Coast Mountain News Thursday, July 21, 2011
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$1.00 + HST Vol. 27 | No. 15 Thursday, July 21, 2011
Senior Park Ranger Bree Matthewman and BC Parks Mascot Jerry the Moose host a community celebration of our local parks
Tweedsmuir Park celebrates 73rd birthday BY CHRISTINA BOUCHER BC Parks hosted a celebration on Saturday, July 16th at the Atnarko Fisheries Pool. An enthusiastic crowd of over one hundred people gathered to recognize the 100th anniversary of the provincial parks system as well as the 73rd birthday of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park. The weekend also served to commemorate the arrival of Sir Alexander Mackenzie in the Bella Coola Valley via the Grease Trail 218 years ago. The Burnt Bridge conservancy, or
what was then called “Friendly Village” by the explorer, was the site where amicable First Nations guides were instrumental in aiding Mackenzie’s transport down the Valley. At this past weekend’s celebration, BC Parks mascot Jerry the Moose was in attendance to welcome the audience, to entertain the many excited children, and to cut the Tweedsmuir Park birthday cake. Jennifer Andy was present to offer a welcoming address to the audience as a representative of the Schooner family,
whose traditional territory is located within the area known as Tweedsmuir Park. Senior Park Ranger Bree Matthewman spoke about her hopes for Tweedsmuir Park in the current season: “The Park is here to be enjoyed by the community, and offers so many opportunities for hiking and exploring.” Bella Coola Area Supervisor for BC Parks Wes DeArmond also recognized the value that Tweedsmuir Park adds to the Valley. “The Park is an asset to the local environment, helping
to provide clean air and water as well as rich biodiversity.” DeArmond described the multitude of diverse geoclimatic zones and wildlife found within the Park boundaries, noting the dry, arid regions that are home to the alligator lizard, as well as the damp regions where the rough skin newt may be found. Another unique feature of Tweedsmuir Park is the Esker Trail, which begins at the Atnarko Fisheries Pool site. This trail is not officially listed in guidebooks, and thus the
Esker Trail hikes were a special highlight of the Parks Day celebration. Thanks to knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides Jeff Bray, Doug Baker, Katie Hayhurst and Dennis Kuch. The Belarko Bear Viewing Station is scheduled to open September 1st through October, and is an excellent site to view not only bears, but also fish and other wildlife. Thanks to all the volunteers and organizers who contributed to the success of the Parks Day event.