Wildlife Newsletter 2019

Central Government

WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER 2019

CONTENTS

President's Message | Chad Norman Day 1 Wildlife Director’s Message | Lance Nagwan 3

Guardians Messages Brianna Tashoots 5 Clements Brace 8

Tahltan Land Stewardship Planning | Alanna Quock 11

Successful Hunts by Tahltans 13 Tahltan Guide & Outfitters Association Message 19 Tahltan Nation Trapline Map 21

3 Nations and British Columbia Collaborative Stewardship 23 Forum Update | Feddie Louie and Linda Robertson Message from the Province of British Columbia 24 Chris Hamilton, Ron Frank and Kate Hewitt

Message from the BC Wildlife Federation | Rob Chipman 25 Tseneglode Woodland Caribou Project Update 27 Lance Nagwan and Norm Maclean

Tahltan BC G2G Fish and Wildlife Working Group (FWWG) | Norm Maclean 29

Hunting Regulations 31 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

President’s Message I am extremely proud of the work of TCG’s Wildlife Department and believe our collaborative approach with several wildlife stakeholders is the key to improving wildlife management across British Columbia.”

Chad Norman Day President, Tahltan Central Government

Welcome to the 2019/2020 Tahltan Central Government For several months multiple TCG staff members and (TCG) Wildlife Newsletter. Thank you to all those wildlife I have been involved with First Nations groups and wildlife staff across BC. This forum is working with the stakeholders across British Columbia who took the time Province to amend and “indigenize” the outdated BC to contribute messages, statistics and updates for this Wildlife Act; expect to see some significant changes important resource. in 2020. Such work will help the Tahltan Nation and other BC First Nations enhance capacity and ensure we As we know, last summer we in Tahltan Territory went are increasingly involved in wildlife management and through unprecedented impacts from multiple wildfires wildlife decision making processes. that displaced many of our citizens and demolished multiple homes and over a thousand hectares of our As stewards of our homelands we land and forests. Like our local Tahltan people, many of must ensure we have healthy wildlife the wildlife also were displaced as the fire drove them populations for future generations. out of their habitat. As we continue to work together as a Tahltan Nation to rebuild and restore the community Predator management was an essential of Telegraph Creek, we remain focused on working part of Tahltan wildlife stewardship alongside many stakeholders to better measure and and keeping our communities safe, manage wildlife populations throughout Tahltan Territory. but harvesting predators has become Since we established TCG’s Wildlife Department several years ago, we have worked diligently to increase the increasingly unpopular across British department’s capacity, training, collaborations and Columbia and many politicians and First initiatives each year. Our team has also been implementing Nations are neglecting to address the issue. our collaborative agreement with the Tahltan Guide & Outfitters Association (TGOA) and increased the number As a result, I have consistently been the voice of reason of wildlife initiatives and funding flowing through the on this topic and you may see TCG become increasingly 3Nations Team (Tahltan, Kaska, Tlingit). The TCG also involved in advocating for more science-based decisions secured millions of dollars from provincial and federal and reintegrating more indigenous practices into wildlife funding opportunities for our Tahltan Land Stewardship management regimes. Plan (TLSP) and we will continue to have wildlife experts involved in all land stewardship planning activities.

1 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I am extremely proud of the work of TCG’s Wildlife In closing, I want to acknowledge that our Department and believe our collaborative approach original Wildlife Guardian and trailblazer with several wildlife stakeholders is the key to improving wildlife management across British Columbia. That being of our current Wildlife Department, Jarett said, the Tahltan Nation takes up 11% of the province Quock, returned to Tahltan Territory and we as Tahltan people need to work together to hold following several months of battling cancer hunters accountable when they break provincial laws or behave unethically under our Tahltan laws. Please help and other challenges with his health. We us document anything of concern that you witness to are truly happy to see him on the road help us manage our wildlife and lands more effectively. to recovery and we dedicate all of this We are all in this together. year’s continued success in the Wildlife Department to Jarett. We look forward to him rejoining his TCG Family whenever he is ready to return and continue to pray for him and his family during this time. Mēduh and Nedishchā!

2 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Wildlife Director’s Message This fall harvest season, the Guardians patrol Tahltan Territory daily, conducting hunter surveys and collecting harvest information from resident hunters in the most frequented locations.”

Lance Nagwan Wildlife Director

Since I became the Wildlife Director for Tahltan Central This summer saw the Guardians program involved in Government in April 2019, I’ve watched the color of the every aspect of the Morel Mushroom Program. Guardians issued Non-Timber Harvesting Permits and patrolled leaves change, signalling that summer is now behind us to ensure harvesters respected the land and removed and hunting season is here. I hope that you had a chance all garbage. The Guardians program then evolved to to go out and enjoy this beautiful land and I would like to participate in joint Provincial inspections of placer mining in the Territory. Although the Tahltan Wildlife wish you a safe and bountiful harvest. Department is still in its early stages, we continue to This fall harvest season, the Guardians patrol Tahltan build capacity and confidence as we participate in more Territory daily, conducting hunter surveys and collecting programs such as Transboundary Water Sampling harvest information from resident hunters in the most on the Unuk and Lower Stikine Rivers. Recently all frequented locations. We put up moose regulations the Guardians completed the Human Wildlife Conflict signage in specific locations to assure that the hunters Training taught by Conservation Officer Blake Day here in entering the Territory clearly identify hunting regulations. Dease Lake. Among other lessons, Officer Day taught the importance of managing attractants to avoid unwanted Over these past six months, I have had an encounters with dangerous animals. enormous learning curve but I feel accomplished in We continue to work with TGOA on projects to the strides the Wildlife Department has made thus guide future management actions with the Mineral Industry and Province. Our 3 Nations-BC Collaborative far. I represent the Tahltan Nation as a member of Stewardship Framework continues to provide a positive the Provincial Fish and Wildlife Working Group and avenue for jointly managing the natural environment the 3 Nations Technical Working Group, which has within our respective territories. Funding provided capacity for a Guardian position and special projects been a great opportunity and privilege. within Tahltan Territory. The position is multi-faceted and dynamic in nature. I very much enjoy how the daily tasks can range widely. I manage an amazing crew that are always happy and a pleasure to be around. Their traditional knowledge of the land and animals is invaluable to me and my understanding of many aspects of this job.

