revitalizing these wetlands. In 2013, a few pinks were sighted above the Adventure Centre for the first time in 80 years.
Squamish River Watershed Society continues to monitor the progress of the reunion project and will be doing other enhancements in this area, such as tagging heritage trees and setting up protected breeding sites for the endangered red-legged frog. Trail users are urged to keep their pets on leash throughout the area. Interpretive signs will eventually be placed there.
Black Roast Trail
The Squamish Trail Society has cleared the defunct path along the south side of Finch Street between Highway 99 and Loggers Creek Trail.
An interim name of Black Roast Trail has been assigned to this trail because it leads across the highway to Tim Hortons.
Crossfit Squamish helped spread new crush mix on the rooty sections of this trail on a rainy Sunday in mid-October. The help of these friendly muscle-builders was much appreciated. Funds donated by Squamish Youth Triathlon were used to improve this section of the trail.
Loggers Lane
Loggers Lane was the route for the first railroad built by the Howe Sound and Northern Company from 1910 to 1915. A few low trestles were used to get over the swampy floodplain that existed in the area.
After the rail line shifted to its present route in the 1950s, the old railbed was converted to a road not by the government, but by the Squamish Loggers Trucking Association, hence the name Loggers Lane.
The Squamish and District Forestry Association is actively pursuing its goal for a forestry museum near the Adventure Centre. In the meantime, the association has been repairing and placing historic logging equipment between Rose Park and Brennan Park.
The association has also been a strong proponent for a community forest and final plans are soon to be completed with the Squamish Nation. Forestry has always played a large role in our community and continues to be an economic driver.
LOGGERS CREEK TRAIL
Growing Pains
As our population continues to grow – forecast at 30,000 by 2030 – residential and commercial buildings will squeeze up against recreational lands and sensitive wildlife habitat. The 30 metres on either side of watercourses will become more difficult to protect. Yet, such protection is mandated by environmental laws and is common sense. We all need to be vigilant and monitor the pace of progress, not to stop the inevitable but to not forget the other denizens of our planet and our own need for recreational space.
GALLERY: Click on images for lightbox.
