Artwork: Yukon Graphic Recording

INTENT STATEMENT

The vision for this LMU focuses on conservation with limited use and no industrial development or exploration. The conservation priorities for this LMU are rooted in stewardship, landscape connectivity, ecosystem representation, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in cultural values, and wildlife habitat. Future management should maintain the wilderness character, emphasize landscape connectivity with adjacent regions, and provide opportunities for cultural connectivity. Access and continued exploration activities should be carefully planned and monitored in relation to existing mineral claims to avoid disturbing wildlife, particularly sheep, and their habitat.
This LMU contains some of the most undisturbed wilderness landscapes in the Region and is rich in intact ecosystems and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in history. It includes high-quality habitat for migratory caribou herds and is one of the main areas in the Region that the Porcupine Caribou Herd passes through. The LMU has some of the highest concentrations of sheep and grizzly bears in the Region, as well as lambing and sheep wintering habitat, and high-quality habitat for current and future grizzly populations. There are also endemic meadow habitats, species of conservation concern, and the Tatonduk River Watershed, an ecologically intact area with permanent freshwater springs.
Existing access infrastructure and industrial development (including mineral exploration and development) are limited. The area contains an active outfitting concession, traplines, and associated infrastructure. This area is designated as a Special Management Area in part to protect ecoregions that are currently underrepresented in Yukon protected areas (North Yukon Ogilvie Mountains and McQuesten Highlands).
The designation also supports species of cultural, ecological, and economic importance, including three caribou herds (Porcupine, Hart River, and Fortymile) and extensive sheep habitat. It also protects key waterways that sustain salmon populations and places that hold deep cultural significance for Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, including traditional trails, routes, and sites essential for cultural continuity. Establishing a Special Management Area here also enhances landscape connectivity between major conservation areas, including Yukon–Charley National Preserve in Alaska, Kit Range / North Cache Creek, the Ogilvie River headwaters in the Peel Watershed, and Ni’iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park.

TR’ËHUDÈ AND STEWARDSHIP

Tthetäwndëk means “Broken Stone River”. The area has long been used by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in ancestors as a travel route, and Elders have shared that this is a place of importance for wildlife. The protection of this land is essential to honour the past, support cultural continuity and the passing down of Traditional Knowledge, and provide opportunities for youth and future generations. It is a place of healing.

“We will go back to these lands, it’s who we are, that is our story.”

– Debbie Nagano, Dawson Regional Planning Commission Chair

“I flew up there and I was in awe. I could picture the old trail where people used to travel from Blackstone to Moosehide. I got so excited when I saw the Tthetäwndëk.”

– Angie Joseph-Rear, Dawson Regional Planning Commission

“It is my backyard, I grew up there. It made me a steward of the land. I’ve watched mining, I’ve watched the wildlife populations. I have stomped those hills, I have picked up artefacts that are 15,000 years old. … I hope that two generations from now, the outfitting industry here has shifted into a partnership with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in so that they can use the infrastructure and be reconnected with the land. This land matters and you don’t get that kind of land a lot.”

– Dan Reynolds, Dawson Regional Planning Commission

LMU DIRECTIONS

1. Development footprint is allowed according to ISA 1 surface disturbance and linear feature density thresholds.
2. Mineral development is allowed only within existing mineral tenure. Withdraw all other lands from quartz and placer mineral staking (including critical minerals) and oil and gas dispositions.
3. No new access is currently envisioned. Any overland access would fundamentally alter the character of the area, which is currently defined by its lack of road infrastructure. The absence of road access contributes to the area’s unique ecological value, including important habitat that supports wildlife and traditional land use. Maintaining this roadless condition is a priority to preserve the integrity of the landscape and the experiences it offers. An Access Management Plan is not required at this time, but if new access is required, it must be accompanied by an Access Management Plan that includes the following clauses:
   1. Where access is required, a winter road would be the only acceptable form of land access.
   2. Where access is required, both Parties must jointly agree to it. Where the Parties cannot reach agreement, they should follow Dispute Resolution (THFA 26.3.1.3).
   3. Where access is required, apply the precautionary principle.
4. If proponents demonstrate that existing mineral claims are viable to the satisfaction of both Parties, the Parties must co-approve and co-manage any new access. An Access Management Plan (Section 4.4) is required before the approval or construction of any road.
5. For activities on existing mineral tenure that overlap with mapped sheep habitat, include mitigations to reduce potential impacts to sheep habitat. Specifically, timing windows may apply in winter habitat and lambing areas. Proponents should consult the appropriate and qualified staff within each Party.
6. This area is not to be promoted as a tourism destination, as extensive use may have a negative impact on sensitive wilderness values.
7. Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in should have the primary responsibility of managing this area through the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.
8. The SMA Management Plan should consider the priority values.
9. This area is located within important caribou herd ranges. It is crucial to maintain key caribou migration pathways and to minimize disturbance to key habitat. Land users must follow Stewardship Directions for the caribou overlays (Section 5.3.4).

PRIORITY VALUES

• Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Culture, Heritage, and Hän Language
• Plant and Animal Relations
• Landscapes