3 WILDLIFE DIRECTORS' MESSAGE

4 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Guardians Messages

Other projects in the works include the Stone’s sheep data collection. Starting in early June, Clements, Grace (a biologist from University of Alberta), and I began monitoring the mountains around the Jade Boulder road. We collected sheep poop to test their stress levels, which may be elevated by increasing activity on the Jade Boulder road. I especially enjoy this project as we get to spend lots of time in the mountains chasing around sheep. It is really neat to understand how the sheep migrate between mountain ranges. Over the summer, I have been involved with the Province on joint inspections looking at jade, placer, and major mines. In addition, we saw several exploration and drilling sites and spent time with some guide outfitters in Tahltan Territory. For the jade and placer mines, we focused on Brianna Tashoots Wildlife Guardian environmental protections, reclamations and health and safety. At Red Chris Mine, we did a side-by-side water sampling with their Environment team. I also flew from Since this past May, I have learned so much and worked with drill to drill around the AltaGas Camp and Galore Creek Camp to ensure everything was safe, the environment many knowledgeable people on different projects within was not being impacted and the proper tickets were the Wildlife Department for the Tahltan Central Government obtained by the managers. We also conducted grazing (TCG). I will be returning to the Okanagan in December 2019 inspections, which focused on the environmental impact that the outfitters and their horses may cause, by looking for my 3rd year in Environmental Science. Being a Guardian at all plant and vegetation around their camps. in Tahltan Territory is a learning experience. Also, gaining Flying all over the Territory was an knowledge and grasping a better understanding of our vast amazing opportunity for me to see how land is a privilege. Working with TCG’s full-time Guardian, beautiful our land really is and gives me Clements Brace, taught me so much local knowledge. only more motivation to do my best to TCG provided me professional training in Wilderness First Aid, Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) and protect and manage our land, animals, Conflict Wildlife. The BEC course taught us to conduct and resources. Joining the Province and ecosystem identification under BC’s BEC system. It was a watching how they conduct inspections hands-on field course taught by three ecology experts. helped improve my understanding; I hope The first project Clements and I worked on, along with the Lands Department, was the Tahltan Non-Timber Resource to focus on this field more in university. Permitting program. The program focuses on the morel Thank you to TCG and the Wildlife Director, Lance, for all mushrooms that grew from the Alkali Lake Fire last the learning opportunities and motivation to finish my summer. The Lands Department brought in Shelby Leslie schooling, which will assist me in pursuing a permanent from Forest Food to train us on how to approach, permit, job within my Nation and using my knowledge of the and deal with the mushroom pickers. The project went environment to ensure proper and adequate protection, well; mushroom buyers and pickers were cooperative. along with recreational and resource use.

5 GUARDIANS MESSAGES – BRIANNA TASHOOTS

6 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

7 GUARDIANS MESSAGES – CLEMENTS BRACE

The Lands Department developed a Mushroom Harvesting Management Plan to ensure the protection of our land and resources. This was a very important project for us as Guardians and it turned out really well. Mushroom pickers came from all over Canada, even from all around the world. We Guardians had an important role managing and monitoring all their activity. We also take on major roles concerning the environment, wildlife, and natural resources in Tahltan Territory. On our Jade Boulder Project, we keep track of Stone’s sheep mortality and habitat. Through a collaborative effort between TCG and TGOA, our project focuses on the impact of the industrial resource road up Jade Boulder. This work provides critical information on the seasonal and daily movements of Stone’s sheep around Jade Boulder Road. Clements Brace Wildlife Guardian With the BC Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Alaska Departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game and Another year has come and gone and I’m ready for the Natural Resources, we joined a joint water monitoring next. Mēduh to TCG for letting me take care of our land program for the Unuk and lower Stikine Rivers. and our people by protecting the animals and the water Our caribou collaring project on the Tseneglode Herd is a big advancement for how we monitor climate change of our beautiful Tahltan Territory. in Tahltan Territory.

As Guardians, we see the heavy pressure on wildlife in our Territory. Monitoring and keeping our land and waters in check is a big step forward. For TCG, working side-by-side with the government has been very successful. It’s been a great experience taking on all these projects.

I cannot wait to see what’s in the near future for us Guardians and I am excited to take on more with the Province and the TCG team. Dealing with the high number of wolves in and around Tahltan Territory is a challenge but we’ve had some success. Bringing back the ungulate population is an ongoing process. It’s been a very busy year as a Guardian. Great work and mēduh to all of our TCG team.

