Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é (Horseshoe Slough) Habitat Protection Area

About

Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é (Horseshoe Slough) is an abandoned U-shaped channel of the Stewart River located in Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory. The area is approximately 70 km upstream of Mayo and 10 km upstream of Fraser Falls.

The Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area is 87.7 km2 in size and contains the lower portion of No Gold Creek, which flows into the Stewart River. No Gold Creek meanders through a valley filled with a few hundred small ponds. The ponds are the result of permafrost affecting fine-textured soils in the valley bottom, with water draining in from the hillsides.

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement identifies the Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é Habitat Protection Area as an area of ecological and cultural significance. It became a habitat protection area in 2001.

The Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é Habitat Protection Area is located on a major flight path used by migrating birds and is significant for waterfowl. Ducks , trumpeter swans, Canada geese, red-necked and horned grebes, Pacific loons and American coots nest and moult here.

Management plan

Purpose

Conserving natural resources is a priority for the Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é Habitat Protection Area. The management plan describes these important values and how they should be considered in decision-making.

Objectives

  • Conservation of important wildlife and wildlife habitat for the benefit of Yukon residents.
  • Recognition and protection of the traditional and current use of the area by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun.
  • Protection of the full diversity of wildlife populations and their habitats from activities which could reduce the land’s capability to support wildlife.
  • Encouragement of public awareness of and appreciation for the natural resources of the area.

Status

The First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, the Government of Yukon and the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council approved the management plan for Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é in 2001. The plan was jointly reviewed after 5 years in 2007 and again 10 years later in 2017 by the managing parties.