YLUPC
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Image The dramatic Aberdeen Canyon (left) (DFO). Riparian forests and wetlands and often steep escarpments line the Peel River (right) (CWS photo).
Land Status Non-Settlement Land, NND Settlement Land (S-134B), TG Yukon Land (R-01FS, R-03FS, R-04FS, R-05FS, R-08FS, R-12FS, R-13FS, R-14FS, S-2FS, S-3FS, S-4FS, S-6FS, S-7FS, S-8FS, S-9FS, S-10FS, S-11FS)
Objectives
  • Wilderness character is maintained.
  • Community cultural activities practiced without significant disturbance.
  • Regionally significant spawning and fish overwintering habitat maintained.
  • Wilderness and cultural tourism activities linked to large tributaries that are consistent with the objectives above.
Rationale for Designation
  • The Gwich’in Social and Cultural Institute nominated two large portions of this unit (Tshuu tr’adaojìich’uu and Teetl’it njik) to be National Historic Sites, in recognition of their great cultural importance to the Tetłit Gwich’in (Heart of the Tetłit Gwich’in Cultural Landscape).
  • Large segments of this unit are Tetłit Gwich’in Yukon Lands (fee simple land held by the Tetłit Gwich’in) that were originally selected because of their cultural importance and proximity to significant wildlife and fish resources.
  • Numerous culturally important places for the Tetłit Gwich’in.
  • Extensively used for subsistence hunting and fishing.
  • Wilderness and cultural tourism corridor.
  • The Peel Watershed Advisory Committee suggested that Aberdeen Canyon and the Peel Canyon be considered for protection.
  • Important spawning habitat for culturally important species.
  • Extensive foraging and nesting habitat for Peregrine Falcons.
  • Medium mineral potential, and moderate oil and gas potential.
Biophysical Setting
Setting Broad alluvial flats of the Peel River, adjacent banks and plateau. Two significant canyons (Aberdeen and Peel), several confluences with large tributaries.
Ecoregions Primarily Peel River Plateau
Bioclimate Zones Taiga Wooded
Ecological Resources
Significant Wildlife and Fish Habitats
Caribou Variable habitat suitability for the Porcupine herd, and moderate to high habitat suitability for the Boreal herd. At the periphery of the ranges of the Porcupine, Boreal and Bonnet Plume populations.
Moose Extensive moderate valued late winter habitat with pockets of high value habitat along the Peel River. Traditional place to hunt moose.
Marten Generally moderate value winter habitat.
Sheep No sheep habitat.
Fish Fish present throughout, several known spawning locations, sea-run fish spawning throughout; a few winter open water sites; winter surface groundwater throughout.
Grizzly Bear Variable habitat suitability, highest at river confluences and riparian areas.
Peregrine Falcon Very high peregrine foraging and nesting habitat along Peel River.
Birds (General) Moderate waterbird habitat; low to mod breeding spp. richness and species of conservation concern.
Vegetation Low-mid elev. dry/wet herb and shrub and coniferous forest.
Wetlands, Lakes and Riparian Areas Wetland complexes along Peel River and confluences. Tabor Lakes are a Yukon Key Wetlands.
Permafrost Extensive high water content permafrost expected. Wetlands “perched” above escarpments; stable slopes rely on intact permafrost.
Special Features Peel Canyon; Aberdeen Canyon, Ezhinakàn (Burning Rock).
Heritage, Social and Cultural Resources
Heritage Resources This unit has extensive cultural value to the Tetł’it Gwich’in. High concentration of VG and TG culturally important places; several cabins identified. Several travel routes. Highest concentration of VG and TG archaeological sites.
Palaeontological Resources Sedimentary rocks in this area have known invertebrate fossil localities and have high potential to yield further discoveries.
Economic Development
Transportation and Access The Peel River itself is a well used route, for both summer travel (river boats, historically barges) and winter travel. Many old winter roads; a conceptual access route has been identified in this unit downstream of the Bonnet Plume River confluence with the Peel River.
Traditional Economy Many fishing locations, big game/fur-bearer locations; TG traditional harvesting and wildlife areas and seasonal land use.
Recreation and Tourism High value wilderness paddling.
Forestry Potential localized demand for fuel wood, logs for cabins.
Big Game Outfitters and Trapping No registered concessions.
Oil and Gas Resources Peel Plateau and Plain basin; moderate below above the Snake River, low above; three abandoned wells.
Mineral Resources Medium mineral potential; some coal potential. Approximately 20 quartz claims.
Special Management Considerations

Indicator gauges

Surface disturbance (km²)
Linear disturbance (km)

Cumulative effects