8 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

9 Below: Tseneglode Herd. GUARDIANS MESSAGE

10 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Tahltan Land Stewardship Planning How will this affect wildlife? ... we are focusing on three areas for the IPCA project: Sheslay, Ice Mountain and the Klappan Sacred Headwaters Zone. We chose these areas because they include important wildlife habitat and provide high sustenance value to our communities. ”

Alanna Quock Land Planning Project Manger

Over the past year we made significant progress on land Sheslay is a culturally high use area for the community planning initiatives that will support our efforts to effectively of Telegraph Creek, most importantly for sustenance gathering. The Klappan Sacred Headwaters Zone is an manage wildlife in our Tahltan Territory. Work on the immense subalpine basin and the birthplace of three Tahltan Land Stewardship Plan (TLSP) began at the 2016 salmon-bearing rivers: the Skeena, Nass and Stikine. AGA. This past July at the 2019 AGA, Christine Creyke, The Klappan is also a high use area for the community of Iskut. Many animals, highly valued for sustenance Lands Director, and I presented the first draft of the plan gathering, either migrate through or call the Klappan to Tahltan membership. We are now working on how to area home. Our longstanding relationship with these put our plan into action. three areas continues to this day. They are home to many resources, including fish and wildlife, which Another land planning initiative is the Tahltan sustain our people and communities. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) Currently we are working to define what an Indigenous Project, supported by funding we recently received Protected and Conserved Areas means for Tahltan, and from the Pathway to Canada Target 1 Challenge the mechanisms we will use to implement stewardship Component of the Canada Nature Fund. This is a objectives and activities. This includes reviewing other significant opportunity to further define and enact First Nations’ experiences and successes in developing Tahltan stewardship in our territory. The IPCA Project community-led monitoring, education, and engagement helps us implement conservation mechanisms for processes. The review helps us further develop the areas identified by the TLSP process as having cultural, Guardians program through the IPCA project. We are ecological and sustenance value for Tahltan people. grateful to Tides Canada, the Wilberforce Foundation While we are developing a Tahltan Land Stewardship and International Boreal Conservation Campaign for Plan for the entire territory, we are focusing on three their generous support of this exciting project. areas for the IPCA project: Sheslay, Ice Mountain and the Klappan Sacred Headwaters Zone. We chose these areas because they include important wildlife habitat and provide high sustenance value to our communities. The Sheslay area is home to the Level Mountain caribou herd, as well as critical moose habitat and calving areas.

11 TAHLTAN LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANNING – HOW WILL THIS AFFECT WILDLIFE?

PROPOSED IPCAS IN TAHLTAN TERRITORY

RY A D N U LEGEND B O Y OR IT RR TE N SALMON HABITAT A LT H A Morlley T Lake (MR) HHYLANDYLAND CARIBOU HABITAT Fiish Lake RRIVERIVER PPARKARK BBLUE/DEASELUE/DEASE RRIVERSIVERS (MR) EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL RRESERVEESERVE EXISTING PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS

PPORTAGEORTAGE BBRULERULE RARAPIDSPIDS EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL RRESERVEESERVE PPORTAGEORTAGE BRBRULEULE RRAPIDSAPIDS PPROTECTEDROTECTED ARAREAEA

CCHARLIEHARLIE CCOLEOLE CCREEKREEK EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL RRESERVEESERVE TTAA CCH'ILAH'ILA PPARKARK ((A.K.A.A.K.A. BOYABOYA LLAKEAKE PPARK)ARK) AATLIN/ATLIN/A TETEIX'GIIX'GI AAAANN TTLEINLEIN PPARKARK TTUYAUYA MMOUNTAINSOUNTAINS PPARKARK

Nakiina CCHICKENSHICKENS NNECKECK HHORNELINEORNELINE Riiver (MR) MMOUNTAINOUNTAIN CCREEKREEK PPARKARK EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL RRESERVEESERVE

DDENETIAHENETIAH CCORRIDORORRIDOR PPROTECTEDROTECTED AAREAREA

DDALLALL RRIVERIVER OOLDLD GGROWTHROWTH PPARKARK

DDENETIAHENETIAH PPARKARK DDUNEUNE ZZAA KKEYIHEYIH PPARKARK [[A.K.A.A.K.A. FFROG-GATAGAROG-GATAGA PPARK]ARK]

PPITMANITMAN RRIVERIVER STSTIKINEIKINE PPROTECTEDROTECTED AAREAREA RRIVERIVER PPARKARK

T A H ` L T A N

T E R R Todagiin WMA I T O CCHUKACHIDAHUKACHIDA R MMOUNTOUNT Y PPROTECTEDROTECTED EEDZIZADZIZA TTODAGINODAGIN B ` AAREAREA O PPARKARK SSOUTHOUTH U GGLADYSLADYS LLAKEAKE N SSLOPELOPE PPARKARK D EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL A FFINLAYINLAY R RRESERVEESERVE RRUSSELUSSEL Y Todagiin WMA KKINASKANINASKAN PPARKARK LLAKEAKE PPARKARK SSPATSIZIPATSIZI PPLATEAULATEAU WWILDERNESSILDERNESS PARKPARK SHESLAY PROPOSED IPCA ` SSPATSIZIPATSIZI IISKUTSKUT RRIVERIVER HHEADWATERSEADWATERS HHOTOT SPSPRINGSRINGS PPARKARK PPARKARK TTATLATUIATLATUI PPARKARK

