Atlin-Taku Planning Area Background Report - Integrated Land ...
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<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> <strong>Planning</strong> <strong>Area</strong><br />
<strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong>:<br />
An Overview of Natural, Cultural, and<br />
Socio-Economic Features, <strong>Land</strong> Uses<br />
and Resources Management<br />
Prepared by:<br />
Hannah Horn and Greg C. Tamblyn<br />
Prepared for:<br />
Prince Rupert Interagency<br />
Management Committee<br />
Smithers, B.C<br />
June 2002
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
The authors would like to thank the many people who provided their knowledge and<br />
expertise to making of this report. In particular, we would like to thank all of the agency<br />
staff who contributed much information and time by providing data, map products, and<br />
reports, contributing local knowledge, or reviewing the document for technical accuracy and<br />
completeness. Thanks also to the GIS people at Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks,<br />
who prepared the maps.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
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TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
LIST OF TABLES...............................................................................................................................................V<br />
LIST OF MAPS ................................................................................................................................................. VI<br />
LIST OF ACRONYMS....................................................................................................................................VII<br />
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE............................................................................................................1<br />
2.0 THE ATLIN TAKU PLAN AREA ..............................................................................................................1<br />
2.1 THE BIOPHYSICAL SETTING .........................................................................................................................1<br />
2.1.1 Geography and climate.......................................................................................................................1<br />
2.1.2 Ecosystem classification .....................................................................................................................2<br />
2.2 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................5<br />
2.2.1 History of the area ..............................................................................................................................5<br />
2.2.2 Communities .......................................................................................................................................7<br />
2.2.3 Economy and employment ..................................................................................................................8<br />
2.2.4 First Nations .....................................................................................................................................14<br />
2.2.5 Local government and community representation ............................................................................18<br />
3.0 RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND VALUES..........................................................................................19<br />
3.1 BEDROCK GEOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................19<br />
3.2 VEGETATION ECOLOGY .............................................................................................................................22<br />
3.2.1 Overview of ecosystems ....................................................................................................................22<br />
3.2.2 Forest Types......................................................................................................................................23<br />
3.2.3 Rare ecosystems................................................................................................................................25<br />
3.3 TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE ............................................................................................................................25<br />
3.3.1 Assessing habitat values....................................................................................................................26<br />
3.3.2 Wildlife species at risk in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area ...................................................................28<br />
3.3.3 Other species of interest....................................................................................................................32<br />
3.3.4 Current wildlife management strategies ...........................................................................................34<br />
3.4 FRESHWATER FISH.....................................................................................................................................36<br />
4.0 RESOURCE USES......................................................................................................................................40<br />
4.1 CULTURE AND HERITAGE...........................................................................................................................40<br />
4.1.1 First Nations cultural heritage resources .........................................................................................40<br />
4.1.2 Non-aboriginal historic features.......................................................................................................42<br />
4.1.3 Strategic planning considerations related to cultural and heritage resources .................................43<br />
4.2 FORESTRY..................................................................................................................................................43<br />
4.2.1 Timber allocation and harvest ..........................................................................................................43<br />
4.2.2 Timber harvesting and operability....................................................................................................44<br />
4.2.3 Agents of change...............................................................................................................................45<br />
4.2.4 Forest management for biodiversity and wildlife..............................................................................45<br />
4.2.5 Strategic planning considerations related to forestry.......................................................................46<br />
4.3 MINERAL AND ENERGY RESOURCES...........................................................................................................46<br />
4.3.1 Metallic mineral resources ...............................................................................................................46<br />
4.3.2 Placer Resources ..............................................................................................................................56<br />
4.3.3 Industrial Mineral Resources............................................................................................................59<br />
4.3.4 Energy resources ..............................................................................................................................60<br />
4.3.5 Strategic planning considerations related to mineral and energy resources....................................60<br />
4.4 RECREATION, TOURISM AND VISUAL QUALITY .........................................................................................61<br />
4.4.1 Recreational activities and areas of use ............................................................................................61<br />
4.4.2 Tourism .............................................................................................................................................64<br />
4.4.3 Visual quality ....................................................................................................................................67<br />
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4.4.4 Strategic planning considerations related to recreation, tourism, and visual quality ......................67<br />
4.5 FISHING......................................................................................................................................................68<br />
4.5.1 First Nations Fishery ........................................................................................................................69<br />
4.5.2 Recreational Fishery.........................................................................................................................69<br />
4.5.3 Commercial Fishery..........................................................................................................................70<br />
4.5.4 Strategic planning considerations related to fishing ........................................................................70<br />
4.5.5 Current or upcoming projects...........................................................................................................71<br />
4.6 HUNTING, GUIDE-OUTFITTING AND TRAPPING...........................................................................................71<br />
4.6.1 Hunting .............................................................................................................................................71<br />
4.6.2 Guide-outfitting.................................................................................................................................74<br />
4.6.3 Trapping............................................................................................................................................74<br />
4.6.4 Strategic planning considerations related to the harvest of wild animals. .......................................75<br />
4.7 AGRICULTURE AND CROWN RANGE...........................................................................................................76<br />
4.7.1 Overview of agriculture and Crown range use.................................................................................76<br />
4.7.2 Strategic planning considerations related to agriculture and ranching ...........................................77<br />
4.7.3 Inventory needs .................................................................................................................................77<br />
4.8 FRESHWATER USE ......................................................................................................................................77<br />
4.8.1 Overview of freshwater use...............................................................................................................77<br />
4.8.2 Strategic planning considerations related to water ..........................................................................78<br />
4.9 ROADED ACCESS........................................................................................................................................78<br />
4.9.1 Public roads......................................................................................................................................78<br />
4.9.2 Non-status roads ...............................................................................................................................79<br />
4.9.3 Mineral Resource Access ..................................................................................................................79<br />
4.9.4 Strategic planning considerations related to access.........................................................................81<br />
5.0 PROTECTED AREAS................................................................................................................................83<br />
5.1 EXISTING PROTECTED AREAS ....................................................................................................................83<br />
5.2 PROTECTED AREAS STRATEGY STUDY AREAS ...........................................................................................84<br />
5.3 STRATEGIC PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS RELATED TO PROTECTED AREAS ...............................................88<br />
6.0 HISTORY OF PLANNING IN THE ATLIN-TAKU AREA...................................................................89<br />
7.0 REFERENCES CITED...............................................................................................................................93<br />
7.1 LITERATURE SOURCES ...............................................................................................................................93<br />
7.2 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION .....................................................................................................................97<br />
APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCH AND INVENTORY PROJECTS IN THE<br />
ATLIN-TAKU PLANNING AREA. .................................................................................................................98<br />
APPENDIX 2: RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANT AND ANIMALS SPECIES....................................99<br />
APPENDIX 3: CURRENT POLICY FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT TO MEET BIODIVERSITY<br />
OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................................................................106<br />
APPENDIX 4: PROTECTED AREAS STRATEGY GAP ANALYSIS.....................................................108<br />
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LIST OF TABLES<br />
Table 1. Ecoregion zones within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. .................................................... 3<br />
Table 2. Economic statistics for the Stikine Region Census Subdivision, 1996 ..................... 9<br />
Table 3. Experienced labour force by industry – Stikine Region Census Subdivision, 1996 10<br />
Table 4. Biogeoclimatic subzones and variants in the forested landbase.............................. 22<br />
Table 5. Mammals and birds at risk in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area. .................................. 29<br />
Table 6. Population estimates for large mammals in management units (MUs) which overlap<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area. ......................................................................................... 30<br />
Table 7. Economically, culturally or regionally important fish species ................................ 37<br />
Table 8. Small Business Forest Enterprise Program timber sales 1997 – 2000 .................... 44<br />
Table 9. Past Producing Hardrock Mines in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area................................. 49<br />
Table 10. Recent Mineral Exploration reporting Expenditures in excess of $20,000 for<br />
Assessment on Mineral Tenures (1994 - 1999) .............................................................. 52<br />
Table 11. Developed hardrock mineral prospects in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area ..................... 55<br />
Table 12. Industrial mineral prospects in the <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> plan area....................................... 60<br />
Table 13. Public recreation activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area (from Davies, 1999)............... 61<br />
Table 14. Recreation sites and trails in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.......................................... 63<br />
Table 15. Days hunted and number of kills (in parentheses) for the main big game species<br />
hunted in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area (MUs 6-26, 6-26, 6-27, 6-28, 6-29)........................ 73<br />
Table 16. The six most commonly trapped furbearer species in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area<br />
from 1989 to 1998........................................................................................................... 75<br />
Table 17. Existing parks and protected areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. .................... 84<br />
Table 18. Summary of the gap analysis by ecosection for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. ........... 85<br />
Table 19. Goal 1 PAS study areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area...................................... 86<br />
Table 20. Goal 2 PAS study areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area...................................... 87<br />
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LIST OF MAPS<br />
Map 1: Base map<br />
Map 2: <strong>Land</strong>sat image<br />
Map 3: Biogeoclimatic zones and ecosections<br />
Map 4: Current land status<br />
Map 5: First Nations traditional territories<br />
Map 6: Salmonid habitat<br />
Map 7: Forested landbase<br />
Map 8: Timber harvesting feasibility<br />
Map 9: Logging history<br />
Map 10: Metallic mineral assessment: provincial ranking<br />
Map 11 Industrial mineral assessment: provincial ranking<br />
Map 12: Recorded mineral activity<br />
Map 13: Tourism use areas<br />
Map 14: Guide outfitter territories<br />
Map 15: Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy study areas<br />
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Page vi
LIST OF ACRONYMS<br />
AAC Allowable Annual Cut<br />
ALR Agricultural <strong>Land</strong> Reserve<br />
AOA Archaeological Overview Assessment<br />
BEC Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification<br />
BEI Broad Ecosystem Inventory<br />
BEU Broad Ecosystem Unit<br />
C-AFN Champagne-Aishihik First Nations<br />
CMTs Culturally modified trees<br />
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada<br />
CWD Coarse woody debris<br />
CWS Canadian Wildlife Service<br />
DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada<br />
FPC Forest Practices Code<br />
IWMS Identified Wildlife Management Strategies<br />
LRMP <strong>Land</strong> and Resource Management Plan<br />
MELP Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks<br />
MOF Ministry of Forests<br />
MoTH Ministry of Transportation and Highways<br />
MSBTC Ministry of Small Business, Tourism, and Culture<br />
MU Management Unit (for wildlife)<br />
NDT Natural Disturbance Type<br />
PAS Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy<br />
RIC Resources Inventory Committee<br />
RPAT Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team<br />
TOS Tourism Opportunity Study<br />
TRT <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit<br />
TSA Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong><br />
TSR Timber Supply Review<br />
TUS Traditional Use Study<br />
VQO Visual Quality Objective<br />
WHA Wildlife Habitat <strong>Area</strong><br />
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LIST OF ACRONYMS CONTINUED<br />
Biogeoclimatic subzones:<br />
AT Alpine Tundra<br />
BWBSdk1 Boreal White and Black Spruce dry cool<br />
BWBSund Boreal White and Black Spruce undifferentiated<br />
BWBSvk Boreal White and Black Spruce very wet cool<br />
CWHwm Coastal Western Hemlock wet maritime<br />
ESSFvc Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir very wet cold<br />
MHund Mountain Hemlock (undifferentiated)<br />
SBSund Sub-Boreal Spruce (undifferentiated)<br />
SWBdk Spruce-Willow-Birch dry cool<br />
SWBund Spruce-Willow-Birch undifferentiated<br />
SWBvk Spruce-Willow-Birch very wet cool<br />
Ecosections:<br />
ALR Alsek Ranges<br />
BOR Boundary Ranges<br />
ICR Icefield Ranges<br />
STP Stikine Plateau<br />
TAB Tatsenshini Basin<br />
TAH Tagish Highland<br />
TEB Teslin Basin<br />
TEP Teslin Plateau<br />
THH Tahltan Highland<br />
TUR Tuya Ranges<br />
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1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE<br />
This background report provides an overview and summary of information describing the<br />
natural, cultural, and socio-economic features of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. The information<br />
in this report is intended to provide government staff with a current picture of the conditions<br />
and characteristics of land use and resource management in the plan area. It will provide the<br />
foundation for a technical document for members of the public, stakeholders and interest<br />
groups in the event of an LRMP process in the North Cassiar.<br />
The key components of the document are:<br />
A description of the plan area, including social, economic, and environmental<br />
attributes;<br />
An overview of resource uses and associated strategic planning considerations;<br />
A description of existing and proposed land management zones, including protected<br />
areas; and<br />
A history of planning in the area<br />
The information shown here is based on data and information from published journals,<br />
books, and government documents, current inventory information, and from discussions with<br />
government staff.<br />
Note: the maps shown in this report are current to 2000 when the initial datasets were<br />
assembled. The information in the report is current to May 2001. It does not incorporate<br />
changes in government structure since the June 2001 provincial election.<br />
Geographic area included in the report<br />
This report provides data and information on the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area (Map 1). The plan<br />
area boundary includes the Canadian portion of the <strong>Taku</strong> and Tatsenshini-Alsek watersheds<br />
and the BC portion of the Teslin and Yukon watersheds. The western boundary of the plan<br />
area adjoins the Alaska Panhandle and the northern boundary follows the border with the<br />
Yukon Territory. The area comprises the northwestern portion of the Cassiar Timber Supply<br />
<strong>Area</strong> (Alsek and <strong>Atlin</strong> Supply Blocks). The total size of the plan area is approximately 5.54<br />
million hectares. Approximately 1505 ha of the plan is private land and another 1300 ha is<br />
Indian reserves.<br />
2.0 THE ATLIN TAKU PLAN AREA<br />
2.1 The Biophysical Setting<br />
2.1.1 Geography and climate<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> area is geographically complex, extending from the Coast Mountains inland<br />
almost to Watson Lake. The <strong>Land</strong>sat satellite image shown in Map 2 gives and indication of<br />
the geography of the plan area.<br />
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The more coastal areas are characterized by mountainous terrain with fast-moving high<br />
gradient streams, broad river floodplains and massive glacial fields. The climate is dictated<br />
by the topography and proximity to the coast, resulting in heavy precipitation and oceanmoderated<br />
temperatures. The mean monthly temperature at the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River ranges<br />
from – 8°C in the winter to 15°C in the summer. Average annual precipitation is over<br />
2000mm/yr (Rescan, 1997).<br />
The interior part of the plan area is composed of a mixture of low mountains and large<br />
plateaus. The climate in the interior is continental and under an arctic influence. Winters are<br />
long and cold with limited snow accumulation. Summers are brief and warm. In <strong>Atlin</strong>, the<br />
mean temperature in January is -16°C and in July is 12.5°C. Annual precipitation is 338<br />
mm/yr (Rescan, 1997).<br />
As one moves from the coast to the interior, the conditions are transitional. This is reflected<br />
in distinct ecosystems that reflect the transition between the two climatic and physiographic<br />
regimes.<br />
The area contains seven biogeoclimatic zones and ten ecosections (see Section 2.1.2:<br />
Ecosystem Classification). Almost half of the area (43%) is in Alpine Tundra. Major rivers<br />
include the <strong>Taku</strong>, Tatsenshini, and Alsek Rivers. There is a complex of large lakes (<strong>Atlin</strong>,<br />
Tagish, and Teslin Lakes) that feed the Yukon River watershed. Fed by the Llewellyn<br />
Glacier, <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake is the largest natural lake in BC 1 and forms the headwaters of the Yukon<br />
drainage.<br />
2.1.2 Ecosystem classification<br />
Two of the most common methods for describing the ecosystems of British Columbia are the<br />
Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) system and the Ecoregion Classification<br />
system. The BEC system (described in Pojar et al., 1987) delineates areas into<br />
biogeoclimatic zones according to climate, elevation, soils and potential climax vegetation 2 .<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> LRMP area contains seven biogeoclimatic zones: non-forested Alpine<br />
Tundra (AT), Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB), Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS),<br />
Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir (ESSF), Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS), Mountain Hemlock<br />
(MH) and Coastal Western Hemlock (CWH) (see Map 3). A more detailed description of the<br />
BEC zones in the plan area is provided in Section 3.2: Vegetation Ecology.<br />
A broader method of describing ecosystems is the ecoregion classification system (described<br />
in Demarchi, 1996). This system is designed to “bring into focus the extent of critical<br />
habitats and their relationship with adjacent areas” (Demarchi et al., 1990). The ecoregion<br />
classification system is hierarchical. The five levels from largest to smallest are as follows:<br />
ecodomains, ecodivisions, ecoprovinces, ecoregions and ecosections. Ecodomains and<br />
ecodivisions are very broad (e.g. four ecodomains are found in B.C.) and place the province<br />
1 Since <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake extends into the Yukon, there are some who contend that it is the second largest natural lake<br />
after Babine Lake in central BC (Davies, 1999).<br />
2 Note: The term “potential climax vegetation” describes the more stable plant communities of later<br />
successional stages. The climax vegetation described for a zone may be different from what is currently<br />
growing on a site.<br />
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in a global context based on broad geographical relationships. The remaining three levels<br />
place the province in context with the rest of the continent or relate areas within the province<br />
to each other. These lower levels divide the province based on areas of similar climate,<br />
physical landscapes and wildlife potential (Meidinger and Pojar, 1991).<br />
The BEC system and Ecoregion Classification system are compatible and are often integrated<br />
for land use planning purposes. For example, the two systems are combined to produce<br />
Broad Ecosystem Classification mapping, also called Broad Ecosystem Inventory. Broad<br />
Ecosystem Classification uses information on dominant vegetation cover or distinct nonvegetation<br />
cover to determine the function and distribution of plant communities in a<br />
landscape. Broad Ecosystem mapping is used to derive interpretive maps of habitat<br />
suitability and capability for wildlife (see Section 3.3.1 Wildlife: Assessing habitat values).<br />
The plan area overlaps with two ecoprovinces, five ecoregions and ten ecosections (Table 1;<br />
Map 3). The ecosection descriptions that follow have been modified from RPAT (1996) and<br />
Demarchi (1996) to provide details specific to the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Table 1. Ecoregion zones within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Ecoprovince Ecoregion Ecosection<br />
Coast and<br />
Mountains<br />
Northern Boreal<br />
Mountains<br />
Ecoprovince<br />
Northern Coast and<br />
Mountains<br />
Boreal Mountains<br />
and Plateaus<br />
Southern Yukon<br />
Lakes<br />
ALR (Alsek Ranges)<br />
BOR (Boundary Ranges)<br />
STP (Stikine Plateau)<br />
TEP (Teslin Plateau)<br />
TUR (Tuya Ranges)<br />
TEB (Teslin Basin)<br />
St. Elias Mountains ICR (Icefield Ranges)<br />
Yukon-Stikine<br />
Highlands<br />
TAB (Tatshenshini Basin)<br />
TAH (Tagish Highland)<br />
THH (Tahltan Highland)<br />
Alsek Ranges Ecosection (ALR): The Alsek Ranges Ecosection is comprised of the<br />
isolated, rugged ice-capped mountains of the southern Alsek and Fairweather Ranges of the<br />
St Elias Mountains and the northern Boundary Ranges, east of the Chilkat River. The<br />
climate is cold, wet and windy. Precipitation is heavy and winter snows are deep and wet.<br />
This is the smallest and most northerly of the ecosections in the Northern Coast and<br />
Mountains Ecoregion.<br />
Boundary Ranges Ecosection (BOR): This narrow ecosection hugs the eastern side of the<br />
Alaskan panhandle. The area is characterized by glacier-capped granitic mountains and is<br />
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dissected by the wide braided channels and extensive floodplains of the <strong>Taku</strong> and Whiting<br />
rivers.<br />
Icefield Ranges (ICR): The Icefields Ranges Ecosection consists of ice-capped, rugged<br />
mountains comprising the southern extension of the St. Elias Mountains.<br />
Stikine Plateau (STP): The Stikine Plateau Ecosection is an area of rolling plateau ranging<br />
from lowland to alpine. Sedimentary and volcanic rocks underlie the area. The climate is<br />
relatively dry and cold, with lower snow depths than surrounding areas. Low elevations in<br />
the Nahlin River valley are among the driest areas in the Boreal Mountains and Plateaus<br />
Ecoregion.<br />
Tagish Highland (TAH): The Tagish Highland Ecosection is a mountainous area of<br />
intermediate relief between the Teslin Plateau and the Coast Mountains. This transition belt<br />
has numerous gently sloping uplands dissected by rivers that feed into the long linear lakes of<br />
the Teslin Plateau. Although this ecosection is in the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains, it<br />
has greater precipitation than the plateaux to the east. All streams in this ecosection drain<br />
into the upper Yukon River system. Barren alpine areas and snowfields are common.<br />
Tahltan Highland (THH): This ecosection contains the eastern slopes of the Boundary<br />
Ranges. It is a transitional mountain area with several large valleys exposed to the coast that<br />
allow moist air to dominate the lower slopes. There is extensive glaciation proximal to the<br />
Boundary Ranges.<br />
Tatshenshini Basin (TAB): The Tatshenshini Basin is an area of rounded, subdued<br />
mountains and wide valleys leeward of the jagged Boundary and St. Elias Ranges. In spite of<br />
its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, this area has a typically sub-arctic climate - cold and<br />
comparatively dry for the region. Most of the ecosection is part of the Tatshenshini/Alsek<br />
drainage basin, with the exception of the Kelsall River which flows south to the Chilkat<br />
River.<br />
Teslin Basin (TEB): The Teslin Basin Ecosection consists of a wide valley with several<br />
large lakes, extensive wetlands, isolated mountains and rolling uplands occurring along the<br />
margins. The climate is cold and relatively dry. This ecosection was identified in 1995;<br />
prior to this time, it was included within the Teslin Plateau Ecosection.<br />
Teslin Plateau (TEP): The Teslin Plateau Ecosection is an area of wide valleys and rolling<br />
plateaux. This ecosection, within the Coast Mountains rain shadow, has a dry, subarctic<br />
climate. <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and part of the <strong>Taku</strong> River are contained within this ecosection.<br />
Tuya Ranges (TUR): This ecosection contains the most widespread rolling alpine landscape<br />
in British Columbia: the northern Stikine Ranges of the Cassiar Mountains, the Kawdy<br />
Plateau, Astutla Range and small portions of the Nisutline and Dease Plateaus. The<br />
distinguishing feature of these ranges is the occurrence of flat-topped, steep-sided volcanoes,<br />
called tuyas that formed during eruptions under Pleistocene glaciers. Little boreal forest is<br />
found within this ecosection because of the relatively high elevation of the valley-bottoms -<br />
100 to 300 meters higher than in the Cassiar Ranges.<br />
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2.2 Social and Economic Description<br />
2.2.1 History of the area<br />
Much of the plan area is within the traditional territory of two Inland Tlingit groups: the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River Tlingit and Teslin Tlingit First Nations. The Inland Tlingit are of coastal <strong>Taku</strong> Tlingit<br />
ancestry. With the retreat of the <strong>Taku</strong> Glacier from across the <strong>Taku</strong> River, the Tlingit began<br />
travelling up the river and into the <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake area to trade with the interior Athapascan<br />
people. Trade between the Athapascans and the Tlingit was well established by the arrival of<br />
the first Europeans in the late 1700s (Staples and Poushinksy, 1997). As sea otter harvests<br />
declined on the coast and the fur trade with Europeans expanded in the interior, some of the<br />
Tlingit moved away from the coast and settled in the upper <strong>Taku</strong> and Yukon drainages,<br />
intermarrying with the interior Athapascan people 3 . An extensive trading network remained<br />
active to the turn of the century. Trading routes and camps extended throughout the area<br />
connecting major trade centers in what is now Alaska, northern British Columbia and the<br />
Yukon.<br />
This merging of coastal and inland cultures has resulted in a people with a common territory,<br />
language and culture, who make use of both coastal riverine and interior resources (Rescan,<br />
1997). There is a movement to align all Inland Tlingit groups, including the Teslin Tlingit,<br />
Carcross/Tagish, and <strong>Taku</strong> River people into a single group called Da Kha Kwan, which<br />
reflects the traditional ties between the Inland Tlingit groups. Ties between the Inland<br />
Tlingit and coastal Tlingit remain strong (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Oral history describes how, up until a couple of hundred years ago, the area around <strong>Atlin</strong> was<br />
Tagish territory. The Tagish lands were offered to the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit as compensation<br />
for the death of a <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit woman. The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit are also said to have<br />
defeated the Tahltan people in the early 1800s, assuming territorial rights to the upper <strong>Taku</strong><br />
watershed and most of its tributaries (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Explorers, traders and prospectors began visiting the <strong>Taku</strong> region in the late 1700s. The<br />
Hudsons’ Bay company operated a number of trading posts in the area in the mid- late-1800s.<br />
Some placer mining occurred in the 1880s and the <strong>Taku</strong> River was used as an alternative<br />
route to the Klondike during the gold rush of 1898. The Klondike gold rush of 1897 and<br />
1898 brought tens of thousands of people to the north, seeking their riches in the streams<br />
around Dawson City. The Chilkoot Trail and White Pass route were two of the main routes<br />
to the Klondike gold fields. Hopeful prospectors were required by the Canadian Royal<br />
Mounted Police to haul one ton of goods over the Chilkoot Pass into British Columbia;<br />
enough food and supplies to support them for one year. Many of the Tagish people acted as<br />
packers for the prospectors on the Chilkoot Trail during the Gold Rush. Most of these<br />
stampeders returned to their homes empty handed, but the frenzied rush from Alaska into the<br />
Yukon has been called one of the last great adventures.<br />
3 There are a number of theories as to why some coastal Tlingit moved and settled inland. These include<br />
population pressure on the coast; benefits of the Interior fur trade; intermarriage; and friendship bonds formed<br />
with trading partners in the Interior (Yukon Community Profile, 2001)<br />
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The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit, living in semi-permanent camps on the shores of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake, had<br />
little interaction with non-native outsiders until the discovery of placer gold at Pine Creek in<br />
1898. Thousands of gold seekers flooded into the area, many of them diverted from the<br />
Klondike goldfields. By 1899 there were approximately 1500 people living at the <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
townsite and another 4500 in gold camps at Discovery on Pine Creek. At its peak, there were<br />
approximately 10,000 people in the area (<strong>Atlin</strong> Community Website, 2001). At the time 10<br />
reserves, representing 1300 ha, were established for the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit (then called the<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-Teslin band). The reserve at Five Mile Point was intended as a relocation site,<br />
although Chief <strong>Taku</strong> Jack rejected the proposed relocation and the TRTFN village was<br />
maintained on non-reserve land (Steele, 1995). By 1907, when gold production tapered off<br />
and mining became less economical, the population of <strong>Atlin</strong> had dropped to a few hundred<br />
and Discovery virtually ceased to exist.<br />
Mining has continued to be one of the primary economic mainstays of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area<br />
through the years. Many of the creeks around <strong>Atlin</strong> have past or existing placer operations<br />
on them, with placer mines ranging in size from single person outfits to large operations<br />
using heavy equipment and employing several people. The <strong>Atlin</strong> area has yielded over $23<br />
million in gold in the last 100 years, second only to the Cariboo for placer gold production in<br />
BC (BC Tour Online, 2000). There have been a number of mining operations on the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River since the 1800s. Mines have operated at three deposits along the Tulsequah River<br />
(Tulsequah Chief, Big Bull, and Polaris <strong>Taku</strong>) at various times between 1923 and 1957. In<br />
1929, the small settlement of Tulsequah was established as a service center for three<br />
operating mines, all of which ceased production at the outbreak of World War 2. The<br />
Tulsequah Chief mine re-opened after the war and closed again in 1957. Redfern Resources<br />
Ltd. began an application to resume operations at the Tulsequah Chief mine in 1994. A<br />
Project Approval Certificate for the project was granted in 1998 following a two and a half<br />
year review under the Environmental Assessment Act. However, the decision to grant the<br />
Certificate was overturned in June 2000 by Supreme Court of BC as the result of a lawsuit<br />
launched by the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit. This project remains under review by the Environmental<br />
Assessment Office.<br />
Tourism is also a longstanding contributor to the <strong>Atlin</strong> economy. Following the gold rush in<br />
1898, <strong>Atlin</strong> became a fashionable place to visit for American tourists on their Alaskan tour.<br />
Cruise ships brought passengers from Seattle and San Francisco to Skagway, where they<br />
disembarked and boarded the White Pass rail to Carcross. They then transferred to a paddle<br />
steamer on Tagish Lake and headed to <strong>Taku</strong> <strong>Land</strong>ing, and from there to <strong>Atlin</strong>. The M.V.<br />
Tarahne, built in 1917, took passengers on tours of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake. In the early 1900s, at the<br />
peak of tourism for that period, 400 people per week made the journey to <strong>Atlin</strong> (<strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Community Website, 2001). These overland excursions to <strong>Atlin</strong> ended in the 1930s when<br />
airplanes began to service <strong>Atlin</strong> and the White Pass rail company withdrew its transportation<br />
link to the area. Tourism has continued to provide local employment, primarily in the<br />
summer months.<br />
World War II hit the mining and tourism industries in <strong>Atlin</strong> and area hard. Jobs disappeared<br />
and the population of <strong>Atlin</strong> dwindled. The <strong>Atlin</strong> Road was built in 1949-50 linking <strong>Atlin</strong> to<br />
the Alaska Highway. Despite the land-based link to Whitehorse and beyond, the size of the<br />
town was slow to recover. In 1963, the non-aboriginal population of <strong>Atlin</strong> was only 75<br />
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Page 6
(Rescan, 1997). In the 1960s the overall population of the town slowly began to rise again as<br />
people began moving into the area as part of a lifestyle choice. The current population of<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> is approximately 450 permanent residents and 100 – 200 seasonal residents (<strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Community Website, 2001).<br />
2.2.2 Communities<br />
The population of the northern BC is characterized by small, unincorporated communities<br />
separated by long distances and the plan area is no exception. In 1996, the total population<br />
for the Stikine Region Census Subdivision, which covers 11 million ha and includes the<br />
communities of <strong>Atlin</strong>, Dease Lake, Good Hope Lake and Lower Post, was only 1391 (BC<br />
Stats, 2001). Other than small and scattered settlements, the only sizable community and<br />
commercial centre in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area is the town of <strong>Atlin</strong> on the eastern shores of<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Lake. Map 4 summarizes the current land status of the plan area.<br />
2.2.2.1 <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Set on an aquamarine glacier-fed lake with a panoramic view of the rugged peaks of the<br />
Coast Mountains and steeped in history and pre-history, <strong>Atlin</strong> is a community that imparts a<br />
strong sense of place and character. The name <strong>Atlin</strong> comes from a Tlingit work “Ah-tlen”<br />
meaning “big waters”. The number of year-round residents in the town is currently around<br />
450, increasing by 100 - 200 in the summer months (<strong>Atlin</strong> Community Website, 2001).<br />
Summer residents include recreational property owners and those with seasonal employment<br />
(primarily placer miners). <strong>Atlin</strong> township is the northern and westernmost town in BC at a<br />
latitude of 59° 35’N and longitude of 133° 40’ W. On the longest day in <strong>Atlin</strong> there are 18<br />
hours and 42 minutes of sunlight. The township is unincorporated and the affairs of the town<br />
are run by voluntary organizations such as the <strong>Atlin</strong> Advisory <strong>Planning</strong> Commission, who<br />
deal with land use planning and application referrals, and the <strong>Atlin</strong> Board of Trade, whose<br />
mandate is to promote economic and social enhancement. Many of the residents of the<br />
community have grown up in <strong>Atlin</strong> or have lived there for a long time. The town is<br />
characterized by its history and surroundings as well as the independent and self-sufficient<br />
spirit of its residents.<br />
Access to <strong>Atlin</strong> is limited. The <strong>Atlin</strong> Road provides the only ground access to the town. The<br />
nearest major center, Whitehorse in the Yukon, is approximately 200 km (two hours drive)<br />
away. A local bus and van service provides public transportation between <strong>Atlin</strong> and<br />
Whitehorse (population 22,000 in 1996). Fixed wing planes, float planes and helicopters<br />
provide year round flights to the town. Juneau, Alaska, is 45 minutes from <strong>Atlin</strong> by air.<br />
Skagway, Alaska, is also accessible by a short plane ride. <strong>Atlin</strong> can be accessed by boat from<br />
the town of Tagish along Tagish Lake in the Yukon. In the winter months, when the lakes<br />
