Tsâwnjik Chu (Nordenskiold) Habitat Protection Area

About

The Tsâwnjik Chu Habitat Protection Area is covers 77.4 km2 along the Nordenskiold River, south of Carmacks and west of the Klondike Highway. Tsâwnjik Chu is entirely within Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Settlement Land. The Habitat Protection Area is about 30 km long and 2.5 km wide.

Both the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation and the Government of Yukon recognize the importance of this area because of the river, wetland and wildlife. The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation call Tsâwnjik Chu a “bread basket” and considered the wetland important for thousands of years. It has provided local hunters with moose, ducks and duck eggs, muskrat, salmon, fish and other wildlife. The area also provides habitat for breeding ducks, swans and geese and where they rest during the fall migration.

The Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation identified this area in their Final Agreement, as they know that this area needs special protection from disturbances. It is traditionally and culturally important for harvesting and for teaching youth how to live off the land.

Management plan

Purpose

The Tsâwnjik Chu Habitat Protection Area Management Plan provides management recommendations in accordance with Schedule A of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Final Agreement.

Objectives

  • Conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitat for the benefit of the Yukon.
  • Respect for traditional and current use of the Habitat Protection Area by Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation people.
  • Protection of the full diversity of wildlife populations and their habitats from activities which could reduce the area’s capability to support wildlife.
  • Encouragement of public awareness and appreciation for the natural resources of the Habitat Protection Area.

Status

The Little Salmon/ Carmacks First Nation and the Government of Yukon approved the Tsâwnjik Chu Habitat Protection Area Management Plan in 2010.