NNINGUNSAWINGUNSAW ICE MOUNTAIN RRIVERIVER EECOLOGICALCOLOGICAL GGREATREAT RRESERVEESERVE GGLACIERLACIER PROPOSED IPCA PPARKARK CCHOQUETTEHOQUETTE HHOTOT NNINGUNSAWINGUNSAW SPSPRINGSRINGS PPARKARK PPARKARK

CCRAIGRAIG HHEADWATERSEADWATERS PPROTECTEDROTECTED AAREAREA

LLAVAAVA FFORKSORKS KLAPPAN SACRED PARK SSUSTUTUSTUT PARK DDAMDOCHAXAMDOCHAX PPARKARK BBORDERORDER PPROTECTEDROTECTED SSUSTUTUSTUT HEADWATERS ZONE LLAKEAKE PPARKARK AAREAREA PPROTECTEDROTECTED PROPOSED IPCA AAREAREA

Content may not reflect National Geographic's current map policy. Sources: National Geographic, Esri, Garmin, HERE, UNEP-WCMC, USGS, NASA, ESA, METI, NRCAN, GEBCO, NOAA, increment P Corp.

12 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Successful Hunts by Tahltans

SKYE WHITING

My name is Skye Whiting, my mother is Kathleen Cottrell, her mother is Catherine Thompson, and her parents were Charley and Julia Callbreath. My Tahltan name is Edzona, given to me by my Grandpa Charley.

Right: Last year my husband and a friend of ours went hunting on an island together. We split up from our friend and I saw the doe first, and of course, the buck came running out after and my husband was able to drop him.

We hunt elk, mule, and white tail as well. My husband has been hunting his whole life and has been teaching me for the last Left: This is my daughter and several years. We’re very excited to go on me with my first black tail in our first moose hunt together in November 2016. I was road hunting with as we got a draw. her and my husband, and this Our daughter can’t wait until she is old guy happened to pop his head enough and I’m so excited she’s able to grow out! I got out of the truck and got up learning about it. a perfect shot. After dragging it out we got this picture.

13 SUCCESSFUL HUNTS BY TAHLTANS

DONOVAN WILLIAMS

People I was with: ∙∙ Clayton Burger ∙∙ Sam Burger ∙∙ Emmett Tashoots ∙∙ Chad Watts ∙∙John Williams

BLUEBELL LOUIE

Hunt stats: ∙∙ 38.5 inch curl ∙∙14.25 bases ∙∙ 9.5 years old

14 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

CALVIN CARLICK

Moose meat cooking, bumguts cooking, and random spots of the Territory during the fall. The one that is on a mountain looking down at a lake is just above Iskut, a place called Goat Creek.

AMY DAY-PETERSEN

July 2019 Hunts: ∙∙ Top: White Bearded wildebeest from Tanzania ∙∙ Right top: Black impala from South Africa ∙∙ Right bottom: Thompson’s gazelle from Tanzania

15 SUCCESSFUL HUNTS BY TAHLTANS

FEDDIE LOUIE

A dream became a reality. Always wanted to get a large bull moose and I did it. My adrenaline was still pumping, four hours later. Thank you for guiding me Paul Louie, thank you!

BRIANNA TASHOOTS

16 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

DARCIE LOUIE

Left to right: Deegah enjoying some Caribou ribs Daniel Ball & Nicholas Dennis (Spencer’s Flat) Klappan Bertha Louie & Wayne Dennis (Groundhog Mountain) Klappan

BAILEY QUOCK

I shot the bear between the Burrage blueberry patch and Bob Quinn. Actually it was near where my dad, Beal, got one before. This was my first black bear! I followed Tahltan tradition and gave it away to the elders in Iskut. Klappan School – Iskut BC

17 SUCCESSFUL HUNTS BY TAHLTANS

FRANK TASHOOTS

I shot my first ram at Bedford Mountain. I hiked up there with my dad and we hiked along the ridge line and came to the rocky parts. We climbed up above the sheep. After I shot it we rolled it down the hill to a better spot to work on it. It was hard climbing back up! This was my first ram. I felt a little bit of excitement and it didn’t really hit me yet that I shot my first ram! My dad JJ is a very good teacher. When we got down the mountain we came out a different spot than where we went up and as I waited with my pack it hit me... I got my first ram! I followed Tahltan traditions and gave away most of the meat. Klappan School – Iskut BC

SHANE QUOCK

Guiding for Sheslay River Outfitters, which his family owns and operates.

18 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Tahltan Guide & Outfitters Association Message