have frozen, travel to the area can also occur by snowmobile and dog-sled.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> has a number of amenities including a recreation center and curling rink, two general<br />
stores, a post office, a community library, an airport, an RCMP station, a fire department and<br />
a Red Cross Outpost Hospital. There are limited banking services through the Government<br />
Agent and Bank of Montreal. The Government Agent acts as liaison to other provincial<br />
departments and offers a wide range of services to the town including: mining recording;<br />
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Page 7
court register; issuing of birth, death and marriage certificates; Hunting and Fishing<br />
Licences; and Notary Public (Government Agents website, 2001).<br />
The local school goes from kindergarten to Grade 9. Grades 10 – 12 and adult education<br />
classes are provided through a pathfinder lab (distance education). Many students complete<br />
their Grade 10 – 12 years in Whitehorse. The <strong>Atlin</strong> School operates a satellite outreach<br />
program for children in outlying areas and one teacher travels over a large area to tutor these<br />
students.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>’s power is supplied by a diesel generation plant with five diesel generators. Fuel to run<br />
the generators (1.2 million liters/year) has to be trucked in via the <strong>Atlin</strong> Road (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Most of drinking water for the town is taken from <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake.<br />
2.2.2.2 First Nations communities<br />
Approximately one-quarter of the 360 members of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit live in or near<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> (INAC, 2001; Staples and Poushinsky, 1997). Most homes are on the Five Mile Point<br />
Indian Reserve No. 3 about 8 km south of <strong>Atlin</strong>. A small number of households and the<br />
TRTFN administration office are located on Indian Reserve No. 4 (‘townsite reserve) within<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>. A few families also live off-reserve in <strong>Atlin</strong> and in other communities in the Yukon<br />
and BC. Members of the Tlingit community living away from <strong>Atlin</strong> travel frequently to the<br />
area to visit relatives and to hunt, fish and gather berries and medicinal plants in the TRTFN<br />
traditional territory (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Although the Champagne-Aishihik, Carcross/Tagish, and Teslin Tlingit First Nations have<br />
traditional territories over large parts of the plan area, their communities are all in the Yukon.<br />
2.2.3 Economy and employment<br />
The economy of the plan area is largely seasonal. With the exception of a small heli-skiing<br />
operation, most local businesses are summer operations such as mining, tourism, home<br />
building, road construction, commercial fishing and guide outfitting. Most of the year round<br />
employment is based in <strong>Atlin</strong> in government jobs (First Nations, provincial and federal) and<br />
with providers of goods and services. The unemployment rate in the winter months is<br />
generally high.<br />
In the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area, as is the case for other northern communities, the cost of living is<br />
high due to the distance from markets and the low volume of sales. Residents of <strong>Atlin</strong> tend<br />
to travel to shop, bank, use services, and enjoy social amenities unavailable in their own<br />
town. This results in a leakage of dollars out of the community and into the larger center.<br />
Many of the residents engage in sustenance hunting, fishing, and gathering activities. For<br />
many local residents, particularly the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit, hunting, trapping, fishing, and<br />
berry-picking provide are integral to the social and cultural fabric of the community and are a<br />
significant component of the local economy (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997).<br />
Economic activity in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area is constrained by its limited infrastructure and long<br />
distance to markets. The main economic drivers, mining and tourism, are cyclical in nature<br />
which has lead to significant fluctuations in the local economy.<br />
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Page 8
Table 2 summarizes employment statistics for the Stikine Region Census Subdivision, which<br />
includes <strong>Atlin</strong>, Dease Lake, Good Hope Lake, and Lower Post. Statistics were not available<br />
for the town of <strong>Atlin</strong> itself. The population of the overall Stikine Region covering 13 million<br />
hectares, was only 1391 in 1996 (Statistics Canada, 2001). Of these, the participation rate in<br />
the labour force is somewhat higher than the provincial average, although the average<br />
household income is lower than the average for BC. Approximately 14% of the workers in<br />
the Stikine Region worked away from home, with most working outside of the Stikine<br />
Region itself (Statistics Canada, 2001)<br />
Table 2. Economic statistics for the Stikine Region Census Subdivision, 1996<br />
Stikine Region B.C.<br />
Population 1391 3,724,500<br />
Pop (15+) in labour force 780 1,960,660<br />
Participation rate (%) 74.3 66.4<br />
Unemployment Rate (%) 9.6 9.6<br />
Average household<br />
income (1995)<br />
Sources: Statistics Canada, 2001<br />
41,893 50,667<br />
Table 3 summarizes the experienced labour force by industry in the Stikine Region Census<br />
Subdivision in 1996. While this profile is for a much larger area, including the towns of<br />
Dease Lake, Good Hope Lake and Lower Post, it provides an overview of the general<br />
employment in the northwest. As shown in Table 3, the public sector (government,<br />
education, health and social services) is the largest employer, representing 42% of the<br />
experienced labour force. Mining represents the highest non-government employer at 10%.<br />
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Page 9
Table 3. Experienced labour force by industry – Stikine Region Census Subdivision, 1996<br />
Industry divisions 1996 labour force % of 1996 labour<br />
force<br />
Agriculture and related services 20 2<br />
Fishing and trapping 10 1<br />
Logging and forestry 20 2<br />
Mining and milling, quarrying<br />
and oil well<br />
80 10<br />
Manufacturing 10 1<br />
Construction 45 5<br />
Transportation and storage 20 2<br />
Retail trade 70 9<br />
Business services 10 1<br />
Government services 175 22<br />
Educational services 140 18<br />
Health and social services 20 2<br />
Accommodation, food and<br />
beverage<br />
75 9<br />
Other service industries 60 7<br />
Total labour force 15 yrs+ 775 100<br />
2.2.3.1 Mining<br />
The town of <strong>Atlin</strong> was built on placer mining and it remains a key employer in the<br />
community. Hardrock mining has been a lesser contributor to the local economy, as past<br />
producing mines adjacent to the community have been small with short periods of operation.<br />
However, hardrock mineral exploration continues to contribute to the local economy, through<br />
seasonal employment and purchase of local goods and services.<br />
In the broader plan area, there are several significant past producing mines and mineral<br />
exploration that, as a result of topography and infrastructure, have benefited northern<br />
residents outside of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. Examples include intensive exploration and<br />
development of the Windy-Craggy deposit in the Tatsenshini-Alsek park area, historic<br />
mining of the Tulsequah and Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> deposits in the <strong>Taku</strong> River area and recent mining<br />
at the Golden Bear deposit, located north of Telegraph Creek.<br />
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Page 10
Placer gold mining<br />
Though many of the streams have been panned for gold, placer gold production has been<br />
concentrated in two relatively small portions of the plan area. Placer gold production from<br />
streams in the St. Elias Mountains ended prior to 1993, when establishment of the<br />
Tatshenshini-Alsek Park absorbed active placer areas. The remaining placer gold production<br />
area is located proximal to the community of <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
Many of the creeks lying to the east and south of <strong>Atlin</strong>, contain placer gold and are actively<br />
mined. Placer mining largely occurs outside of the winter months, though in some years, a<br />
few operations continue year round. Winter is also used to mobilize equipment to remote<br />
placer sites, to minimize environmental impacts. Placer mining is considered the most<br />
important contributor to the local economy, generating approximately $5 million in 1994<br />
(Rescan, 1997). In 1996, placer mines employed approximately 150 people a year on a<br />
seasonal basis (approximately one-quarter of the summer population) (Rescan, 1997). The<br />
overall income dependency on mining in <strong>Atlin</strong>, based on the above figures, is estimated at<br />
60% (Rescan, 1997). The economy of the town is tied closely to gold prices and the<br />
economic health of the town tends to fluctuate as markets change (Steele, 1995; <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Community Website, 2001).<br />
Hardrock mineral development<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area has good potential for the discovery of economic mineral deposits.<br />
The area encompasses one operating mine, several past producing metallic mines, and<br />
numerous developed prospects. Several of the known developed prospects are polymetallic,<br />
containing several potentially economic metals, in addition to the very rich Windy Craggy<br />
copper-deposit. Reflective of the prospective geology in the plan area, is the large number of<br />
mineral tenures and extensive mineral exploration conducted. Exploration spending in the<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> area alone is estimated at $500,000 to $1 million per year (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Currently, the only operating mine in the plan area, the Golden Bear mine, is near closure.<br />
The mine originally opened in 1989, as an underground and small open pit operation,<br />
processing ore through conventional floatation methods. The processing method proved<br />
uneconomic, leading to closure of the mine in 1994. The mine was subsequently bought by<br />
Wheaton River Minerals, who conducted further exploration and development, which led to<br />
reopening as a heap leach gold operation in 1997. Mining at the site was completed in 2000,<br />
but processing of ore is anticipated to continue to 2002. Since reopening in 1997, the mine<br />
has operated on a seasonal basis, employing approximately 80 persons when actively mining.<br />
Mining and tourism<br />
Mining activity has contributed to the development of tourism in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area both<br />
historically and at the present. In the early 1900's, small communities were established<br />
around the Ben-My-Chree and Engineer mines, on Tagish Lake. At Ben-My-Chree, the wife<br />
of the mine owner developed beautiful gardens and ran a small tourist operation serving tea<br />
for travelers arriving on the paddlewheeler. Both sites continue to be points of interest for<br />
travelers. In the community of <strong>Atlin</strong>, historic placer activity is a draw for tourism. Efforts<br />
have been made to establish a mining museum and develop placer tourism opportunities.<br />
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Page 11
2.2.3.2 Tourism<br />
As with mining, tourism has a long, cyclical history in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. The White Pass<br />
railway, built by the Klondike gold rush, provided access to the area until the 1930s,<br />
augmented by boat travel on Tagish and <strong>Atlin</strong> lakes.<br />
Today tourists are drawn to the plan area by the spectacular scenery, history and culture, and<br />
opportunities for quality outdoor experiences in a wilderness setting. Though some winter<br />
tourism has been developed in recent years, most activity is concentrated in the summer<br />
months. Tourism operations are based out of <strong>Atlin</strong>, Whitehorse, and Alaska (Juneau and<br />
Haines). The plan area is not as much of a tourist destination in and of itself, rather it is one<br />
part of an overall northern experience that includes Alaska and the Yukon.<br />
With its large areas of wilderness, most of the tourism operations offered are nature-based<br />
backcountry experiences. There are also more front-country facilities and amenities<br />
available within <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
Summer tourism<br />
Most of the tourism activity in the plan area occurs between the months of May and<br />
September. Summer tourism activities are land, air and water-based. <strong>Land</strong>-based tourism<br />
activities include touring, wilderness backpacking, glacier touring, mountaineering, and<br />
guided fishing and big game hunting. In 1999, there were four guiding businesses based in<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> offering hiking and mountaineering trips and four guide outfitting companies offering<br />
guided hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities (Davies, 1999). Tourists often<br />
make the detour into <strong>Atlin</strong> as part of their driving tour to and from Alaska.<br />
There are a large number of commercial operators offering a range of motorized and nonmotorized<br />
water-based activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area, on the <strong>Taku</strong>, and in Tatsenshini-Alsek<br />
Park. These include houseboat rentals on <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake, sports fishing trips on the <strong>Taku</strong>,<br />
Nakina and Inklin Rivers, guided and non-guided kayaking and canoeing trips on the lakes<br />
near the BC-Yukon border, and guided raft trips down the <strong>Taku</strong>, Tatsenshini, and Alsek<br />
Rivers (Davies, 1999).<br />
Winter tourism<br />
Winter tourism activities include guided heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, snow-mobiling<br />
and dog sledding. Most winter tourism activities are based out of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Winter tourism is<br />
much smaller than summer tourism and local tourism interests feel that there is potential for<br />
expansion of the winter tourism market (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Air-based tourism<br />
In 1999, three air charter operations offered sightseeing from either fixed wing or float<br />
planes. In addition, one business offers helicopter sightseeing and heliskiing (Davies, 1999).<br />
Air transportation is available throughout the year.<br />
2.2.3.3 Commercial fishing<br />
The only commercial fishery in the plan area is on the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River. There are eighteen<br />
commercial gillnet licenses in the Canadian fishery on the <strong>Taku</strong> River. The TRTFN holds<br />
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Page 12
eight licences. The other licences are held by residents of <strong>Atlin</strong> or elsewhere (J. Burdek, pers<br />
comm.; RES, 1997).<br />
Most fish are flown to <strong>Atlin</strong> for processing or freezing, although some are sold in Juneau or<br />
flown to <strong>Atlin</strong> for retail sale. There is one processing plant in <strong>Atlin</strong> that produces smoked<br />
salmon products. Some TRTFN fishermen also sell a portion of their catch as smoked<br />
products (Rescan, 1997).<br />
2.2.3.4. Forestry<br />
There is currently little forestry activity in the plan area. Much of the area is classified as<br />
inoperable. The average annual timber harvest in the operable areas ranges from 1500 - 2000<br />
m 3 /yr, primarily to provide timber for local home building, mine timbers and rough cut<br />
timber. The amount allocated for harvesting is in response to local demand and is unlikely to<br />
change significantly in the near future (C. Rygaard, pers. comm.). Over time, timber is<br />
becoming less accessible and is located farther from the community..<br />
There are no major forest tenures in the area. Deterrents to large-scale timber development<br />
include the high cost of operations (due to the relatively low volumes and inaccessibility of<br />
merchantable timber), long distances to processing facilities and markets, a lack of local<br />
infrastructure, and a low and cyclical demand for timber locally. To date, Crown timber has<br />
only been offered only as short-term sales under the Small Business Forest Enterprise<br />
Program and through the Forest Service Reserve. About 8 - 12 people are employed in<br />
timber harvesting and silviculture activities on an annual basis (C. Rygaard, pers comm.).<br />
There are a number of small family-owned mills in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area, including a mill owned<br />
and operated by the TRTFN and located on the Five Mile reserve (Rescan, 1997). Most<br />
timber is sold and used locally.<br />
2.2.3.5 Trapping<br />
Trapping provides seasonal income for a number of local residents, including a number of<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit. Not all of the traplines in the area are active. The number of individual<br />
species trapped is dependent on influenced by furbearer numbers and market prices. Marten<br />
are the most frequently trapped species.<br />
2.2.3.6 Agriculture and range<br />
A number of people in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area grow local produce for sale in Whitehorse and in <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
itself. There are also a number of agricultural leases and tenures for beef production. Guide<br />
outfitters in the area have range tenures for grazing of packhorses.<br />
2.2.3.7 Other economic activities<br />
Artisans<br />
There are a number of home-based artist studios in <strong>Atlin</strong>, many of them selling arts and crafts<br />
made from local materials. An art school and artist’s retreat holds workshops throughout the<br />
summer and attracts participants from around the world.<br />
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Page 13
Road construction and maintenance<br />
The maintenance and construction of highways is contracted to a private company, providing<br />
both seasonal and year-round employment. In addition, a number of small operators in <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
have equipment that can be used in road construction.<br />
2.2.4 First Nations<br />
There are five First Nations groups with an interest in the plan area: the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit<br />
First Nation, Tlingit Teslin Council, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Tahltan First Nation, and<br />
Champagne-Aishihik First Nations (Map 5). The traditional territories of four of these First<br />
Nations are transboundary, extending from BC into the Yukon and, in some cases, into<br />
Alaska.<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit and Teslin Tlingit are closely related, sharing a common history,<br />
culture and language. The First Nations communities at <strong>Atlin</strong> and Teslin are connected<br />
through a system of trails that were used extensively until the 1940s when the Alaska<br />
Highway was built (Yukon Community Profiles, 2001). The ties between the two Inland<br />
Tlingit groups, which are closely linked culturally, politically and economically, remains<br />
strong (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997). The introduction of non-Tlingit political and<br />
administrative boundaries (e.g., political boundaries and the registered trapline system) at the<br />
time of European settlement divided traditional Tlingit territories that extended from Alaska<br />
to the Yukon. There is an social division among the Tlingit people that exists to this day<br />
between “BCers” and “Yukoners,” with associated challenges to maintaining the traditional<br />
systems of land ownership and management of resources (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997).<br />
The Carcross/Tagish people are a blend of coastal Tlingit and interior Tagish and Athapaskan<br />
ancestry. Ties between the First Nations communities at Carcross and Tagish and the <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
and Teslin communities are also strong.<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit, Telin Tlingit, Carcross/Tagish and Champagne-Aishihik are all at<br />
Stage 4 of the BC Treaty process (negotiation of an agreement-in-principle) and are<br />
negotiating together at the Northern Regional Negotiations table. The Champagne-Aishihik<br />
and Teslin Tlingit have already negotiated agreements on land settlement and selfgovernment<br />
with Canada and the Yukon Territory. These agreements received Royal Assent<br />
in July 1994. The Carcross/Tagish First Nation are currently negotiating their final<br />
agreement on land claims and self-government with the federal and Yukon governments.<br />
The <strong>Land</strong> Claims and Self-Government Agreements assert a role for these First Nations in<br />
co-management of their traditional territorial lands and any development proceeding on those<br />
lands. In accordance with the agreements, regional land use planning processes are<br />
beginning in Yukon portion of the traditional territories of the Champagne and Aishihik First<br />
Nations and the Teslin Tlingit Council. Once the final agreements are settled with the<br />
Carcross/Tagish First Nation, their traditional territories will be incorporated into the Teslin<br />
regional land use planning process, to create a larger Daak Ka planning region in the Yukon.<br />
The Tahltan Nation has withdrawn from the BC Treaty Negotiation process.<br />
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2.2.4.1 <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) are based out of <strong>Atlin</strong>, although many<br />
members live in communities in the Yukon (Whitehorse, Carcross and Teslin) and in<br />
Vancouver and other parts of BC and the US. There were 361 registered members of the<br />
TRTFN in 2001, 72% of whom lived off reserve (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 2001)<br />
The traditional territory of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit includes the <strong>Taku</strong> River and most of its<br />
tributaries, <strong>Atlin</strong> and Little <strong>Atlin</strong> lakes at the southern end of the Yukon drainage, and large<br />
portions of the interior region in the southern Yukon (Map 5). The TRT have ten Indian<br />
Reserves, all in BC, totaling 1264 ha. Seven of the reserves are around <strong>Atlin</strong> and three are<br />
around Teslin Lake. The <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit is comprised of two clans: the Yanyèdí clan of<br />
the Wolf moiety and the Kùkhhittàn clan of the Crow moiety. The First Nation is governed<br />
under a traditional clan system (see Section 2.2.6: Local Government and Community<br />
Representation).<br />
The economy of the TRTFN communities has been described as a “mixed” economy where<br />
traditional land use (hunting, fishing, berry-picking, etc) and a cash economy (through wage<br />
earning and income from other sources) are combined (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997). This<br />
diversity provides a degree of economic stability, providing a buffer against seasonal changes<br />
in employment and the uncertainties of external economies. Members of the community<br />
work in guiding (fish and game), outfitting, carpentry, mining, commercial fishing, and<br />
casual labouring. The TRTFN has a mill on the No 5 reserve and holds eight commercial<br />
fishing licences on the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River.<br />
Hunting, fishing and gathering of plants for food and medicine are considered integral to the<br />
social, cultural, and economic fabric of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit community. Almost all<br />
TRTFN households participate in traditional land use activities. <strong>Area</strong>s of particular<br />
significance to the TRTFN include Blue Canyon, the Gladys River to its confluence with the<br />
Nakina River, the O’Donnell River Valley, Kuthai Lake and Silver Salmon River (Staples<br />
and Poushinsky, 1997).<br />
The TRTFN have a number of concerns related to the management of fish and wildlife and<br />
regulation of hunting, trapping and fishing activities in their traditional territory. There is a<br />
history of conflict between the TRTFN and the provincial and federal governments on these<br />
issues (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997). The concerns of the TRTFN are particularly strong<br />
with regard to the management of hunting in areas traditionally used by the Tlingit and close<br />
to their communities, such as Blue Canyon, Surprise Lake, and areas to the east of <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
(Staples and Poushinsky). These issues are discussed in further detail in Section 4.6.1.2:<br />
Hunting – First Nation. The TRTFN and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are partners in a<br />
program to for fish habitat stewardship in an area that includes the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed and<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake area (see Section 4.5: Fishing).<br />
2.2.4.2 Teslin Tlingit<br />
The Teslin Tlingit live in and around the town of Teslin in the Yukon Territory, 183<br />
kilometers from Whitehorse. Teslin village was originally a Tlingit summer campsite. The<br />
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Teslin Tlingit currently comprise approximately two-thirds of the population of Teslin<br />
(Yukon Community Profiles, 2000). The number of members represented by the Teslin<br />
Tlingit Council in 2001 was 536, 52% of whom lived off-reserve. (Indian and Northern<br />
Affairs Canada, 2001).<br />
The traditional territory of the Teslin Tlingit includes the drainage system of Teslin Lake in<br />
northern BC and the southern Yukon (Map 5). All of the Teslin Tlingit reserves are in the<br />
Yukon. The Teslin Tlingit have five clans: Eagle, Wolf, Frog, Crow and Beaver.<br />
The official name of this First Nation is the Teslin Tlingit Council. The Council is<br />
recognized and established under the traditional law of the Teslin Tlingit and is a registered<br />
Indian Band under the Indian Act. The Teslin Tlingit Council is affiliated with the Tlingit<br />
Tribal Council, the Daxa Nation. The Self-Government Agreement signed with the Canada<br />
and the Yukon Territory in 1993 recognizes the Teslin Tlingit Council as a self-governing<br />
First Nation. The clan system has been incorporated into the Council and is an important<br />
aspect of the Self-Government Agreement (Yukon Community Profiles, 2000).<br />
Tle-Nax T-awei Incorporated, the development corporation of the Teslin Tlingit Council, is<br />
involved in a number of community economic initiatives including tourism development, a<br />
small business assistance program, expansion of cultural activities and arts and crafts, and<br />
expansion of the Yukon River Timber Company sawmill (Yukon Community Profiles,<br />
2000). A Teslin Region Tourism Development Plan was developed in 1993. The Plan<br />
identifies a number of opportunities for culturally-based tourism development, including<br />
development of a Teslin Cultural Display to demonstrate the Tlingit culture and northern<br />
lifestyles in general (YFNTA, 2000). The Council is a member of the Yukon First Nations<br />
Tribal Association.<br />
2.2.4.3 Carcross/Tagish<br />
The Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C-TFN) are people of Tlingit, Tagish and Athapaskan<br />
descent. There were 531registered members of the First Nation as of May, 2001, 60% of<br />
whom lived off-reserve (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, 2001). The Carcross/Tagish<br />
people belong to the Tagish linguistic grouping of the Athapaskan language family. Most<br />
live in the communities of Carcross and Tagish and comprise approximately 50% of these<br />
communities (Yukon Community Profiles, 2000). The social organizational system of the<br />
Carcross/Tagish is reflection of their Tlingit and Tagish heritage e.g., with the potlatch being<br />
an important aspect of the social and political fabric of the community. The Carcross/Tagish<br />
have two moieties, crow and wolf, and a number of associated clans.<br />
The traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish people is primarily located at the headwaters<br />
of the Yukon River system in the Yukon and northwestern BC. The C-TFN is recognized<br />
under the traditional law of the Tlingit/Tagish descent and is also recognized as a band under<br />
the Indian Act of Canada. The First Nation is adopting a constitution based on its traditional<br />
clan system. The C-TFN is affiliated with the Tlingit Tribal Council, Daxa Nation. The C-<br />
TFN is currently negotiating their First Nation Final Agreement and Self-Government<br />
Agreement with the federal and Yukon governments.<br />
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Employment in Carcross and Tagish is based mainly on summer tourism, with some<br />
adventure tourism happening in the off-season. 30-40% of the total employment in Carcross<br />
is in government services and administration of the C-TFN (Yukon Community Profiles,<br />
2000). People are also employed in health and education services.<br />
2.2.4.4 Champagne-Aishihik<br />
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (C-AFN) represent a joining of the Champagne<br />
people of the Desadeash River with the Aishihik people of the headwaters of the Alsek River<br />
drainage. The Champagne and Aishihik people are of Southern Tutchone and Tlingit<br />
descent. Their traditional territory straddles the border of the Yukon and British Columbia<br />
and includes the entire Tatsenshini and Alsek drainages as well as areas east of the Haines<br />
Road to the Takhini River drainage (see Map 5).<br />
The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations are recognized and established under the<br />
traditional law of the Southern Tutchone. In addition, The Champagne and Aishihik Indian<br />
Bands are recognized as Bands under the Indian Act. The Self-Government Agreement<br />
between the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations, Canada and the Yukon Territory<br />
recognizes the inherent right of the Champagne and Aishihik to be self-governing First<br />
Nations. The Champagne and Aishihik First Nations are affiliated with the Southern<br />
Tutchone Tribal Council.<br />
The overall membership of the C-AFN was approximately 1100 in 2000, making it one of the<br />
largest First Nations in the Yukon (Yukon Community Profiles, 2000) The administration<br />
office of the C-AFN is based in Haines Junction, at the junction of the Alaska and Haines<br />
highways in the Yukon. Haines Junction is the first major community northwest of<br />
Whitehorse. The Champagne-Aishihik also have a number of settlements or camps<br />
throughout their territory. Most of the settlements are around Haines Junction where they<br />
comprise approximately half of the population (Yukon Community Profiles, 2000).<br />
The Dakwakada Development Corporation was established to promote economic<br />
development for the C-AFN. Projects of the Corporation include a hotel/lodge, a mall,<br />
Dakwakada Forest Products, and greater involvement in the tourism industry, including the<br />
development of a tourist resort (Cooko-Whiteduck, 2001).<br />
The C-AFN has an agreement with BC Parks for cooperative management of the<br />
Tatsenshini-Alsek Park, which covers most of their traditional territory within BC (see<br />
Section 5.0: Protected <strong>Area</strong>s).<br />
Tahltan<br />
The Talhtan have traditional territories in the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed and still make extensive<br />
use of portions of the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed. The Tahltan communities are located in the<br />
neighbouring Cassiar Iskut-Stikine LRMP area, in the towns of Dease Lake, Telegraph<br />
Creek, and Iskut. The Tahltan traditional territory includes the entire Stikine River<br />
watershed.<br />
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2.2.5 Local government and community representation<br />
The township of <strong>Atlin</strong> is unincorporated and there is no municipal government in the town,<br />
i.e., there is no elected body such as Mayor or town council and no by-laws. The nearest<br />
thing to local government is the <strong>Atlin</strong> Advisory <strong>Planning</strong> Commission, consisting of seven<br />
elected members who act in a voluntary capacity and make decisions regarding land use<br />
zoning and applications. The other main community organization is the <strong>Atlin</strong> District Board<br />
of Trade. The Board of Trade, which celebrated its 100 th anniversary in 2001, is the longest<br />
running organization in <strong>Atlin</strong>. It has the role of promoting economic development and social<br />
enhancement.<br />
The administration office of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit First Nation on the townsite reserve in<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>. Decision-making within the TRTFN is set out in a constitution developed and ratified<br />
by clan members in 1993. The constitution asserts the status of the TRTFN as a selfgoverning<br />
people and establishes the traditional clan system of governance under the<br />
traditional law of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit. The clan system replaces governance by an<br />
elected band council under the Indian Act. The TRTFN council consists of three<br />
representatives. Clan members appoint one director from each of the two moieties or clans<br />
(Wolf and Crow) and one non-aligned spokesperson. The appointments are for an indefinite<br />
term of office and appointees may be removed by their clans at any time.<br />
The plan area is not within a regional district. The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine<br />
extends as far north as Iskut and Telegraph Creek.<br />
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3.0 RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND VALUES<br />
3.1 Bedrock Geology<br />
Introduction:<br />
The science of geology, as in other fields, is replete with terminology that can overwhelm<br />
and confuse non-specialists. To facilitate the layperson's understanding geologic<br />
terminology has been simplified in regards to: (1) geologic time, (2) mineral and rock names,<br />
and (3) names of rock formations.<br />
Geologic time is measured by two independent systems, a relative scale devised from<br />
paleontology (the study of ancient life) and an absolute scale derived from the precise<br />
radioactive decay of certain chemical elements. Just as carbon is used to date artifacts<br />
thousands of years old, isotopic pairs of potassium-argon, rubidium-strontium and uraniumlead<br />
are used to date rocks that are one million to hundreds of millions of years old. The<br />
paleontologic scale gives rise to geologic periods, each about 50-70 million years long<br />
(Mississippian, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic etc.) and a long and unwieldy series of 2-15<br />
million-year-long stages. These appear in the legend of all geologic maps. Time periods<br />
convey a great deal of information (to geologists) about how a map unit (rock formation)<br />
relates to other areas, its place in the evolution of Cordilleran geology and even the types of<br />
metallic and industrial mineral deposits that might be present, all of which is not apparent to<br />
non-specialists. For this reason, geologic time periods are abandoned in this report in favour<br />
of the absolute time scale, a simplification that goes against certain geologic principles.<br />
Second, only the most basic rock names are used in the report, such as limestone, basalt and<br />
granite, and few mineral names are used.<br />
Third, the geologic framework is presented as terranes, rather than a much larger number of<br />
rock formations. Only the names of a few distinctive formations are used that are likely to be<br />
familiar to residents of the area. Rock formations are named during geologic mapping of an<br />
area and are correlated to formations in adjacent areas. Some correlations are precise, others<br />
may involve changing facies (past depositional environments) or the age range. Geologists<br />
are familiar with the succession of formation names and appreciate the significance and<br />
subtleties of regional correlation, but these are not meaningful to most lay-people.<br />
Geology of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area:<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> District presents a great transect of Cordilleran geology, including rocks of<br />
vastly different origin that span 500 million years and represent more geologic diversity than<br />
any other land planning area in British Columbia. For this report, the geology is simplified<br />
into four northwesterly geologic terranes; Yukon-Tanana, Cache Creek, Stikine and<br />
Alexander. A terrane is a sequence of related rocks that formed in a single geologic setting.<br />
In their early history terranes developed independently, far from their present location and<br />
with a unique mineral endowment. They were amalgamated with North America by<br />
processes of plate tectonics. Boundaries between terranes are major faults, sometimes called<br />
sutures. Superimposed onto this geologic collage, after continental accretion, are igneous<br />
intrusions, volcanic fields and sedimentary basins. These are called overlap assemblages and<br />
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provide evidence of when terranes were bound together. The most extensive of these<br />
younger geologic events constitutes a fifth division of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> district, the Coast<br />
Range granite belt.<br />
Yukon-Tanana terrane comprises two areas of metamorphic rocks in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> district.<br />
The larger east arm is up to 70 km across and is that part of the district east of Teslin Lake.<br />
The Teslin fault, which bounds the east arm, underlies Teslin Lake and continues southeast<br />
along the Jennings River. The west arm lies along the B.C.-Alaska border and is just 10-20<br />
km wide. It is bounded by the Llewellyn fault to the east and largely engulfed by Coast<br />
Range granite on the west, so that it is discontinuous. Yukon-Tanana metamorphic rocks<br />
were originally sedimentary and volcanic strata, derived from an arc of volcanoes on the<br />
continental margin of North America 325 to 390 million years ago. High temperature and<br />
pressure metamorphosed Yukon-Tanana rocks into quartzite, schist, gneiss and marble, and<br />
also deformed the layered rocks into tight folds. These folds are evident on a micro-scale<br />
(centimeters) and macro-scale (tens of kilometers). As its name implies, Yukon-Tanana<br />
terrane extends across central Yukon into Alaska.<br />
Cache Creek terrane consists of rocks formed 225 to 350 million years ago in an ocean basin<br />
that lay between the two arms of Yukon-Tanana rocks. Cache Creek terrane is the<br />
compressed remnant of that ocean and its rocks. This compression caused tight folding and<br />
thrust faulting, the stacking of older rock sequences on top of younger. Cache Creek terrane<br />
is 80 km wide and extends 150 kilometres across the plan area. It was joined to ancient<br />
North America along two plate-bounding subduction zones, the Teslin fault to the east and<br />
the Nahlin fault to the southwest. Cache Creek terrane extends to Dease Lake, and far<br />
beyond to its namesake locality in southern British Columbia. The rocks consist of basalt<br />
lava formed at a mid-ocean ridge, deep water sedimentary rocks (argillite and chert),<br />
limestone reefs originally anchored to island volcanoes, and bodies of serpentine (a dense<br />
igneous rock brought up from the mantle along deep faults). Serpentine is particularly<br />
abundant east of <strong>Atlin</strong> village and some geologic theories link it to the area's famous placer<br />
gold. Prominent gray limestone bluffs and orange-brown weathering serpentine are part of<br />
the distinctive geologic landscape of the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. Most of the <strong>Atlin</strong> (104N) map-sheet is<br />
underlain by Cache Creek terrane and, in 2000, the federal and provincial Geological<br />
Surveys began a joint program to improve the quality of geological mapping. This includes<br />
an aeromagnetic survey, important data that will assist with geologic interpretation.<br />
Stikine terrane is a 200-225 million year old volcanic island arc. It is 100 km wide at the<br />
southern end of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area but narrows to just 20 km wide, north of the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River to the Yukon border. Rock textures show that eruptions ranged from violent<br />
explosions producing coarse debris to "quiet" effusions of lava. Chemically similar stocks<br />
(igneous bodies
subjected to high temperature and pressure of metamorphism. An important similarity is the<br />
presence of bedded copper-zinc-silver-gold deposits (see section 4.3.1).<br />
Alexander terrane is largely restricted to the Alaska panhandle and has limited extent in<br />
British Columbia. Other than a small area on the North Coast near Prince Rupert, the B.C.<br />
segment of Alexander terrane is essentially within Alsek-Tatshenshini Park. It lies west of<br />
the Haines highway which approximately delineates the terrane-bounding Denali fault.<br />
Alexander terrane has been called a micro-continent and has its own long and complex<br />
history that is completely foreign to the terranes described above. Its major components are a<br />
350 to 500 million year old succession of sandstone, shale, deep ocean basalt and shallow<br />
water limestone, overlain by mid-ocean rift volcanic rocks and deep water limestone (about<br />
200 million years old) all of which are intruded by granites from 150 million years to as<br />
young as 20 million years old. The uniquely large Windy Craggy copper deposit formed in<br />
the mid-ocean rift volcanic sequence.<br />
The principal sedimentary overlap assemblage is called the Whitehorse Trough, a subsiding<br />
marine basin formed on top of Stikine and Cache Creek terranes 175-200 million years ago.<br />
A thick sequence of conglomerate, sandstone and argillite formed from material eroded from<br />
Stikine terrane and shed eastward and northward along the axis of the basin. As the name<br />
implies, the basin extends into southern Yukon. The strata were folded, faulted and weakly<br />
metamorphosed during younger geologic events. As in all sedimentary basins, the<br />
Whitehorse Trough has a potential for petroleum that is determined by amount of<br />
hydrocarbon in the source rocks, the temperatures attained during metamorphism and the<br />
presence of trapping structures, or reservoirs. In the Whitehorse Trough, temperatures may<br />
have exceeded the limit for survival of oil and gas and structural deformation may have<br />
ruptured potential reservoirs.<br />
Igneous intrusions were emplaced during and after the amalgamation of Yukon-Tanana,<br />
Cache Creek, Stikine and Alexander terranes, and were derived from partial melting of<br />
crustal plates during collision. These can be divided into two groups; (a) numerous<br />
individual batholiths (igneous intrusions 5 to 30 km across) and stocks (bodies less than 5 km<br />
in diameter) that are widely distributed and (b) the Coast Range granite belt, a well-defined<br />
composite zone of batholiths that runs the length of the Canadian Cordillera. For simplicity<br />
