NORTH YUKON PLANNING REGION:
LMU 13: Kandik River
Land Use Designation
Integrated Management Area, Zone IV
Land Status
Yukon public land
Traditional Territories
Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation
Area
2,269 km2 (3.7% of Region)
Biophysical Setting (LMU 13)
Setting
Mountainous unit west of Ni’iinlii’njik (Fishing Branch) SMA
Ecoregions
North Ogilvie Mountains.
Bioclimatic Zones
Taiga Wooded, Taiga Shrub and Alpine (minor).
Habitat Types
Low to mid-elevation coniferous forest, shrub and herb; high elevation sparsely vegetated, herb, shrub and rock; minor amount wetland and riparian.
Watersheds
Yukon River (Drifting Snow Creek, Graying Fork River and other tributaries to Salmon Fork River).
Image Explanation
Characteristic landscape of LMU #13 as seen from Alto mineral property. Orma Hill airstrip visible in middle view.
Cumulative Effects Thresholds
Relative to LMU Size*
Surface Disturbance (%)
Linear Disturbance (km/km2)
Current disturbance (2020)
0.021
0.013
Cautionary
0.750
0.750
Critical
1.000
1.000
On the ground amounts**
Surface Disturbance (km2)
Linear Disturbance (km)
Current disturbance (2020)
0.47
28.4
Room under cautionary threshold***
16.55
1673.2
Cautionary
17.02
1701.7
Critical
22.69
2268.9
*These are proportional to the size of the LMU, and correspond to table 3-2 of the Approved Plan. They are measured in the % of the LMU that can be disturbed (“Surface Disturbance”) and in km/km2 (“Linear Disturbance Density”).
**These are amounts that can be measured and apply to the whole LMU and would be more familiar to project proponents and regulators. They are measured in km2 of disturbance and in km of linear disturbance (e.g., roads, trails and cutlines).
***How much more disturbance can be added to existing disturbance before the cautionary threshold is reached.
Amount of disturbance relative to the cautionary theshold:
%
Surface Disturbance
%
Linear Disturbance
Ecological Resources
Porcupine Caribou
Caribou general use area during fall migration, winter, and spring migration periods.
Moose
Significant seasonal habitats around Drifting Snow, Grayling Fork and other large tributary streams.
Marten
Moderate value winter habitats.
Sheep
No known sheep populations.
Fish
No documented fish over-wintering habitats.
Other Species
Wetlands and Lakes
Limited number of wetlands and lakes; one identified wetland occurs in north-central portion of unit.
Riparian Areas
Drifting Snow, Grayling Fork, and other tributary streams.
Major River Corridors
None
Heritage, Social and Cultural Resources
VGFN Heritage Routes and Sites
No identified heritage routes or sites.
Other Heritage and Historic Resources
Few documented archaeological sites, including Poulton Station, potentially one of oldest sites in Yukon. High potential for additional discoveries in limestone caves.
Current Community Use Areas
No identified areas.
Economic Development
Transportation and Access
No existing transportation infrastructure. Access route to Rusty Springs mineral property utilized historically.
Traditional Economy
No identified activities.
Tourism and Recreation
Low interests and activity.
Oil and Gas Resources
Moderate potential; part of Kandik oil and gas basin.
Mineral Resources
Moderate to high potential; this unit contains some of highest relative mineral potential in the region.
Aggregate (Gravel) Resources
No identified resources.
Special Management Considerations
- This unit has substantial knowledge gaps with respect to ecological, heritage and economic resources.
- Southern boundary is adjacent to Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Traditional Territory (south of 66°N latitude).
- Western boundary is adjacent to Yukon – Alaska border.