The Tahltan Guide & Outfitters Association (TGOA) would and action in the Tahltan Territory”. Caribou in British like to congratulate the Tahltan Nation for their steps Columbia are facing the increased pressures of a changing climate, disturbance, habitat loss, predation, towards co-management of wildlife in Tahltan Territory. harvest, and disease. Responding to concerns for The Tahltan Nation is leading the way to a more adaptive and changing caribou numbers and behaviours voiced responsible model of wildlife management. The TGOA look by community members and local land-users, TGOA, TCG, and the BC Wildlife Health Program identified forward to our continued partnership in wildlife research the need for a collaborative mountain caribou health with the Tahltan Nation. surveillance program. A relationship with the University of Calgary and graduate student, Dr. Naima Jutha, has TGOA has been working on several wildlife initiatives led to building a program which uses both scientific and continues building on past projects, including the and local knowledge to understand caribou health Stone’s sheep research project which is in its third in a comprehensive way that includes: diseases and and final year. This project has brought attention to our parasites, measures of stress, nutrition, morphology/ local Stone’s sheep and will provide information on the condition, calf production and herd demographics, and cumulative impacts such as human-caused disturbance, more. Dr. Jutha is a veterinarian and Master of Science climate change, and predation. The Wildlife Heath student now at the University of Guelph. She has been sampling project is in its fourth year and has provided working on this project in Tahltan Territory for the valuable information on wildlife health, as well as food past two years. source security for the Tahltan Nation. This year will also see the delivery of Dr. Naima Jutha’s research project on The major objectives of our study are to: local knowledge and its importance to the monitoring of ∙∙ Determine current status and trends of caribou health wildlife population trends. We at the TGOA continue to using both guide & outfitter-based health sampling contribute to the local communities through our meat and local ecological knowledge. sharing program, annual scholarships for local youth, ∙∙ Develop a framework for a sustainable and locally- and a shared commitment to look after the Tahltan based wildlife health surveillance program in this region that can be applied to other areas. Territory. Each of these projects has been developed and executed in conjunction with TCG’s Wildlife Department. COMPLETED TO DATE: In addition to these projects, TGOA began issuing TCG LOCAL KNOWLEDGE 16 (Individual, 2018) INTERVIEWS permits (in addition to the Provincial permits that 7 (Group, to be are required) to each of their clients in fall 2018. The completed Fall 2019) funds generated from these permits contribute to local Total = 23 wildlife projects and the Guardians program. TGOA, and research partners, are excited to formally present SAMPLE KITS 23 (2016) the outcomes of their research projects at the 2019 SUBMITTED 18 (2017) Northern Wildlife Symposium this November 2019. 22 (2018) One of the research projects being presented at the Total = 63 2019 Wildlife Symposium is the Northwestern BC Mountain Caribou Health Surveillance Program led by Dr. Naima Jutha. Dr. Jutha says “understanding the health status of these animals is an important step to informing appropriate management strategies

19 TAHLTAN GUIDE & OUTFITTERS ASSOCIATION PROJECTS UPDATE

GUIDE OUTFITTERS MAP IN THE TAHLTAN NATION

Yukon Territory Northwest Territories

Atlin WEIGELT, Nicholas NIEMEYER, Colin PONATH, Brandon LEGEND GUIDE OUTFITTER OESTREICH, Devlin AREAS ROE, Dustin VINCE, Luke TAHLTAN TERRITORY Alaska PETERSON, James

SCHMIDT, Aimee DAY, Rudy DANIELSON, Michael

BLACK, Shane

ORIGONIA, Maria

WILLIAMS, Gregory CREYKE, Jerry

COLLINGWOOD, Raymond SOLOMONSON, Richard GUTFRUCHT, Heidi

HODSON, Logan

LEUENBERGER, Matthew YOUNG, Michael FLEMING, Ronald

MILLER, Scott

HILL, Thomas

LARSON, Clinton MILLIGAN, Robert

As a first step, unique, standardized sample kits were everyone involved. The interviews and group feedback developed and distributed to the TGOA since 2016 for help fill knowledge gaps about northern mountain collection of biological samples and data on harvested caribou and show how a community-based health caribou bulls in Regions 6 and 7. Analyses of these surveillance program would be successful in this region. and future samples give valuable information on With continued support from international conservation diseases, parasites, contaminants analysis, stress, organizations such as Wild Sheep Foundation, body condition, age and size. Over the summer and Washington State Wild Sheep Foundation, Shikar fall of 2018, Dr. Jutha conducted interviews with past Foundation and Safari Club International, TGOA and currently practicing guides and outfitters to record will continue to contribute to proactive wildlife and their observations on herd and individual animal habitat management, which in turn will contribute to health, status, and trends. These interviews targeted abundant wildlife populations for generations within information such as: regions important for caribou, Tahltan Territory. herd demographics, herd movements and trends, observations of disease and body condition, activities of other species in the area, and habitat. For further information, please contact: This fall 2019, group feedback sessions with participants Graduate student: Naima Jutha, [email protected] and other ‘knowledge experts’ are being held to further Graduate program supervisor: Susan Kutz, [email protected] strengthen our understanding of the knowledge BC Wildlife Veterinarian: , [email protected] documented. As it provides a forum for valuable Helen Schwantje knowledge to be shared and acknowledged, this model Local contact: Billy Oestreich, [email protected] of collecting scientific and local knowledge is exciting for

20 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

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21 TAHLTAN NATION TRAPLINE MAP

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22 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