in this report, all these igneous intrusions are referred to as granite. In detail there is a<br />
spectrum of composition that includes granite, syenite, monzonite, granodiorite, diorite and<br />
various other varieties. The first group of isolated intrusions, at 75-180 million year old, is<br />
older than the Coast Range which formed 50-100 million year ago. In the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan<br />
area, the Coast Range belt forms a zone 50 to 80 kilometre wide superimposed on Yukon-<br />
Tanana, Alexander and Stikine terranes. In width, it extends from the head of Tutshi Lake to<br />
the Haines highway. Individual intrusions of the first group include the Fourth of July<br />
batholith, north of <strong>Atlin</strong>, a particularly distinctive body with large pink feldspar crystals, and<br />
the Surprise Lake batholith. Granite bodies of this group are more important with respect to<br />
mineral deposits (see section 4.3.1) than the Coast Range belt which contains few mineral<br />
occurrences throughout its length in British Columbia.<br />
Volcanic fields erupted at discrete time intervals during late Cretaceous to early Tertiary time<br />
comprise the youngest overlap assemblage. The most extensive is the Sloko volcanic field,<br />
formed about 55 million years ago. It covers a 20 by 35 km area south of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake.<br />
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Remnants of its original distribution extend south to Tatsamenie Lake, north to the Bennett<br />
Lake caldera on the B.C.- Yukon border and west in the Coast Range. Sloko volcanism is a<br />
comparatively young geologic event. The Cordillera was nearly in its present form when<br />
these volcanoes erupted in a continental, subaerial setting. Sloko volcanic rocks were<br />
deposited onto Stikine terrane, western Yukon-Tanana, the Coast belt and a small part of<br />
Cache Creek terrane. Older volcanic centers, 80-90 million years old, are restricted in area<br />
and difficult to distinguish from Sloko volcanics, but are more important with respect to<br />
mineral deposits. Examples occur at Montana Mountain on the Yukon border, at Table<br />
Mountain near the head of Graham Inlet, and between Trapper Lake and the Sutlahini River.<br />
Small intrusions and dikes that supplied magma to these volcanoes are abundant between<br />
Tulsequah and Tatsamenie Lake and are responsible for certain mineral occurrences and<br />
prospects. Volcanic eruptions within the last million years include accumulations on Heart<br />
Peaks and the Ruby Creek lava flow. These are coeval with the Mount Edziza and Level<br />
Mountain volcanic edifices.<br />
3.2 Vegetation Ecology<br />
3.2.1 Overview of ecosystems<br />
Table 4 provides a breakdown of the forested landbase for the <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> plan area by<br />
biogeoclimatic subzone or variant. Map 3 shows the biogeoclimatic subzones and variants in<br />
the plan area as well as the ecosections. As can be seen in Map 3, the boundaries of the<br />
biogeoclimatic zones correspond closely to the boundaries of the ecosections.<br />
Table 4. Biogeoclimatic subzones and variants in the forested landbase.<br />
Biogeoclimatic zone Biogeoclimatic<br />
subzone/variant<br />
No of<br />
hectares<br />
% of the forested<br />
landbase<br />
Coastal Western Hemlock (CWH) CWHwm 75,291 1.4<br />
Mountain Hemlock (MH) MHund* 141,509 2.6<br />
Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS) SBSund* 188,047 3.4<br />
Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir<br />
(ESSF)<br />
Boreal White and Black Spruce<br />
(BWBS)<br />
ESSFvc 218,673 3.9<br />
BWBS dk1 1,083,692 19.6<br />
BWBSvk 71,084 1.3<br />
BWBSund* 3,355 0.1<br />
Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB) SWBdk 66,087 1.2<br />
SWBvk 131,675 2.4<br />
SWBund* 1,203,880 21.6<br />
Alpine Tundra (AT) ATp 2,354,500 42.5<br />
TOTAL 100<br />
Und = undifferentiated. Undifferentiated zones generally occur in more remote areas where detailed<br />
descriptions of vegetation are lacking.<br />
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3.2.2 Forest Types<br />
3.2.2.1 Coastal forests: CWH-MH<br />
The coastal zones (CWH and MH) occur within the Alsek and Boundary Ranges ecosections.<br />
The coastal forest comprises a relatively small amount (4%; 217,000 ha) of the plan area<br />
(Table 4).<br />
The forested portions of these zones are part of the coastal temperate rainforest. This forest<br />
type is characterized by old-growth conifer stands with a complex structure, often including<br />
very large, old trees. The complexity of the coastal temperate rainforest is due to its age and<br />
disturbance regime. Trees reaching 500 years of age are common in northern coastal<br />
rainforests. The wet coastal climate results in a low frequency of fire. For the most part,<br />
forests are replaced in piecemeal fashion by the death and replacement of individual trees,<br />
although large-scale disturbances such as windthrow and landslides also occur occasionally.<br />
This ongoing pattern of small-scale disturbance events results in patches and layers of<br />
vegetation at various stages of succession, with a range of tree sizes and ages. The patchy<br />
multi-layered canopy lets in enough light to encourage the growth of many moss and fern<br />
species and these forests are renowned for their dense understory.<br />
The lower elevations of the coastal forests are within the Coastal Western Hemlock wet<br />
maritime subzone (CWHwm). The northern CWHwm variant is characterized by deeper<br />
snowfall and colder temperatures, an absence of western redcedar and an abundance of<br />
western hemlock relative to more southern variants (Radcliffe et al., 1994). Western<br />
hemlock and Sitka spruce are the dominant tree species. On wetter sites Sitka spruce are<br />
more abundant. In very wet sites, the tree layer tends to be dominated by lodgepole pine and<br />
yellow cedar. On the active floodplains of larger rivers, hemlock and spruce are dominant on<br />
higher benches, only occurring on lower benches on elevated microsites. Deciduous forests<br />
with alder and willow dominate areas with elevated water tables and directly adjacent to<br />
rivers. Most CWHwm subzone is forested, with localized non-forested bogs, fens and<br />
marshes and the bottoms of avalanche tracks (Banner et al., 1993).<br />
Subalpine forest occurs at higher elevations in the Mountain Hemlock zone. The snow-free<br />
season is short and the soils rarely dry out. Low-lying clouds are often present, providing a<br />
significant amount of additional moisture to the system. Mountain hemlock and amabilis fir<br />
are the most common species at these elevations, with yellow-cedar occurring in more<br />
maritime areas and minor subalpine fir in drier, colder areas. The lower elevations of the<br />
subalpine forest are continuously forested except where dissected by avalanche tracks, as is<br />
often the case. Upper elevations have clumps of trees interspersed with subalpine meadows<br />
and wetlands.<br />
3.2.2.2 Transitional forests: SBS-ESSF<br />
As one moves inland from the coast to the interior, the forest composition changes. The<br />
transitional forests in the plan area correspond with the Tagish and Tahltan Highland<br />
ecosections. The SBS-ESSF represents 7.3% of the plan area.<br />
There are two forest types in the transitional zone. The Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBS) occurs at<br />
lower elevations and the ESSFvc at higher elevations. These northern transitional forests are<br />
poorly studied. They occur along the low-elevation valleys of the <strong>Taku</strong> River and its<br />
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tributaries and the transitional streams feeding into the Yukon River headwaters (Map 3).<br />
Coastal weather systems are able to penetrate up valleys, losing their warmth and gradually<br />
and creating an area of transition between the warm, wet coast and cold, dry interior.<br />
Dominant tree species in the northern SBS are hybrid (Roche) spruce, subalpine fir, black<br />
cottonwood, paper birch and, less commonly, lodgepole pine and trembling aspen (Banner et<br />
al., 1993). Features that distinguish these forests from the neighbouring BWBS include an<br />
abundance of devil’s club and an absence or paucity of western hemlock. There tends to be<br />
an abrupt boundary between the SBS forests and the adjacent CWH and BWBS forests.<br />
As one increases in elevation, the forests undergo a gradual transition to Engelmann Spruce -<br />
Subalpine Fir (ESSF). The ESSF in the north is at the wettest and snowiest extreme of the<br />
ESSF in the province. (Banner et al., 1993). The snow pack is heavier and growing season<br />
shorter than at lower elevations. The dominant tree species shifts from hybrid spruce at<br />
lower elevations to subalpine fir with more heathers in the understory and subalpine herbs<br />
and dwarf shrubs in forest openings (Banner et al., 1993). Continuous forest gives way to<br />
subalpine parkland at higher elevations. Avalanche tracks are common and are dominated by<br />
Sitka alder.<br />
3.2.2.3 Interior forests: BWBS-SWB<br />
The climate as one moves further to the interior becomes more continental. This results in<br />
more large expanses of boreal forest, composed of Boreal Black and White Spruce (BWBS)<br />
at lower elevations and Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB) at higher elevations. These interior<br />
forests represent 46.2 % of the plan area. There are two distinct areas of boreal forest in this<br />
plan area: the Tatsenshini-Alsek and the Interior Plateaus.<br />
Tatsenshini-Alsek<br />
The forests in the Tatsenshini-Alsek area have a different combination of variants of the<br />
BWBS and SWB than in the interior plateaus. The more coastal areas have very wet cool<br />
(vk) subzones of the BWBS and SWB. Neither subzone occurs outside of the Haines<br />
Triangle of the Tatsenshini-Alsek area (Radcliffe, 1994). Weather from the North Pacific<br />
gets funneled up the Alsek and Tatsenshini Rivers, creating a climate that, while being<br />
dominantly of an interior continental type, is somewhat transitional with wetter conditions.<br />
Characteristically, the climate in the BWBSvk is wetter and much snowier than the BWBSdk<br />
(dry cool variant) in the Tatsenshini Basin and the Teslin Plateau. Forests in the BWBSvk<br />
are mixed, with white spruce, black cottonwood and paper birch as the most abundant tree<br />
species. Lodgepole pine and subalpine fir are absent. Wetlands are uncommon (Radcliffe et<br />
al., 1994). The SWBvk subzone is very snowy and is primarily non-forested with scattered<br />
open stands of white spruce and black cottonwood. The dominant vegetation consists of<br />
dense, shrubby thickets of Sitka alder and willow. Moist, lush meadows are common and<br />
widespread (Radcliffe et al., 1994). Further inland, in the Tatsenshini Basin ecosection, the<br />
SWB dry cool (dk) subzone replaces the SWBvk.<br />
Interior plateaus<br />
The BWBS subzone in the interior of the plan area is the BWBS dry cool (dk). This subzone<br />
is ubiquitous, occurring in the low elevation area of the Tatsenshini Basin, Teslin Plateau,<br />
Teslin Basin, Stikine Plateau, and Tuya Range ecosections (Map 3). These areas have long<br />
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and very cold winters, cold soil temperatures, and a short growing season. Arctic air masses<br />
move through in the winter. This results in poor tree growth. The forests exist as a<br />
patchwork of slow-growing forests, deciduous scrub, and wetlands of varying ages and<br />
successional stages (Banner et al., 1993). In the BWBS, white spruce and black spruce,<br />
subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and aspen are the major tree species. Shrub species include<br />
soopolallie, highbush cranberry, and Labrador tea. Wetlands are common but, for the most<br />
part, are not extensive (with the exception of the Teslin Basin). Grassland communities are<br />
also present in some site series (Radcliffe et al., 1994).<br />
The Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB) occurs above the BWBS. This zone is mostly forested by<br />
white spruce and subalpine fir, with lodgepole pine, aspen and black spruce occurring in<br />
variable amounts at lower elevations. At higher elevations subalpine fir is dominant. In the<br />
subalpine area, the vegetation mainly consists of deciduous shrubs such as willow and scrub<br />
birch (Banner et al., 1993).<br />
3.2.3 Rare ecosystems<br />
The Conservation Data Centre (CDC) lists 111 plant species and 12 natural plant<br />
communities as rare or endangered in the Cassiar portion of the Bulkley / Cassiar Forest<br />
District (Appendix 2). The precise number of plant species and natural communities at risk<br />
within the planning area is unknown for two key reasons. First, only portion of what is<br />
shown on the CDC lists apply to the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area because it encompasses only<br />
about one-third of the “Cassiar.” Second, due to the remote nature of this region of the<br />
province, little research has been done in this area. We know of no current research projects<br />
on plants in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area.<br />
3.3 Terrestrial Wildlife<br />
The types of terrestrial wildlife found in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area are governed by<br />
vegetation, climate and other physical and ecological factors. The interior plateaux and<br />
mountain ranges covering the vast majority of the planning area are generally colder and<br />
drier than the coastal areas. The primary limiting factor to wildlife in the interior is the<br />
severe winter conditions. Wildlife here is adapted to the long cold winters. Although<br />
snowpacks in the mountains can be high, coastal conditions are generally more forgiving as<br />
some animals can migrate into low elevation valleys. In the lower <strong>Taku</strong> and Whiting River<br />
valleys, the relatively moist, mild climate and productive forests at low to middle elevations<br />
result in a tremendously biodiverse coastal rainforest, providing habitat for a great diversity<br />
of birds, and variety other terrestrial animals. The Coastal Western Hemlock (CWH) zone,<br />
in particular the vh 4 and wm subzones, have the greatest diversity of terrestrial vertebrate<br />
species in Prince Rupert Forest Region (MOF, 1994.).<br />
A comprehensive inventory of species generally does not exist for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning<br />
area. However, recently completed wildlife studies associated with the proposed Tulsequah<br />
Chief mine have helped to clarified animal distributions in the vicinity of the proposed<br />
Tulsequah Chief road and mine site. In the remainder of the LRMP area, wildlife presence<br />
4 The vh subzone is not found in the planning area.<br />
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information tends to be generalized. For example, ungulates, bears and wolves are the most<br />
common large animals within the Northern Boreal Mountains Ecoprovince, which covers the<br />
interior and northwestern portions of the planning area. Although moose are the most<br />
numerous and widely distributed ungulate, caribou, as well as Dall’s and Stone's sheep,<br />
which are at their southern limits of distribution, best distinguish the fauna of the area<br />
(Demarchi, 1996). Mountain goats are abundant in rugged alpine areas. Grizzly bears, black<br />
bears, and wolves are common. Wolverines and lynx are also relatively common. Small<br />
mammal communities are particularly diverse in the area and several species reach their<br />
southern limits within the planning area including collared pika, Arctic ground squirrel,<br />
tundra vole and tundra shrew (MOF, 1994).<br />
The Northern Boreal Mountains Ecoprovince has a relatively low diversity of birds<br />
However, many species found here breed nowhere else in British Columbia. Examples are<br />
the Pacific Loon, Gyrfalcon, Lesser Golden-Plover, Wandering Tattler, Hudsonian Godwit,<br />
Red-necked Phalarope, Arctic Tern, Northern Shrike, Smith's Longspur, Snow Bunting, and<br />
Common Redpoll (Demarchi, 1996). In addition, the area supports the only known breeding<br />
population of the dark race (harlani) of the Red-tailed Hawk. It is also the only breeding area<br />
other than the Okanagan Basin Ecosection for Brewer's Sparrow. This ecoprovince is also<br />
important to Willow and Rock ptarmigan, Bohemian Waxwing, and American Tree Sparrow,<br />
which are relatively abundant (Ibid.).<br />
The Coast and Mountain Ecoprovince, hugging the western side of the planning area, has a<br />
greater coastal influence. It has the greatest diversity and number of birds within the planning<br />
area. See Demarchi (1996).<br />
Generalized habitats for select species of wildlife inhabiting the biogeoclimatic zones found<br />
within the two ecoprovinces discussed here are summarized in Meidinger and Pojar (1991).<br />
3.3.1 Assessing habitat values<br />
When managing for wildlife values, it is not only important to know what species live in an<br />
area and their population trends, but also what type of habitat they require and where this<br />
habitat lies in the landscape.<br />
3.3.1.1 Habitat capability and suitability<br />
Without sufficient habitat, a species’ population will decrease and may ultimately disappear<br />
from an area. The relative importance of various ecological units (habitats) to wildlife<br />
populations can be estimated using habitat capability and suitability ratings. These ratings<br />
can also be used to provide information on how various management activities affect wildlife<br />
populations.<br />
Habitat suitability ranks the present quality of habitat; habitat capability ranks the quality of<br />
potential habitat when vegetation is at its optimum seral stage for that particular species. An<br />
area may have high capability, but due to its present vegetation structure, it will not have<br />
high suitability. The ratings are provincially based and thus reflect the potential of an area to<br />
support a particular species by comparing habitats of interest to the best available for that<br />
particular species in the province. Habitat effectiveness is also considered when rating<br />
habitats. Effectiveness is based on the human factors that displace animals. For example, an<br />
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area may have high habitat suitability, but due to the pressure of a mainline road, the habitat<br />
does not get used to its full potential, thus it has a lower effectiveness rating. Conversely,<br />
habitat suitability may by increased by other factors, such as the presence of spawning<br />
salmon.<br />
Caveat: Habitat suitability and capability mapping is an initial attempt at identifying potential<br />
areas where certain wildlife species may occur. Because these maps are based on<br />
interpretations of vegetation patterns, they are not always accurate, particularly at a broad<br />
scale such as 1:250,000. Correlating actual occurrence data and local knowledge with these<br />
maps is critical to focusing in on where animals are actually located (L. Vanderstar, pers.<br />
comm.). This information is often gathered as part of an LRMP process.<br />
Broad Ecosystem Classification Mapping<br />
Habitat capability and suitability is derived from ecosystem mapping. At the broad scale of<br />
an LRMP, Broad Ecosystem Classification may be the most appropriate scale for mapping<br />
wildlife habitat. Broad Ecosystem Classification or Broad Ecosystem Inventory (BEI) is an<br />
ecologically based classification system that provides an ecosystem perspective for resource<br />
management and land use planning. The unit of classification in this system is the Broad<br />
Ecosystem Unit (BEU). A BEU “is a permanent area of the landscape that supports a distinct<br />
type of dominant vegetation cover, or distinct non-vegetation cover (such as lakes or rock<br />
outcrops)” (RIC, 1998), and is generally named after the dominant climax vegetation within<br />
the unit. BEUs emphasize the site characteristics that determine the function and distribution<br />
of plant communities in the landscape. Each BEU is an amalgamation of biogeoclimatic<br />
ecosystem (BEC) units. Mapping of BEUs combines the ecoregion classification system<br />
(Demarchi, 1996) and the biological ecosystem classification (BEC) system (Meidinger and<br />
Pojar, 1991). A summary of these two classification systems is provided in Section 2.1.2. A<br />
more complete description is provided in RIC (1998). Broad Ecosystem Inventory with<br />
habitat interpretations is available for the planning area.<br />
Terrestrial / Predictive Ecosystem Mapping<br />
A more detailed method of determining habitat suitability uses Terrestrial Ecosystem<br />
Mapping (TEM) as a foundation. This mapping occurs at a scale of 1:20,000 and is far more<br />
precise than mapping developed from broad ecosystem units. Detailed habitat suitability<br />
mapping and wildlife habitat interpretations have not been conducted for most of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> <strong>Planning</strong> area. However, habitat interpretations for some species are complete for the<br />
area of the proposed Tulsequah Chief mine site and the proposed access road corridor.<br />
Further Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping has been conducted at a scale of 1:50,000 for the area<br />
between <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and Gladys Lake south down the Gladys River to the Silver Salmon<br />
River. This two-year project is expected to be completed by August 2001.<br />
Due to the expense of TEM, the Ministry of Forests is developing a method of predicting<br />
ecosystems called predictive ecosystem mapping. There are plans to complete predictive<br />
ecosystem mapping for the entire Prince Rupert Forest Region. However, the “Cassiar” is a<br />
low priority and there are no immediate plans to work on this area.<br />
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3.3.2 Wildlife species at risk in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area<br />
This section briefly describes some of the wildlife species of highest management concern in<br />
the planning area and some of the government initiatives in place to help manage these<br />
species. These include species at risk and those of regional significance. Because habitat<br />
suitability and/or capability interpretations are not yet available in a digital format, maps<br />
could not be created for this report.<br />
Several species of animals and plants within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area are considered to<br />
be at risk to population declines, either because of conflicts with human activities or<br />
alterations to, or loss of, their habitats. Within British Columbia, species at risk are ranked<br />
by the Conservation Data Centre (CDC) as Red-listed 5 or Blue-listed 6 . Yellow-listed 7<br />
species are regionally important. As of June 2000, seven terrestrial animals, 14 birds and<br />
three fish found within the Cassiar portion of the Bulkley / Cassiar Forest District were<br />
considered to be at risk (Table 5).<br />
3.3.2.1 Grizzly Bear<br />
The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) is one of the three Identified Wildlife species, along with<br />
fisher and bull trout, which the BC government recommends be considered at the LRMP<br />
level. LRMPs have the responsibility of considering Grizzly Bear Management <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
(potentially as protected areas or resource management zones) under the BC Grizzly Bear<br />
Conservation Strategy, as well as setting operational direction for the management of grizzly<br />
bear habitat. The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy and B.C. Grizzly Bear<br />
Conservation are described later in section 3.3.4.<br />
The grizzly bear is Blue-listed in BC. The historic distribution of the grizzly bear has shrunk<br />
considerably throughout North America. At one time, grizzlies were found throughout<br />
British Columbia, except for some coastal islands. Today grizzly bears have disappeared<br />
from much of the south and south-central parts of the province, and local populations are<br />
declining across much of the province. “Grizzly bear populations decline as human<br />
development encroaches into their range. [In effect] the more human activity, the fewer<br />
bears.” (G. Schultze, pers. comm.). However, BC has some of the last large areas of<br />
remaining habitat and contains approximately one-quarter of the North American population<br />
(MELP, 1995).<br />
5 The Red list includes any indigenous species or subspecies (taxa) considered to be extirpated, endangered, or<br />
threatened in British Columbia. Extirpated taxa no longer exist in the wild in British Columbia, but do occur<br />
elsewhere. Endangered taxa are facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened taxa are likely to<br />
become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Red-listed taxa include those that have been, or are<br />
being, evaluated for these designations.<br />
6 The Blue list includes any indigenous species or subspecies considered to be vulnerable in British Columbia.<br />
Vulnerable taxa are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human<br />
activities or natural events. Blue-listed taxa are at risk, but are not extirpated, endangered or threatened.<br />
7 The Yellow list includes any indigenous species or subspecies which is not at risk in British Columbia, but<br />
which is a regionally important species whose habitat requirements are not met by other provisions of the Forest<br />
Practices Code (e.g. Biodiversity Guidebook and Riparian Management <strong>Area</strong> Guidebook) or which is<br />
vulnerable during times of seasonal concentration (eg breeding colonies).<br />
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Table 5. Mammals and birds at risk in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area.<br />
Species Risk ranking<br />
(CDC)<br />
Identified<br />
Wildlife<br />
Species<br />
Grizzly Bear* (Ursus arctos) Blue-listed X<br />
Fisher* (Martes pennanti) Blue-listed X<br />
Wolverine, luscus subspecies (Gulo Gulo luscus) Blue-listed -<br />
Dall’s Sheep (Ovis Dalli Dalli) Blue-listed -<br />
Tundra shrew (Sorex tundrensis) Red-listed -<br />
Glacier bear (Ursus Americanus emmonisii) Blue-listed -<br />
Meadow jumping mouse, alascensis subspecies<br />
(Zapus hudsonius alascensis)<br />
Blue-listed -<br />
Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) Blue-listed -<br />
Upland sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) Red-listed -<br />
Smith’s longspur (Calcarius pictus) Blue-listed -<br />
Oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis) Blue-listed -<br />
Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) Blue-listed X<br />
American Peregrine Falcon, anatum subspecies<br />
(Falco peregrinus anatum)<br />
Peregrine flacon, pealei subspecies (Falco<br />
peregrinus pealei)<br />
Red-listed -<br />
Blue-listed -<br />
Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) Blue-listed -<br />
Wandering Tattler (Heteroscelus incanus) Blue-listed -<br />
Short-Billed Dowitcher (Limondromus griseus) Blue-listed -<br />
Hudsonian godwit (Limosa haemastica) Red-listed -<br />
Red-necked phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) Blue-listed -<br />
American golden-plover (Pluvialis dominica) Blue-listed -<br />
* Species recommended by the BC government to be considered at the LRMP level under the Identified<br />
Wildlife Management Strategy.<br />
Grizzly habitat covers a diverse array of ecosystems. Some bears are seasonally “transient”<br />
and travel large distances, while “resident” bears have a much smaller range. Home ranges,<br />
which vary by sex and age, vary from 25km 2 for females in productive coastal habitats, to<br />
over 2500 km 2 in the northern interior. Some have high elevation ranges; others migrate<br />
seasonally to lower elevations. Prime habitat for coastal grizzlies, with the exception of<br />
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Page 29
denning areas and avalanche chutes, occurs below treeline and is concentrated in valleybottom<br />
ecosystems associated with important salmon streams (Pojar et al. 1999).<br />
Because grizzlies employ a variety of strategies to meet habitat requirements, management of<br />
grizzly habitat must be considered at several spatial scales – from specific food-producing<br />
microsites to regional migration routes. Various time scales must also be considered. Food<br />
sources shift seasonally and annually, while habitat modifications through development can<br />
affect habitat quality. Apart from food, habitat requirements include thermal cover (e.g.<br />
dens/bedding sites), security (e.g. cub protection), and access to potential mates (MOF and<br />
MELP, 1997).<br />
The average estimated density for grizzly bears within the planning area is 19.9 animals per<br />
1000 km 2 (Table 6).<br />
Table 6. Population estimates for large mammals in management units (MUs) which overlap<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area.<br />
Species Population Estimate *<br />
(MUs 6-25,26,27,28,29)<br />
(1999, 2000 for Grizzly)<br />
Comments<br />
Grizzly Bear 915 ** Average density = 19.9 /1000 km 2<br />
Caribou 1600 <br />
Mountain Goat 3878 <br />
Moose 5040 <br />
Stone’s Sheep 1300 <br />
Dall’s Sheep 400 <br />
* These estimates will be biased high because the MUs extend beyond the boundaries of the planning area.<br />
** Source: Sharpe,.2000<br />
Source: Hatter, I, 1999.<br />
3.3.2.2 Fisher<br />
The Fisher (Martes pennanti), like the grizzly bear, is one of the three Identified Wildlife<br />
species that the BC government recommends be considered at the LRMP level.<br />
The fisher is Blue-listed because populations are believed to be declining over much of their<br />
range. Populations are susceptible to over-harvest by trapping and loss of habitat through<br />
forest harvesting (MOF and MELP, 1997).<br />
Fisher habitat includes forested landscapes, especially those with mixed habitats and<br />
structural classes, edges and riparian areas. Forests with structural characteristics of older<br />
forests (e.g. Class 6 and 7), particularly riparian areas with large trees (i.e. cottonwood<br />
floodplains), are important habitats for resting and maternal denning. Important habitat<br />
features include canopy closure > 30%, coarse woody debris (CWD), large wildlife trees and<br />
canopy cover in winter. Foraging occurs in a wide range of structural stages including early<br />
stages (age classes 1-3), depending on presence of prey and cover. Primary prey species are<br />
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Page 30
associated with abundant CWD and a productive understory. Connectivity between riparian<br />
areas and between riparian and upland sites is important. Fishers require relatively large<br />
home ranges, averaging 15 km 2 and 40 km 2 for females and males, respectively.<br />
Consequently, 600 km 2 has been suggested as a minimum area necessary to manage viable<br />
populations (MOF and MELP, 1997).<br />
3.3.2.3 Trumpeter Swan<br />
The trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator) is Blue-listed and an Identified Wildlife species<br />
because breeding pairs are rare in BC and key wintering habitats are at risk to development<br />
and oil pollution. COSEWIC has designated the Trumpeter Swan as not at risk in Canada<br />
(MOF and MELP, 1997).<br />
Trumpeter swans are the largest birds in North America. They migrate annually from<br />
overwintering areas in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and the coast of BC, to breeding areas<br />
in northwestern Canada and Alaska. Breeding occurs between late May and mid-September<br />
in secluded wetlands surrounded by forest. Breeding pairs return to nesting marshes each<br />
year, but will abandon nesting areas if disturbed too much. Known breeding sites are<br />
scattered throughout northern BC, with new nesting marshes discovered each year. The<br />
Burns Lake area forms the southern extent of the swan’s breeding grounds (MOF and MELP,<br />
1997). Within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area, trumpeter swans nest at Old Man Lake<br />
(currently a Goal 2 protected area study area).<br />
3.3.2.4 Wolverine<br />
The wolverine (Gulo Gulo luscus) is Blue-listed. Declining populations of large ungulates<br />
(e.g. caribou) is one factor contributing to falling wolverine populations (Schultze, pers.<br />
comm.). Trapping has also contributed to population declines in eastern Canada, while<br />
poisoning wolves has been detrimental to wolverines in western Canada because wolverines<br />
often take bait meant for wolves (CWS, 1999). Once populations become threatened, they<br />
may be slow to recover due to the low reproduction rates of wolverines (less than one<br />
offspring per female per year) (CWS, 1999). Wolverines, like grizzly bears, are sensitive to<br />
loss of large wilderness areas. Anecdotal evidence suggests that wolverines are sensitive to<br />
human presence particularly near subalpine denning sites. They have been known to relocate<br />
kits several kilometers away after a human approaches, even on foot (L. Vanderstar, pers.<br />
comm.)<br />
Wolverines are solitary animals that roam over large areas in search of food. They consume<br />
a variety of scavenged or fresh food items ranging from roots and berries, to small furbearers<br />
and fish, to large ungulates such as moose, caribou and mountain goats. Wolverine are often<br />
found in sub-alpine and alpine habitats in summer, and descend to lower elevations in the<br />
winter (CWS, 1999). In the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area, preferred forest habitat is mature and<br />
old-growth coniferous forests in the Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir zone (Coupé et al.,<br />
1991).<br />
3.3.2.5 American Peregrine Falcon<br />
The peregrine falcon subspecies anatum (Falco peregrinus anatum) is Red-listed in British<br />
Columbia. It is one of three sub-species of peregrine falcons in North America. Peregrine<br />
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Falcon populations declined sharply in 1960s, evidently the result of poisoning from<br />
chemical pesticides or industrial pollutants (CWS, 1999). Extensive reintroduction programs<br />
have been started in Canada and the United States.<br />
Peregrine falcons prefer to nest on sheer cliffs. A breeding pair usually has several alternate<br />
nesting ledges within a breeding territory of several square kilometers. If the nest is<br />
disturbed or robbed, the adults will often re-nest in a different location, usually nearby.<br />
Peregrines feed almost exclusively on birds and nearly always strike them in flight. Because<br />
falcons specialized in direct aerial pursuit of prey they prefer non-forested areas in which to<br />
hunt, particularly shores, marshes, river valleys, open moors, or tundra (CWS, 1999).<br />
3.3.2.6 Short-eared owl<br />
The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is Blue-listed in BC. Natural succession, wetland<br />
drainage, urban expansion and increasingly intensive farming have contributed to its decline<br />
in Canada. The species is not protected by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act<br />
(CWS, 1999).<br />
The short-eared owl prefers large areas of relatively open habitat in marshland and tall grass<br />
fields. The owl searches extensively within its breeding ranges for prey. It likes to hunt and<br />
roost in abandoned pastures, fields, hay meadows and grain stubble during summer. Nests,<br />
built each year, are usually slight depressions in the ground hidden under low shrubs, reeds<br />
and grasses, and are often located near water. (CWS, 1999).<br />
3.3.3 Other species of interest<br />
Other species of interest include, but are not limited to moose, caribou, mountain goat,<br />
marten, Stone’s sheep, Dall’s sheep, bald eagle, golden eagle, goshawk, and gyrfalcon.<br />
Following are brief descriptions for moose, caribou, mountain goat and marten.<br />
3.3.3.1 Moose<br />
Moose in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area originated primarily in Alaska (N. MacLean, pers.<br />
comm.). They tend to be the Alces alces gigas subspecies, which is larger and darker in<br />
colour than the other subspecies found in the planning area – Alces alces andersoni.<br />
In areas of heavy snowfall, especially near the coast, suitable moose winter range is largely<br />
confined to the spruce-cottonwood riparian habitats of major rivers and tributary confluences.<br />
Along major rivers, the annual flooding and deposition of sediment results in selfperpetuating<br />
shrub communities in early seral stage or as understory in cottonwood or mixedwood<br />
forest stands. These areas are considered the primary winter range for moose when<br />
snowfall confines them to low elevation valleys.<br />
In interior regions with lower snowfall, moose may overwinter in subalpine south-facing<br />
aspen stands. Upland site disturbance, such as burns, will also produce seral shrub<br />
communities that moose will forage in during the winter months if snow depths and<br />
proximity to cover are favourable. These temporary early seral shrub communities,<br />
providing an abundance of willow and/or red-osier dogwood, are considered secondary<br />
moose winter range.<br />
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Stands or patches of old-growth conifers with snow intercepting canopies are preferred for<br />
winter bedding sites and also for thermal and security protection during extreme winter<br />
conditions and when warm spring temperatures may result in over-heating of moose with<br />
winter coats.<br />
Although perhaps not currently an issue in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area, visual screening from roads<br />
and, where necessary, control of public access can reduce vulnerability of moose to poaching<br />
and human-induced habitat displacement.<br />
3.3.3.2 Caribou<br />
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in British Columbia are divided into two ecotypes based on<br />
winter habitat use: ‘mountain’ and ‘northern’ (Stevenson and Hatler, 1985; Heard and Vagt<br />
1998 in Poole et al., 2000). The ‘mountain’ ecotype is found in the mountains of<br />
southeastern BC, while the ‘northern’ ecotype is located in the west-central and northern<br />
parts of the province (Stevenson and Hatler, 1985; Poole et al., 2000). The caribou within<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning areas are of the northern variety. Northern caribou normally winter<br />
in low elevation mature lodgepole pine forests and on windswept alpine slopes (Stevenson<br />
and Hatler, 1985; various authors in Poole et al., 2000). In some instances, northern caribou<br />
will overwinter in mature and old-growth spruce and fir forests, typically the winter habitat<br />
of mountain caribou. Although northern caribou eat primarily terrestrial lichens during<br />
winter, they also forage on lichens growing on trees (arboreal lichen). Forage location<br />
depends on snow conditions and lichen abundance. During summer, caribou use a variety of<br />
habitats from low elevation forested areas to alpine. Summer diet consists of new leafy<br />
forage including forbs, grasses, sedges, and shrubs in addition to lichen (Cichowski, 1993;<br />
McTaggart Cowen and Guiguet, 1978). During calving in June, adult female caribou often<br />
disperse to islands or high elevations to avoid predation.<br />
The caribou is a regionally significant species in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area. The ranges of three<br />
herds extend into the planning area: the Level-Kawdy, <strong>Atlin</strong>, and Carcross – Squanga herds.<br />
The Level-Kawdy herd is the largest of the three herds, with a population of approximately<br />
1600 (Marshall, 1999). Its range is thought to encompass the northern plateau of Level<br />
mountain, Kawdy Plateau and the headwaters of the Tuya, Teslin and Nahlin rivers. The<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> herd spans the Yukon and British Columbia border, with the western and eastern<br />
boundaries set by <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and Teslin Lake. The summer range extends south to the Silver<br />
Salmon / Dixie Lake area (Diemert, pers. comm.). Calving tends to occur in the mountains<br />
east and northeast of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Winter range is a 20-25 kilometer-wide area stretching northeast<br />
from <strong>Atlin</strong> to Teslin Lake in the Yukon in addition to a 10 x 20 km patch of habitat around<br />
Mt. McMaster, east of the southern part of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake (O’Donoghue, 1997). In 1999, the<br />
population of this herd was estimated to be 809 in 1999 (M. Williams, pers. comm.). The<br />
Carcross – Squanga herd, the smallest of the three herds, is centred in the Yukon. Its<br />
population is approximately 450. The southern third of its summer range is west of <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake, extending 10 km west of the highway to Skagway, Alaska. In the winter, these<br />
animals are concentrated southwest of Whitehorse in forested habitats around Marsh Lake<br />
(O’Donoghue, 1997). A finger of the winter range extends 10 km into BC along the shores<br />
of Tagish Lake and a 10 x 15 km isolated winter refuge exists on Teresa Island at the south<br />
end of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake (Ibid.).<br />
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The <strong>Atlin</strong> and the Carcross – Squanga herds, along with the Ibex herd in the Yukon, are<br />
known as the Southern Lakes caribou. A recovery program for these caribou was launched<br />
in 1992 by First Nations and the Yukon and BC governments to increase the population of<br />
the herds to historic levels (thousands of animals). The First Nations have voluntarily<br />
stopped hunting caribou from these herds. A management subzone in BC was closed to<br />
hunting (O’Donoghue, 1997) in the mid-1990s, but is currently open to limited entry hunting<br />
for caribou. A large educational campaign and community involvement was included in the<br />
recovery program.<br />
3.3.3.3 Mountain Goat<br />
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) is recognized as a regionally significant species<br />
under the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy. Mountain goats live in rugged<br />
mountainous areas. Summer and winter habitats vary primarily by elevation. Between June<br />
and September, mountain goats are found on cliff faces, and in alpine and subalpine<br />
meadows feeding on grasses, sedges, rushes and forbs. In winter, predator avoidance and, in<br />
some areas, deep snow, confine mountain goats primarily to old growth stands near escape<br />
terrain. Such habitat commonly extends to, and includes, valley bottoms (L. Vanderstar,<br />
pers. comm.). Features of winter range include south- and west-facing slopes generally<br />
within 400 meters of steep escape terrain (MOF & MELP, 1997). Mature (age classes 6 and<br />
7) and old forest provide thermal cover and forage in the winter. Shrubs, lichen, and conifers<br />
supplement the winter diet. Some goats feed on wind-blown mountain ridges where forage is<br />
exposed or snow coverage is minimal.<br />
Because goat winter range is limited, even small areas of habitat alteration within winter<br />
habitat can have a disproportionately larger effect on the associated goat population. The<br />
maintenance of travel routes between patches of escape terrain in winter ranges is important<br />
to ensure habitat effectiveness. Removal of old growth forest in winter habitat areas lowers<br />
the quality of goat wintering sites by decreasing the amount of available forage and reducing<br />
the ability of the forest canopy to intercept snow.<br />
MELP estimated there were 3878 mountain goats within MU 6-25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 in 1999<br />
(Table 6).<br />
3.3.3.4 Marten<br />
The preferred habitat for Marten (Martes americana) is mature and old growth coniferous<br />
