Monday, January 21, 2008

The final leg- Cottonwood Island to Cameron Street Bridge


Looking West down the Nechako, about a KM from the confluence (just beyond Cottonwood Island park), taken September 2006 B4 the floods. Edge erosion was common, the city did not spend a lot of coin on trail improvements in this area.

This section of the trail was destroyed by the floods of 2007/2008.It's survival is in question, as Cottonwood Island Park is under a few meters of water as the Nechako flows over it now. During the Spring and summer of 2007, the river swelled it's banks to the highest levels seen in 50 + years. The swift water quickly eroded the paved sections of the trail, and returned the "natural areas" to their natural impassible states. During the winter of 07/08 the Nechako again flooded as ice jams piled up for over 7 Kms and water levels reached the highest levels in over 200 years! Please support any efforts to restore the "accessibility to all" this area once had; it is our history.
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Past the POW-WOW grounds you will cross a wooden bridge onto Cottonwood Island. This bridge has runners for conventional vehicles so it can be a little difficult for some small tired scooters and power chairs to navigate. Go slow. These river channels are common through Cottonwood Island park and add to the natural beauty of the area. They are the overflow channels for the Nechako river and many lifeforms gather here for water, rest and an abundance of food.

The confluence of these two rivers opened up historical trade routes in North America. About 60 miles up river on the Nechako, the Stuart River joins it, flowing from Stuart Lake (BC's 3rd largest lake) @ Ft St James. Stuart Lake drains one end into the Pacific watershed (through the Nechako to the Fraser) and the other end drains north west to the Arctic watershed through a series of confluences to the Mackenzie River.

Wildlife came in abundance, bringing hunters from all over the continent. Traders and Raiders would meet here for centuries before the Europeans moved in and set up the first settlement and supply cache in this area. In fact, our first City Hall was also in this area. As you walk this part of the trail, you are reminded of our past ignorance and the struggle return this area to it's natural state. You are also reminded of our importance in the environment and how we can influence it.

Look to your left after crossing the bridge. A weathered map kiosk shows how not to get lost inside the park as there is a multitude of natural unpaved trails. It is a wise idea to have noise makers like bells and whistles available beyond this point. Wildlife is in abundance through the park to the end at the bridge. You can go the semi exciting route through the trail edge of Cottonwood Island with its spectacular views of the Nechako River or you can go down any of the trails inside the park to exit at a parking lot. Inside Cottonwood, there is lots of natural scenery.

The trails inside the park follow the backwater drainage areas of the Nechako River and are usually filled with waterfowl. Trail markers identify the plant and animal life you may encounter while exploring. Pavement ends inside the park; the creators wanted to keep it as natural as possible. Pavement returns just past the park so relax and enjoy nature in Prince George's backyard. Wander through the trails and have fun. You will end up at the parking lot or back on the trail if you get confused and misdirected so do not panic. There are wood spirits carved high in the trees, look for them.

If you exit in the parking lot, it is beside the Railway and Forestry museum. We recommend that little diversion. You can climb on big trains and read of their histories here as well as learning about our logging history.

If you happen to end up going further upriver you will pass industry on both sides of the river, as well as a fish hatchery and various environmental efforts to try and recover from the human footprint of centuries of habitation. There is about 2 Km's to go here to the Cameron street Bridge trail exit.

The scenery of this area is typical of the fauna and flora of the area. The first picture was taken looking towards the Fraser river on the return trip just past Cottonwood, the second is just past Cottonwood heading towards Cameron St Bridge. Prince George Walk-N-Roll Publications hopes you enjoyed have enjoyed the tour and please take the time to remember the memories that you may personally carry.

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