3 Nations and British Columbia Collaborative Stewardship Forum Update

The 3 Nations and British Columbia Collaborative Stewardship Since 2018, the 3NBC–CSF partnership has: Forum (“3NBC-CSF”) is an initiative by which the Kaska, Tahltan 1. Established the governance structures required to effectively administer 3NBC-CSF and work toward and Taku River Tlingit Nations have agreed with the Province the goal of shared management of wildlife and other to increase collaboration on wildlife management and other land and resources across the traditional territories of the 3 Nations; land and resource values toward a shared management model 2. Supported an expanded role of the 3 Nations across the traditional territories of the 3 Nations in BC. Guardians programs including expanded hunting and land use monitoring and establishment of study The 3NBC-CSF is a 3-year pilot program funded through areas, more seasonal Guardians employed, and the BC’s Indigenous Funding Envelope. It started in 2018 purchase of necessary equipment and tools; and is in its second year of operations. The 3NBC-CSF is 3. Incorporated working groups and community focused on three program areas: direction for priority setting; ∙∙ Guardians Programs; 4. Addressed information gaps through the support of ∙∙ Specific Projects (such as wildlife inventories); ongoing joint programs such as the Cassiar Stone’s Sheep Program, Carcross Caribou Herd Monitoring, Governance and Capacity (such as co-management ∙∙ Atlin Caribou Herd Monitoring and the Wildlife Health Feddie Louie + research, or new wildlife management decision- Program throughout the 3 Nations territories; and Linda Robertson making approaches). 5. Initiated projects aimed at understanding the Co-leads for CSF The 3NBC-CSF has a 3 Nations Co-Lead – Feddie Louie, successes and challenges of active co-management and a BC Co-Lead – Linda Robertson, who are both agreements with Indigenous Nations and governments. responsible for directing delivery of this initiative as per The 2019-2020 year will consist of finalizing the the mandate from their respective leadership. enabling agreement, implementation of the 3NBC-CSF program by the Governance Team and Technical The 3NBC-CSF is governed by a Governance Team Working Group, delivery of the annual workplan, and composed of the Co-Chairs from each Nation’s the continued community and leadership engagement Government-to-Government Agreement with BC, to provide direction to 3NBC-CSF. In addition, informing stakeholders of the program is planned in 2019-20. 3NBC-CSF Co-Leads, and Technical Working Group Activities occurring in the Tahltan Nation and funded representatives. The Governance Team provides through this program in 2019-20 include: direction on the funding priorities, policies, and 1. Community engagement and direction for caribou herd priorities for inventories and management actions; governance of the 3NBC-CSF. 2. Tahltan Guardians Program funding which includes The Technical Working Group is composed of the continued monitoring of licensed hunters and land use activities; representatives from each Nation’s Guardians program and Wildlife/Lands program with technical 3. Tseneglode Woodland Caribou Herd monitoring; representatives from BC. It develops and manages the 4. Development of moose population action plans through community and Guardians engagement; annual workplan approved by the Governance Team. It is responsible for the project management and 5. Early winter Klappan moose composition inventory; working with the specific project and the Guardians 6. Morel mushroom harvesting management and monitoring; program leads on the delivery of programs/projects. 7. Stikine River Canyon mountain goat inventories; and 8. Joint monitoring patrols by Guardians and Conservation Officer Service.

23 3NBC–CSF UPDATE / MESSAGE FROM THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Message from the Below: Forum members Province of British Columbia meeting Minister Donaldson.

Chris Hamilton Project Director, FLNRO, Improving Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Initiative Ron Frank Maa-nulth Treaty Society and Forum Co-Chair Kate Hewitt Northern Secwepemc Tribal Council and Forum Co-Chair

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural 30 Indigenous participants from all across the Province who are Development [FLNRO] Minister Doug Donaldson was challenged knowledgeable about wildlife and natural resource management. by Premier Horgan to “improve wildlife management and habitat Participants range from elected Chiefs and councilors, hereditary conservation… and to advance UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action” chiefs, treaty directors and wildlife biologists and members from in his 2017 mandate letter from Premier Horgan. both historic and modern treaty and non-treaty nations. The Forum is intended to bring technical, not political, perspectives FLNRO staff embraced this challenge and have and members are not asked to represent any other First Nation, or undertaken an unprecedented conversation with even their own. The work of the Forum is not consultation and our British Columbians to better understand their “co-produced” products are intended to inform future consultation with all First Nations in British Columbia. views on how to address the challenges we face The Forum is co-chaired by Ron Frank of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h/ with climate change, declining wildlife populations, Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations and Kate Hewitt from the Northern funding, habitat loss and other challenges. Secwepemc Tribal Council with policy and financial support from FLNRO and a facilitator from the Fraser Basin Council. Since we A central part of the Province’s approach to developing a new wildlife first met in 2018, the Forum has co-drafted a policy paper with five and habitat strategy for British Columbia has been finding innovative recommended changes to the Wildlife Act, to address issues raised new ways to engage with Indigenous communities on this important by First Nations. The Wildlife Act has not been changed since 1966 initiative. Starting in the spring of 2018, we held 28 sessions with to address Indigenous issues. We presented the paper to Minister Indigenous communities and governments all across the Province. Donaldson in July, who enthusiastically received the document. We learned of issues with information sharing, capacity building, President Chad Day from TCG was in attendance. Representatives enforcement, co-management, communication, and respect as from the 3 Nations group have been involved in the work of the governments, not stakeholders. We shared a desire for a new vision on Forum since the beginning. The Forum continues to work with how the government of British Columbia and Indigenous communities FLNRO to review and draft materials with the goal of “co-drafting” work together on wildlife and habitat management issues. the Province’s new wildlife and habitat strategy which we hope to In December 2018, the first meeting of what is called the First release in the fall of 2019. We will then begin formal consultation Nations-B.C. Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Forum (“the with First Nations communities around the Province. Forum”) met in Vancouver. The Forum is comprised of approximately

24 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Message from the BC Wildlife Federation

The British Columbia Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is British We recognize the trend emerging across Columbia’s leading conservation organization. We are made the country of reconciling traditional up of volunteers from across the province who aim to protect, indigenous knowledge with scientific enhance and promote the wise use of our environment on wildlife management. We value the behalf of all British Columbians. opportunity to work with the Tahltan

We advocate for anglers, hunters, outdoor recreationalists, leadership to achieve properly funded, firearms owners and recreational shooters. We strive to active, informed and effective wild ensure the sound, long-term management of BC’s fish, landscape management policies. wildlife, and outdoor recreational resources in the best interest of present and future generations. The decades-old government policy of