forest. Marten often forage around coarse woody debris - downed trees, stumps and hollow<br />
trees, but may venture into dense younger forests or more open areas to find food. Denning<br />
also occurs in coarse woody debris. Loss of mature forested landscape has contributed to the<br />
decline in abundance of marten in North America (CWS, 2000).<br />
3.3.4 Current wildlife management strategies<br />
3.3.4.1 Identified Wildlife Management Strategy<br />
The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS) is one of the components of the<br />
Forest Practices Code meant to meet the goals of conserving biological diversity. The Forest<br />
Practices Code assumes that the habitat requirements for the majority of species and plant<br />
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communities will be addressed through “coarse filter management” as per the Biodiversity<br />
Guidebook (MOF and MELP, 1995a) and the Riparian Management <strong>Area</strong> Guidebook (MOF<br />
and MELP, 1995b). The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy focuses on “fine filter<br />
management,” which is managing for habitat requirements of select wildlife species (and<br />
plant communities) that require additional management attention. Identified Wildlife are<br />
selected from provincial lists of species at risk. Two documents comprise the Identified<br />
Wildlife Management Strategy:<br />
1) Species and Plant Community Accounts for Identified Wildlife (MOF and MELP,<br />
1997)<br />
Summarizes the status, ecology, distribution and habitat requirements for each<br />
identified species or plant community; and<br />
2) Managing Identified Wildlife: Procedures and Measures (MOF and MELP, 1999)<br />
Describes specific management prescriptions for identified species or plant<br />
communities.<br />
Most Identified Wildlife species are to be managed within established Wildlife Habitat <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
(WHAs) at the operational stage of forest planning. However, grizzly bear, fisher and bull<br />
trout, are “higher level plan species” and are to be addressed through strategic land use plans<br />
such as LRMPs. For these species, habitat requirements need to be addressed over large<br />
areas due to low densities, large home ranges, widely distributed limiting habitats, or<br />
sensitivities to forest level disturbances (MOF and MELP, 1999). Strategic land use plans<br />
can provide direction to manage these “higher level plan species” through recommendations<br />
for zoning as well as through objectives and strategies to guide resource development<br />
activities. This includes direction to conserve critical habitat features and minimize effects of<br />
development activities on disturbance or displacement of animal populations.<br />
The management of other species of wildlife can also be addressed at the LRMP level. This<br />
includes formal designation of ungulate winter range (moose, caribou, and mountain goat).<br />
3.3.4.2 British Columbia Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy<br />
“The mandate of the BC Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy is to ensure the continued<br />
existence of grizzly bears and their habitats for future generations. The strategy has four<br />
goals:<br />
To maintain in perpetuity the diversity and abundance of grizzly bears and the<br />
ecosystems on which they depend throughout British Columbia.<br />
To improve the management of grizzly bears and their interactions with humans.<br />
To increase public knowledge and involvement in grizzly bear management.<br />
To increase international co-operation in management and research of grizzly bears.”<br />
(MELP, 1995).<br />
“The goals and objectives of this strategy address three major issues:<br />
loss and alienation of grizzly bear habitat<br />
interactions with humans, and<br />
international considerations.”(MELP, 1995).<br />
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One of the main components of the Conservation Strategy is the identification of Grizzly<br />
Bear Management <strong>Area</strong>s (GBMAs). GBMAs are intended to act as permanent examples<br />
(benchmarks) of naturally regulated populations and are identified through LRMPs and the<br />
Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy.<br />
In addition to GBMAs, the Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy includes strategies for<br />
research, inventory, education, altering hunting regulations, and increasing enforcement and<br />
penalties (MELP, 1995). Habitat protection measures are to be addressed through strategic<br />
level planning (as stated in the Identified Wildlife Management Strategy). The Grizzly Bear<br />
Conservation Strategy combined with strategic planning direction for habitat (as<br />
recommended through LRMPs) provide an overall approach to conserving healthy grizzly<br />
bear populations in the province.<br />
3.3.4.3 Inventory Needs<br />
Species inventory status. Digital habitat capability and suitability mapping is not yet<br />
available. Broad Ecosystem Mapping is meant to be adequate for use at an LRMP<br />
level. However, the accuracy of the information has not been verified. 1:50,000<br />
habitat mapping is currently being mapped in the Tulsequah Chief project area. Such<br />
mapping could potentially be generalized for LRMP use.<br />
Broad Ecosystem Inventory with habitat interpretations is now available for the<br />
planning area. Although this should be adequate for strategic planning, Predictive<br />
Ecosystem Mapping would provide habitat suitability and capability modeling at a<br />
much finer scale. Some ground truthing will be required.<br />
Local knowledge about locations and trends in wildlife populations.<br />
3.3.4.4 Current or upcoming wildlife studies<br />
Karen Diemert, based out of the Smithers office of the Ministry of Environment is<br />
overseeing all aspects of ungulate and bear studies.<br />
Grizzly Bear Cumulative Effects Analysis and baseline population collection<br />
associated with the Tulsequah Chief proposed development. This project involves<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping and collaring grizzly bears to determine movement<br />
patterns.<br />
Caribou calf survival studies are ongoing in the <strong>Atlin</strong> herd.<br />
Caribou studies associated with the Tulsequah Chief proposed development will<br />
collect data on movements, habitat use, calf survival and calf recruitment.<br />
3.4 Freshwater Fish<br />
Four major watersheds are found within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area: the Teslin, Tagish, Alsek<br />
and <strong>Taku</strong>. The Teslin watershed, encompassing the Swift, Gladys, Jennings, and Teslin<br />
rivers, drains the northeast section of the planning area. Tagish Lake, which spans the BC /<br />
Yukon border in the north-central portion of the planning area, receives water from <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake to the east and Tutshi Lake to the west. These systems drain into the Yukon River,<br />
which empties into the Arctic Ocean. The remaining rivers in the planning area feed the<br />
Pacific Ocean. The northwestern arm of the planning area is comprised of the Alsek<br />
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watershed. The Alsek, and its major tributary, the Tatshenshini River, are highly braided<br />
glacial fed systems carrying considerable sediment. The Alsek River flows through the<br />
northern extent of the Alaskan Panhandle prior to discharging into the Gulf of Alaska. The<br />
largest watershed within the planning area is the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed. The <strong>Taku</strong> River cuts<br />
through the Coast Mountains and passes into Alaska in the southwestern section of the<br />
planning area. The <strong>Taku</strong> River has several major tributaries included the Sheslay, Inklin,<br />
Nahlin, Nakina, Sloko and Sutlahine rivers.<br />
All systems contain a wide variety of economically and culturally important fish (Table 7).<br />
Salmon are found in all major watersheds with the exception of the Tagish Lake drainage<br />
(Map 6). Assorted species of char, trout and whitefish occur in the watersheds, depending on<br />
available habitat. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus - a char species) are found in the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
watershed. They may exist in the other watersheds as well, but may have been misidentified<br />
as Dolly Varden in past studies.<br />
Table 7. Economically, culturally or regionally important fish species<br />
Species Teslin<br />
River<br />
Tagish<br />
/ <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake<br />
Watershed<br />
Alsek<br />
River<br />
<strong>Taku</strong><br />
River<br />
x - x x<br />
Chinook Salmon<br />
(Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)<br />
Coho Salmon<br />
(Oncorhynchus kisutch)<br />
x - x x<br />
Pink Salmon<br />
(Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)<br />
- - - x<br />
Sockeye Salmon<br />
(Oncorhynchus nerka)<br />
- - x x<br />
Chum salmon<br />
Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
-<br />
x<br />
x<br />
x<br />
Rainbow Trout<br />
(Oncorhynchus mykiss)<br />
x* x x x<br />
Cutthroat Trout<br />
(Oncorhynchus clarki)<br />
- - x x<br />
Lake Trout<br />
(Salvelinus namaycush)<br />
x x - -<br />
Dolly Varden<br />
(Salvelinus malma)<br />
- x x x<br />
Bull Trout<br />
(Salvelinus confluentus)<br />
- - ? x<br />
Lake Whitefish<br />
(Coregonus clupeaformis)<br />
x x - -<br />
Round Whitefish<br />
(Prosopium cylindraceum)<br />
x x - x<br />
Mountain Whitefish<br />
(Prosopium williamsoni)<br />
x x - x<br />
Broad Whitefish<br />
(Coregonus nasus)<br />
x - - -<br />
Least Cisco **<br />
Burbot (Lota lota)<br />
x<br />
x<br />
x<br />
x<br />
-<br />
x<br />
-<br />
-<br />
Northern Pike<br />
(Esox lucius)<br />
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x x - -<br />
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Species Teslin<br />
River<br />
White Sturgeon<br />
(Acipenser transmontanus)<br />
Arctic Grayling<br />
(Thymallus arcticus)<br />
Eulachon<br />
(Thaleichthys pacificus)<br />
(MELP, 2000)<br />
Watershed<br />
Tagish<br />
/ <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake<br />
Alsek<br />
River<br />
<strong>Taku</strong><br />
River<br />
- - - x<br />
x x x x<br />
- - - x<br />
* Rainbow trout are found in Disella Lake. They were likely introduced.<br />
** Least cisco is included in the list because it is red listed.<br />
These fish each have their own habitat requirements. Some species live in both rivers and<br />
lakes, while other species inhabit lakes virtually exclusively. The salmon and trout, in<br />
particular, require cool, clean and clear water. Due to the large numbers of glaciers feeding<br />
the water systems of the planning area, fish must often pass through highly turbid water as<br />
they head for clear-water spawning grounds. Those living or spawning in streams also<br />
benefit from stable stream channels containing a range of habitat attributes.<br />
The bull trout is Blue-listed in BC because populations are declining globally. Bull trout are<br />
sensitive to habitat degradation, are vulnerable to sport fishing pressure, and are considered<br />
an indicator of ecosystem health. They appear to have a narrower range of habitat<br />
preferences than other salmonids and require clean, cold (
annual summary reports are reported in different ways for each species, so direct<br />
comparisons are difficult.<br />
Sockeye<br />
1988-98 average run size = 236,017 fish (min.: 118, 452 and max 324, 835)<br />
Escapement goal is 71,000 to 80,000 fish (TTC, 2000).<br />
Chinook<br />
Coho<br />
Pink<br />
1986-98 escapements to index sites averaged 9,670 fish (TTC, 2000).<br />
Between 1979 and 1998: min. escapement to index sites: 2000; max. 19,777 (DFO,<br />
1999).<br />
Interim escapement goal is 13,200 to index sites (DFO, 1999).<br />
In 1999, only 4,172 large chinook were counted at the index sites - the lowest number<br />
recorded since 1984. The actual estimate of escapement for 1999 was 20,545.<br />
The actual escapement goal is 30,000 to 50,000 large chinook salmon (TTC, 2000).<br />
The population appears to be relatively stable based on 1979 to 1998 data. (DFO,<br />
1999).<br />
Run size (entering Canadian waters) 1987-98 average = 76,456<br />
Average escapement = 70,226; escapements have fluctuated considerably: min.<br />
39,450, max. 127,484 (TTC, 2000).<br />
Escapement goal is 27, 500 to 35,000.<br />
Population appears to be stable (DFO, 1999).<br />
No program in place to estimate the escapement of pink salmon.<br />
1989-98, at the Canyon Island fish wheels, an average of 15,768 fish were captured<br />
per year (TTC, 2000).<br />
Chum:<br />
No estimate of system-wide escapements<br />
The average catch of chum salmon at the Canyon Island fish wheel between 1989 and<br />
1998 is 463 (TTC, 2000).<br />
Min. catch 80 in 1986, max. 1533 in 1987. (DFO, 1999)<br />
The chum fall run has been declining over the past decade.<br />
Alsek River watershed<br />
Currently, system-wide escapements are not determined for the Alsek watershed. However,<br />
interim escapement goals have been set: 33,000 - 58,000 sockeye and 5,400 - 25,000 coho.<br />
The only index site within the watershed is the Klukshu River weir, in the Yukon (TTC,<br />
2000).<br />
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4.0 RESOURCE USES<br />
4.1 Culture and heritage<br />
4.1.1 First Nations cultural heritage resources<br />
First Nations have lived and carried out activities throughout the <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> area for tens of<br />
thousands of years. Cultural heritage resources are protected under the Heritage<br />
Conservation Act. These resources include all pre-1846 features such as archaeological sites<br />
and artifacts, culturally modified trees (CMTs), aboriginal rock art, and burial places. The<br />
Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, Archaeology Branch manages<br />
archaeological sites and information under the Heritage Conservation Act.<br />
Mineral exploration specifically addresses cultural heritage resources in the application for a<br />
Mines Act permit and First Nations are consulted regarding proposed exploration programs.<br />
In the case of mine development, consultation with First Nations is required to identify<br />
archaeological sites and assess potential impacts of the proposed mining operation.<br />
The Ministry of Forests makes referrals to First Nations as part of forest development<br />
planning under the Small Business Forest Enterprise Program.<br />
4.1.1.1 Archaeological values<br />
There has been little archaeological research in the plan area to date. Most has focussed on<br />
the <strong>Taku</strong> and Nakina drainages and the area proximal to <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake.An assessment of<br />
archaeological and cultural heritage values was conducted as part of the application for the<br />
Tulsequah Chief mine. The Tulsequah Chief Project <strong>Report</strong> provides a summary of known<br />
traditional trails and settlement areas and describes archaeological features identified in the<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> River drainage (Rescan, 1997). The <strong>Taku</strong> River has been a major area of use for First<br />
Nation since before contact with Europeans. The mountainous topography of the more<br />
coastal portions of the plan area restricted travel to a few major corridors, with<br />
concentrations of settlements. Major settlements, pre-contact, were located at the confluence<br />
of the <strong>Taku</strong>, Inklin, and Nakina Rivers (known as Hîn Tlèn), the confluence of the Nakina<br />
and Sloko Rivers (known as “Canoe <strong>Land</strong>ing”) and further up the Nakina River. There also<br />
may have been large fish camp at the confluence of the Nakina and Silver Salmon Rivers as<br />
well as a number of fishing camps on the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Known archaeological remains from the <strong>Taku</strong> River drainage and <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake area include the<br />
remains of cabins and semi-underground dwellings, grave houses, hearths and drying racks,<br />
food cache pits and bridges across narrow canyons (Rescan, 1997). The Hîn Tlèn and Canoe<br />
<strong>Land</strong>ing sites have habitation sites with associated caches and grave houses.<br />
The Champagne Aishihik First Nations were in the news in 1999 and 2000 when a party of<br />
non-Aboriginal sheep hunters found artifacts and human remains in Tatsenshini-Alsek Park,<br />
within the traditional territory of the Champagne Aishihik. The body has been named<br />
“Kwaday Dan Sinchi”, or “Long Ago Person Found” by tribal elders. The artifacts found<br />
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with Kwaday Dan Sinchi have been dated at between 300 and 550 years old. The BC and<br />
Yukon governments have reached an agreement with the Champagne Aishihik regarding<br />
study of the remains and associated artifacts (Hunter, 2000).<br />
4.1.1.2 Traditional trails<br />
There are a number of important traditional trails in the plan area that date back to the<br />
extensive network of trade routes that connected the coast of what is now Alaska with the<br />
northern interior. The Tlingit lived along the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River in the summer, fishing and<br />
gathering berries. In the winter, some families travelled further inland to the upper Nakina<br />
River to hunt and spend the winter (Rescan, 1997). Trading took the families along these<br />
travel routes and north to the <strong>Atlin</strong> and Teslin areas and into the Yukon.<br />
The main travel route from the coast to the interior is the <strong>Taku</strong>-Nakina route. From the<br />
Nakina River there are trails through the valleys to various destinations, including <strong>Atlin</strong>,<br />
Gladys Lake, and Teslin Lake. The Tulsequah Chief Project <strong>Report</strong> describes two main<br />
aboriginal trails connecting the Nakina River with the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. The first follows the Silver<br />
Salmon River to Kuthai Lake and from there to <strong>Atlin</strong>. The second follows the Sloko River to<br />
the south end of Kuthai Lake. Kuthai Lake was, and continues to be, an important stopover<br />
camp for travellers in the territory (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Another aboriginal trail provided access to the upper Silver Salmon and Nakina Rivers and<br />
Paddy Lake (Rescan, 1997). This trail became part of the Telegraph Trail, running from<br />
Hazelton to the Yukon via Telegraph Creek and <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
The Dalton Trail, in Tatsenshini-Alsek Park, was originally a historic trading route from the<br />
coast to the interior between the Tlingit and Southern Tutchone people.<br />
4.1.1.3 Traditional use values<br />
Traditional use studies identify sites and areas of cultural importance to First Nations. These<br />
sites are not necessarily associated with past physical remains and may or may not be<br />
currently used by local First Nations communities. Examples include fishing sites, hunting<br />
camps, traditional trails, berry-picking areas, and legend or sacred sites. Although traditional<br />
use sites are not formally protected, government has a legal obligation to consult with First<br />
Nations where land-altering activities may interfere unjustly with the aboriginal right(s) to<br />
practice traditional activities. First Nations may bring information forward on traditional use<br />
and archaeological resources at their discretion.<br />
There have been no traditional use studies funded by the Province for First Nations in the<br />
plan area. However, areas of traditional use have been identified as part of the Tulsequah<br />
Chief project assessment (Staple and Poushinsky, 1997; RES, 1997).<br />
The use of the territories for activities such as hunting, fishing, berry-picking, gathering of<br />
medicinal plants, and cultural and spiritual activities continues to be an integral part of the<br />
cultural, social and economic fabric of First Nations communities in the plan area. <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
identified in reports as having high significance to the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit for traditional and<br />
contemporary uses include:<br />
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• Blue Canyon in the high country east of <strong>Atlin</strong> (includes the Spruce Creek watershed<br />
and a number of connecting creeks);<br />
• Dixie and Tawina Lakes;<br />
• O’Donnell River valley;<br />
• Gladys River; and<br />
• Kuthai Lake and Silver Salmon River (Staples and Poushinsky, 1997; RES, 1997)<br />
4.1.2 Non-aboriginal historic features<br />
The plan area is rich in history. Many of the non-aboriginal historic features in the area are<br />
associated with the gold rushes that occurred at the turn of the 20 th century. There are also<br />
several sites related to the long history of mining activity in the area and to hardy souls who<br />
homesteaded in this remote location in the early 1900s.<br />
The earliest non-aboriginal settlements in the area were Russian settlements along the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River, including a fort at the junction of the Nanika and Inklin Rivers. There were still<br />
cannon at the site as late as the 1970s.<br />
Several buildings are standing in <strong>Atlin</strong> that date back to the first part of the century. Fires in<br />
1914 and 1916 destroyed many of the buildings from the days of the <strong>Atlin</strong> gold rush,<br />
although a few were spared and are still standing. Most of the existing heritage buildings in<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> were built in 1916. There are some old homesteads dotted throughout the area, such as<br />
Ben-My-Chree, built in the 1930s to the south of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake.<br />
Many of the placer mining sites that are active today contain examples of early mining<br />
activity. Old dredges and machinery can be seen in places such as Discovery Creek, Blue<br />
Canyon, and McKee Creek east of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Discovery Creek is a ghost town from the 1898<br />
gold rush. The Engineer Mine on Tagish Lake contains a derelict mill and old buildings<br />
dating back to the 1920s (Steele, 1995).<br />
There was a mining community built to support the mines operating on the Tulsequah River<br />
in the 1930s. Relics remain from the mines and the community, which ceased to exist when<br />
the mines closed down following the outbreak of World War 2.<br />
The area contains several historic sites related to the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 – 1898.<br />
The famed Chilkoot Trail led hopeful prospectors to the gold fields of the Yukon by the<br />
thousands. The trail has been made into a National Heritage Park. It is littered with the<br />
relics of the gold rush years and has been called the longest open-air museum in the world.<br />
The White Pass was an alternative route to the Klondike. The route is littered with the bones<br />
of the 3000 pack animals that died on the route. The ghost towns of Lindemann and Log<br />
Cabin are along the BC portions of these trails. The Dalton Trail, in what is now<br />
Tatsenshini-Alsek Park, was originally a First Nations trading route. An enterprising local<br />
called Jack Dalton made money by charging stampeders to use the trail to access the Yukon.<br />
The White Pass Rail was built during the Klondike Gold Rush by the White Pass Yukon<br />
Railway Company. The railway was completed at the tail end of the gold rush, however, the<br />
trains continued to carried tourists into the area into the 1930s (Steele, 1995). The rail line<br />
has been restored and a locomotive from the era runs today as a tourist attraction.<br />
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In 1901 the Telegraph Trail was constructed from north of Quesnel in British Columbia to<br />
Dawson City in the Yukon. Segments of the trail, which runs though Telegraph Creek and<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>, have been restored and can be used for recreational hiking.<br />
Other non-aboriginal historic sites include the remains of <strong>Taku</strong> Tramway that carried<br />
passengers from <strong>Taku</strong> <strong>Land</strong>ing to Scotia Bay and an abandoned sawmill on the south side of<br />
Graham Inlet.<br />
4.1.3 Strategic planning considerations related to cultural and heritage<br />
resources<br />
How to manage resource development activities to maintain:<br />
The integrity of aboriginal cultural and heritage resources, traditional use areas and<br />
trails;<br />
The integrity of non-aboriginal historic sites and trails; and<br />
The aesthetic experience of visiting historic sites.<br />
4.2 Forestry<br />
The boundary of the <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> plan area approximates the <strong>Atlin</strong> and Alsek supply blocks of<br />
the Cassiar Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong> (TSA). The Cassiar TSA covers 13.4 million hectares in<br />
total and has an Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) of 400,000 m3/yr, determined in 1995. The<br />
Chief Forester will make a new AAC determination for the TSA in 2001.<br />
Overall, there is little harvesting activity in the Cassiar TSA. Approximately 70% of the area<br />
is tundra, rock and alpine; only 27% of the area is forested (Ministry of Forests, 1999b).<br />
Map 7 shows the small amount of forested land in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Only about 3% of the total landbase (10% of the forested landbase) in the Cassiar TSA is<br />
considered operable. <strong>Area</strong>s of merchantable timber are often difficult to access due to their<br />
remoteness and the high cost and difficulties of building roads into areas.<br />
4.2.1 Timber allocation and harvest<br />
4.2.1.1 Alsek Supply Block<br />
All of the Alsek supply block of the Cassiar TSA is classified as inoperable. Two-thirds<br />
Alsek Supply block of the Cassiar TSA is within the Tatsenshini-Alsek Park and is therefore<br />
excluded from the operable forest landbase. Most of the remaining landbase is unforested<br />
and the existing forested areas are inaccessible.<br />
4.2.1.2 <strong>Atlin</strong> Supply Block<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong> supply block has an partition of 40,000 m 3 /yr representing 10% of the1995 AAC<br />
for the Cassiar TSA. Of this, 2500 m 3 /yr is apportioned to the Small Business Forest<br />
Enterprise Program and 12,500 m 3 /yr to the Forest Service Reserve. . All of the existing<br />
timber harvesting is around the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. There is also potential for some harvesting in the<br />
Teslin Lake area (R. Braam, pers. comm.).<br />
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The amount of timber harvesting in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area for the past four years has ranged from<br />
1400 - 2900 m 3 /yr (Table 8). Timber sales of up to 500 m 3 are issued on demand as single<br />
cash sales permits by the Bulkley/Cassiar Forest District through the Dease Lake Field<br />
Office. The current level of harvesting is unlikely to change (C. Rygaard, pers comm.). All<br />
of the existing forestry activity is small-scale harvesting for local use (e.g., log house<br />
building, rough cut timber and mine development i.e., for mine timbers and removal of<br />
immature timber to allow room for expansion of mining operations).<br />
Table 8. Small Business Forest Enterprise Program timber sales 1997 – 2000<br />
Source: C Rygaard, pers. comm.<br />
Year Timber sales (m 3 /yr)<br />
1997 1434<br />
1998 2920<br />
1999 2297<br />
2000 1391<br />
4.2.2 Timber harvesting and operability<br />
An operability line has been drawn for the Cassiar TSA that defines the area of operable<br />
forest. Outside of the operability line all land is excluded from the timber harvesting<br />
landbase (THLB). In the Cassiar TSA, the operability line is primarily defined by the<br />
volume and quality of timber, the accessibility of timber, and the difficulty of creating new<br />
access (Ministry of Forests, 1999).<br />
Map 8 shows the distribution of merchantable timber in the plan area. This map is based on<br />
the volume of timber, with merchantable stands indicated as areas with > 150 m3/ha. The<br />
operable landbase is a much smaller subset of the area shown on the merchantable timber<br />
map and takes into accessibility and economic feasibility (map not available). As can be<br />
seen in Map 9: Logging History, most forestry activity to date has occurred in roadaccessible<br />
areas near <strong>Atlin</strong> and at the <strong>Atlin</strong> end of Graeme Inlet. Current levels of harvesting<br />
can be maintained in the immediate future using existing access, but new forestry-related<br />
access will be eventually be required (C. Rygaard, pers. comm.).<br />
Most of the timber harvested in the plan area is dry black spruce and pine (N. MacLean, pers.<br />
comm.). Almost all logging in the area has used the silvicultural system of clearcut-withreserves<br />
with only one entry (Ministry of Forests, 1999a). All timber is currently harvested<br />
by using ground skidding.<br />
The remoteness of the forests in the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River has precluded forestry development<br />
despite a relatively high volume of merchantable timber. The development of mining roads<br />
into previously unroaded areas could create additional opportunities for forestry activities in<br />
coastal forests. One of the concerns around the proposed Tulsequah Road has been that the<br />
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oad would open the area to industrial logging. The District Manager of the Bulkley-Cassiar<br />
Forest District has stated publicly that there will be no harvesting created as a result of the<br />
Tulsequah Road being built (C. Rygaard, pers. comm.). The BC Supreme Court overturned<br />
the approval of the Tulsequah development, including the road, in 2000.<br />
4.2.3 Agents of change<br />
In the boreal forests around <strong>Atlin</strong>, where the current forestry activities occur, fire is the main<br />
disturbance agent. Since the 1980s, the Ministry of Forests has had a policy of selective fire<br />
suppression whereby suppression efforts are focused around communities, highways, other<br />
infrastructure and valuable timber (Ministry of Forests, 1999a). Outside of those areas, fires<br />
are generally left to burn.<br />
Other agents of disturbance in boreal forests include forest insects and animal damage to<br />
plantation seedlings e.g., porcupine, bear, squirrel, vole and snowshoe hare. There is<br />
currently no program for treatment of forest insects or disease in the plan area.<br />
In the coastal forests, the high rate of precipitation results in a low frequency of fire. For the<br />
most part, forests are replaced in piecemeal fashion by the death and replacement of<br />
individual trees. Large-scale disturbances such as windthrow and landslides also occur<br />
occasionally. Spruce beetle infestation is at light to moderate levels in coastal drainages<br />
(Ministry of Forests, 1999a).<br />
4.2.4 Forest management for biodiversity and wildlife<br />
4.2.4.1 Biodiversity<br />
<strong>Land</strong>scape units are planning areas established under the Forest Practices Code for the<br />
purposes of applying biodiversity objectives. In the Cassiar TSA, landscape unit boundaries<br />
have been identified based on major watershed groups. Due to the large size of the area,<br />
landscape units are equally large, ranging in size from 300,000 – 950,000 ha.<br />
The Forest Practices Code identifies six basic elements of planning for biodiversity to be<br />
applied to each landscape unit outside of protected areas. These include old growth<br />
retention, wildlife tree retention, seral stage distribution, patch size distribution, connectivity,<br />
and species composition (see Appendix 3). Under current policy, as outlined in the<br />
<strong>Land</strong>scape Unit <strong>Planning</strong> Guide (1999) old growth retention and wildlife tree retention are<br />
priorities for biodiversity planning.<br />
To date, the low level of timber harvesting in the <strong>Atlin</strong> supply block and in most of the<br />
Cassiar TSA, has precluded the need for strategic level planning for biodiversity. However,<br />
biodiversity is addressed at the stand level during operational planning (e.g., retention of<br />
structural habitat features, maintenance of forest structure adjacent to streams).<br />
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4.2.4.2 Wildlife<br />
There are currently no specific management strategies in place for wildlife in the <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Supply Block, although the supply block is managed conservatively to a five-pass system<br />
because of the lack of habitat mapping for the area (N. MacLean, pers. comm.).<br />
The Forest Practices Code allows for the establishment of wildlife habitat areas to guide<br />
forest management activities in order to conserve habitat features for species classified as<br />
Identified Wildlife under the Code (see Section 3.2.4: Current Wildlife Management<br />
Strategies). At this time no wildlife habitat areas have been established in the Cassiar TSA.<br />
4.2.5 Strategic planning considerations related to forestry<br />
Due to the small amount of timber harvesting occurring in the plan area, there are few<br />
strategic planning issues related to forestry in the short term. The main concerns related<br />
to future forestry activities around <strong>Atlin</strong> are potential effects on caribou habitat and<br />
scenic values. Other issues, such as riparian management and alteration of forest<br />
structure are not a significant concern since logging will most likely continue to be at a<br />
small scale and in areas that are not overly sensitive to harvesting e.g., pine flats (F.<br />
Oliemans, pers. comm.).<br />
Even if new mine roads create access into coastal forests, it is unlikely to become<br />
economically feasible to log in these areas. Note that the Bulkley-Cassiar Forest District<br />
will not be issuing tenures or permits for logging in the <strong>Taku</strong> River area if the Tulsequah<br />
Road ends up being built.<br />
4.3 Mineral and energy resources<br />
4.3.1 Metallic mineral resources<br />
Metallic mineral deposits can be divided into two broad groups. Those that form at the same<br />
time as their enclosing volcanic or sedimentary rocks are deposited, and are conformable<br />
with stratification, are called bedded deposits. A variety of deposit types can form after<br />
sediments and volcanic deposits are consolidated into rocks. Those referred to in this report<br />
are vein, vein stockwork, replacement and skarn deposits.<br />
The reader is advised to refer to Section 3.1 for an understanding of the geologic terminology<br />
and 'terrane" descriptions.<br />
Bedded deposits are most prevalent in 300-380 million-year-old volcanic rocks that<br />
comprise Yukon Tanana terrane and the oldest (basement) rocks of Stikine terrane. The most<br />
significant historic mines in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area, Tulsequah Chief and Big Bull are bedded<br />
deposits. Several large bedded copper-zinc-silver-gold deposits were discovered in Yukon-<br />
Tanana terrane in the Finlayson Lake area of southern Yukon in the late 1990’s. These<br />
discoveries immediately raised the perceived potential for similar deposits in equivalent<br />
rocks in nearby British Columbia. Metamorphism masks the original nature of rocks in<br />
Yukon-Tanana and complex folding makes it challenging to map out. Recent mapping<br />
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conducted by the B.C. Geological Survey (i.e. Mihalynuk in B.C. Geological Survey Paper<br />
2000-1) has refined our knowledge of areas that might contain bedded copper-zinc-silver<br />
deposits, however prospecting follow-up is required.<br />
The 200 million-year-old mid-ocean rift volcanic rocks of Alexander terrane are extremely<br />
rich in bedded copper-cobalt and copper-zinc-silver-gold deposits. These rocks occur in two<br />
small areas in Canada, in the Tats Creek and Rainy Hollow areas. The Tats Creek area<br />
contains the enormous Windy Craggy deposit, discovered in 1958, and several other deposits<br />
nearby. In 1992, the Windy Craggy deposit was in the midst of the mine development<br />
assessment process and geological mapping was being conducted by the B.C. Geological<br />
Survey to evaluate mineral resources in the Tatshenshini area. These initiatives ended with<br />
the declaration of Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park. The geological mapping program<br />
discovered several promising copper showings that remain unexplored. A second area of<br />
these highly prospective rocks is south of Rainy Hollow and includes mineral prospects on<br />
Mount Henry Clay. This second area extends eastward into Alaska (south of the Klehini<br />
River) where other prospects are under active exploration. There are no other correlative<br />
rocks in the plan area.<br />
Veins are the most common and widespread of mineral deposit types. They can be the least<br />
difficult to discover and many of the earliest mines were gold-bearing quartz veins. The<br />
Engineer, Polaris <strong>Taku</strong> and Venus mines (the latter just outside the planning area) are<br />
examples. Quartz veins in serpentine may be the elusive source of rich placer gold in the<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> area. Large gold deposits in bedrock have been found in many placer districts in the<br />
world but only small deposits have been discovered to date near <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
Vein deposits form from mineral-laden fluids that are channeled through faults and fractures.<br />
The fluids are often derived from intrusion of granite or eruption of volcanoes, but are also<br />
driven out of sediments and rocks during compaction and metamorphism, so that veins can<br />
be found in almost all geologic environments. The richest vein deposits are those formed<br />
close to surface in areas of volcanic activity. Rich "bonanza-grade" gold and silver mines<br />
occur worldwide. This type of deposit is the target of active exploration of gold-silvercopper<br />
veins under on the Thorn property. Other examples are a cluster of gold showings<br />
near a Sloko volcanic caldera west of Bennett Lake and a history of exploration at Heart<br />
Peaks. Examples of veins associated with granite include the <strong>Atlin</strong>-Ruffner silver mine,<br />
gold-cobalt veins at Red Cap and antimony-gold-silver veins at Zohini. These deposits<br />
exhibit the diversity of metals that can occur in veins.<br />
The largest vein deposits are those associated with long-lived and/or major faults. The<br />
Llewellyn fault, active during the time of Sloko volcanism, contains a series of gold and<br />
polymetallic vein deposits from the <strong>Taku</strong> River to the Yukon border, including Polaris <strong>Taku</strong>,<br />
Engineer and veins in the Teepee Peak and Pavey areas. The polymetallic veins contain<br />
copper, lead, zinc, silver, arsenic and antimony, but gold is the commodity generally of most<br />
interest. Commonly the vein deposits occur in splay faults up to a kilometre from the<br />
Llewellyn fault.<br />
Replacement gold deposits, such as Golden Bear represent an unusual variation of the vein<br />
deposit type. At Golden Bear, the ore fluid migrated along a large fault until it encountered a<br />
reactive limestone within the 300 million-year-old basement rocks of Stikine terrane.<br />
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Reaction of the fluid with the limestone produced a gold-bearing siliceous replacement<br />
instead of a quartz vein. The mineral fluids were probably related to the Sloko volcanic<br />
event. Inlaw, Outlaw, Bandit and Slam are other replacement gold prospects near Golden<br />
Bear.<br />
Vein stockworks (known as porphyry deposits to geologists) are an important variation of<br />
simple vein deposits. They are within, or on the immediate periphery of granite intrusions<br />
and result from complete fracturing of the rock and infilling by a myriad of narrow veins.<br />
The veins are too small to be mined individually but where they extend through a sizeable<br />
volume of rock mineralization may support bulk mining, as in open pit mines at Kemess,<br />
Highland Valley and elsewhere in British Columbia. Vein stockwork deposits occur in<br />
various small to mid-size granite stocks and batholiths in all terranes, but are notably absent<br />
from the large composite granite intrusions found in the Coast Range. The Surprise Lake<br />
batholith (in Cache Creek terrane) contains the large, stockwork Adanac molybdenum<br />
deposit and many other molybdenum and tungsten occurrences. Similar molybdenum, tin<br />
and tungsten mineralization is widespread in the area, occurring in the Parallel Creek<br />
batholith (at the head of Teslin River) and the Christmas Creek stock (near Kedaha Lake,<br />
south of Jennings River) and at Mount Ogden. The large stockwork Logtung tungstenmolybdenum<br />
deposit (in Yukon-Tanana terrane) is only a few hundred metres north of the<br />
Yukon border, northeast of Swan Lake. In Stikine terrane, the many intrusions of granite to<br />
diorite that fed island-arc volcanoes, stand a good chance of containing vein stockwork<br />
copper-gold deposits. The most significant area is at Kaketsa Mountain near the junction of<br />
the Sheslay and Hackett Rivers. There are many intrusions in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area (e.g.<br />
Llangorse, Nome Lake, Simpson Peak, Klinkit, and Glundebery batholiths) but only a few<br />
contain vein stockwork deposits.<br />
Skarn deposits form by the reaction between granite magma and limestone, resulting in a<br />
complex mineral assemblage that can include copper, tungsten and other metals. The Maid<br />
of Erin mine is a copper-silver-gold skarn deposit in Alexander terrane that operated<br />
intermittently from 1911 to 1956. It is one of many skarn deposits and silver-lead-zinc veins<br />
near Rainy Hollow that are associated with a granite and granite/limestone contact and are<br />
now within Alsek Tatshenshini Park.<br />
4.3.1.1 Past Producing Hardrock Mines<br />
Though placer mining was the initial draw to the <strong>Atlin</strong> area, the search for the "motherlode"<br />
followed close on its heels. As available placer ground grew scarce in 1898, the interest in<br />
quartz properties increased, leading to extensive staking of mountains and high valleys<br />
around <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
The first mining operations in the plan area were located half a kilometre south of <strong>Atlin</strong>, on<br />
the Anaconda property. In the spring of 1900, construction began on camp facilities,<br />
workshops and a stamp mill. Unfortunately, tunneling encountered low-grade ore that could<br />
not be profitably mined and the property was abandoned. Though this first mine failed, the<br />
investors were not ready to leave. Later in 1900, they optioned the Imperial property and<br />
processed the ore at the Anaconda site. The mill was later moved to Munroe Mountain<br />
where it also processed ore for several other mine owners.<br />
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Table 9 is a list of "past producing" mines, compiled from the Ministry of Energy and Mines<br />
Minfile database. The table only includes properties from which ore was shipped.<br />
Numerous lode mine prospects around <strong>Atlin</strong>, such as the Anaconda property, provided<br />
employment to miners developing shafts and tunnels to test the ore. However, as these<br />
properties do not have recorded ore production, they are not included on the list.<br />
Table 9. Past Producing Hardrock Mines in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area<br />
