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Image explanation Bell River corridor in Northern Richardson Mountains is a
significant Porcupine Caribou and moose habitat.
Land Status Yukon public land
Biophysical Setting
Setting Remote mountainous unit with sub-arctic conditions.
Ecoregions British Richardson Mountains.
Bioclimate Zones Taiga Shrub, Alpine, and Tundra (minor).
Habitat Types High elevation sparsely vegetated, herb, shrub, and rock; low elevation coniferous forest and shrub; minor wetland and riparian.
Watersheds Porcupine River (Bell, Little Bell, and Waters rivers, headwaters of Driftwood River).
Ecological Resources
Significant Wildlife and Fish Habitats
Porcupine Caribou One of the most significant caribou concentrated use areas in the region. Porcupine herd may be present in at least five seasons, including summer, fall migration, rutting, winter, and spring migration. Calving occurs infrequently in the northern portion of the unit.
Moose Significant seasonal habitats along river corridors. Bell River corridor supports some of the highest winter moose densities in Yukon.
Marten Low–moderate winter habitat.
Sheep Status uncertain; significant sheep habitats identified in adjacent LMU #4C.
Fish Potential over-wintering habitat in Bell and Waters Rivers.
Other Species Muskoxen can be found in the area; significant bear habitat.
Wetlands and Lakes Very few.
Riparian Areas Bell and Waters rivers, and several large tributary streams.
Major River Corridors None
Heritage, Social and Cultural Resources
VGFN Heritage Routes and Sites No identified VGFN routes or sites. Traditional use and culturally significant area for Gwich’in First Nations.
Other Heritage and Historic Resources Documented archaeological sites.
Current Community Use Areas Limited use; most activities occur in lower Bell River corridor (LMU #4C).
Economic Development
Transportation and Access No existing transportation infrastructure. A conceptual access route has been identified in this unit1.
Traditional Economy Limited activities.
Tourism and Recreation Low interests and activity.
Oil and Gas Resources Low or no potential; northern margin of the Eagle Plain oil and gas basin.
Mineral Resources Low or moderate potential.
Aggregate (Gravel) Resources No identified resources; river gravels or crushed rock offer potential sources.
Special Management Considerations
  1. North Yukon Land Withdrawal prohibits land disposition and resource exploration activities.
  2. One of the most significant Porcupine Caribou Herd concentrated use areas in the region.
  3. Important winter moose habitat along Bell and tributary rivers.
  4. Tetlit Gwich’in Secondary Use Area.
  5. Potential Yukon North Slope transportation corridor options may require consideration.
1 Yukon Government, Department of Energy Mines and Resources. 2003. Conceptual study report to identify potential natural resource infrastructure access corridors Yukon, 2002-2003. Prepared by Access Consulting Group, Whitehorse, YT. March, 2003. 89 pp.

Indicator gauges

Surface disturbance (km²)
Linear disturbance (km)

Cumulative effects