Rob Chipman The BCWF shares many of the same concerns as the dividing those who should be working Director, BC Wildlife Tahltan Nation. We are concerned about the declines in Federation together is coming to an end. fish and wildlife populations, habitat destruction and degradation and that our conservation efforts aren’t Participation in the wildlife round table process has working. These are issues not only in Tahltan Territory but been particularly valuable to the BCWF, and we hope to across the whole province. When people recognize that build on our history of working together with the Tahltan something isn't working it naturally follows that we must Nation. Strong relationships promote strong and lasting change what we are doing, in order to get better results. solutions. We greatly appreciate the collaborative and progressive thinking of Tahltan leadership and the One aspect of change is to work with other groups that opportunity to strengthen and grow our relationship. share similar concerns. The BCWF supports a collaborative approach to fish, wildlife and habitat management based in science and traditional knowledge.

25 MESSAGE FROM THE BC WILDLIFE FEDERATION

On a more personal note, I was fortunate enough to spend some time in Tahltan Territory this August. We were lucky enough to see several caribou as well as lots of sheep. I also saw, firsthand, some of the challenges faced by the Tahltan Nation in this very special part of the province. In some ways, this absolutely stunning area has had a relatively low man-made impact, compared to other parts of the province. At the same time, there is still unmitigated damage from resource extraction and continuing pressures on wildlife populations. I particularly enjoyed meeting and speaking at length with the Tahltan Central Government (TCG) Wildlife Director, Lance Nagwan, and three Guardians. The experience was very positive and informative and I was especially impressed by what Lance told me about Tahltan management plans, as well as traditional predator management practices and some new and innovative practices that have been implemented. It seems clear that by working together the BCWF, TCG and Tahltan Guide Outfitting Association (TGOA) will be able to spread our common message and lobby our provincial and federal politicians to do what is right. The BC Wildlife Federation is committed to work with the Tahltan Nation, the TGOA and government over the long-term, focusing on what’s important: conserving, managing and restoring wildlife populations.

26 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Tseneglode Woodland Caribou Project Update

Northern Mountain Population (NMP) Woodland Caribou are Caribou are one of the most important food sources currently designated as “Special Concern” under the federal for the Tahltan Nation after moose and salmon. Among the different caribou herds in the Tahltan Nation, the Species At Risk Act. In the Tahltan Nation, there are 7 herds Tseneglode Herd is one of the most important and of this population status and all are important to the Nation utilized. We have limited scientific population data of for traditional uses and sustenance needs. the Tseneglode Herd but strong traditional and historic knowledge and a good knowledge of the encroachment Lance Nagwan Tahltan have traditionally managed these herds through of human disturbance in the herd’s seasonal ranges. This Wildlife Director our knowledge and understanding of the historic herd is especially culturally important to Tahltan and is Norm MacLean seasonal ranges, movement periods and corridors, part of the local breadbasket for Tahltan living in the area. and changes in range use over time. However, Tahltan THREAT Project Manager TCG acquired funds in 2018 for the Guardians to collect citizens are expressing concern over the apparent information on the movements, seasonal range use, and changes to seasonal range; movements by caribou population of the herd; engage with the communities, herds over the last 10 years are not consistent with Elders, and Youth on caribou and climate changes both traditional knowledge. historic and current; and collaboratively develop climate Tahltan citizens have observed climate change change and caribou management strategies. impacts on the Territory for years and are starting to express concerns regarding how these changes will affect the wildlife, traditional uses and sustenance harvesting.

27 TSENEGLODE WOODLAND CARIBOU PROJECT UPDATE

map 1. Tseneglode woodland caribou TSENEGLODE movements from April to September 2019 CARIBOU MOVEMENTS Cry Lake APRIL TO SEP 2019

34967 Featured: 34966 DEASE LAKE Clements Brace, Bill Oestreich, Outfitter and former 34965 Wildlife Guardian Wildlife Director 34964 Bill Jex, Provincial Wildlife Biologist William Oestreich, Tuya River 34963 Youth 34962 Dr. Caeley Thacker, Wildlife Veterinarian Fraser MacDonald 34961 34960 34959 34958

Tanzilla River

McBride River Stikine River

In April of this year, ten caribou were captured, collared, and body condition measured by the Guardians (Clements Brace), Government of British Columbia (Bill Jex), and a wildlife veterinarian (Dr. Caeley Thacker). Net gunner Fraser McDonald helped as well, with Bill Oestreich as the helicopter pilot. TCG’s Communication Department (Adam Amir, Communications Coordinator) produced a video about the capture as well. It is available on the Tahltan Central Government website. Since April, eight of the ten collared caribou are still active (Map 1) with one collar dropping off the caribou, and the other collar appears to no longer be functioning. The collared caribou are mostly moving within the Gnat Pass/Dome Mountain areas south and east of Dease Lake. Community engagement is being planned in October and November to discuss caribou management and climate change. In addition, there is planning to deploy additional collars in late winter of 2020 and conduct a population survey in the fall of 2021. These activities, as well as other related caribou management plans, will be discussed at community meetings this fall and early winter.

28 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Tahltan BC G2G Fish and Wildlife Working Group (FWWG)

The Fish and Wildlife Working Group (FWWG) is an outcome Annual workplans are completed each spring and of the Shared Decision-Making Agreement between the provided to the Co-Chairs of the G2G Forum. Workplans provide the priorities and interests to work towards Tahltan Central Government (TCG) and the Province of completion each fiscal year.