Minfile # Mine Name Location Years of Production Commodities<br />
104N 011 <strong>Atlin</strong> Ruffner <strong>Atlin</strong> - McDonald Lake<br />
Road<br />
1916, 1922-27, 1951,<br />
1974-76, 1981, 1988<br />
Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc, Copper,<br />
Cadmium<br />
104N 008 Imperial <strong>Atlin</strong> - Warm Bay Road 1899 - 1900 Gold<br />
104N 006 Black Diamond <strong>Atlin</strong> - Surprise Lake 1943 Tungsten<br />
104N 044 Pictou <strong>Atlin</strong> - Pine Creek 1968 Silver, Lead, Zinc<br />
104M 014 Engineer Tagish Lake 1913-18, 1925-28, 1932-<br />
34, 1944-46, 1949, 1952<br />
Gold, Silver<br />
104M 011 Ben-My-Chree Tagish Lake 1911 Gold, Silver<br />
104M 001 Gridiron Bennett Lake 1901 Gold, Silver<br />
114P 008 State of<br />
Montana<br />
Tatsenshini-Alsek Park 1908, 1909 Silver, Copper<br />
114P 007 Maid of Erin Tatsenshini-Alsek Park 1911, 1918, 1921-22,<br />
1956<br />
Gold, Silver, Copper<br />
104K 007 Banker Tulsequah River 1935 Gold, Silver, Lead<br />
104K 008 Big Bull Tulsequah River 1951-56 Gold, Silver, Copper<br />
104K 002 Tulsequah Chief Tulsequah River 1939, 1951-57 Silver, Gold, Cadmium,<br />
Copper, Lead, Zinc<br />
104K 003 Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> Tulsequah River 1938-42, 1946-51 Gold, Silver, Copper<br />
Past producing mines in the <strong>Atlin</strong> and Tagish Lake area were generally small underground<br />
mines, exploiting mineralized veins. The most significant operations were the <strong>Atlin</strong> Ruffner<br />
and Engineer mines, which have undergone several periods of development and hold<br />
potential for future mine production.<br />
The State of Montana and Maid of Erin are located in Rainy Hollow near the headwaters of<br />
the Klehini River. Development work was done at intervals from 1903 to 1928, with limited<br />
production from underground workings. Production from these sites was partly constrained<br />
by a lack of infrastructure, as the Haines Road was not constructed until the mid-1920's. The<br />
Maid of Erin saw further production in 1956, as a small open pit operation with a four-mile<br />
road connecting the site to the Haines Road. Both properties were absorbed by the<br />
declaration of Tatsenshini-Alsek Park, however, with the exception of the Windy Craggy<br />
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Page 49
deposit, compensation has yet to be paid for these and other mineral tenures expropriated by<br />
the government.<br />
During the 1920's, the Tulsequah River area began to attract attention, and by 1930 there<br />
were 100 prospectors working in the region. Though both the Tulsequah Chief and Polaris<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> deposits were discovered in the 1920's, isolation and difficult access, coupled with a<br />
shortage of capital following the stock market collapse of 1929, constrained mine<br />
development. In 1934, economics changed dramatically, when President Franklin D.<br />
Roosevelt raised the price of gold by almost 100% to $35 per ounce.<br />
The Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> mine was the first to open. It began operations in 1938 and was in full<br />
production from 1939 to 1951, except for 1942-1946 when it was closed due to the war. The<br />
Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> mill continued to be used after 1951 to process ore from Tulsequah Chief and<br />
Big Bull mines on the opposite side of the Tulsequah River. Though the mines were far from<br />
depleted, low metal prices forced the closure of Big Bull and Tulsequah in 1956 and 1957<br />
respectively.<br />
The town of Tulsequah was established in the late 1930's, to house mine workers and their<br />
families. There was no road connection between the mining town and either Juneau or <strong>Atlin</strong>,<br />
but reliable air transportation served the people there. In summer there was regular launch<br />
service to Juneau. In terms of facilities, the community lacked nothing. Residents even<br />
enjoyed a downhill skiing facility complete with night lighting and a challenging ski jump<br />
(<strong>Atlin</strong> News Miner, 28 Oct. 1938).<br />
4.3.1.2 Current Producing Mines<br />
The Golden Bear mine, located approximately 140 km west of Dease Lake, is the only<br />
operating hardrock mine in the plan area. The mine began operations mining refractory ore,<br />
but later converted to heap leach operations.<br />
Golden Bear was discovered by Chevron Canada in 1981. Extensive surface and<br />
underground drilling was conducted from 1982 - 87 to define the Bear Main deposit and in<br />
1988, a 150 km access road from Telegraph Creek was constructed. Underground mining of<br />
refractory gold ore began in 1989, and continued with both underground and open pit mining<br />
until 1994. During this period, the mine operated on a year round basis.<br />
Wheaton River Minerals purchased the mine on July 2, 1993, when the mine was in a<br />
shutdown mode with just 6 months reserves left to be mined and processed. Discovery of the<br />
Grizzly zone, approximately 400 metres below the mined out Bear Main zone, extended<br />
operations to September 1994, when the mine closed due to exhaustion of refractory ore<br />
reserves.<br />
Work conducted by Wheaton River from 1994 to 1996, lead to the discovery of oxide gold<br />
deposits on the property. Though heap leach operations had never been conducted at<br />
latitudes this far north, the company successfully pursued this option. A feasibility study was<br />
completed in late 1996, construction of the first heap leach pad was commissioned in late<br />
July 1997 and ore was loaded onto the pad. Leaching began on August 6th and the first gold<br />
bars were poured on August 13th. The official opening of the heap leach mine was on<br />
September 17, 1997.<br />
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The heap leach mine has operated on a seasonal basis, closing operations during the winter<br />
months (generally November to April). Production from the mine has exceeded the output<br />
predicted in the feasibility study, with the 1997 gold recovery 19% greater than predicted. A<br />
second heap leach pad and processing plant was put into production in the spring of 1998.<br />
Mining of the deposits was completed in 2000, however production from stockpiles and<br />
residual leaching will continue into 2002.<br />
4.3.1.3 Exploration Activity<br />
Regulatory Framework:<br />
Mineral exploration is conducted in accordance with the Mineral Exploration Code and<br />
Mines Act of B.C. Prior to conducting any mechanical disturbance of the land, the work<br />
program must be approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines and sufficient reclamation<br />
securities placed to ensure that the site is reclaimed. Work programs are referred to affected<br />
agencies and First Nations for comment, which is then taken into consideration when<br />
approving (or disallowing) proposed mineral exploration.<br />
Full approval of a work program may also require that permits from other ministries be<br />
obtained. For example, where timber will be cut as part of a program, a free use permit or<br />
License to Cut is required from the Ministry of Forests. Similarly, for road construction off<br />
mineral tenures, a Special Use Permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Forests.<br />
Programs involving use of surface water must obtain a water use approval or water license<br />
from the Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks.<br />
Most mineral exploration programs involve minimal disturbance of the land. However,<br />
where significant volumes of mineralized rock (i.e. greater than 1000 tonnes) are to be<br />
blasted as part of a sampling program, testing for acid rock drainage potential is required.<br />
Similarly, though not required by the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Energy and Mines<br />
will request acid rock testing where road development requires blasting of mineralized rock.<br />
Recent Mineral Exploration in the plan area:<br />
Table 10 is a summary of mineral exploration work reporting expenditures in excess of<br />
$20,000, which was conducted in the plan area between 1994 and 1999. Information in the<br />
table is compiled from Assessment <strong>Report</strong> records, submitted by mineral tenure holders to<br />
maintain their tenures.<br />
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Table 10. Recent Mineral Exploration reporting Expenditures in excess of $20,000 for<br />
Assessment on Mineral Tenures (1994 - 1999)<br />
Property Location Commodities Year Work Conducted<br />
Ant-Bing Sheslay River Copper,<br />
Molybdenum<br />
Bennett Bennett Lake Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc<br />
Bennett Bennett Lake Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc<br />
Big Bull Tulsequah River Copper, Zinc, Lead,<br />
Silver, Gold<br />
Big Bull Tulsequah River Copper, Zinc, Lead,<br />
Silver, Gold<br />
1997 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting<br />
1997 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Drilling<br />
1998 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
1994 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Drilling<br />
1995 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting, Drilling<br />
Chid Tatsamenie Lake Gold 1994 Geochemcial, Geology,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting<br />
Cop Sheslay River Copper, Gold 1997 Geochemcial, Geophysics, Line<br />
Cutting<br />
Bandit Golden Bear Mine Gold 1994 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting, Drilling<br />
Golden Bear Golden Bear Mine Gold 1994 Geochemical, Drilling, Line Cutting<br />
Golden Bear Golden Bear Mine Gold 1995 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Golden Bear Golden Bear Mine Gold 1996 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Golden Bear Golden Bear Mine Gold 1996 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Golden Bear Golden Bear Mine Gold 1997 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Ram-Tut-Tot Golden Bear Mine Gold 1994 Geochemical, Geological Mapping<br />
Grizzly Golden Bear Mine Gold 1994 Geochemcial, Geology, Line<br />
Cutting, Drill<br />
Harts Peak Sheslay River Gold, Silver 1997 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting, Drill<br />
Kap <strong>Taku</strong> River Gold, Silver 1998 Geochemical<br />
Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> River 1998 Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Mass-<br />
Quantity<br />
Tagish Lake Gold, Silver,<br />
Copper<br />
1994 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting<br />
Misty Nie Tatsamenie Lake Gold 1994 Geochemcial, Geological Mapping,<br />
Geophysics<br />
Pineload <strong>Atlin</strong> (McDonald<br />
Lake area)<br />
Racine Teepee Peak<br />
(Tushi River)<br />
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Gold 1994 Geochemcial, Line Cutting, Drilling<br />
Gold, Silver,<br />
Copper, Cobalt,<br />
Bismuth, Arsenic<br />
1996 Geology, Geochemical, Drilling<br />
Page 52
Property Location Commodities Year Work Conducted<br />
Red Cap <strong>Taku</strong> River (South) Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc, Copper,<br />
Cobalt<br />
Red Cap <strong>Taku</strong> River (South) Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc, Copper,<br />
Cobalt<br />
Tulsequah<br />
Chief<br />
Tulsequah<br />
Chief<br />
Tulsequah<br />
Chief<br />
Tulsequah<br />
Chief<br />
Volcanic<br />
Creek<br />
Tulsequah River Silver, Gold,<br />
Cadmium, Copper,<br />
Lead, Zinc<br />
Tulsequah River Silver, Gold,<br />
Cadmium, Copper,<br />
Lead, Zinc<br />
Tulsequah River Silver, Gold,<br />
Cadmium, Copper,<br />
Lead, Zinc<br />
Tulsequah River Silver, Gold,<br />
Cadmium, Copper,<br />
Lead, Zinc<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> (McDonald<br />
Lake area)<br />
1998 Geophysics, Line Cutting<br />
1999 Geochemcial, Drilling<br />
1994 Geochemcial, Geology,<br />
Geophysics, Line Cutting, Drilling<br />
1994 Geology, Geophysics<br />
1995 Geophysics, Drilling<br />
1995 Geochemcial, Geology, Line<br />
Cutting, Drilling<br />
Gold 1997 Drilling<br />
Zenazie Gladys River Gold 1995 Geochemical<br />
ZO <strong>Taku</strong> River Gold, Silver, Lead,<br />
Zinc, Antimony<br />
1994 Drilling, Geochemical<br />
Table 10 shows two areas received the lion's share of mineral exploration. The pastproducing<br />
Tulsequah, Big Bull and Polaris <strong>Taku</strong> mines in lower Tulsequah River valley were<br />
evaluated for renewed mining by Redfern (now Redcorp) Resources Ltd. and Canarc<br />
Resource Corporation, respectively. Tulsequah Chief and Big Bull are zinc-copper-leadsilver-gold<br />
deposits, Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> (now New Polaris) was a gold mine. Secondly, Wheaton<br />
River Minerals through its subsidiary North American Metals, prolonged the life of the<br />
Golden Bear mine by discovery of Kodiak, Ursa and Grizzly gold deposits (two of which<br />
were mined) and exploration, albeit unsuccessful, on nearby claims (Bandit, Misty, Nie,<br />
Ram/Tut/Tot group and Strike/Grand/Slam group) in the Tatsamenie Lake area.<br />
The Red Cap (also known as Kap) and ZO (Zohini Creek) mineral properties in the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River valley were explored primarily for gold, silver and antimony vein deposits. In the<br />
Gladys Lake area, the Zenazie and Volcanic Creek properties were explored for placer gold<br />
deposits. The bedrock source of <strong>Atlin</strong>'s placer gold was sought by the Pinelode project and<br />
(since 1999) at Imperial, Chas, Como and White Star. Some of this exploration is focused<br />
near long-known lode gold occurrences (eg. Imperial) that were discounted as small deposits.<br />
New optimism and fresh ideas leads to re-exploration.<br />
A gold vein deposit, similar to Engineer or Mt. Skukum (in nearby Yukon) was the target of<br />
exploration on the Racine and Mass/Quantity (also known as the 025 group) and the Harts<br />
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Page 53
Peak (more properly Heart Peaks) claims. Racine and Mass/Quantity are on the Llewellyn<br />
fault, the locus for epithermal gold veins at Engineer and Polaris <strong>Taku</strong> mines.<br />
Near the Sheslay River, the Cop, Ant, Bing and Hat mineral properties have been explored<br />
for a porphyry copper (+/- gold, +/- molybdenum) deposit in the past five years. Most<br />
recently, two prospector/geologists worked on the Hat claims near Hatchau Lake in 2001.<br />
Perhaps one of the most interesting active exploration properties in the area is the Thorn<br />
gold-silver-copper prospect, northwest of Trapper Lake. Several high-grade veins have been<br />
discovered with unusual geological characteristics that are comparable to prolific mineral<br />
deposits elsewhere in the world (Chile and Philippines). The owner, Rimfire Minerals<br />
Corporation of Vancouver, showed it to several major, international mining companies in<br />
2001, in hope of attracting their investment to explore and develop the property.<br />
4.3.1.4 Potential Future Hardrock Mines<br />
Regulatory Framework:<br />
With the exception of small operations of sand and gravel, rock quarry and placer, all mine<br />
development is subject to review under either the Mine Development Review Committee or<br />
the Environmental Assessment Act. Both processes are multi-agency reviews, often<br />
involving both provincial and federal agencies as well as First Nations and the public. Major<br />
mine projects are reviewed under the Environmental Assessment Act and require the<br />
approval of both the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Environment <strong>Land</strong>s<br />
and Parks. Approval under the Mine Development Review Committee is for smaller<br />
operations and is signed off by the Minister of Energy and Mines. For a more complete<br />
description of these processes and applicable mine thresholds, please refer to the following<br />
websites:<br />
Ministry of Energy and Minings - Permit Application Requirements:<br />
http://www.em.gov.bc.ca/Mining/MinePer/permreq.htm.<br />
Environmental Assessment Office:<br />
http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca<br />
Potential Future Mines in the Plan <strong>Area</strong>:<br />
Within the plan area, there are several hardrock mineral deposits with known reserves (Table<br />
11). Even if only economic factors are considered (i.e. assuming a favourable land-use<br />
designation), it is impossible to predict which, if any of the deposits listed will become<br />
mines.<br />
The most promising hardrock deposit in the plan area, the Windy Craggy deposit, was<br />
removed from productive capability in 1992, by the creation of the Tatsenshini-Alsek<br />
Provincial Park. This deposit had the potential to be a world-class producer of gold, silver,<br />
copper and cobalt with significant benefits accruing to the province of B.C. Windy Craggy<br />
was in the B.C. Mine Development Assessment process when the park was designated.<br />
Establishment of the park was a political decision and not part of an integrated land use<br />
planning program for the area.<br />
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Of the remaining deposits in Table 11, the most likely candidates to become mines are<br />
Tulsequah Chief (mid-size to large underground mine) and New Polaris (mid-size<br />
underground mine).<br />
A Project Approval Certificate for development of the Tulsequah Chief deposit was granted<br />
in 1998, however, this approval was challenged by the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit and overturned in<br />
a decision by the BC Supreme Court in June, 2000. Road construction and mine<br />
development is currently on hold while the project committee works towards addressing<br />
issues of cultural sustainability brought forward by the Tlingit.<br />
The New Polaris deposit is the site of the former Polaris-<strong>Taku</strong> mine. Exploration drilling<br />
during the 1990’s by Canarc Resources Corporation outlined a gold resource in excess of one<br />
million ounces below the old mine workings. Canarc pumped out the mine in 1997, renamed<br />
the property New Polaris and were about to begin close-spaced underground drilling in 1998.<br />
Unfortunately, financing for the project was being conducted during the Bre-Ex scandal and<br />
the company was unable to attract investment in the project. Delays in approval of the<br />
Tulsequah Chief project (located proximal to New Polaris) have also negatively impacted<br />
New Polaris. No work has been conducted on the site since 1998.<br />
The other prospects in Table 11 are remote from economic viability under current conditions.<br />
Engineer, <strong>Atlin</strong>-Ruffner, Erickson-Ashby, Spokane and Mt. Ogden would be considered as<br />
small underground mines (based on currently identified mineral resources). Adanac and<br />
Logtung would be mid-size to large, open pit mines.<br />
The deposits listed in Table 11 do not represent all future potential for mine development in<br />
the plan area. New discoveries, changes in exploration and mining technology, increased<br />
understanding of mineral deposits and/or changes in mineral prices can quite abruptly<br />
transform a mineral occurrence into a mine development. The inability to predict the<br />
location of future mine developments requires that flexibility be built into land use planning.<br />
Table 11. Developed hardrock mineral prospects in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area<br />
Property /<br />
Year<br />
WINDY CRAGGY<br />
1990<br />
NEW POLARIS<br />
1997<br />
TULSEQUAH CHIEF<br />
1996<br />
ATLIN RUFFNER<br />
1988<br />
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Location Tonnage /<br />
Category<br />
Tatsenshini-Alsek Park 143,000,000 t<br />
Combined<br />
Tulsequah River 3,270,000 t<br />
Combined<br />
Tulsequah River 7,910,000 t<br />
Measured<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> area 113,638 t<br />
Unclassified<br />
Commodity Grade<br />
Copper<br />
Gold<br />
Silver<br />
Cobalt<br />
1.690 %<br />
.20 g/t<br />
3.41 g/t<br />
.084 %<br />
Gold 13.70 g/t<br />
Silver<br />
Gold<br />
Copper<br />
Lead<br />
Zinc<br />
Silver<br />
Lead<br />
100.91 g/t<br />
2.42 g/t<br />
1.270 %<br />
1.180 %<br />
6.350 %<br />
600.00 g/t<br />
5.000 %<br />
Page 55
Property /<br />
Year<br />
ENGINEER MINE<br />
1993<br />
ERICKSEN-ASHBY<br />
1964<br />
ADANAC<br />
1982<br />
MT. OGDEN<br />
1981<br />
LOGTUNG<br />
1983<br />
SPOKANE (LAWSON)<br />
1991<br />
4.3.2 Placer Resources<br />
Location Tonnage /<br />
Category<br />
Tagish Lake 20,000 t<br />
Indicated<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> River 907,100 t<br />
Indicated<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> area 152,000,000 t<br />
Measured<br />
Headwaters of Inklin +<br />
Sheslay Rivers<br />
217,704,000 t<br />
Unclassified<br />
Jennings River area 162,000,000 t<br />
Unclassified<br />
Bighorn Creek (E of<br />
Tagish Lake)<br />
77,216 t<br />
Inferred<br />
Commodity Grade<br />
Gold 34.00 g/t<br />
Silver<br />
Lead<br />
Zinc<br />
214.90 g/t<br />
2.230 %<br />
3.790 %<br />
Molybdenum .063 %<br />
Molybdenum .170 %<br />
Molybdenum<br />
Tungsten<br />
.030 %<br />
.100 %<br />
Gold 5.83 g/t<br />
Placer gold production has made a very important contribution to the development and<br />
sustainability of the town of <strong>Atlin</strong> for more than 100 years. The historic placer mining<br />
creeks of the <strong>Atlin</strong> area are located in a relatively small area between <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake on the west,<br />
the Gladys River on the east, the O'Donnell River to the south and Gladys Lake to the north.<br />
This is a geologically special part of the earth's crust where suitable conditions for the<br />
creation and preservation of placer gold deposits has existed for perhaps more than one<br />
million years. The deposits were formed initially by the erosion of bedrock sources into<br />
steep sided canyons and have survived subsequent periods of intense continental glaciation<br />
and volcanic activity.<br />
4.3.2.1 Regulatory Framework<br />
Placer mining can take place only on placer claims or leases issued by the Ministry of Energy<br />
and Mines under the Mineral Tenure Act. Production from a claim is limited to 2000 cubic<br />
metres of paydirt per claim per year.<br />
All mechanized placer mining/testing requires a Mines Act permit and a reclamation security<br />
deposit. Operations may also require Water Act approvals for short term water use or for<br />
works 'in and about' a stream, Forest Act permits or licences to cut timber, Waste<br />
Management Act discharge permits, and/or a Special Use Permit under the Forest Practices<br />
Code of B.C. Act to construct or modify access to the placer tenures. Operations processing<br />
more than 500,000 cubic metres of paydirt may require a review under the Environmental<br />
Assessment Act.<br />
In addition to government regulations, the <strong>Atlin</strong> Placer Miners Association uses peer pressure<br />
to affect a measure of self-regulation.<br />
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4.3.2.2 Placer Mining Operations<br />
Placer mining activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area occur almost exclusively in the valleys of the<br />
historically mined creeks draining to Surprise, <strong>Atlin</strong>, or Gladys Lakes. Most operations take<br />
place between the months of May and October although it is possible to work through the<br />
winter. Projects range in size from hand panning and exploration test pits (less than 0.1<br />
hectare) to larger scale open-pit mining operations (up to 5 hectares) using large excavators,<br />
trucks, dozers, drills, front-end loaders and gold recovery plants capable of processing more<br />
than 100 cubic yards of gravel per hour (see photos). The water and fine tailings from the<br />
gold recovery plant are discharged to settling ponds. At the termination of operations, test<br />
pits are backfilled, waste dumps and tailings piles are recontoured at 2:1 slopes, settling<br />
ponds are breached, and any available topsoil is spread to promote revegetation.<br />
Open Pit<br />
Waste Dumps<br />
4.3.2.3 State of the Industry<br />
Settling Ponds<br />
Sluice Plant<br />
At present, the industry is in decline due a combination of factors including low world gold<br />
prices, the high cost of fuel and the scarcity of shallow paydirt. In 1999, approximately 320<br />
kilograms (10,000 oz.) of gold was produced from 14 mining operations with a total of 57<br />
seasonal workers. For 2001 production will fall to about 100 kilograms (3,200 oz.). Even<br />
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Page 57
though production is falling, the number of placer tenures and exploration projects has<br />
remained fairly constant over the past five years.<br />
Although the major historic creeks have been mined extensively for over 100 years, potential<br />
exists for the industry to grow significantly given the right economic conditions. Thick<br />
glacial and glaciofluvial overburden is the main factor limiting the location and development<br />
of new high grade pre-glacial deposits. The extensive, lower grade post-glacial deposits have<br />
potential for large volume mining operations with the development of improved recovery<br />
technology for fine gold.<br />
4.3.2.4 Operational Issues<br />
Operational issues facing the industry and the regulatory agencies at this time include:<br />
discharge of water from settling ponds on "deregulated" creeks; riparian zone protection;<br />
construction of cabins by tenure owners for non-mining purposes; access to unroaded areas;<br />
and steep highwalls on existing pits. These issues are addressed through regulation as<br />
described below.<br />
On creeks named in the Placer Mining Waste Control Regulation ("de-regulated" creeks), no<br />
Waste Management Act permit is required to discharge process water from a placer mining<br />
operation. These creeks have generally been mined historically and the material available for<br />
constructing settling pond berms has been washed several times and therefore is not suitable<br />
for compaction. Though the material available limits the effectiveness of settling ponds,<br />
Mines Act permits still require settling ponds for all operations.<br />
Although no Code specific to placer mining exists, Mines Act permit conditions specify a 10<br />
metre riparian zone measured from the high water mark on each side of the creek. The<br />
purpose of the zone is to protect water quality, provide shade for the stream, provide fish<br />
food, and provide transportation corridors for large mammals. The riparian zone permit<br />
condition is not enforced on the historic "de-regulated" creeks of the <strong>Atlin</strong> area because they<br />
lack riparian values (i.e. vegetation) and are not fish-bearing.<br />
Neither buildings nor access construction are allowed for "hand" operations. However,<br />
placer tenure holders are allowed trailers and other temporary buildings if required for their<br />
mining operations. The removal of these structures must be covered by a Mines Act permit<br />
and reclamation security.<br />
New access construction to placer properties is a particularly difficult issue, requiring a<br />
balance between the "the right to mine" and a need to protect wildlife populations from<br />
increasing human encroachment. This issue is of particular interest to the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit<br />
First Nation in their desire to protect their interests in traditional territory while negotiating a<br />
treaty settlement. Winter only trails and/or total deactivation is now prescribed for wildlife<br />
and First Nation sensitive areas in order to deter ATV access.<br />
Though many of the historic creeks have near vertical highwalls that are unstable over the<br />
long term, these slopes are not subject to catastrophic failure. Most of these situations are<br />
legacies from the days of hydraulic mining, although some have been worked within the last<br />
five years using large equipment. Experience has shown that the pre-glacial gravels (red<br />
channel) and clay-boulder glacial tills will stand at steeper angles than post-glacial (grey<br />
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Page 58
channel) or glacial-fluvial gravels because they have been heavily compacted by thick<br />
continental ice. Failures in these types of material tend to be by slow ravelling initiated by<br />
spring melting and don't pose a significant threat due to massive failure. There is, however, a<br />
risk to persons snowmobiling near the unmarked crests of these pits.<br />
4.3.3 Industrial Mineral Resources<br />
Distance from market and lack of infrastructure has severely limited the exploration for and<br />
development of industrial mineral deposits in the plan area. Many industrial minerals are<br />
low value commodities requiring proximity to cheap transportation or a local market to be<br />
viable mines.<br />
Within the plan area, jade, asbestos, nickel, chromite and magnesite are found in serpentine<br />
along the Nahlin fault. Magnesium leached by groundwater from the serpentine has<br />
produced deposits of hydromagnesite near <strong>Atlin</strong>. Limestone that occurs throughout Cache<br />
Creek terrane would be an important resource for manufacture of cement if it were closer to<br />
markets or tidewater. Bedded gypsum deposits, suitable for the production of wallboard,<br />
have been identified in the O'Connor River area. Additionally, the Surprise Lake batholith,<br />
near <strong>Atlin</strong>, is a potential source of building stone.<br />
The Minfile database lists three industrial mineral prospects with identified reserves (Table<br />
12). All three deposits have been known for a considerable period of time (<strong>Atlin</strong> discovered<br />
in 1904, Ace in the early 1960's and O'Connor in 1958), however their development has been<br />
limited to a large extent by distance from market.<br />
Substantial drilling and surface work was conducted in the mid-1980's, to define the gypsum<br />
deposit at O'Connor Creek. However, the establishment of the Tatshenshini-Alsek park in<br />
1992, negated any possibility of developing the property. Though almost 10 years have<br />
passed, compensation has yet to be paid for expropriation of tenures covering the deposit.<br />
The hydromagnesite deposits at <strong>Atlin</strong> were mined in the early 1900's, however high<br />
transportation costs made further development uneconomic. Recent interest in the property<br />
may yet prove up a viable mine. In 1999, Stralak Resources optioned the Crown granted<br />
mineral tenures covering this deposit and conducted testing to determine its exact<br />
mineralogy. The material was found to be suitable for use in flame retardant applications and<br />
thermoplastics. However, development of the property will hinge upon securing long term<br />
contracts for the product.<br />
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Table 12. Industrial mineral prospects in the <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> plan area<br />
Ore Zone /<br />
Year<br />
ACE<br />
1966<br />
ATLIN<br />
1940<br />
O'Connor<br />
Creek<br />
1986<br />
Tonnage /<br />
Category<br />
11,793,401 t<br />
Inferred<br />
107,037 t<br />
Unclassified<br />
2,500 kt<br />
Inferred<br />
4.3.4 Energy resources<br />
4.3.4.1 Oil and gas potential<br />
Commodity Grade Comments<br />
Asbestos 5.0 % Estimated fibre potential from surface work.<br />
Hydromagnesite 41.0 % 83% of the reserves would grade 41 to 42 %<br />
MgO.<br />
Gypsum 79.0 % Estimated reserves. The SO3 content averages<br />
40% and the oxide and insoluble content is fairly<br />
high therefore suitable for wallboard.<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area is bisected by the Whitehorse Trough, a geological feature<br />
trending NW-SE through the southern Yukon and northwest BC, which holds significant<br />
potential for accumulations of natural gas. No exploration wells have been drilled but the<br />
Geological Survey of Canada has undertaken a petroleum resource assessment of the<br />
Whitehorse Trough within BC. Utilizing the GSC figures the total in place natural gas<br />
resource potential for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area is estimated at 2.65x10 10 m 3 (993 BCF).<br />
The Takwahoni structural gas play (i.e., zone where gas is known to occur) is estimated to<br />
contain in place resources of 2.18 x 10 10 m 3 (770 BCF) of natural gas within BC (the play<br />
extends north into the Yukon). The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area is estimated to hold about half<br />
of BC’s share or 1.1x10 10 m 3 (385 BCF).<br />
The Inklin structural gas play is estimated to contain in place resources of 1.57 x 10 10 m 3<br />
(557 BCF) of natural gas within BC (the play extends north into the Yukon). The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
planning area is estimated to hold about half of BC’s share or 7.85x10 9 m 3 (278 BCF).<br />
The Lewes River structural gas play is estimated to contain in place resources of 1.53 x 10 10<br />
m 3 (540 BCF) of natural gas within BC (the play extends north into the Yukon). The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> planning area is estimated to hold about half of BC’s share or 7.65x10 9 m 3 (270 BCF).<br />
4.3.4.2 Geothermal potential<br />
The NW portion of the plan area holds some moderate potential of finding economically<br />
significant geothermal resources in the area surrounding the Surprise Lake Batholith.<br />
Although moderate potential does exist the remoteness of the area makes it unlikely that this<br />
potential would be sufficient for direct conversion to electricity, however it may be suitable<br />
for direct space heating or recreational activities.<br />
4.3.5 Strategic planning considerations related to mineral and energy<br />
resources<br />
Completion of a strategic plan for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> would help to provide certainty to the<br />
mining sector regarding lands available for mineral exploration and development.<br />
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Identification of key resource values that need to be considered in environmental<br />
assessment review processes.<br />
Timing of mineral exploration activity in areas of critical wildlife use.<br />
Recommendations for protected areas will be developed in consideration of the need to<br />
maintain a balance of resource uses and values.<br />
4.4 Recreation, Tourism and Visual Quality<br />
With its spectacular scenery, rich cultural history, and diversity of landforms, the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
area has an abundance of opportunities for high value recreation and tourism for local<br />
residents and for people from throughout British Columbia and around the world. The rich<br />
culture of the local First Nations and a vibrant pioneer history add to the character and appeal<br />
of the area.<br />
This section describes recreation (Section 4.4.1) separately from tourism operations (4.4.2),<br />
although there is a large amount of overlap between the types of activity that occur<br />
commercially and non-commercially. Visual quality (described in Section 4.4.3) is generally<br />
of concern to tourism operators and public recreationists.<br />
4.4.1 Recreational activities and areas of use<br />
Table 13 summarizes public recreation activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area. As can be seen from<br />
the table, there are a large number of activities, both water- and land-based that occur in the<br />
summer and winter months.<br />
Table 13. Public recreation activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area (from Davies, 1999)<br />
Non-Motorized Motorized Both<br />
Water-Based:<br />
• Canoeing • House boating • Fishing<br />
• Kayaking – whitewater<br />
(river) and flat water<br />
(lake)<br />
• Motor boating<br />
• Swimming • Sea-dooing<br />
• Sailing<br />
<strong>Land</strong>-Based:<br />
• Backpacking • ATV’ing • Hunting<br />
• Camping • Dirt-biking<br />
• Climbing • Four-wheel off-roading<br />
• Mtn. biking • Pleasure driving<br />
• Hunting<br />
• Hiking/walking<br />
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Non-Motorized Motorized Both<br />
• Horseback riding<br />
• Running<br />
Snow-based:<br />
• Dog sledding • Heli-skiing (chartered)<br />
• Backcountry skiing • Snowmobiling<br />
• Cross-country skiing<br />
• Sledding/Tobogganing<br />
• Snowshoeing<br />
Ice-based:<br />
• Glacier-traversing • Ice-fishing<br />
• Ice-skating<br />
4.4.1.1 Parks and recreation sites<br />
Parks<br />
There are two provincial parks in the area: Tatsenshini-Alsek Park, and <strong>Atlin</strong> Provincial<br />
Park. Both of these parks are wilderness areas, with no facilities or parks personnel on site.<br />
The Tatsenshini-Alsek is primarily used by recreationists for river rafting and<br />
mountaineering. There are no hiking trails in the park. BC Parks estimates that 95% of the<br />
visitors to the park are on commercial rafting trips (G. MacRae, pers. comm.).<br />
Approximately 1100 people visit the park every year. In 1994, when the area was newly<br />
designated and in the spotlight the number of visitors reached as high as 2500 (G. MacRae,<br />
pers. comm.).<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Park, at the south end of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake, is primarily a boating location. Most of the access<br />
to the area is by boat and people visit in kayaks, motor boats, and houseboats, anchoring<br />
among the bays and many islands in the park (there are 80 islands in the park, including<br />
Theresa Island, which has the highest elevation of any freshwater island in BC). One trail in<br />
the park leads to Llewelynn Glacier from Llewelynn Inlet.<br />
4.4.1.2 National historic sites<br />
The Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site is a hike through history, with remnants of the Gold<br />
Rush of 1898 strewn along its path. Approximately half of the 33-mile hike is in the BC<br />
portion of the trail with the remainder in Alaska. Parks Canada has set a quota of 50<br />
people/day starting out on the trail in order to maintain the quality of the trail and associated<br />
artifacts and to maintain the aesthetic value of hiking the trail. Over 7000 recreational hikers<br />
use all or a portion of the trail every year (US Park Service, 2000). Almost all of the<br />
Canadian portion of the trail is in a backcountry setting.<br />
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Recreation sites and trails<br />
The BC Forest Service maintains seven recreation sites, six of which around <strong>Atlin</strong>. All<br />
recreation sites allow overnight camping except for Como Lake. There is also one recreation<br />
trail outside of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Table 14 lists the BC Forest Service recreation sites in the plan area.<br />
4.4.1.3 Other recreational features (land-based)<br />
Hiking trails<br />
Other than Monarch Mountain, some of the more popular hiking trails in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area<br />
include <strong>Atlin</strong> Mountain and Ruby Mountain, which is an extinct volcano.<br />
Recreationists can hike portions of the historic Yukon Telegraph Trail, which runs from<br />
Telegraph Creek to <strong>Atlin</strong>. The trail is not maintained and there are no bridges or established<br />
stopover areas. In some places it is completely grown over. Hiking this trail requires a<br />
certain amount of experience with wilderness travel. Guide outfitters currently use portions<br />
of the trail for guided hunting.<br />
Motorized recreation<br />
Motorized recreational activities primarily occur out of <strong>Atlin</strong>, Whitehorse, and Teslin and<br />
include hunting and general exploring of the backcountry using snowmobiles and all-terrain<br />
vehicles (ATVs). Off-road vehicles generally use old mining exploration roads and also<br />
access the area’s open alpine plateaus.<br />
Table 14. Recreation sites and trails in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Recreation<br />
facility<br />
Palmer Lake 12 miles south of<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> along Warm<br />
Bay Road<br />
Warm Bay On <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake<br />
south of McKee<br />
Creek<br />
The Grotto South of <strong>Atlin</strong> on<br />
Warm Bay Road<br />
McDonald Lake North of <strong>Atlin</strong> up<br />
the Ruffner Mine<br />
Road<br />
Como Lake Immediately north<br />
of <strong>Atlin</strong> on the<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Road<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Location Facilities Activities<br />
Campsite and day use area.<br />
Boat launch for canoes and cartop<br />
boats<br />
Campsite and day use area.<br />
Beach and boat launch.<br />
Camping and day use area with<br />
cold mineral springs<br />
Picnic tables<br />
Fresh watercress year-round<br />
Campsite and day use area.<br />
Boat launch<br />
Boat launch for canoes and cartop<br />
boats<br />
Sandy beach<br />
Day use only<br />
Motor boating, fishing<br />
(pike and whitefish)<br />
Popular with canoeists<br />
Motor boating, fishing<br />
Picnicking, viewing<br />
Motor boating,<br />
canoeing, fishing (lake<br />
trout), bird watching<br />
Motor boating,<br />
canoeing<br />
Float planes land on<br />
Como Lake when<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Lake is too<br />
windy<br />
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Recreation<br />
facility<br />
Location Facilities Activities<br />
Surprise Lake East of <strong>Atlin</strong> Good for campers and small<br />
trailers<br />
Morley Lake Off the Alaska<br />
Hwy east of Teslin<br />
Lake.<br />
Monarch<br />
Mountain trail<br />
Boat launch for canoes and cartop<br />
boats<br />
Camping and picnic tables<br />
Boat launch<br />
5 km steep trail providing<br />
panoramic views <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong> valley<br />
4.4.1.4 Other recreational features (water-based)<br />
Motor boating,<br />
canoeing, fishing,<br />
snowmobiling (note:<br />
snowmobile trails are<br />
not maintained by<br />
MOF)<br />
Motor boating, fishing<br />
The large lakes in the plan area, including <strong>Atlin</strong>, Tagish, and Teslin Lakes provide a plethora<br />
of recreational opportunities. This includes fishing for lake trout, Dolly Varden, arctic<br />
grayling and pike, as well as sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and motor boating among the areas’<br />
numerous islands and bays.<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong>, Tatsenshini, and Alsek Rivers offer opportunities for remote whitewater kayaking,<br />
canoeing and rafting.<br />
4.4.2 Tourism<br />
There are three primary tourism destinations in the plan area: <strong>Atlin</strong> and environs, the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River, and the Tatsenshini-Alsek. Tourists from Canada, the United States, and Europe are<br />
attracted to the plan area for is spectacular scenery, historic and cultural values, and<br />
opportunities for recreation in a wilderness setting. The remoteness of the area is one of its<br />
primary attractions. Map 10 summarizes the tourism use areas in the plan area. This map is<br />
incomplete and will need to be updated with local input in the event of a planning process.<br />
Much of the tourism is generated as part of an overall Alaska or Yukon experience. Trips up<br />
the <strong>Taku</strong> River are sold in Juneau to travelers to the Alaska Panhandle. Haines, Alaska and<br />
Haines Junction in the Yukon are the staging areas for river trips down the Tatsenshini and<br />
Alsek Rivers. Many visitors to <strong>Atlin</strong> detour into the town on their way to or from Alaska<br />
(Rescan, 1997).<br />
There is a strong nature-based emphasis on tourism activities in this area. Most of the<br />
tourism occurring outside of <strong>Atlin</strong> could be classified as backcountry. Backcountry tourism<br />
occurs in remote areas where there is little or no visible evidence of human activity or<br />
development. A recent Tourism Opportunity Study for the Cassiar area, commissioned by<br />
