Wildlife and habitat planning

We use species management plans to address conservation and/or community concerns for a specific species or because of legislation. Species management plans assist the development or revision of management approaches and regulations.

Species management plans are in place for:

• Aishihik Wood bison (2012)
• Chisana caribou (2012)
• Elk (2016)
• Wolf (2012)
  • Implementation review summary report (2022)
  • Progress assessment report (2022)
• Amphibians (2013)
• Grizzly bear (2019)
  • See supporting information for the grizzly bear plan

The Government of Yukon is also part of planning processes led by other governments, agencies, or partners. These plans include:

• Co-management Plan for Grizzly Bears in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region
• Fortymile Caribou Herd Harvest Management Plan
• Framework for the Management of Yukon North Slope Muskox
• Harvest Management Plan for the Porcupine Caribou Herd in Canada
• Inuvialuit Settlement Region Polar Bear Joint Management Plan
• North Richardson Dall’s sheep
• Southern Lakes Caribou Management Planning

The Government of Yukon also participates in federal Species At Risk planning.

Special Management Area and Habitat Protection Area plans help maintain the Yukon’s important natural landscapes and cultural features.

The Government of Yukon and Yukon First Nation governments have committed to establishing protected areas. Special Management Area and Habitat Protection Area Plans are jointly created by the Government of Yukon, First Nation governments, other government agencies, Renewable Resources Councils and other stakeholders.

Areas with completed plans

• Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area (2018)
• Devil's Elbow/Big Island Habitat Protection Area (2012)
• Łύtsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area (2013)
• Mandanna Lake Management Plan (2013)
• Ni'iinlii Njik (Fishing Branch) Wilderness Preserve & Habitat Protection Area (2010)
• Nuna K’óhonete Yédäk Tah’é (Horseshoe Slough) Habitat Protection Area (2007)
• Ta'tla Mun Special Management Area (2013)
• Tsâwnjik Chu (Nordenskiold) Habitat Protection Area (2010)
• Van Tat K’atr’anahtii (Old Crow Flats) Special Management Area (2006, reviewed in 2013 with no changes)

Plans in progress

• Ch’ihilii ChÌk (Whitefish Wetland) Habitat Protection Area
• Pickhandle Lakes Habitat Protection Area
• Tagish River Habitat Protection Area

Anticipated plans

• Lewes Marsh Habitat Protection Area

Community-based fish and wildlife work plans are the result of collaboration between the Government of Yukon, First Nation governments and Renewable Resources Councils with communities to identify the main issues for their area and come up with cooperative approaches for addressing these concerns.

Completed community-based fish and wildlife work plans

• Vuntut Gwitchin Traditional Territory (2021-2026)
• Carcross/Tagish First Nation Traditional Territory (2020-2025)
• Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory (2016-2021)
• Little Salmon/Carmacks Traditional Territory (2019-2024)
• Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory (2014-2019)
• Regional Assessment of Wildlife in the Southern Lakes Area
  Volume 1: Context and Recommendations (2012)
  Volume 2: Species Status Assessment (2012)