British Columbia. It is composed of BC representatives from The key areas of interest are: the Skeena Region, and Tahltan representatives from TCG, ∙∙ Information Sharing: more on how to share Tahltan Fisheries, Tahltan Band, and Iskut Band. information than commitments to share data ∙∙ Linkages to other initiatives such as 3Nations Norm MacLean It is a working group which supports the Tahltan BC and TGOA projects THREAT Project Manager G2G Forum and its main roles are: ∙∙ Guardians Program ∙∙ Provide shared recommendations to the G2G Forum ∙∙ Tahltan Wildlife Policy on fish and wildlife matters ∙∙ Predator Management ∙∙ Respond to the G2G Forum direction and queries ∙∙ Inventories and hunting regulations to support ∙∙ Respond to wildlife initiatives from the Province harvest management and/or Tahltan ∙∙ Fisheries including Steelhead Working Group on ∙∙ Complete an annual workplan and priorities and the Iskut River submit it to the G2G Forum for approval ∙∙ Habitat Management and Protection ∙∙ Provide regular updates to the G2G Forum ∙∙ Support for cultural activities – trapping promotion ∙∙ Respond to fish and wildlife specific Shared and culture camps Engagement Records to BC ∙∙ Moose Management Planning – Klappan, Spatsizi, Lower Stikine, and Liard Basin are priorities for population specific plans

The FWWG is currently reviewing and recommending management direction for Steelhead in and around AltaGas’s Northwest Hydroelectric Facilities on the Iskut River. Previously, Steelhead have been documented in the lower reaches of the project footprint. The FWWG has been asked to provide management recommendations to the G2G Forum, TCG, BC, and AltaGas.

29 TAHLTAN BC G2G FISH AND WILDLIFE WORKING GROUP (FWWG)

The FWWG is involved in the provincial wildlife hunting Klappan this year in its annual workplan and is regulation review cycle. Every two years, the FWWG supporting the work being done by TCG through CSF reviews proposals by Tahltan, BC, stakeholders, or (Collaborative Stewardship Framework) funds. A repeat other Nations. The FWWG provides recommendations of the 2016 population survey is planned in the next to each government. The FWWG was involved with two winters for the Klappan. Also, TCG and BC worked Tahltan, BC, and the Northern Wildlife Roundtable through a process by which wildlife and land use on the development of the new moose hunting referrals will be reviewed by the G2G Forum/FWWG regulations in 2018, which includes the Klappan and then provided to the Klappan Management Board Limited Entry Hunting and Moose Antler Restrictions for a decision. in areas near communities. The FWWG is completing Finally, the FWWG is involved in other Tahltan and recommendations on proposals submitted this 3 Nations initiatives such as 3NBC – CSF with many year for possible implementation for the 2020-2022 of the technical representatives involved in both. regulation cycle. Some of the proposals under review this cycle include the closure of caribou hunting on Mount Edziza, closure of hunting around Tahltan Lakes, and modifications to the Moose Antler Restriction Some of the proposals under review this management areas. Decisions will not be made until cycle include the closure of caribou hunting January 2020. Any changes to the wildlife hunting regulations will be for 2020-2022. on Mount Edziza, closure of hunting around For the Klappan, the FWWG was involved in the Tahltan Lakes, and modifications to the review and recommendations supporting the 2018 Moose Antler Restriction management Limited Entry Hunting changes to the moose hunting regulations. As part of the changes, in 2018 the areas. Decisions will not be made until Klappan Management Board established the moose January 2020. Any changes to the wildlife management direction and information requirements, to be completed by 2022. To assist in the moose hunting regulations will be for 2020-2022.” information collection for the Klappan, the FWWG incorporated an early winter moose survey for the

30 TAHLTAN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER – 2019

Hunting Regulations

No regulation changes since last year. Signage updates: . Map F50 - Liard River ∙∙ One Moose Regulation sign placed on Willow Ridge Road pullout. ∙∙ One Moose Regulation sign put up on Burrage Airport pullout. ∙∙ One Moose Regulation Sign put up at the Stikine River. ∙∙ One Moose Regulation sign put up at Map F50 - Boya Lake Auguschidle Creek on Telegraph Road. ∙∙ One Moose Regulation sign placed Ningunsaw River. ∙∙ One Moose Regulation sign put up Durham Creek. ∙∙ One Reduce Cow Harvest sign put up on Klappan Road Entrance. Map F50 - Dease Lake

Map F50 - Gnat Pass

Map F51 - Willow Creek

Map F51 - Bob Quinn

0 50 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, © Kilometres OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

map f50-51 – overview. Moose antler restriction areas: Iskut, Dease, Liard

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top left: map f50 – gnat pass. Moose antler restriction area top right: map f51 – bob quinn. Moose antler restriction area . Kakiddi Lake left: map f51 – willow creek. Moose antler restriction area

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Map F51 - Willow Creek 9V 423510 0 5 6356200 Sources: Esri, HERE, Garmin, Intermap, increment P Corp., GEBCO, USGS, FAO, NPS, NRCAN, Kilometres GeoBase, IGN, Kadaster NL, Ordnance Survey, Esri Japan, METI, Esri China (Hong Kong), swisstopo, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community 32 Central Government

WILDLIFE NEWSLETTER 2019

/tahltangovernment