the Ministry of Small Business Tourism and Culture, identified that potential tourism value<br />
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of remote and developed areas is expected increase over time if the quality of backcountry<br />
resources in other areas of BC and North America is reduced through resource development<br />
activities (Meredith and Associates, 2000).<br />
The Cassiar Tourism Opportunity Study (TOS) identified a number of challenges to tourism<br />
development. Although the TOS was conducted for the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine LRMP area,<br />
the issues can be applied to the <strong>Atlin</strong> area and northern BC in general. Challenges include:<br />
highly seasonal tourism market (limited market due to long winters); small market base;<br />
limited number of facilities; weak tourism marketing; and a lack of performance monitoring.<br />
Other issues include lack of access to financing and outside investors; lack of local<br />
entrepreneurial skills and limited political influence due to the small population and lack of<br />
local government (Meredith and Associates, 2000). These challenges are countered by the<br />
high quality of natural resources in the area, high cultural and historical values, and variety of<br />
opportunities for front- and back-country activities (Meredith and Associates, 2000).<br />
Most tourism activity occurs in the summer months (from May to September). The long<br />
winter at this latitude limits the overall tourism market, although there are opportunities for<br />
winter tourism (Meredith and Associates, 2000).<br />
4.4.2.1 <strong>Atlin</strong> area<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> is a town steeped in history and set in a stunning setting on an aquamarine lake<br />
overlooking the rugged Coast Mountains. Because <strong>Atlin</strong> is not located on a through road,<br />
tourists must make a special effort to visit the town. This adds to the appeal of the town as a<br />
remote location and helps to define the tourism experience. Most tourism activity in the area<br />
occurs in the summer months (June to September), although there is potential for increased<br />
winter tourism (Rescan, 1997).<br />
A study in 1989 indicated that about one third of the visitors to <strong>Atlin</strong> detoured into the town<br />
on their way through the region, most on the way to and from Alaska. Most overnight<br />
visitors were from the United States. Most visitors stayed in campgrounds or with friends<br />
and relatives (Rescan, 1997). These figures are over a decade old and the profile of visitors<br />
may well have changed.<br />
At a Community Tourism Action Workshop held in <strong>Atlin</strong> in 1995, the following were<br />
identified as the assets that attracted tourism: undeveloped wilderness; gold rush history and<br />
heritage; small town with an unregulated atmosphere; and special events. The main concerns<br />
related to tourism were uncontrolled development and its impact on tourism values, lack of<br />
planning for tourism, the need to make <strong>Atlin</strong> a destination rather than a side-trip, and the<br />
need for better development of winter tourism opportunities (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Front-country tourism operations:<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> has a number of facilities to cater to front country clientele including accommodations<br />
(a hotel, motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges and cabins, and RV and camping facilities),<br />
dining facilities, and a range of tourism attractions. Tourism attractions within <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
emphasize the historic and cultural assets of the town, including several historic buildings,<br />
the Pioneer Cemetery, the <strong>Atlin</strong> Centre for the Arts, day trips on the historic MV Tarahne,<br />
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and the <strong>Atlin</strong> Museum with its collection of exhibits on the gold-rush and Tlingit culture..<br />
One local company offers tourists the opportunity to try gold-panning at Spruce Creek.<br />
There are also a number of retail outlets selling locally produced arts and crafts (<strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Community Website, 2001).<br />
Backcountry tourism operations:<br />
In 1999, there were eight guiding businesses in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. Four of these businesses<br />
offered guided backcountry trips ranging from day trips to expeditions of several weeks<br />
(Davies, 1999). These included guided hiking, glacier tours, and mountaineering. The<br />
hiking season generally occurs between May and September. Most of the clientele are from<br />
Europe. One Smithers-based business offers guided mountaineering opportunities in the<br />
mountains to the southeast of <strong>Atlin</strong>. The other four businesses provide guided big game<br />
hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities to clientele from around the world.<br />
Guided fishing opportunities include fly-in fishing for salmon and steelhead on rivers such as<br />
the <strong>Taku</strong>, as wells as fishing on local lakes and streams for lake trout, grayling, and pike.<br />
Guide outfitting, which is described in more detail in Section 4.6.2, generally occurs between<br />
the months of May and November.<br />
In the <strong>Atlin</strong> area, there is one operator that rents houseboats and motor boats for use on <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake. Most of the clientele are from within the area (Juneau and Whitehorse). In addition, a<br />
number of businesses in <strong>Atlin</strong> and Whitehorse offer opportunities for guided and independent<br />
kayaking and canoeing on the various lakes in the area.<br />
Commercial permits are in place for guided hikes, canoe and kayak trips, houseboat tours,<br />
snowmobile and cross-country tours, angling trips, day boat tours and sightseeing flights in<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Park, staged out of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Over 1700 people visited the park in 2000 on commercially<br />
guided trips (BC Parks, 2000).<br />
Local airplane and helicopter operators offer scenic flights of the area as well as<br />
opportunities for heli-hiking and heli-fishing.<br />
Although most tourism activities occur in the summer months, there is an interest by local<br />
residents in developing winter tourism to the area. Klondike Heli-skiing currently runs a<br />
heli-skiing and heli-boarding operation based out of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Other winter tourism activities<br />
include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and dog-sledding.<br />
4.4.2.2 <strong>Taku</strong> River area<br />
Most commercial recreation activity occurs in the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River and involves guided<br />
fishing for salmon, including steelhead. Guided fishing trips are staged out of Juneau and<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>. A small number of companies also offer multi-day rafting and whitewater kayaking<br />
trips from the Sheslay River, down the Inklin and then the <strong>Taku</strong> to Juneau. Rafting and<br />
kayaking trips are generally staged out of Juneau.<br />
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4.4.2.3 Tatsenshini-Alsek area:<br />
The primary commercial recreation activity in Tatsenshini-Alsek Park is river rafting. Most<br />
of the 1000 – 1100 people who visit Tatsenshini-Alsek Park each year are on commercial<br />
rafting trips (G. MacRae, pers. comm.). In 2001, there were 14 companies with permits for<br />
river rafting on the Tatsenshini and Alsek Rivers (BC Parks, 2001). There is also a company<br />
that offers guided horse trips, another that offers big game hunting trips, and a number of<br />
companies that charter flights into the area (BC Parks, 2001). Trips down the Tatsenshini<br />
and Alsek may last from a single day to two weeks. The longest trips run from the Yukon,<br />
through BC, to Alaska.<br />
4.4.3 Visual quality<br />
The scenic beauty of the plan area is one of its key attractions to recreationists and tourists<br />
from around the world. Overall, the viewscapes from <strong>Atlin</strong> and key travel routes has not<br />
been overly compromised by development activities, although the long history of placer<br />
mining has left visible scars on the landscape.<br />
The small amount of forest development in the area has meant that there is no sense of<br />
urgency to formalize the establishment of scenic areas under the Forest Practices Code (L.<br />
Davies, pers. comm.). Although the area has no “known” scenic areas or established visual<br />
quality objectives, the Ministry of Forests has completed visual landscape inventories for<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Lake, <strong>Atlin</strong> Road, Tagish, Teslin and Tutshi Lakes, the Alaska Highway (Swift River to<br />
Morley Lake), Haines Highway east, and the Lower <strong>Taku</strong> River. The visible area has been<br />
mapped at 1:50,000 and visual quality objectives recommended. These inventories were<br />
completed over the 1980s and 1990s.<br />
<strong>Area</strong>s of high visual quality are currently not impacted by timber harvesting and, at this time,<br />
there are no specific management prescriptions to maintain visual quality during forestry<br />
activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong> supply block.<br />
4.4.4 Strategic planning considerations related to recreation, tourism, and<br />
visual quality<br />
The level of use in some recreational areas may be so high that the quality of the<br />
recreational experience is diminished.<br />
It may be necessary to consider limiting recreational access to ecologically sensitive areas<br />
Resource development activities may effect the aesthetic quality of recreational use<br />
(commercial and non-commercial) e.g., visual quality and the desire to experience<br />
recreational activities in a “wilderness setting”. At the same time, development activities<br />
such as road development can provide increased opportunities for recreation into areas<br />
previously inaccessible except by air.<br />
Opportunities for recreational and commercial sport fishing are dependent on healthy fish<br />
stocks.<br />
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Conflicts may occur between commercial users and independent tourists and public<br />
recreationists, or between different types of recreational users (e.g., motorized vs. nonmotorized).<br />
Recreational motorized use may disrupt wildlife and damage sensitive ecosystems (e.g.,<br />
alpine plateaus)<br />
Concern has been expressed about the impact of large numbers of guided and recreational<br />
hunters from out of the area on wildlife numbers for local sustenance use (by First<br />
Nations and local resident hunters)<br />
The planning table may identify visually sensitive areas (i.e., scenic areas), including<br />
viewscapes from high use areas such as popular anchorages and recreational areas. The<br />
potential impact of assigning additional visual quality constraints to resource<br />
development activities such as timber harvesting and development of mineral occurrences<br />
will need to be considered as part of planning table discussions.<br />
4.5 Fishing<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area offers fishing experiences for a variety of fish species in a<br />
wilderness setting. Most of the area is inaccessible except by air, foot, or boat. Three groups<br />
seek fishing opportunities in the area: First Nations, recreational anglers and commercial<br />
fishers.<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> and <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Community Fisheries Working Group was established in 1999 in<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> as a regional delivery agent for Fisheries Renewal BC project funding. In addition,<br />
Fisheries and Oceans has established a habitat steward position in partnership with the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River Tlingit (TRTFN) to address fish habitat issues within their traditional territory. A<br />
number of projects are underway:<br />
The TRTFN and Community Fisheries Working Group have developed a communitybased<br />
Biological Monitoring Program for <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake to monitor lake trout. The<br />
program includes:<br />
• a lake trout spawning survey;<br />
• an Angler Survey to determine the extent and location of fishing pressure on <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Lake;<br />
• and commercial fishers and sport fishing guides on the lake have collected<br />
biological data and otoliths from lake trout.<br />
The habitat steward has worked with the TRTFN to develop and implement<br />
assessment of the distribution of fish and fish habitat in the <strong>Taku</strong> River drainage. The<br />
purpose of the assessments is to create a database to allow management planning at<br />
the watershed scale.<br />
The TRTFN and habitat steward are implementing a local watershed monitoring<br />
program to assess water quality in <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and placer creeks.<br />
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4.5.1 First Nations Fishery<br />
First Nations have traditionally fished for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Knowledge<br />
gained from these traditional practices is vital to land use planning efforts. Much of the<br />
information about traditional and current uses of the fisheries resource by First Nations<br />
belongs to the First Nations, and requires their permission to collect and use. The accepted<br />
time for requesting this information is during the land use planning consultation stage. First<br />
Nations contacts can be obtained through the Aboriginal Fisheries Strategy Coordinator<br />
(AFS) with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Whitehorse.<br />
Fisheries and Oceans Canada assign catch numbers for management purposes to stocks<br />
utilized by First Nations. First Nations food, social, and ceremonial needs are priorities<br />
second to conservation.<br />
For the <strong>Taku</strong> River, 2000 sockeye, 500 chinook and 500 - 750 coho are assigned to the <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River Tlingit. These numbers are not rigid and are not allocations. Principal Tlingit First<br />
Nations fishing areas include Kuthai lake, the confluence of the Nakina and Inklin rivers, and<br />
the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River. The lower <strong>Taku</strong> River has been historically important. <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake has<br />
a small Aboriginal fishery. The Teslin Tlingits and the Champagne and Aishihik First<br />
Nations tend to fish on the Yukon side of the border (J. Burdek, pers. comm.). The upper<br />
reaches of the Tatshenshini River and its tributaries, especially the Blanchard River, are<br />
fished. Major fisheries also occur on Village Creek and the Klukshu River.<br />
4.5.2 Recreational Fishery<br />
The recreational, or sport, fishery has two components: guided and non-guided. The ration<br />
of guided to non-guided angling within the plan area is unknown. Non-guided anglers are<br />
most often locals and other BC residents. A number of other Canadians and foreign tourists<br />
also choose to fish unassisted. Most of these people fish on the accessible lakes near <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
However, due to a small population and the inaccessibility of much of the planning area, a<br />
significant portion of the anglers is guided. A market exists here for all-inclusive wilderness<br />
fishing vacations.<br />
Fifteen guides operated on the major rivers and lakes in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area in the 1998/99<br />
fishing season 8 . The majority of guiding occurred in the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed, with a total<br />
of 1887 angler-days granted in the 1998/99 season divided between 11 guides (AGMS,<br />
2000). Almost half the angler-days within the <strong>Taku</strong> watershed were allotted in the Nakina<br />
River. Other popular rivers included the Inklin, <strong>Taku</strong>, Sheslay and Nahlin. Salmon and<br />
steelhead are the biggest draws to this area. Kuthai Lake had guiding activity until the end of<br />
the 1996/97 season. Since this time, no angler days have been granted for this lake. Within<br />
the Tagish Lake watershed, <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake (646 angler-days) and Tagish Lake (155 angler-days)<br />
were the most popularly guided lakes. Four guides operated on these lakes. Guiding also<br />
occurred on Palmer and Surprise lakes. Char and trout species as well as grayling and<br />
8 Only major rivers and lakes were included in the search of the Angling Guide Management System database.<br />
It is likely that additional angling-days were allotted and that additional guides operated within the planning<br />
area.<br />
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northern pike are the sports fish in these lakes. Significant guiding activity also occurs in the<br />
Teslin drainage. In the 1998/99 season, 663 days were granted to seven guides in the major<br />
rivers and lakes. Gladys Lake and Jennings Lake were the most heavily used areas, with<br />
86% of the allocated angler days.<br />
Non-guided fishing is concentrated in readily accessible areas near roads. Most of the lakes<br />
around <strong>Atlin</strong>, as well as those rivers not heavily impacted by placer mining receive most of<br />
the recreational angling pressure. The Tatshenshini and some of its headwater streams,<br />
including the Blanchard River, are also fished recreationally. Although boat access is<br />
possible to some areas, the vast remote stretches of the planning area are accessible only by<br />
air.<br />
4.5.3 Commercial Fishery<br />
The only commercial fishery in the planning area is on the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River. The <strong>Taku</strong><br />
River is a transboundary river, and both the Americans and Canadians operate commercial<br />
fisheries. The Canadian fishery is relatively small, with 16 gillnet licenses in 2000/2001. The<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit hold eight of these licenses and members of the Nation fish the licences as<br />
part of their own businesses (J. Burdek, pers. comm.). The other licences are held by<br />
residents of <strong>Atlin</strong> or elsewhere (Rescan, 1997).<br />
The chief target species for the fishery is sockeye. Canadian fishers also target coho and<br />
chinook. The Pacific Salmon Treaty allocates catch limits to American and Canadian<br />
fisheries. Under the comprehensive agreement signed in June 1999, the Canadian fishery<br />
was allocated a larger number of salmon for conservation and harvest. The harvest share of<br />
wild sockeye increased to 18% plus 20% of the projected river escapement over 100,000 fish<br />
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1999). The harvest share of coho was also increased. A<br />
Transboundary River Panel has been established to undertake abundance-based management<br />
of both American and Canadian fishery over the 10-year term of the agreement (Fisheries<br />
and Oceans Canada, 1999).<br />
Commercial fishing occurs in a couple other areas adjacent to the planning area. American<br />
gillnet fisheries capture salmon at the mouth of the Alsek River. Canadians do not fish<br />
commercially within the Alsek River itself. A commercial lake trout fishery exists, or did<br />
recently, in the Yukon portion of <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake (S. Armitage, pers. comm. and Slater, pers.<br />
comm. in Tamblyn, 1996).<br />
4.5.4 Strategic planning considerations related to fishing<br />
Conservation of fish stocks. Healthy fish stocks are the basis for healthy recreational,<br />
tourism-based, commercial, and First Nations fisheries. Salmon are also key components<br />
of the food chain and nutrient cycle for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Although<br />
most aspects of fish management occur outside of strategic planning, objectives and<br />
strategies relevant to the conservation of fish stocks can be addressed.<br />
Maintenance of aboriginal fishing sites.<br />
Some streams in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area with historical placer mining have been deregulated from<br />
the Waste Management Act. Effluent discharges are instead regulated under the Mines<br />
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Act. Graying have been sampled from some of these streams and concern exists that eggs<br />
and alevins in possible spawning areas could be jeopardized each spring should placer<br />
mining commence prior to alevin emergence from the gravel.<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> and Alsek rivers are transboundary rivers because they pass through Alaska.<br />
Quotas and management arrangements for salmon in these rivers are determined through<br />
the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the United States and Canada. Management of<br />
salmon is beyond the mandate of a strategic plan.<br />
<strong>Integrated</strong> management of lakes for fish and wildlife habitat, recreation/ tourism and<br />
resource development activities.<br />
Crowding and visual quality can affect the quality of angling experience.<br />
4.5.5 Current or upcoming projects<br />
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is identifying areas of the <strong>Taku</strong> River drainage needing further<br />
inventory.<br />
4.6 Hunting, Guide-outfitting and Trapping<br />
4.6.1 Hunting<br />
4.6.1.1 Hunting – general<br />
Hunting is a significant recreational, sustenance and commercial activity in the planning area.<br />
While many of the hunters in the planning area are residents of BC, guide-outfitters cater to<br />
destination tourists 9 wanting to hunt big game.<br />
Five wildlife management units (MUs) fit within, and share the boundaries of the plan area:<br />
6-25, 6-26, 6-27, 6-28 and 6-29. Moose and black bear are the most widely hunted big game<br />
species, followed by mountain goat, caribou and Stone’s sheep (Table 15) 10 . Resident<br />
hunting effort for moose ranged from 1701 to 2422, and averaged 1932 days per year.<br />
Average number of moose kills was 5.5 per hundred days for residents and 11.2 per hundred<br />
days for guide-outfitters. Over the 10-year period examined, both hunting effort and success<br />
increased slightly. In the same period, annual hunting effort and success for black bear for<br />
both residents and guided hunters varied significantly. However, while effort declined from<br />
highs in 1989 and 1990, kill rates tended to increase through the decade. Although hunting<br />
effort for all compulsory inspected species 11 (grizzly bear, mt. goat, caribou, Dall’s sheep and<br />
9 Non-residents are required to hire a licensed guide when hunting big game. Residents of Canada have the<br />
option of hunting with a resident of BC who has a “permit to accompany”.<br />
10 The reliability of the data is suspect. Please use caution when interpreting the data and the brief summaries<br />
provided by the authors.<br />
11 Grizzly bear, mountain goat, caribou, Dall’s Sheep and Stone’s Sheep are compulsory inspected species. All<br />
kills are recorded for these species. These species, in most places, are on Limited Entry Hunting only. In order<br />
to determine hunter effort, a questionnaire is sent to hunters who receive LEH authorization. This questionnaire<br />
may or may not be returned by the hunters and therefore may or may not correspond to the number of kills.<br />
Some extrapolation would likely be necessary, as the effort could not necessarily be applied to all of the kills.<br />
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Stone’s sheep) appeared to have declined through the 1990s, the statistics may not be<br />
accurate and could be misleading. For example, in 1996, statistics indicated that more<br />
animals were killed than days hunted, which is highly anomalous and highly unlikely. The<br />
data, however, does suggest a trend toward fewer hunters completing hunter effort<br />
questionnaires.<br />
Number of kills is a much more reliable statistic for compulsory inspected species. The<br />
annual number of kills fluctuated widely for grizzly, caribou, Mt. Goat, Stone’s and Dall’s<br />
Sheep. Overall trends indicated slight decreases in number of grizzly and caribou kills over<br />
the period, but slight increases for mountain goat and Dall’s sheep. Stone’s sheep kills,<br />
stayed relatively stable on average over the 10 years examined. Small game species,<br />
including birds, are hunted in the planning area. Statistics are not kept for small game kills.<br />
4.6.1.2 Hunting – First Nations<br />
Hunting is a traditional activity of First Nations and has important cultural significance. First<br />
Nations have a constitutional right to hunt for traditional purposes barring any conservation<br />
and public safety concerns. As such, First Nations peoples are exempt from many provincial<br />
licence requirements for hunting wildlife and migratory birds.<br />
Easier motorized access to the backcountry and an increase in the hunting pressure by nonlocal<br />
resident hunters and non-resident trophy hunters has resulted in more hunters in<br />
traditional hunting areas, fewer game close to home, and conflicts between the Tlingit system<br />
of regulating their own hunters and the provincial hunting regulations (Staples and<br />
Poushinsky, 1997). Under traditional wildlife management, the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit regulate<br />
their own harvest. They maintain that they can adapt to shifting animal populations quickly -<br />
provincial hunting regulations for non-natives are slower to respond. Government<br />
monitoring of wildlife populations and hunting activity is limited and the <strong>Taku</strong> Tlingit are<br />
concerned with the determination of quotas and sound conservation limits. At the same time,<br />
it is difficult for regional wildlife managers to gather statistics for effort and kills of animals<br />
by First Nations peoples, hampering their abilities to determine wildlife populations (Staples<br />
and Poushinsky, 1997).<br />
Moose is the most widely hunted game by First Nations in the planning area. Caribou<br />
hunting is also important where they range within First Nations’ traditional territories.<br />
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Table 15. Days hunted and number of kills (in parentheses) for the main big game species hunted in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area (MUs 6-26, 6-26,<br />
6-27, 6-28, 6-29).<br />
Year<br />
Species 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998<br />
Moose *<br />
Residents 1997 (110) 1752 (88) 1710 (131) 1742 (80) 2422 (129) 1750 (101) 2292 (160) 1782 (92) 1701 (74) 2175 (101)<br />
Guided 761 (75) 670 (84) 662 (62) 729 (83) 636 (70) 654 (71) 618 (76) 779 (92) 821 (91) 839 (97)<br />
Total 2758 (185) 2422 (172) 2372 (193) 2471 (163) 3058 (199) 2404 (172) 2910 (236) 2561 (184) 2522 (165) 3014 (198)<br />
Blk Bear Residents 332 (5) 265 (11) 245 (3) 104 (3) 70 (3) 276 (21) 192 (4) 97 (6) 160 (5) 114 (8)<br />
Grizzly<br />
Bear #<br />
Guided 454 (19) 458 (24) 385 (19) 194 (13) 215 (8) 269 (18) 232 (19) 229 (26) 355 (20) 361 (17)<br />
Total 786 (24) 723 (35) 630 (22) 298 (16) 285 (11) 545 (39) 424 (23) 326 (32) 515 (25) 475 (25)<br />
Days (Kills) 106(33)<br />
Mt. Goat# Days (Kills) 377(103)<br />
Caribou#<br />
Dall’s<br />
Sheep#<br />
Stone’s<br />
Sheep#<br />
173(43) 134(27) 141(39) 188(32) 112(35) 18(24) 10(18) 0(22) 0(2)<br />
452(130) 334(112) 330(76) 382(99) 275(109) 130(83) 20(72) 47(38) 36(29)<br />
Days (Kills) 318(92) 233(72) 266(77) 256(63) 170(40) 168(41) 21(32) 49(61) 300(116) 29(26)<br />
Days (Kills) 30(4)<br />
Days (Kills) 228(49)<br />
45(10) 47(8) 14(3) 26(8) 36(16) 28(10) 0(8) 92(16) 14(11)<br />
218(57) 121(30) 158(29) 328(68) 226(52) 63(44) 2(16) 71(20) 277(85)<br />
* Source: BC Ministry of Environment summary statistics database (1999a). Numbers are for management units in their entirety and are thus overestimates. First Nations data is not included<br />
in this table.<br />
# Source: BC Ministry of Environment (1999b). Numbers are based on point locations from the digital file wldwhse.hdfile. Only kills reported on compulsory inspection and guide<br />
declaration forms and located within the LRMP area are included in this tally.<br />
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4.6.2 Guide-outfitting<br />
Fifteen guide-outfitting territories overlap the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area boundaries. Eight of<br />
these are contained wholly within the plan area; various proportions of the remaining seven<br />
are located within the boundaries (Map 11).<br />
According to BC Environment statistics (Table 15), moose and bear are the most common<br />
animals sought by guided hunters. On average, 80 moose were killed annually by guided<br />
hunters between 1989 and 1997. In this period, both hunting effort and success for moose<br />
increased slightly. With black bears, guide-outfitters generally expended more effort than<br />
residents did, averaging 315 days and 18 kills per year. Low kill rates in 1997 and 1998 are<br />
inconsistent with the trend of increasing hunting success for black bears as the 1990s<br />
progressed.<br />
Guides also lead hunts for grizzly bear, mountain goat, caribou, Stone’s sheep and Dall’s<br />
sheep within the planning area. However, for these species, the number of hunter days and<br />
kills for guides were not separated from resident hunters in data received from B.C.<br />
Environment.<br />
4.6.3 Trapping<br />
Significant portions of seventy-seven trapping territories overlap the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
The number of trappers is unknown because many lines may be inactive (T. Smith, pers.<br />
comm.) and each trapping territory can have several registered trappers who may be actively<br />
trapping. In addition, any number of assistant trappers who have permission from the<br />
registered trapline holders may be trapping on a given trapline.<br />
The trapping statistics displayed in Table 16 are approximate. The exact number of animals<br />
caught is unknown for several reasons:<br />
reported kills are based on royalties collected from sales;<br />
price plays a large role on the numbers of furs sold on a year to year basis. To<br />
capitalize on higher prices, trappers may sell furs some time after the animal was<br />
captured;<br />
animals caught for traditional or ceremonial purposes are rarely reported (T. Smith,<br />
pers. comm.); and<br />
many of the trapping territories extend beyond the plan area, so some of the animals<br />
noted in Table 16 were captured outside of the planning area.<br />
Nonetheless, some trends are apparent using the available data. Marten is the most heavily<br />
trapped species by a wide margin. Approximately twice as many marten are caught annually<br />
compared with the next most trapped species, the squirrel (Table 16). Although figures vary<br />
significantly from year to year, trapping of martin, lynx, weasel and mink appear to have<br />
declined over the past decade. Squirrel trapping remained relatively stable until 1998 when<br />
numbers shot up significantly. Beaver is the only commonly trapped species to have seen an<br />
increase in trapping through the 1990s. Other species trapped within the planning area<br />
include coyote, fisher, fox, muskrat, river otter, wolf and wolverine.<br />
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Concerns regarding the reliability of trapping data exclude using this data to determine<br />
populations trends for furbearers within the planning area. However, previous studies<br />
support the theory that furbearer populations generally decline in areas subject to forest<br />
development and habitat conversion (L. Vanderstar, pers. comm.).<br />
Trapping within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area has been a traditional activity for First Nations and<br />
has important cultural significance.<br />
Table 16. The six most commonly trapped furbearer species in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area<br />
from 1989 to 1998.<br />
Numbers of animals trapped per year<br />
Species 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998<br />
Marten 878 701 1274 441 166 562 705 720 245 238<br />
Squirrel 72 374 252 60 378 78 156 413 45 1431<br />
Lynx 26 54 76 126 101 25 44 16 16 56<br />
Weasel 25 67 82 26 25 117 50 12 22 55<br />
Beaver 29 24 50 36 34 56 57 98 30 39<br />
Mink 29 47 25 26 5 21 10 38 13 35<br />
Source: BC Ministry of Environment. Numbers are from the file wldwhse.harvest_summary, and are based on<br />
trapping territories that overlap with the planning area.<br />
4.6.4 Strategic planning considerations related to the harvest of wild animals.<br />
Inventory and monitoring of animal populations as well as understanding ecological<br />
connections are limited in much of the planning. A strategic plan may be able to promote<br />
further studies to address this concern.<br />
Access is a significant issue related to the harvest of wild animals. Both hunting and<br />
trapping require infrastructure. A strategic plan may be able to promote access planning<br />
– planning that considers the nature and extent of necessary infrastructure required to<br />
maximize benefits, while minimizing impacts on wildlife populations. See section 4.9<br />
for a broader discussion of access.<br />
Benefits of access (in particular, roads) include:<br />
◊ Increased opportunities for regulated hunting and trapping over a larger area,<br />
◊ Increased ability to transport game and check traplines more cheaply, quickly and<br />
effectively,<br />
Impacts from increased access include augmented opportunities for unregulated harvest<br />
of animals, which may be a considerable concern in the remote <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area.<br />
Indirect impacts can include increased development leading to ecosystem disruption and<br />
degradation, and displacement of wildlife from its usual habitats.<br />
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Mountain goats and grizzly bears are particularly sensitive to over-harvest because of<br />
their low recruitment rates. Access that increases opportunities for hunting and<br />
poaching, or that increases opportunities for human-bear interactions and potential<br />
habituation of bears, will potentially have a detrimental impact to their populations.<br />
A strategic plan may consider areas that will be closed to hunting of wildlife species<br />
that they consider at risk.<br />
A strategic plan could designate areas with limited or no access, zone areas as<br />
motorized or non-motorized access, identify acceptable road densities, and could<br />
prescribe deactivation standards.<br />
Resource development activities:<br />
May affect species populations through modification of habitat (positively or<br />
negatively depending upon species and type of habitat modification). Harvest<br />
systems and silvicultural techniques can be incorporated into forestry management to<br />
mitigate impacts to wildlife habitat.<br />
May impact the aesthetic quality of the wilderness experience for hunters and clients<br />
of guide-outfitting companies.<br />
Displacement of animals from preferred habitats due to human activities may result in<br />
lowered productivity and potentially increased vulnerability to predation.<br />
4.7 Agriculture and Crown range<br />
4.7.1 Overview of agriculture and Crown range use<br />
Agriculture is currently limited in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area to a few small commercial<br />
ventures. Several agricultural leases and tenures for beef production exist (D. Russell, pers.<br />
comm.). Activity is concentrated along Highway 7 and Warm Bay Road, near <strong>Atlin</strong> (Davies,<br />
1999); several operations have market gardens (organic and non-organic) that serve the <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
area (D. Russell, pers. comm.). Produce is mainly sold locally at the weekly Farmer’s<br />
Market, although some is sold in Whitehorse (Davies, 1999).<br />
Crown Range tenures are closely linked to guide-outfitting within the plan area. Extensive<br />
tenures exist for horses used by outfitters. Several guide-outfitting businesses have also<br />
established horse raising and wintering businesses in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area (D. Russell, pers. comm.)<br />
Although some soils information exists for a portion of the planning area, agricultural<br />
potential has not been formally evaluated. Due to a relatively mild climate, the <strong>Taku</strong> River<br />
valley may have some agricultural potential. It is unlikely that a significant agriculture<br />
industry is possible without expanded road and power infrastructure to coastal areas (D.<br />
Russell, pers. comm.). A few homesteaders at the confluence of the <strong>Taku</strong> and Tulsequah<br />
Rivers grow fruit and vegetables for their own use (Rescan, 1997).<br />
Concerns exist that the provincial agricultural lease policy does not meet the needs of the<br />
people in the planning area. For instance, tenure issuance is often delayed due to the<br />
isolation of the area.<br />
This area has relatively few weeds at present. The extensive grassland and inverted alpine<br />
areas in the plan area are extremely susceptible to weed invasion because of their<br />
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dry nature and the lengthy period of time that soil disturbances persist. The weeds that have<br />
been noted in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area are oxeye daisy and common tansy. Other invasive plants may<br />
exist within the plan area but have not been detected in the survey efforts to date.<br />
4.7.2 Strategic planning considerations related to agriculture and ranching<br />
A strategic planning may be able to promote the completion of a strategy to control the<br />
spreading of noxious weeds.<br />
A strategic planning may be able to promote the determination of agricultural potential<br />
within the planning area.<br />
4.7.3 Inventory needs<br />
Agricultural potential based on Canadian <strong>Land</strong> Inventory.<br />
4.8 Freshwater use<br />
4.8.1 Overview of freshwater use<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area has abundant freshwater resources. Several large lakes,<br />
including <strong>Atlin</strong>, Tagish and Teslin Lakes, straddle the Yukon border in the central part of the<br />
planning area. Most streams and rivers within the planning area are part of significant sized<br />
watersheds. Primary watersheds within the area are described in Section 3.4: Freshwater<br />
Fish provides important habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures, and is vital to all<br />
terrestrial animals and plant communities. Water is also used for drinking, recreation,<br />
industry, irrigation, and hydropower generation. This summary will focus on human use of<br />
water resources within the planning area.<br />
Fifty-four water licenses exist for the <strong>Atlin</strong> precinct of the Cassiar Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong><br />
(Water Management Branch, BC Environment, 2000). Many of these licenses have several<br />
components; the actual number regulated points of diversion is 72. At least 13 are Permits<br />
over Crown <strong>Land</strong> for works or flooding of Crown land which extends off private land or<br />
tenured crown land.<br />
Water use is divided into consumptive and non-consumptive use. For instance, in nonconsumptive<br />
use, water is generally used for power, storage, or conservation and is not<br />
removed from the water source. Within the plan area, more than half of the water licences<br />
are consumptive, with domestic use as the most common consumptive type of water licence,<br />
followed by irrigation. A domestic water licence allows households to draw water from a<br />
lake or creek for their own domestic (household) use. The quantity allotted to domestic use<br />
is generally 500 gallons per day. A licence is not required for domestic water use under the<br />
Water Act provided the water being used is unrecorded water 12 . Although the domestic<br />
licence is the most common licence type for consumptive water use, ‘power-general’,<br />
’storage-power’ and ‘mining-process’ for the mining industry allocated the largest volumes<br />
12 Unrecorded water is the volume of water in a water body that is over and above the licensed volume.<br />
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of water. The licences allowing the greatest consumption of water within the planning area<br />
include:<br />
North American Metals - 538,000 gallons of water per day is allocated out of<br />
Limestone Creek in each of three categories: ‘mining-processing’, ‘work camps’ and<br />
‘cooling.’<br />
Synex Energy Resources - 51, 840 acre-feet of water for ‘storage’ and ‘powergeneration’<br />
on Spruce Creek and 760 cubic feet per second of water for storage and<br />
power generation on Pine Creek (two diversion areas for 360 cubic feet per second<br />
each).<br />
North American Metals - 35,000 gallons of water per day is allocated out of Fleece<br />
Creek for ‘storage’ and ‘mining-process.’<br />
No community watersheds exist within the planning area. A community watershed is a<br />
drainage used to supply drinking water for a waterworks purpose (town or city water supply)<br />
or a domestic purpose in which six or more licensees have formed a group and requested<br />
community watershed status. The drainage area is to be not more than 500 km 2 .<br />
No ground water legislation currently exists in British Columbia. All ground water use<br />
therefore, is unlicensed. However, the British Columbia government has given a high<br />
priority to enacting ground water legislation (B. McGonigal, pers. comm.).<br />
4.8.2 Strategic planning considerations related to water<br />
Maintenance of natural stream flow regimes and water quality and quantity (for surface<br />
and ground water). These features are important for aquatic habitat as well as domestic<br />
and non-domestic water users.<br />
Some streams with historic placer mining activities in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area have been<br />
deregulated by the provincial government. Effluent discharges are instead regulated<br />
under the Mines Act.<br />
4.9 Roaded access<br />
4.9.1 Public roads<br />
The plan area encompasses a small number of permanent, public roads which fall under the<br />
jurisdiction of the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Highways. There are four highways,<br />
all of which are located proximal to the Yukon border and connect with the Yukon highway<br />
system. For this reason, the Ministry of Transportation and Highways has signed an<br />
agreement with the Yukon government in which the Yukon government manages and<br />
maintains the majority of these highways. Highways in the plan area include:<br />
The Alaska Highway (Highway 97 in B.C. and Highway 1 in the Yukon) is a paved<br />
road, which dips into BC and parallels Swift River before heading north into the<br />
Yukon again east of Teslin Lake. As the highway on both sides of this section lies<br />
within the Yukon Territory, the Yukon government maintains and manages the B.C.<br />
section of the highway.<br />
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The Haines Road connects with Yukon Highway #3, heading from Haines Junction,<br />
Y.T. to Haines, Alaska. This paved road is maintained and managed for the province<br />
by the Yukon government. In 1992, the Tatsenshini-Alsek Park was established, with<br />
the highway as the eastern boundary of the park. At the time of designating the park,<br />
all of the existing gravel resources for the highway and a grader station were included<br />
within the park boundaries, which has created problems for maintenance of the road.<br />
The Klondike Highway runs from Whitehorse, through Carcross, to Skagway,<br />
Alaska. A section of the highway, between Carcross and the border crossing at Fraser<br />
lies within B.C. but is maintained and managed by the Yukon government. The<br />
highway is paved and/or seal coated from Skagway to Whitehorse.<br />
Highway 7 connects the community of <strong>Atlin</strong> with Yukon Highway #7 heading east to<br />
Jake's Corner (on the Alaska Highway) and west to Carcross (on the Klondike<br />
Highway). From <strong>Atlin</strong>, the road is sealcoated for the first 28 kilometers and gravel<br />
for the rest of the road. It is the only highway in the plan area maintained by the B.C.<br />
Ministry of Transportation and Highways.<br />
The Ministry of Transportation and Highways also maintains roads within the community of<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> and secondary roads leading out of <strong>Atlin</strong>. Heading east, the Ministry is responsible for<br />
the Surprise Lake Road, as far as the last bridge before the lake. Heading south, the Ministry<br />
maintains the O'Donnell Lake Road as far as the Grotto. Both roads continue for several<br />
kilometers beyond as non-status roads and trails. Though the Ruffiner Mine Road (or<br />
Macdonald Lake Road) is not officially under its jurisdiction, the Ministry maintains the first<br />
7 km. of the road, prior to the forest recreation site.<br />
4.9.2 Non-status roads<br />
There is a historical legacy of existing (non-status) roads and 4x4 trails in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area that<br />
are used by outdoor recreationalists and mining operators. Most non-status roads around<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> were constructed in the 1960s or earlier, to access mining properties. Some of the<br />
roads were originally pack horse trails, which have been upgraded over time to accommodate<br />
vehicular traffic. Others are more recent and were constructed for movement of heavy<br />
equipment. Though many of the roads have been upgraded and maintained by private users<br />
over the years, there has been no construction of new non-status roads in the past 10 years<br />
(Claus Rygaard, pers. comm.).<br />
Due to the dry climatic conditions and the abundance of gravel and other fairly non-erodible<br />
soils in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area, water control on these roads and trails is generally not a problem.<br />
There are few culverts, bridges or ditches requiring maintenance and most streams are<br />
crossed by fords. As such, unmaintained non-status roads remain traversable for decades,<br />
with little environmental impact resulting from erosion.<br />
4.9.3 Mineral Resource Access<br />
The Mineral Tenure Act, the Mining Right of Way Act, and the Mining Rights Amendment<br />
Act define legal rights of access to mineral and placer claims. The Mineral Tenure Act<br />
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establishes the right of entry, occupation and use of Crown land for mineral development,<br />
subject to conditions. The Mines Act and the Mineral Exploration Code regulate mechanized<br />
access on mineral tenure. A Mines Act Permit, issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mines,<br />
specifies conditions for operation, maintenance and reclamation of on-tenure access.<br />
Mechanized access off mineral tenure (including trail and road construction) to a mineral<br />
tenure is regulated by the Mining Right of Way Act, the Mining Rights Amendment Act, and<br />
the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act. A Special Use Permit is issued by the<br />
Ministry of Forests for the construction, operation, maintenance and reclamation of the<br />
access off tenure. Access development under either permit requires the operator to post a<br />
security to ensure compliance with permit conditions.<br />
Current management practices ensure that the right to develop exploration and mine access is<br />
balanced by the responsibility to predict, minimize and mitigate impacts on other known<br />
values. Prediction and mitigation of impacts to other values are achieved through referrals<br />
and consultation with other ministries, First Nation groups, non-governmental organizations,<br />
and the public during the permitting process; and through inspections during operation of the<br />
mine. For example, exploration access to a remote area with sensitive wildlife issues could<br />
be restricted to unbladed trails during the winter months.<br />
4.9.3.1 Current major mine roads<br />
Within the plan area, there is one existing major mine road to the Golden Bear mine. There<br />
is also a proposed road to the proposed Tulsequah Chief mine.<br />
Golden Bear<br />
In 1988, a 155-kilometer road was constructed from the Telegraph Road to the Golden Bear<br />
mine site at Bearskin Lake. Approximately 90 kilometers of this road lie within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> plan area. As most of the road is located off mineral tenure, the Ministry of Forests<br />
holds permitting and reclamation securities under a Special Use permit.<br />
Mining at Golden Bear was completed in 2000; however, gold extraction by heap leaching is<br />
anticipated to continue until 2002. The 155-kilometer long access road is scheduled for<br />
reclamation in 2004.<br />
Tulsequah Chief<br />
In 1994, Redcorp (previously Redfern Industries) of Vancouver, applied to re-open the<br />
Tulsequah Chief mine in the lower <strong>Taku</strong> River area. There were two access options included<br />
with the proposal:<br />
barging equipment and products to and from Juneau, and<br />
construction of a 160-km road from the mine site on the Tulsequah River to <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
Barging was deemed financially and logistically not viable. One of the main concerns was<br />
servicing of the proposed 200 man camp at the mine, as barging would not be feasible year<br />
round and the area is subject to dense cloud, often preventing the landing of aircraft at the<br />
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mine site. Additionally, there were environmental concerns associated with the dredging<br />
and river traffic near Flannigan's Slough.<br />
The alternative proposal, to build a road into a remote and unroaded area, was controversial<br />
within some circles in BC and internationally. Concerns included potential impacts on fish,<br />
wildlife and aboriginal rights.<br />
Approval for the Tulsequah Chief project and associated road development was granted in<br />
August, 1998. However, the approval was challenged by the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit and<br />
overturned in a decision by the BC Supreme Court in June, 2000. The court determined that<br />
Redcorp had met the requirements of the Environmental Assessment process, but that<br />
government had been remiss in the latter stages of the review process in addressing<br />
aboriginal concerns. Road construction and mine development is currently on hold while<br />
the project committee works towards addressing issues of cultural sustainability brought<br />
forward by the Tlingit.<br />
For a more complete discussion of the court decision, please refer to the Environmental<br />
Assessment Office website at:<br />
http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca/PROJECT/MINING/tulsequah_ac/home.htm<br />
4.9.3.2 Mineral resource use of non-status roads<br />
The Forests Practice Code of British Columbia Act regulates use by mining operators of<br />
existing access (including non-status roads) off mineral tenure. A Special Use Permit<br />
Exemption is issued to the operator by the Ministry of Forests for the following: exploration,<br />
bulk sampling, and small mining projects involving occasional use of the access by heavy<br />
equipment with no maintenance work outside the access prism. No security is required. For<br />
projects involving more than occasional use of the access by heavy equipment or<br />
maintenance work outside the access prism, a Special Use Permit including a<br />
maintenance/deactivation plan and security deposit are required by the Ministry of Forests.<br />
Use of existing access by mining operators on mineral tenures is regulated by the Mines Act.<br />
Permit conditions including the security deposit are used to ensure proper maintenance and<br />
deactivation of the access.<br />
In current practice, Special Use Permits and Mines Act Permits do not generally prescribe<br />
total deactivation of existing access since they don't represent a significant environmental<br />
liability and they are an important resource for continued mineral exploration and<br />
recreational use. Deactivation is generally limited to controlling water in a self-maintaining<br />
fashion.<br />
4.9.4 Strategic planning considerations related to access<br />
A Goal 1 proposed protected area has been identified which encompasses the portion of<br />
the Klondike Highway that falls within B.C. If this area is established as a park,<br />
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consideration must be given to ensuring that adequate gravel resources remain available<br />
for both maintenance and future upgrading of the highway.<br />
Road development has both positive and negative consequences that must be assessed<br />
prior to proceeding with construction. With appropriate planning and management<br />
(either through direction re road development and use, or by introducing controls on<br />
public access), many of the negative consequences can be reduced and occasionally<br />
eliminated.<br />
Negative consequences may include:<br />
◊ Increased pressures on wildlife through habitat loss, changes in habitat utilization,<br />
increased mortality (from vehicle collisions, hunting and poaching) and wildlife<br />
habituation;<br />
◊ Impacts on previously remote lakes, including reduction in water quality and fish<br />
populations through recreational over use, and possible negative impacts on<br />
aesthetic quality of a previously remote recreational experience;<br />
◊ Damage to alpine habitats;<br />
◊ Poor siting of road impacting on visual quality;<br />
◊ Temporary access roads into sensitive environments may become permanent<br />
access roads; and,<br />
◊ Development of natural resources which were not part of the original proposal for<br />
the road (i.e. construction of a road to a mine site may make previously<br />
uneconomic timber viable for harvesting).<br />
Positive consequences may include:<br />
◊ Development of natural resources leading to a more economically diversified<br />
community;<br />
◊ Potential for development of more than one resource (i.e. construction of a road to<br />
a mine site may make previously uneconomic timber viable for harvesting or may<br />
foster the development of a tourist operation); and<br />
◊ Increased public access to Crown lands for recreation.<br />
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5.0 PROTECTED AREAS<br />
5.1 Existing Protected <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
Three protected areas currently exist in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area (Table 17, Map 12).<br />
Two are provincial parks, and one is a national historic site. The provincial parks cover large<br />
areas of wilderness and have no road access extending beyond the park boundaries.<br />
Together, these protected areas encompass approximately 1.1 million hectares or 20% of the<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park was established in 1993. Creation of this park was<br />
controversial due to the loss of development opportunities at the world-class Windy Craggy<br />
mineral deposit. The Province financially compensated the mining company that lost its<br />
rights to develop the deposit.<br />
Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park is the second largest park in British Columbia at 937,000<br />
ha. It lies adjacent to Kluane National Park in the Yukon to the north, and Glacier Bay<br />
National Park in the Alaskan panhandle to the south and west, creating a vast protected area.<br />
Much of this park is rugged, with high ice capped mountains. The Tatshenshini and Alsek<br />
rivers, cutting through the heart of the park, are world-class wilderness rivers. The<br />
ecosystems found in the river valleys and wide floodplains are unique in Canada and house a<br />
high biological diversity for this latitude. The park is home to a number of rare plant species<br />
and has high habitat values for grizzly bear, Dall’s Sheep, mountain goat and bald eagle<br />
(RPAT, 1995). The Tatsenshini-Alsek Park is co-managed as part of an agreement between<br />
BC Parks and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. The agreement “recognizes the<br />
traditional and current uses of the park by the Champagne-Aishihik, aims to integrate<br />
traditional and scientific knowledge in managing the Park, recognizes oral history, aims to<br />
identify economic opportunities for the C-AFN, and facilitates the assumption of<br />
maintenance and operation of the park by the C-AFN” (BC Parks, 1998). The Park<br />
Management Board consists of equal representation of the Champagne-Aishihik First<br />
Nations and BC Parks.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Provincial Park and the adjacent <strong>Atlin</strong> Recreation <strong>Area</strong>, although much smaller than<br />
Tatshenshini Park, are still significant on the provincial scale, covering approximately<br />
208,500 ha. The park excludes industrial development, while the Recreation <strong>Area</strong> allows<br />
mineral exploration and development. The park and recreation area includes the south end of<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and the rugged, ice-covered mountains to the west. Large mammals are<br />
characteristic of the western two-thirds of the park and include black and grizzly bear, wolf,<br />
mountain goat, caribou, moose and Stone’s sheep. <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake is the home to large lake trout,<br />
Arctic tern and Pacific loon (RPAT, 1995).<br />
Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site is the northernmost heritage site in BC and the largest in<br />
Canada (B. Lewis, pers. comm.). This park has historical significance as it marks the path of<br />
the Klondike Gold Rush. The Chilkoot Trail was the main route for the tens of thousands of<br />
“stampeders” who, in their quest for gold, hiked from Skagway, Alaska to Bennett Lake and<br />
boated down the Yukon River to the gold fields around Dawson City. In August, 1998, the<br />
Klondike Gold Rush International Historic Park was created by joining the Chilkoot Trail<br />
National Historic Site, the Klondike Gold Rush National Park in Alaska, Pioneer Square<br />
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Historic District in Seattle, Washington, and various sites in the Yukon Territory. . A<br />
provision for this designation was outlined in special legislation in the US and Canada. The<br />
combining of the various historic sites into one international historic park is primarily a way<br />
of collectively promoting and conserving heritage resources from the Klondike Gold Rush.<br />
Historic sites and parks are still managed on an individual basis by the relevant agency and<br />
jurisdiction (B. Lewis, pers. comm.). The Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site is within the<br />
traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Parks Canada works with the<br />
Carcross/Tagish in maintaining links with the First Nations interests in the area (B. Lewis,<br />
pers. comm.).<br />
Table 17. Existing parks and protected areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Park / Protected<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Tatshenshini-Alsek<br />
Provincial Park<br />
Chilkoot Trail National<br />
Historic Site<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Provincial Park /<br />
Provincial Recreation<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Source: RPAT (1996)<br />
Size (ha) Ecosections Comments<br />
937,700 Icefield Ranges (ICR)<br />
Alsek Ranges (ALR)<br />
Tatshenshini Basin (TAB)<br />
13,100 Tagish Highland (TAH)<br />
160,300 / 38,200 Tagish Highland (TAH)<br />
5.2 Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy Study <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
Boundary Ranges (BOR)<br />
Tahltan Highlands (THH)<br />
Teslin Plateau (TEP)<br />
This park covers the<br />
entire ICR ecosection.<br />
British Columbia’s existing protected areas system meets many of our conservation and<br />
recreation needs. However, it falls short of representing the full diversity of biological,<br />
natural, and cultural-heritage resource and recreational opportunities. Some areas, interests<br />
or values are not represented as well as others, and some are not represented at all. Even<br />
within some well-represented areas, existing protected areas tend to over-represent alpine<br />
ecosystems and under-represent mid and low elevation forested ecosystems.<br />
The Province’s Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy reflects the move to a systematic approach to<br />
planning for new protected areas. The strategy aims to protect 12 percent of each of the<br />
provinces ecosections, equating to 12 percent of the province. The strategy also<br />
acknowledges that some regions may have more than 12 percent and some less, depending<br />
upon over-riding provincial objectives or existing land use commitments. As of 2000, the<br />
Province had reached its goal of protecting 12% of the provincial landbase. However, the<br />
goal of protecting 12% of each ecosection has not been met, particularly in areas without<br />
land and resource management plans.<br />
As part of a regionally based project, the northwest region of the province was assessed to<br />
determine how well current protected areas represent the variety of ecosystems, special<br />
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features, cultural features and recreational uses in the area. This project, called a “Gap<br />
Analysis”, identified a number of candidate sites, called study areas, that have features or<br />
characteristics which may warrant protection (Table 18). This Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy<br />
(PAS) gap analysis identified areas based upon two goals:<br />
Goal 1 (Representativeness): To protect viable, representative examples of the natural<br />
diversity of the province, representative of the major terrestrial, marine and<br />
freshwater ecosystems, the characteristic habitats, hydrology and land forms, and the<br />
characteristic backcountry recreational and cultural heritage values of each<br />
ecosection.<br />
Goal 2 (Special Features): To protect the special natural, cultural heritage and<br />
recreational features of the province, including rare and endangered species and<br />
critical habitats, outstanding or unique botanical, zoological, geological and<br />
paleontological features, outstanding cultural heritage features, and outstanding<br />
recreational features such as trails.<br />
Table 18. Summary of the gap analysis by ecosection for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Ecosection <strong>Area</strong><br />
Currently<br />
Protected<br />
(ha)*<br />
<strong>Area</strong> currently<br />
protected in<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
(ha)<br />
Alsek Ranges 192,500 192,500 Exceeds 12% target<br />
by 157,500 ha<br />
Boundary<br />
Ranges<br />
Identified GAP (ha) Comments / Proposed Goal 1<br />
protected areas in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
plan area<br />
None<br />
84,000 84,000 163,800 The Iskut / Stikine LRMP designated<br />
protected areas in late 2000 which may<br />
add to the “<strong>Area</strong> Currently Protected”<br />
column<br />
Icefield Ranges 512,000 512,000 Exceeds 12% target<br />
by 450,000 ha.<br />
This ecosection is contained fully within<br />
a protected area.<br />
Stikine Plateau 117,300 0 100,500 Teslin River Wetlands;<br />
Tagish<br />
Highland<br />
Tahltan<br />
Highlands<br />
Tatshenshini<br />
Basin<br />
43,900 43,900 Exceeds 12% target<br />
by 200 ha.<br />
The Iskut / Stikine LRMP designated<br />
protected areas in late 2000 which may<br />
add to the “<strong>Area</strong> Currently Protected”<br />
column<br />
Tutshi / Skagway<br />
33,000 27,200 78,200 The Iskut / Stikine LRMP designated<br />
protected areas in late 2000 which may<br />
add to the “<strong>Area</strong> Currently Protected”<br />
column<br />
233,200 233,200 Exceeds 12% target. None<br />
Teslin Basin 0 0 Evaluated by RPAT<br />
(1995) as part of the<br />
Teslin Plateau<br />
ecosection.<br />
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Teslin River Wetlands<br />
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Ecosection <strong>Area</strong><br />
Currently<br />
Protected<br />
(ha)*<br />
<strong>Area</strong> currently<br />
protected in<br />
the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
(ha)<br />
Identified GAP (ha) Comments / Proposed Goal 1<br />
protected areas in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong><br />
plan area<br />
Teslin Plateau 56,500 56,500 114,200 Nakina Canyonlands<br />
Tuya Ranges 0 0 141,000 Jennings Lake<br />
* These areas consider the entire ecosection and do not include areas protected since 1995 in adjacent LRMPs.<br />
(RPAT, 1995)<br />
A brief description of the Protected <strong>Area</strong> Strategy and details of the Regional Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
project can be found in two documents:<br />
1) Technical Gap Analysis Results Prince Rupert IAMC Region prepared by the Prince<br />
Rupert Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team (RPAT), 1995; and<br />
2) Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy for British Columbia: The Prince Rupert Region PAS <strong>Report</strong>,<br />
RPAT, (1996).<br />
The PAS report (RPAT, 1996) identified four Goal 1 (Table 19) and sixteen Goal 2 study<br />
areas (Table 20) within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> LRMP area. Six of the Goal 2 areas are contained<br />
within Goal 1 areas. In 1997, the BC Cabinet approved these study areas (Map 15). Should<br />
an LRMP start in the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> planning area, the LRMP table will have the opportunity to<br />
choose which, if any, of the study areas will be protected. A planning table will also have the<br />
option of proposing additional protected areas.<br />
Table 19. Goal 1 PAS study areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
Study <strong>Area</strong> Ecosection Size (ha) Conservation<br />
Rating<br />
Jennings Lake<br />
Teslin River<br />
Wetlands<br />
Recreation<br />
Rating<br />
Cultural / Heritage<br />
Rating<br />
TUR 244,900 Very High Very High Native hunting, fishing,<br />
gathering. More<br />
information to be<br />
collected.<br />
TEB / STP 119,300 High High Village legend,<br />
fishing/drying sites.<br />
Tutshi / Skagway TEP / TAH 119,300 High Very High Native hunting, fishing,<br />
gathering; Historic trade<br />
route. More<br />
information to be<br />
collected.<br />
Nakina Canyonlands TEP / THH 145,200 Very High High – Very<br />
High<br />
(RPAT, 1996)<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Telegraph Trail /<br />
trading route.<br />
Information to be<br />
collected.<br />
Comments<br />
Moderate<br />
mineral<br />
values.<br />
High<br />
mineral<br />
values<br />
Moderate to<br />
high mineral<br />
values.<br />
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Goal 1 Study <strong>Area</strong>s have numerous values including ecological, historical or cultural<br />
significance and provide recreational opportunities. Descriptions and values of each Goal 1<br />
Study <strong>Area</strong> are listed in Appendix 4.<br />
Table 20. Goal 2 PAS study areas within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area.<br />
<strong>Area</strong><br />
Ecosection<br />
Size (ha.)<br />
Conservation<br />
Features<br />
Recreation<br />
Features<br />
Heritage/Cultur<br />
e Features<br />
Values and Attributes<br />
Flannigan Slough BOR - X X X<br />
Large, productive, high latitude wetlands;<br />
floodplain cottonwood - spruce and western<br />
hemlock – Sitka spruce forests of CWHwm.<br />
Fourth of July<br />
Creek ERP #286<br />
TEP 5,500 X<br />
Outstanding glacio-fluvial landforms and their<br />
associated ecosystems; part of winter range for<br />
threatened Carcross/Tagish caribou herd.<br />
Mt. Mansfield<br />
ERP #288<br />
TAB 3,700 X<br />
Maternity habitat for Dall’s sheep; mineral licks,<br />
rare plants, wildlife viewing close to road.<br />
Sinawa Eddie,<br />
Nakina River 1 TEP - X X X<br />
Extensive wetlands of glacial origin; important<br />
breeding habitat for waterfowl.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> River / <strong>Taku</strong><br />
The following are Goal 2 Recreation Sites<br />
Historic, shortest railway in BC ;hiking, navigable<br />
<strong>Land</strong>ing / Scotia<br />
Bay<br />
TEP X X river; boating destination on <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake<br />
Bennett Lake TEP X X Scenic lake; part of Klondike Gold rush route<br />
Jennings Lake 2 TUR X X<br />
Very scenic, drowned esker complex; hunting,<br />
fishing, boating, camping, fishing.<br />
Kelsall Lakes TAB X<br />
Scenic alpine setting beside highway; boating,<br />
camping, fishing; ptarmigan research area.<br />
Nakina Canyon 1 Deep, narrow, limestone canyon; wilderness<br />
TEP X X whitewater kayaking; wildlife viewing; salmon<br />
fishing at downstream end.<br />
Tagish Lake Sites TEP X<br />
Scenic, fjord lake in alpine setting; boating<br />
numerous recreation sites.<br />
Teslin Lake Sites TEP X Boating, fishing, hunting, camping.<br />
Three Guardsmen<br />
Pass<br />
ICR X<br />
Scenic alpine pass on highway; alpine hiking.<br />
Tulsequah /<br />
Lakeno Lakes<br />
BOR X X<br />
Self-dumping lakes ( ).<br />
Tutshi River<br />
Canyon and<br />
Delta 3<br />
Popular kayaking area – lake access and camping<br />
TAH X on sandy delta.<br />
White Pass 3 TAH X X<br />
1 Within Nakina Canyonlands Goal 1 Study <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
2 Within Jennings Lake Goal 1 Study <strong>Area</strong>.<br />
3 Within Tutshi/Skagway Goal 1 Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
(Table adapted from RPAT, 1996)<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Historic – route of White Pass Railway;<br />
snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking.<br />
Page 87
5.3 Strategic planning considerations Related to Protected <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
If mandated, a strategic planning table could make recommendations on areas to be<br />
designated as protected areas. The planning table may also recommend the types of uses<br />
allowed within individual protected areas.<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area has regions of high mineral potential that may be a<br />
consideration when negotiating protected areas. Though mineral values were considered<br />
when considering study area boundaries, further modification may be required to address<br />
mineral values more recently identified.<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong> Recreation <strong>Area</strong> currently has park protection status but it not a legislated park.<br />
The strategic planning may consider how to designate the Recreation <strong>Area</strong> for the future<br />
(e.g., upgrade to a Class A park , leave in a special management zone designation, or<br />
manage under general direction)<br />
Establishment of protected areas that encompass or are adjacent to existing roads should<br />
consider the need to ensure that adequate gravel resources remain available to maintain<br />
and upgrade such roads.<br />
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6.0 HISTORY OF PLANNING IN THE ATLIN-TAKU AREA<br />
The Cassiar Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong> has been divided into three areas for strategic sub-regional<br />
planning under the provincial land use strategy: <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong>, Cassiar Iskut-Stikine, and<br />
Dease-Liard. To date, there has been little strategic planning done within the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area<br />
with the exception of the following:<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong> <strong>Area</strong> Commercial Recreation Plan was developed in 1999 for BC Assets<br />
and <strong>Land</strong>s Corporation (Davies, 1999). The plan provides zoning and management<br />
direction to guide commercial recreation activities in an area that includes <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake<br />
and the <strong>Taku</strong> River watershed; and<br />
Parks management plans have been developed for Tatsenshini-Alsek Park and <strong>Atlin</strong><br />
Park.<br />
Each of these planning processes involved extensive consultation with local First Nations,<br />
stakeholders, and members of the public.<br />
The <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area is adjacent to a number of different planning areas, each with their<br />
own approach to strategic planning. A planning process for the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area will need to<br />
consider adjacent plans as well as consider any potential trans-boundary issues and/or<br />
resources.<br />
Adjacent plans within BC:<br />
The Cassiar Iskut-Stikine and Dease-Liard planning areas flank the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area to<br />
the south and east, respectively. A <strong>Land</strong> and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) for the<br />
Cassiar Iskut-Stikine area was approved by Cabinet in 2001. The LRMP, developed through<br />
a three-year multi-stakeholder planning process, establishes additional protected areas and<br />
provides management direction for the range of natural resource values on Crown land<br />
outside of protected areas. Almost of the zoning adjacent to the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area is for<br />
general management direction or area-specific management. The only protected area<br />
bordering the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> is at the northern tip of the Tuya drainage. There are no adjacency<br />
issues between the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> and Cassiar Iskut-Stikine plan areas.<br />
There are currently no strategic plans in place for the Dease-Liard area. However, the<br />
Ministry of Forests and BC Environment have been working with the Kaska Dena First<br />
Nation for the last two years to develop a long term area assessment of potential forestry<br />
operating areas in consideration of other values within the Kaska Dena traditional territory.<br />
Adjacent plans in Alaska:<br />
The US Forest Service has a comprehensive land use plan completed for the Tongass<br />
National Forest. The Tongass Forest <strong>Land</strong> and Resource Management Plan (LRMP)<br />
identifies a range of land use designations from Wilderness Preserve to Intensive<br />
Development for the entire Alaska Panhandle from Yakutat Bay to Misty Fjords. The<br />
portions of the Tongass National Forest that border the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> include the following:<br />
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Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve covers a large area at the north end of the<br />
Panhandle. The boundary of the park with BC extends from the White Pass west<br />
almost as far as the BC-Yukon border.<br />
Russell Fjord Wilderness Preserve is zoned at the northwestern tip of the plan area<br />
immediately south of Yakutat Bay. Tracy Arm-Ford’s Terror Wilderness Preserve<br />
runs along the south end of the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area. These two areas are zoned as<br />
“essentially unmodified to provide opportunities for solitude and primitive<br />
recreation” (USDA, 1999). Limited motorized access.<br />
The northwestern boundary of between Alaska and BC, between Russell Fjord and<br />
Glacier Bay National Park is zoned as Remote Recreation, to “provide for recreation<br />
in remote natural settings outside of Wilderness (zones), where opportunities for<br />
solitude and self-reliance are high” (USDA, 1999).<br />
The boundary from White Pass to the Tracy Fjord, with the exception of areas to<br />
either side of the <strong>Taku</strong> River have also been zoned as Remote Recreation.<br />
The areas to either side of the <strong>Taku</strong> River have been zoned Semi-Remote Recreation<br />
to “provide for recreation and tourism in natural-appearing settings where<br />
opportunities for solitude and self-reliance are moderate to high” (USDA, 1999).<br />
In the rationale for the Tongass plan, the <strong>Taku</strong> River is noted as being unsuitable for<br />
designation as a “Wild, Scenic, and Recreational River” because the area “has greater<br />
value for its contribution to the multiple use of other resources and to the balance of<br />
those uses in the land use allocation patterns across the (Tongass National) Forest”<br />
(USDA 1999). The primary reason for this decision was to not impede a potential<br />
road corridor connecting Juneau and Canada (USDA, 1999). The map of the Tongass<br />
LRMP includes proposed state road corridors to either side of the <strong>Taku</strong> River.<br />
Adjacent plans in Yukon Territory:<br />
In 1992, a regional land use plan was completed for the Greater Kluane <strong>Land</strong> Use <strong>Planning</strong><br />
Region (i.e. southwest Yukon) but was never approved by all Parties. In 2000, a much<br />
smaller planning exercise was completed for a portion of the former regional planning area<br />
which focused on rural residential and agricultural development issues around the Village of<br />
Haines Junction. The majority of recommendations from this plan were approved by the<br />
federal government, Yukon Government and the Champagne-Aishihik First Nations and are<br />
now being implemented.<br />
Other types of plans that have been completed for the Champagne-Aishihik First Nations,<br />
Carcross-Tagish First Nations and Teslin Tlingit Council traditional territories include the<br />
Teslin Region Tourism Development Plan, Kluane Region Tourism Development Plan,<br />
Alsek Moose Management Plan and a Bison Management Plan.<br />
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Existing protected areas and special management area designations:<br />
In 1995, approximately one-third (7655 km2) of Kluane National Park Reserve was<br />
designated as Kluane National Park under the Yukon First Nations <strong>Land</strong> Settlement<br />
Act. Both the Park Reserve and National Park border the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> area. The<br />
Champagne-Aishihik First Nations, whose traditional territory encompasses the park,<br />
has negotiated an agreement with the Yukon government related to the park. Part of<br />
the Kluane National Park Reserve is within the territory of the Kluane and White<br />
River First Nations.<br />
The Canadian Heritage Rivers has designated both the Tatsenshini and Alsek Rivers<br />
as a Heritage Rivers. The Alsek River was designated in 1986. The Tatsenshini<br />
River was designated in 1998. Preparation of a management plan for the river began<br />
in 1999.<br />
Pursuant to Chapter 10 of the Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement, a National<br />
Wildlife <strong>Area</strong> has been established under the Canada Wildlife Act in the Nisutlin<br />
River Delta area. A management plan has been completed for this area.<br />
Current land use planning processes:<br />
Regional land use planning is commencing in the traditional territory of the Teslin<br />
Tlingit Council, in keeping with the terms of the settlement agreements signed with<br />
Canada and the Yukon in 1993. The Teslin <strong>Planning</strong> Region is part of a larger Daak<br />
Ka <strong>Planning</strong> Region, which includes the traditional territories of the Teslin Tlingit<br />
Council (TTC) and the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Once the Carcross/Tagish First<br />
Nation completes its final agreement with Canada and the Yukon on land claims and<br />
self-government, the General Terms of Reference for the planning process allows for<br />
the Carcross/Tagish traditional territory to be folded into the process if all parties<br />
agree.<br />
These planning processes are significant to the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> plan area since the three of<br />
the First Nations whose traditional territories cross the boundary between the Yukon<br />
and the <strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> will be imminently engaging in strategic planning processes for the<br />
Yukon portion of their territories. The General Terms of Reference for the Regional<br />
<strong>Planning</strong> Commission for the Teslin <strong>Planning</strong> Region requires the Commission to do<br />
the following:<br />
S7.2(3): consult with adjacent jurisdictions where trans-boundary issues and/or<br />
resources are identified (including British Columbia, <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingits,<br />
Kaska Tribal Council, and Carcross/Tagish First Nations); and<br />
S7.2(6): develop working relationships with land and resource management agencies<br />
in the <strong>Planning</strong> Region and in adjacent areas that affect the <strong>Planning</strong> Region.<br />
The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND) has initiated regional forest<br />
management planning in two areas of the Yukon - the Champagne & Aishihik<br />
traditional territory and the Teslin Tlingit Council traditional territory. The <strong>Planning</strong><br />
Teams for these processes have identified management units and set priorities for<br />
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planning. They have also completed draft resource reports for a number of interim<br />
harvest areas (i.e. areas where harvesting can occur while the plan is being<br />
completed). The completion of the plans is expected to take about two years.<br />
The Yukon Department of Renewable Resources is in the process of preparing a Fish &<br />
Wildlife Management Plan for the non-overlap areas of the Teslin Tlingit Traditional<br />
territory in conjunction with the Teslin Tlingit Council and Teslin Renewable Resources<br />
Council. The purpose of the plan is to examine issues related to the management of fish and<br />
wildlife populations and their habitats and to recommend solutions and action items to<br />
address community concerns. Some of the issues that have been raised to date relate to the<br />
management of moose, wolf, caribou, sheep, trout and grayling populations, harvest<br />
monitoring, and enforcement.<br />
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7.0 REFERENCES CITED<br />
7.1 Literature sources<br />
Angling Guide Management System (AGMS). 2000. Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and<br />
Parks angling guide database. Jan 20, 2000.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong> Community Website. 2001. http://www.atlin.net<br />
BC Parks. 1998. Selected summaries of joint management agreements in protected areas.<br />
Proceedings of the First Nations Co-operative Management of Protected <strong>Area</strong>s<br />
Workshop – Nov 19, 1998.<br />
http://www.nativemaps.org/conferences/workshop/mgmttable.html<br />
BC Parks. 2001. <strong>Atlin</strong> Parks Commercial and Recreation Parks Use Permit data. BC Parks,<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
BC Stats. 2001. 1996 Census Profile of British Columbia’s Census Subdivisions (CSD):<br />
Profile of Stikine Region. http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca<br />
B.C. Tour Online. 2000. The Community of <strong>Atlin</strong>. http://www.bctour.com/atln/atln.htm<br />
BC Treaty Commission. 2001a. <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit Statement of Intent.<br />
http://www.bctreaty.net/soi/soitaku.html<br />
________. 2001b. Teslin Tlingit Statement of Intent.<br />
http://www.bctreaty.net/soi/soiteslin.html<br />
________. 2001c. Champagne and Aishihik Statement of Intent.<br />
http://www.bctreaty.net/soi/soichampagne.html<br />
Canadian Wildlife Service. 1999. Species at risk website: http://www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca.<br />
Canadian Wildlife Service. 2000. Hinterland’s Who’s who website. http://www.cwsscf.ec.gc.ca/hww-fap/<br />
Cichowski, D.B. 1993. Seasonal Movements, Habitat Use, and Winter Feeding Ecology of<br />
Woodland Caribou in West-Central British Columbia. <strong>Land</strong> Manage. Rep. No. 79.<br />
B.C. Ministry of Forests. Victoria, B.C.<br />
Cooko-Whiteduck, J. 2001. Champagne-Aishihik believe a strong economy supports their<br />
self-government agreement. Assembly of First Nations National Indian Brotherhood.<br />
http://www.afn.ca/TheMessenger/DecemberIssue/Community Affairs/<br />
Coupé, R., A.C. Stewart, and B.M. Wikeem. 1991. “Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir<br />
Zone” In Ecosystems of British Columbia. Eds. D. Meidinger and J. Pojar. British<br />
Columbia Ministry of Forests. Crown Publications. Victoria, BC.<br />
Davies, A. 1999. <strong>Atlin</strong> Commercial Recreation Plan. Draft. Prepared for BC Assets and<br />
<strong>Land</strong>s Corporation. Smithers, BC.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Page 93
Demarchi, D. 1996. An Introduction to the Ecoregions of British Columbia. Wildlife<br />
Branch, Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks. Victoria, British Columbia<br />
Demarchi, D.A., R.D. Marsh, A.P. Harcombe, and E.C. Lea. 1990. The environment. In<br />
R.W. Campbell, N.K. Dawe, I. Mc Taggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, and<br />
M.C.E. McNall. The Birds of British Columbia. Vol. 1. Royal British Columbia<br />
Museum/Canadian Wildlife Service, Victoria, BC.<br />
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Yukon/Transboundary Salmon Section. 1999. Summary of<br />
1998 <strong>Taku</strong> Catch, Escapement and Enhancement Figures. Whitehorse, Yukon.<br />
Government Agents website. 2001. Locations: <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
http://www.governmentagents.sb.gov.bc./locations/atlin.html<br />
Hatter, I. 1999. Unpublished data provided by Rick Marshall of the Skeena Region of the<br />
Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks.<br />
Horne and Powell, 1995. The Forest District Tables. Ministry of Finance and Corporate<br />
Relations<br />
Horne, G. 1999. The 1996 Forest District Tables. Unpublished data<br />
Hunter, T. December, 2000. They call him Long Ago Person Found. Raven’s Eye New and<br />
Headlines. http://www.ammsa.com/raven/DEC2000.html<br />
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. 2001. First Nations Profiles.<br />
http://esd.inac.gc.ca/fnprofiles/<br />
McTaggart Cowen, I. and C.J Guiguet. 1978. The Mammals of British Columbia. British<br />
Columbia Provincial Museum. Victoria, B.C.<br />
Marshall, R. 1999. Level-Kawdy Caribou Survey “Draft.” British Columbia Ministry of<br />
Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks. Smithers, BC.<br />
Meidinger and Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. British Columbia Ministry of<br />
Forests. Crown Publications. Victoria, BC.<br />
Meredith and Associates. 2000. Cassiar Region Tourism Opportunities Analysis. Ministry<br />
of Small Business and Tourism, Victoria, B.C.<br />
Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks. 2000. FISS website:<br />
http://www.elp.gov.bc.ca/fsh/IS/products/fiss.<br />
________. 1999a. Summary Statistics Database.<br />
________. 1999b. Computer file: wldwhse hdfile.<br />
________. 1995. British Columbia Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy. Queen’s Printer,<br />
Victoria.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
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Ministry of Forests. 1994. Biodiversity of the Prince Rupert Forest Region and Biodiversity<br />
and Forest Management in the Prince Rupert Forest Region: A Discussion Paper.<br />
<strong>Land</strong> Management <strong>Report</strong> Number 82. Ministry of Forests Research Program.<br />
Victoria, BC.<br />
________. 1999a. Cassiar Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong> Timber Supply Review: Data Package.<br />
Bulkley/Cassiar Forest District. Smithers, B.C.<br />
________. 1999b. Cassiar Timber Supply <strong>Area</strong> Timber Supply Review: Information<br />
<strong>Report</strong>. Bulkley/Cassiar Forest District. Smithers, B.C.<br />
Ministries of Forests and Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks. 1999. <strong>Land</strong>scape Unit <strong>Planning</strong><br />
Guide. Victoria, BC.<br />
________. 1999. Managing Identified Wildlife: Procedures and Measures. Vol. 1. Queen’s<br />
Printer, Victoria, BC.<br />
________. 1997. Species and Plant Community Accounts for Identified Wildlife. Vol. 1.<br />
Queen’s Printer. Victoria, BC.<br />
________. 1995a. Biodiversity Guidebook. Queen’s Printer. Victoria, BC.<br />
________. 1995b. Riparian Management <strong>Area</strong> Guidebook. Queen’s Printer. Victoria, BC.<br />
Ministry of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, Tourism and Corporate Policy Division.<br />
1999. Tourism Opportunity Studies: Fact Sheet #2.<br />
O’Donoghue, Mark. 1997. Southern Lakes Caribou Recovery Program. Progress <strong>Report</strong><br />
1992-1996. Unpublished report for the Yukon Dept. of Ren. Res., the Council of<br />
Yukon First Nations, and BC. Environment.<br />
Pojar, J, C. Rowan, A. MacKinnon, D. Coates, and P. LePage. 1999. Silvicultural Options<br />
in the Central Coast. Draft. Ministry of Forests, Prince Rupert Forest Region.<br />
Smithers, BC.<br />
Pojar, J, K. Klinka, and D.V. Meidinger. 1987. Biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification in<br />
British Columbia. Forest Ecology and Management 22: 119 - 154.<br />
Poole, K, D.S. Heard, and G. Mowat. 2000. Habitat use by woodland caribou near Takla<br />
Lake in central British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78: 1552 – 1561.<br />
Prince Rupert Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team (RPAT). 1996. A Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Strategy<br />
for British Columbia. The Prince Rupert Region PAS <strong>Report</strong>. Unpublished <strong>Report</strong>.<br />
Smithers, BC.<br />
________. 1995. Technical Gap Analysis Results Prince Rupert IAMC Region.<br />
Unpublished <strong>Report</strong>. Smithers, BC.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Page 95
Radcliffe, G., B. Bancroft, G. Porter, and C. Cadrin. 1994. Biodiversity of the Prince Rupert<br />
Forest Region. Ministry of Forests Research Program. Victoria, BC.<br />
Rescan Environmental Services. 1997. Tulsequah Chief Project <strong>Report</strong>, Volume III<br />
Environmental Setting. Redfern Resources Ltd. Vancouver, B.C.<br />
Resources Inventory Committee. Ecosystems Working Group. 1998. Standards for Broad<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Classification and Mapping for British Columbia:<br />
Classification and Correlation of the Broad Habitat Classes used in 1:250,000<br />
Ecological Mapping. Version 2.0. Resources Inventory Committee. Victoria. BC.<br />
Sharpe, S. 2000. Skeena Region Grizzly Population Stepdown Estimate, January 2000.<br />
Ministry of Environment, <strong>Land</strong>s and Parks, Smithers, BC.<br />
Staples, L. and N. Poushinsky. 1997. Determining the Impact of the Tulsequah Chief Mine<br />
Project on the Traditional <strong>Land</strong> Use of the <strong>Taku</strong> River Tlingit First Nation. Prepared<br />
for the BC Environmental Assessment Office. Victoria, BC.<br />
Steele, P. 1995. <strong>Atlin</strong>’s Gold. Caitlin Press. Prince George, B.C.<br />
Stevenson, S.K. and D.F. Hatler. 1985 Woodland caribou and their habitat in southern and<br />
central British Columbia. Vol.1. <strong>Land</strong> Manage. Rep. No. 23. B.C. Ministry of<br />
Forests. Victoria, B.C.<br />
Tamblyn, Gregory C. 1996. Review and Assessment of Fisheries Values for 17 Potential<br />
Operating <strong>Area</strong>s in the Cassiar Forest District. Prepared for the Prince Rupert<br />
regional office of the Ministry of Forests. Smithers, BC.<br />
Transboundary Technical Committee. 2000. Preliminary Estimates of Transboundary river<br />
salmon production, harvest and escapement and a review of joint enhancement<br />
activities in 1999. Prepared for the Pacific Salmon Commission.<br />
US Department of Agriculture. 1999. Record of Decision: Tongass National Forest <strong>Land</strong><br />
and Resource Management Plan, Alaska. Tongass National Forest. Ketchikan <strong>Area</strong>,<br />
Alaska.<br />
Yukon Community Profiles. 2000. The Community of Teslin.<br />
http://www.yukoncommunities.yk.ca/teslin.html<br />
Yukon First Nations Tourism Association. 2001. First Nations Community Profiles:<br />
Champagne/Aishihik. http://www.yfnta.org/community/Profile.asp?First_Nation=2<br />
Yukon First Nations Tourism Association. 2001. First Nations Community Profiles: Teslin<br />
Tlingit. http://www.yfnta.org/community/Profile.asp?First_Nation=17<br />
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7.2 Personal communication<br />
Beere, Mark. MELP Skeena Region, Smithers.<br />
Braam, Rick. LIM Operations Manager. Bulkley-Cassiar Forest District<br />
Burdek, John. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Whitehorse.<br />
Davies, Lloyd. Regional <strong>Land</strong>scape Forester, Prince Rupert Forest Region.<br />
Diemert, K. Sr. Environmental Assessment Biologist, MELP Skeena Region, Smithers.<br />
Lewis, Bob. Superintendent of Chilkoot Trail Historic Site. Parks Canada, Whitehorse.<br />
MacLean, Norm. Forest Ecosystem Specialist. MELP Dease Lake Field Office.<br />
MacRae, Gord. Tatsenshini-Alsek <strong>Area</strong> Supervisor. BC Parks, <strong>Atlin</strong>.<br />
McGonigal, Bruce. Assistant Regional Water Manager. MELP Skeena Region, Smithers.<br />
Oliemans, Fred. <strong>Planning</strong> Officer. Bulkley-Cassiar Forest District.<br />
Russell, Don. Range Specialist. Prince Rupert Forest Region, Smithers.<br />
Rygaard, Claus. Roads and Mining Technician. Bulkley Cassiar Forest District, Cassiar<br />
Field Office, Dease Lake.<br />
Schultze, George. Nisga’a Wildlife Technician. MELP Skeena Region Smithers.<br />
Smith, Tom. MELP - Skeena Region., Smithers.<br />
Vanderstar, Len. Regional Forest Ecosystem Specialist. MELP Skeena Region, Smithers.<br />
Williams, Mark. Native Issues Biologist. MELP Skeena Region, Smithers.<br />
Wodjack, Paul. Ministry of Energy and Mines, Northwest Regional Office, Smithers.<br />
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APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCH AND<br />
INVENTORY PROJECTS IN THE ATLIN-TAKU PLANNING AREA.<br />
• Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping is being conducted at a scale of 1:50,000 for the area<br />
between <strong>Atlin</strong> Lake and Gladys Lake south down the Gladys River to the Silver Salmon<br />
River. This two year project will be complete as of August 2001.<br />
• Large mammal studies in the <strong>Atlin</strong> area. Contact Karen Diemert (250-847-7260)<br />
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada is defining areas in the <strong>Taku</strong> watershed that require further<br />
inventory.<br />
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APPENDIX 2: RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANT AND ANIMALS<br />
SPECIES<br />
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B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
May 2000<br />
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Global<br />
Rank<br />
Lampreys<br />
Freshwater Fish<br />
Prov.<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
List<br />
Coregonus nasus Broad Whitefish G5 S2 Red<br />
Coregonus sardinella Least Cisco G5 S2 Red<br />
Salvelinus confluentus Bull Trout G3 S3 Blue<br />
Amphibians<br />
Reptiles<br />
Birds<br />
Cygnus buccinator Trumpeter Swan G4 S3S4B,S4N Blue<br />
Clangula hyemalis Oldsquaw G5 S3?B,SZN Blue<br />
Haliaeetus<br />
leucocephalus<br />
Bald Eagle G4 S4 Yellow<br />
Falco peregrinus anatum Peregrine Falcon,<br />
anatum subspecies<br />
G4T3 S2B,SZN Red<br />
Falco peregrinus pealei Peregrine Falcon,<br />
pealei subspecies<br />
G4T3 S3B,SZN Blue<br />
Falco rusticolus Gyrfalcon G5 S3?B,SZN Blue<br />
Pluvialis dominica American Golden-Plover G5 S3S4B,SZN Blue<br />
Heteroscelus incanus Wandering Tattler G5 S3S4B,SZN Blue<br />
Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper G5 S1S3B,SZN Red<br />
Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit G4 S2B,SZN Red<br />
Limnodromus griseus Short-Billed Dowitcher G5 S2S4B,SZN Blue<br />
Phalaropus lobatus Red-Necked Phalarope G5 S3S4B,SZN Blue<br />
Asio flammeus Short-Eared Owl G5 S2N,S3B Blue<br />
Calcarius pictus Smith's Longspur G5 S3?B Blue<br />
Mammals<br />
Sorex tundrensis Tundra Shrew G5 S2 Red<br />
Zapus hudsonius<br />
Meadow Jumping Mouse, G5T4T5 S3 Blue<br />
alascensis<br />
alascensis subspecies<br />
Ursus americanus<br />
emmonsii<br />
Glacier Bear G5T3? S3? Blue<br />
Ursus arctos Grizzly Bear G4 S3 Blue<br />
Martes pennanti Fisher G5 S3 Blue<br />
Gulo gulo luscus Wolverine, luscus<br />
subspecies<br />
G4T4 S3 Blue<br />
Ovis dalli dalli Dall's Sheep G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
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B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
May 2000<br />
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Global<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Aphragmus eschscholtzianus Eschscholtz's little<br />
nightmare<br />
G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Arabis lignifera Woody-branched rockcress G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Arctophila fulva Pendant grass G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Arenaria longipedunculata Low sandwort G3Q S2S3 Blue<br />
Artemisia alaskana Alaska sagebrush G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Artemisia furcata var.<br />
heterophylla<br />
Three-forked mugwort G4T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Astragalus umbellatus Tundra milk-vetch G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Callitriche heterophylla<br />
ssp. heterophylla<br />
Two-edged water-starwort G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex bicolor Two-coloured sedge G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex krausei Krause's sedge G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex maritima Curved-spiked sedge G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex membranacea Fragile sedge G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex misandra Short-leaved sedge G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex rupestris ssp.<br />
rupestris<br />
Curly sedge G5T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Carex tenera Slender sedge G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Castilleja hyperborea Northern paintbrush G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Chamaerhodos erecta ssp.<br />
nuttallii<br />
American chamaerhodos G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Chrysosplenium wrightii Golden carpet G5? S2S3 Blue<br />
Cicuta virosa European water-hemlock G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Cnidium cnidiifolium Hemlock-parsley G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Cornus suecica Dwarf bog bunchberry G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Descurainia sophioides Northern tansymustard G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Diapensia lapponica ssp.<br />
obovata<br />
G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Douglasia alaskana Alaskan fairy-candelabra G2G3 S1 Red<br />
Douglasia gormanii Gorman's douglasia G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba cinerea Gray-leaved draba G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba corymbosa Baffin's Bay draba G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba fladnizensis Austrian draba G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba glabella var.<br />
glabella<br />
Smooth draba G4G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba lactea Milky draba G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba lonchocarpa var.<br />
thompsonii<br />
Lance-fruited draba G4T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba palanderiana Palander's draba G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba porsildii Porsild's draba G3G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba ruaxes Coast Mountain draba G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Draba stenopetala Star-flowered draba G3 S1 Red<br />
Draba ventosa Wind river draba G2G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Epilobium davuricum Swamp willowherb G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Epilobium halleanum Hall's willowherb G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Epilobium hornemannii ssp.<br />
behringianum<br />
Hornemanns willowherb G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
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B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
May 2000<br />
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Global<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Epilobium leptocarpum Small-flowered willowherb G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Erigeron uniflorus ssp.<br />
eriocephalus<br />
Northern daisy G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Eriophorum vaginatum ssp.<br />
spissum<br />
Sheathed cotton-grass G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Erysimum pallasii Pallas' wallflower G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Eutrema edwardsii Edward's wallflower G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Festuca minutiflora Little fescue G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Gentianella tenella ssp.<br />
tenella<br />
Slender gentian G4G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Geum rossii var. rossii Ross' avens G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Glyceria pulchella Slender mannagrass G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Gymnocarpium jessoense<br />
ssp. parvulum<br />
Nahanni oak fern G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Helictotrichon hookeri Spike oat G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Juncus albescens Whitish rush G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Juncus arcticus ssp.<br />
alaskanus<br />
Arctic rush G5T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Koenigia islandica Iceland koenigia G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Lesquerella arctica var.<br />
arctica<br />
Arctic bladderpod G4T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Lomatogonium rotatum Marsh felwort G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Lupinus kuschei Yukon lupine G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Luzula arctica Arctic wood-rush G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Luzula groenlandica Greenland wood-rush G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Minuartia elegans Northern sandwort G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Minuartia macrocarpa Large-fruited sandwort G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Minuartia stricta Rock sandwort G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Minuartia yukonensis Yukon sandwort G3G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Montia bostockii Bostock's montia G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Oxytropis jordalii ssp.<br />
davisii<br />
Jordal's locoweed G4T3 S3 Blue<br />
Oxytropis jordalii ssp.<br />
jordalii<br />
Jordal's locoweed G4T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Oxytropis maydelliana Maydell's locoweed G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Oxytropis scammaniana Scamman's locoweed G3G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Papaver alboroseum Pale poppy G3 S2S3 Blue<br />
Parrya nudicaulis Northern parrya G5 SH Red<br />
Pedicularis verticillata Whorled lousewort G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Penstemon gormanii Gorman's penstemon G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Phacelia mollis Macbryde's phacelia G3 S1 Red<br />
Pinguicula villosa Hairy butterwort G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Plantago eriopoda Alkali plantain G5 S2 Red<br />
Poa abbreviata ssp.<br />
pattersonii<br />
Abbreviated bluegrass G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Poa pseudoabbreviata Polar bluegrass G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Polemonium boreale Northern Jacob's-ladder G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Polemonium occidentale G5? S2S3 Blue<br />
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B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Vascular Plant Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
May 2000<br />
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME Global<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Rank<br />
Prov.<br />
Polygonum bistorta ssp.<br />
plumosum<br />
Plumose bistort G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Polystichum kruckebergii Kruckeberg's sword fern G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Potamogeton perfoliatus Perfoliate pondweed G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Potentilla biflora Two-flowered cinquefoil G4G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Potentilla elegans Elegant cinquefoil G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Potentilla nivea var.<br />
pentaphylla<br />
Five-leaved cinquefoil G5T4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Primula cuneifolia ssp.<br />
saxifragifolia<br />
Wedge-leaf primrose G5T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Primula nutans Siberian primrose G5 SH Red<br />
Primula stricta Upright primrose G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Ranunculus pedatifidus<br />
ssp. affinis<br />
G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Ranunculus sulphureus Sulphur buttercup G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Rumex arcticus Arctic dock G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Rumex paucifolius Alpine sorrel G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Sagina nivalis Snow pearlwort G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Salix petiolaris Meadow willow G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Salix raupii Raup's willow G2 S1 Red<br />
Salix setchelliana Setchell's willow G4 S3 Blue<br />
Saussurea angustifolia<br />
var. angustifolia<br />
Northern sawwort G5T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Saxifraga hieraciifolia<br />
var. hieraciifolia<br />
Hawkweed-leaved saxifrage G4T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Saxifraga hirculus ssp.<br />
hirculus<br />
Yellow marsh saxifrage G5T? S2S3 Blue<br />
Saxifraga nelsoniana ssp.<br />
carlottae<br />
Cordate-leaved saxifrage G5T2 S2 Red<br />
Saxifraga razshivinii Large-petioled saxifrage G? S2S3 Blue<br />
Saxifraga serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved saxifrage G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio atropurpureus Purple-haired groundsel G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio congestus Marsh fleabane G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio fuscatus Northern groundsel G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio ogotorukensis Ogotoruk Creek butterweed G? S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio sheldonensis Mount Sheldon butterweed G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Senecio yukonensis Yukon groundsel G4G5Q S2S3 Blue<br />
Silene drummondii var.<br />
drummondii<br />
Drummond's campion G5T5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Tofieldia coccinea Northern false asphodel G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Trichophorum pumilum Small deer-grass G5 S2S3 Blue<br />
Woodsia alpina Northern woodsia G4 S2S3 Blue<br />
111 Taxa Listed<br />
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Page 103
B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Natural Plant Community Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
August 2000<br />
The natural plant community tracking list is incomplete since there is not yet enough data available for the CDC to rank all of the rare natural plant communities in B.C. This applies especially to many<br />
wetland, alpine, and grassland plant communities. This year, the Ministry of Forests will be classifying grassland and wetland plant communities throughout B.C., and this will enable the CDC to<br />
produce a more comprehensive natural plant community tracking list. In preparation for this, the rarity ranks of those wetland and grassland plant communities already on the tracking list have the "Q"<br />
modifier (e.g. S2Q) to indicate that their classification is about to change. Their names and ranks will be updated after the classification is completed. Until then, they will be retained on "interim" red<br />
and blue lists to indicate that there are conservation concerns for these plant communities which will probably also apply to the corresponding plant communities in the new classification.<br />
Please note that all ranks reflect the rarity of plant community occurrences that have not been disturbed by humans or domestic animals, and are in a natural or "climax" state. Do not confuse these<br />
natural plant communities with successional plant communities (e.g. second-growth Douglas-fir and salal forests), or with degraded plant communities (e.g. a weedy bluebunch wheatgrass and junegrass<br />
grassland). However, be aware that for the purposes of conservation, disturbed occurrences of rare plant communities may be ecologically valuable if there are few or no natural, undisturbed occurrences<br />
left in the Province (e.g. Garry Oak plant communities). Please visit the CDC's Ecology web page (www.elp.gov.bc.ca/rib/wis/cdc/ecology.htm) or contact the CDC for more information on rare natural<br />
plant communities and rare natural plant community conservation.<br />
Scientific name Common name Biogeoclimatic<br />
Amelanchier alnifolia / Elymus trachycaulis Saskatoon / slender wheatgrass SBSdk/81 S2 Red DC 3<br />
Picea sitchensis - Tsuga mertensiana / Sitka spruce – mountain hemlock / reed MHwh1/03<br />
S3 Blue CC 7<br />
Calamagrostis nutkaensis<br />
grass<br />
MHwh2/03<br />
Picea sitchensis / Lysichiton americanum Sitka spruce / skunk cabbage CWHwm/09 S3 Blue EC 7<br />
Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis Wet<br />
Maritime<br />
Sitka spruce / salmonberry Wet Maritime CWHwm/05 S3 Blue EC DC 7<br />
Pinus contorta / Juniperus communis /<br />
Oryzopsis asperifolia<br />
Lodgepole pine / juniper / ricegrass SBSdk/02 S3 Blue EC 7<br />
Poa rupicola<br />
AT<br />
S3Q Interim CC 2<br />
SWB/00<br />
Blue<br />
Poa secunda - Elymus trachycaulis Bluegrass - slender wheatgrass SBSdk/82 S1Q Interim<br />
Red<br />
DC 2<br />
Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa / Black cottonwood / red-osier dogwood CWHvm1/10 S3 Blue EC DC 6<br />
Cornus stolonifera<br />
CWHwm/06*<br />
CWHws1/08*<br />
CWHws2/08*<br />
Populus balsamifera ssp. trichocarpa / Black cottonwood / red-osier dogwood - SBSdk/08 S2Q Interim EC DC 6<br />
Cornus stolonifera - Rosa woodsii<br />
prairie rose<br />
Red<br />
Pseudotsuga menziesii / Pleurozium -<br />
Douglas-fir / feathermoss - stepmoss SBSdk/04 S3Q Interim CC 7<br />
Hylocomium<br />
Blue<br />
Tsuga heterophylla - Picea sitchensis /<br />
Hylocomium splendens<br />
Western hemlock – Sitka spruce / step moss CWHwm/02 S3 Blue EC 7<br />
Tsuga heterophylla / Sphagnum girgensohnii Western hemlock / sphagnum CWHwm/08 S3 Blue EC 7<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
12 Natural Plant Communities Listed<br />
Ecosystem<br />
Classification<br />
Unit(s)<br />
Provincial<br />
Rank<br />
Provincial<br />
List<br />
Successional Status<br />
Structural Stage<br />
Page 104
B.C. Conservation Data Centre: Rare Natural Plant Community Tracking List<br />
Cassiar portion of Bulkley Cassiar Forest District<br />
August 2000<br />
Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) Unit(s): This column gives the BEC unit(s) in which each plant community can occur. These units are described in the Ministry of Forests’ "Field<br />
Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation" for the appropriate Forest Region. Please note that the BEC units listed are for the entire Forest Region, and may not all occur in this Forest District. Units<br />
numbered "00" have not yet been assigned site series numbers by the Ministry of Forests. Site series are NOT equivalent to natural plant communities as defined by the CDC; visit the CDC's Ecology<br />
web page (www.elp.gov.bc.ca/rib/wis/cdc/ecology.htm) for an explanation.<br />
Successional Status: This column indicates the successional status of each natural plant community. Natural plant communities are, almost without exception, climax plant communities. Younger<br />
successional stages are considered to be different plant communities, though they may eventually develop into climax plant communities. For more information on successional status, visit the CDC's<br />
Ecology web page (www.elp.gov.bc.ca/rib/wis/cdc/ecology.htm) or consult the Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems (www.for.gov.bc.ca/RIC/Pubs/teEcolo/fmdte/deif.htm).<br />
Code Successional<br />
Status<br />
Definition<br />
CC Climatic climax The oldest expression of an ecosystem, where succession has been unimpeded by edaphic (site) limiting factors or ecological disturbance. This state is self-perpetuating<br />
in the absence of disturbance.<br />
ED Edaphic climax The oldest possible expression of an ecosystem given edaphic (site) limiting factors atypical for the landscape which arrest or redirect succession so that the climatic<br />
climax is never achieved. Edaphic limiting factors include extremely dry soil, extremely wet soil, and very poor nutrient regime, relative to the landscape norms.<br />
DC Disclimax The oldest possible expression of an ecosystem given a natural disturbance regime which arrests or redirects succession so that the climatic climax is never achieved.<br />
Natural disturbances include periodic surface fires and annual flooding.<br />
Structural Stage: This column indicates the structural stage(s) of each natural plant community. Similar plant communities at younger structural stages are considered to be different plant communities,<br />
though they may eventually develop into natural plant communities. For definitions, see the Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems (www.for.gov.bc.ca/RIC/Pubs/teEcolo/fmdte/deif.htm).<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Code Structural Stage Code Structural Stage<br />
1<br />
Sparse/bryoid 3 Shrub/Herb<br />
1a Sparse 3a Low shrub<br />
1b Bryoid 3b Tall shrub<br />
2<br />
Herb 4 Pole/Sapling<br />
2a Forb-dominated<br />
2b Graminoid-dominated<br />
2c Aquatic<br />
2d Dwarf shrub-dominated<br />
5 Young Forest<br />
6 Mature Forest<br />
7 Old Forest<br />
Page 105
APPENDIX 3: CURRENT POLICY FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT<br />
TO MEET BIODIVERSITY OBJECTIVES<br />
There are six basic elements of biodiversity planning under the Forest Practices Code: old<br />
growth retention, wildlife tree retention, seral stage distribution, patch size distribution,<br />
connectivity, and species composition. These six elements are described below.<br />
Biodiversity planning in British Columbia is based on the assumption that “the more that<br />
managed forests resemble the forests that were established from natural disturbances, the<br />
greater the probability that all native species and ecological process will be maintained.”<br />
Under current policy, as outlined in the <strong>Land</strong>scape Unit <strong>Planning</strong> Guide (1999) old<br />
growth retention and wildlife tree retention are priorities for biodiversity planning. In the<br />
absence of direction from an LRMP or higher level plan, objectives for other biodiversity<br />
elements (patch size distribution, seral stage distribution, including targets for mature<br />
seral retention and early seral, and landscape connectivity) and other forest resources can<br />
only be developed in draft form and must not create timber impacts in excess of<br />
government policy.<br />
Old growth retention<br />
<strong>Area</strong>s of old forest, called old growth management areas (OGMAs), are identified in<br />
each landscape unit and set aside from timber harvesting. Where possible, OGMAs<br />
are located outside of the timber harvesting landbase or in areas of minimal impact to<br />
timber supply. Under current policy, old growth representation in OGMAs is by<br />
biogeoclimatic variant.<br />
Wildlife tree retention<br />
Wildlife trees are standing live and dead trees that provide habitat for many species of<br />
wildlife, birds and invertebrates. Stand structure is retained within individual<br />
cutblocks, either as individual trees or as patches of trees. Targets for wildlife tree<br />
retention within each cutblock are determined by landscape unit and are based on<br />
previous harvesting patterns.<br />
Seral stage distribution<br />
Seral stage distributions provide a variety of different-aged forests across a landscape.<br />
Targets for seral stage distribution are intended to maintain a minimum amount of<br />
forest in mature and old condition and to set a limit on the amount of early seral forest<br />
(younger than 40 years).<br />
Distribution of cut and leave areas over space and time<br />
The pattern and timing of timber harvesting has a large influence on the size and<br />
distribution of forest patches across the landscape. Patch size targets permit a range<br />
of opening sizes, from small to very large, with the intent of mimicking the range of<br />
natural patterns of disturbance across the landbase as well as providing economic<br />
efficiency for harvesting operations.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong> Page 106
Connectivity<br />
Connectivity is provided by continuous areas of mature and old forest cover. In the<br />
mountainous topography of the coast, where contiguous blankets of old forest cover<br />
are the norm, important elements of connectivity include riparian areas and forested<br />
cover linking watersheds (e.g., over low elevation passes) and connecting valley<br />
bottom and upper elevation areas.<br />
Species composition<br />
The intent of objectives for species composition is that a significant component of the<br />
landscape unit be maintained in communities with plant species composition similar<br />
to that in communities that have developed through natural succession. This includes<br />
maintaining a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, where appropriate.<br />
<strong>Atlin</strong>-<strong>Taku</strong> Technical <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
Page 107
APPENDIX 4: PROTECTED AREAS STRATEGY GAP ANALYSIS<br />
Nakina Canyonlands <strong>Area</strong> of Interest / Official Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
The Nakina Canyonlands Official Study <strong>Area</strong> (OSA) is mostly (153,000 ha) within the<br />
Teslin Plateau Ecosection ( TEP ), with 26,300 ha in the Tahltan Highland Ecoregion (<br />
THH ) and 900 ha in the Stikine Plateau Ecosection ( STP ). The TEP has been<br />
prioritized by the Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team (RPAT) to a Class II status, on a scale<br />
of I to IV (highest to lowest priority). This ranking is based on the current gaps in<br />
representation and the extent of existing and anticipated disturbance.<br />
Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in the TEP:<br />
• boreal forest (BWBS) and subalpine Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB) ecosystems<br />
• riparian habitats<br />
• lava flow escarpments<br />
• canyons cut into limestone karst<br />
• river, canyon and rolling plateau recreation settings<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation<br />
Ecosystem Eco - section<br />
Boreal White and Black Spruce -<br />
BWBSdk1<br />
<strong>Area</strong> in TEP<br />
<strong>Area</strong> in Nakina<br />
Canyonlands<br />
Hectares Protected % Hectares %<br />
TEP 523,400 11.4 53,700 10.3<br />
Spruce-Willow-Birch Zone - SWB TEP 406,700 5.4 58,600 14.4<br />
Alpine Tundra Zone - AT TEP 313,700 5.6 37,500 12.0<br />
Other biogeoclimatic zones TEP 13,100 0 3,300 25.2<br />
Total in TEP TEP 1,256,900 7.9 153,100 12.2<br />
Sub-Boreal Spruce - SBS THH 202,100 0.9 17,700 8.8<br />
Engelmann Spruce- Subalpine Fir -<br />
ESSF<br />
THH 308,900 2.6 6,900 2.2<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT THH 33,900 13.6 1,700 5.0<br />
Other biogeoclimatic zones THH 66,900 0 0 0<br />
Total in THH THH 611,800 2.4 26,300 4.3<br />
All biogeoclimatic zones STP 1,815,100 6.5 900 0.05<br />
Total for all 3 ecosections 180,300 --<br />
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Values and Attributes of the Nakina Canyonlands OSA<br />
• Ratings: Conservation - very high; Recreation - high<br />
• Special Features: Peridotite Peak/Houdini Creek; Sinawa Eddy Mountain; Nakina<br />
Canyon (Goal 2 areas)<br />
• productive river cut deeply into limestone karst<br />
• representative forest ecosystems (BWBS and SWB)<br />
• rare/unusual plants on limestone and ultrabasic rock<br />
• Nakina Lake and other smaller lakes and rivers - exceptional steelhead, sockeye<br />
salmon habitat and seasonally high concentrations of grizzly bear<br />
• good mountain goat habitat<br />
• spectacular canyons and caves within limestone karst; waterfalls, hoodoos<br />
• high cave exploration potential<br />
• wilderness white-water kayaking opportunities<br />
• portion of the Telegraph Trail / trading route<br />
• traditional native fishery sites<br />
• contains a number of special features such as Peridotite Peak, Houdini Creek and<br />
Sinawa Eddy Mountain<br />
Teslin River Wetlands <strong>Area</strong> of Interest / Official Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
The Teslin River Official Study <strong>Area</strong> (OSA) is within the Teslin Basin ( TEB ) and<br />
Stikine Plateau ( STP ) ecosections. The Teslin Basin is a relatively newly recognized<br />
ecosection, which used to be part of the Teslin Plateau ( TEP ). It was identified after the<br />
gap analysis was completed, so this area of interest was evaluated under the TEP<br />
ecosection criteria. The Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team (RPAT) classed both the TEP<br />
and the STP as Class II ecosections, on a scale of I to IV (highest to lowest priority). This<br />
ranking is based on the current gaps in representation and the extent of existing and<br />
anticipated disturbance.<br />
Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in these ecosections:<br />
Stikine Plateau<br />
• Spruce-Willow Birch (SWB) ecosystems<br />
• mule deer and caribou winter range<br />
• predator-prey ecosystems<br />
• extensive wetlands with high waterfowl values<br />
• rolling plateau landscape<br />
Teslin Plateau<br />
• boreal forest (BWBS) and subalpine (SWB) ecosystems<br />
• riparian habitats<br />
• lava flow escarpments<br />
• canyons cut into limestone karst<br />
• river, canyon and rolling plateau recreation settings<br />
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Ecosystem<br />
Boreal White - Black Spruce -<br />
BWBSdk1<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation<br />
Eco- Total <strong>Area</strong> Teslin River Wetlands<br />
section Hectares Protected % Hectares %<br />
STP 539,500 19.5 22,800 4.2<br />
Spruce Willow Birch - SWB STP 1,059,300 1.4 0 0<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT STP 214,000 0.3 0 0<br />
Total for STP 1,812,800 6.6 22,800 4.2<br />
Boreal White - Black Spruce -<br />
BWBSdk1<br />
TEB* 280,700 0 49,150 17.5<br />
Spruce Willow Birch - SWB TEB* 40,500 0 0 0<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT TEB* 4,300 0 0 0<br />
Total for TEB 325,500 0 49,150 15.1<br />
Total 71,950<br />
NOTE: These figures are for the Teslin Basin; the Teslin Plateau ecosection has 7.9%<br />
protected.<br />
The Values and Attributes of the Teslin River Wetlands OSA<br />
• Ratings: Conservation - high; Recreation - high<br />
• Special Features: Teslin Wetlands (Goal 2 area)<br />
• extensive wetlands and adjacent boreal forest<br />
• critical migration and breeding habitat for northern pintail, lesser scaup and<br />
American green-winged teal<br />
• caribou and moose winter range<br />
• valley bottom lakes, forested mountain slopes<br />
• historic Teslin Trail/trading route<br />
• wildlife viewing, wilderness fishing, hunting and boating<br />
Tutshi-Skagway <strong>Area</strong> of Interest/ Official Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
The Tutshi-Skagway Official Study <strong>Area</strong> (OSA) spans the Tagish Highland ( TAH ) and<br />
the Teslin Plateau ( TEP ) ecosections in the Cassiar Forest District. Both of these<br />
ecosections have been prioritized by the RPAT to a Class II status, on a scale of I to IV<br />
(highest to lowest priority). This classification is based on current gaps in representation<br />
and the extent of existing and anticipated disturbance. The OSA is approximately 34,000<br />
hectares in size.<br />
Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in these ecosections:<br />
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Tagish Highland<br />
• long, linear lakes<br />
• lichen "barren lands" - caribou habitat<br />
• Bennett lake - important historic route during the gold rush<br />
Teslin Plateau<br />
• subalpine (SWB) ecosystems<br />
• riparian habitats<br />
• lava flow escarpments<br />
• canyons cut into limestone karst<br />
• river, canyon and rolling plateau recreation settings<br />
Ecosystem<br />
Boreal White Black Spruce -<br />
BWBS<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation<br />
Eco-<br />
Total <strong>Area</strong> Tutshi-Skagway<br />
section Hectares Protected % Hectares %<br />
TEP 523,400 11.4 9,100 1.7<br />
Spruce-Willow-Birch - SWB TEP 406,700 5.4 2,100 0.5<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT TEP 313,700 5.6 1,800 0.6<br />
Other (several small zones) TEP 13,100 0 0 0<br />
Total for TEP 1,256,900 7.9 13,000 1.0<br />
Boreal White Black Spruce -<br />
BWBS<br />
TAH 3,900 0 0 0<br />
Sub-boreal Spruce - SBS TAH 52,600 31.7 8,300 15.8<br />
Spruce-Willow-Birch - SWB TAH 14,900 0 2,500 16.8<br />
Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine<br />
Fir - ESSF<br />
TAH 49,000 30.8 4,000 8.2<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT TAH 321,900 19.7 6,600 2.1<br />
Total for TAH 442,300 21.5 21,400 4.8<br />
TOTAL 34,400<br />
Values and Attributes of Tutshi-Skagway OSA<br />
• Ratings: Conservation - medium to high; Recreation - very high<br />
• Special Features: White Pass, East Tutshi River ERP#287, Tutshi River Canyon<br />
and Delta (Goal 2 areas)<br />
• representation of lichen "barren lands" of White Pass<br />
• includes part of the range of the threatened Champagne - Aishihik Caribou herd<br />
• mountain goat habitat<br />
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• White Pass is an important regional destination for recreational activities,<br />
including hiking, snowmobiling and ski-touring, while Tutshi River Canyon is a<br />
popular kayaking area, with lake access and camping on the sandy delta<br />
• White Pass - portion of an important historic trail/route during gold rush<br />
• scenic highway corridor with good public, winter access<br />
• alpine, backcountry recreation settings<br />
Jennings Lake <strong>Area</strong> of Interest / Official Study <strong>Area</strong><br />
The Jennings Lake Official Study <strong>Area</strong> (OSA) is entirely within the Tuya Ranges<br />
Ecosection ( TUR ), in the Cassiar Forest District. This ecosection has no representation<br />
in protected areas. The Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team has classed this ecosection as a<br />
Class I priority, on a scale of I to IV (highest to lowest priority). This ranking is based on<br />
the current gaps in representation and the extent of existing and anticipated disturbance.<br />
The OSA consists of approximately 190,000 hectares.<br />
Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in the TUR:<br />
• Spruce-Willow-Birch (SWB) ecosystems, including extensive wetlands<br />
• boreal forest in lower McNaughton Creek<br />
• tuyas (flat-topped volcanoes that erupted beneath the Pleistocene ice sheet) -<br />
provincially significant special features<br />
• habitat for waterfowl, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, caribou and Stone's sheep<br />
• wilderness valley bottom and upland lakes<br />
• navigable rivers, wide valleys and mountainous terrain<br />
Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation<br />
Ecosystem Total in TUR Jennings Lake<br />
Boreal White and Black Spruce -<br />
BWBSdk<br />
hectares Protected % hectares %<br />
31,800 0 1,800 5.7<br />
Spruce-Willow-Birch - SWB 617,700 0 124,600 20.2<br />
Alpine Tundra - AT 478,000 0 63,800 13.3<br />
Total 1,127,500 0 190,200 16.9<br />
Values and Attributes of the Jennings Lake OSA<br />
• Ratings: Conservation - very high; Recreation - very high<br />
• forest ecosystems in the Spruce-Willow-Birch zone, including subalpine<br />
lodgepole pine forest in upper Rancheria river (unusual in SWB)<br />
• extensive wetlands which support large populations of waterfowl<br />
• Jennings Lake - a drowned esker complex<br />
• tuyas<br />
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• large mammal predator-prey ecosystems, including caribou, Stone's sheep,<br />
moose, grizzly bear, black bear and wolf<br />
• valley bottom lakes and creeks (Little Rancheria and McNaughton Creek)<br />
• wilderness recreation opportunities - fishing, hunting, lake and river canoeing,<br />
wildlife viewing, high scenic values<br />
• excellent gap filling ability as area includes a very complete cross-section of the<br />
important recreation settings<br />
• natural resource appreciation/ interpretation of glacio-fluvial features<br />
<strong>Taku</strong> River <strong>Area</strong> of Interest<br />
The <strong>Taku</strong> River <strong>Area</strong> of Interest (AOI) spans two ecosections, the Boundary Ranges (<br />
BOR ) and the Tahltan Highlands ( THH ). The Regional Protected <strong>Area</strong>s Team (RPAT)<br />
has ranked the both the BOR and the THH as Class II ecosections, on a scale of I to IV<br />
(highest to lowest priority). This ranking is based on the current gaps in representation<br />
and the extent of existing and anticipated disturbance.<br />
Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in these ecosections:<br />
Boundary Ranges<br />
• full range of forested ecosystems (CWHwm, MH, ICHvc, ESSFwv)<br />
• major low elevation river valleys dissecting the ranges<br />
• riparian habitats with high fish, wildlife and waterfowl values<br />
• coastal temperate rainforest<br />
Tahltan Highlands<br />
• major unregulated rivers<br />
• wetland habitat<br />
• lake-headed river systems - sockeye salmon spawning<br />
• better representation of sub-boreal forest to alpine elevational sequence of forest<br />
ecosystems<br />
• major wilderness river and associated highland terrain<br />
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Ecosystem<br />
Coastal Western Hemlock -<br />
CWH<br />
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Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation<br />
Eco-<br />
<strong>Area</strong> <strong>Taku</strong> River<br />
section hectares Protected % hectares %<br />
BOR 204,500 0 6,300 3.1<br />
All other zones BOR 1,860,400 4.5 0 0<br />
Total in BOR 2,064,900 4.1 6,300 0.3<br />
Sub-boreal Spruce - SBS THH 212,600 6.3 4,900 2.3<br />
All other zones THH 713,900 2.7 0 0<br />
Total in THH 926,500 3.6 4,900 0.5<br />
Total 11,200<br />
The Values and Attributes of the <strong>Taku</strong> River AOI<br />
• Ratings: Conservation - high; Recreation - high<br />
• Special Feature: Flannigan Slough (Goal 2 Official Study <strong>Area</strong>)<br />
• major unregulated river valley<br />
• Sub-Boreal Spruce forest - SBS<br />
• Coastal Western Hemlock forest - CWHwm<br />
• broad low elevation floodplain with productive riparian ecosystems<br />
• seasonal grizzly bear concentrations<br />
• productive habitat for moose, waterfowl, salmonids<br />
• boating, canoeing, hunting, fishing and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities<br />
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