State of the Park Report Vuntut National Park
State of the Park Report Vuntut National Park of Canada
Principal authors: Kate Alexander, Michael Gates, Anne Landry, Philip Lee, Rhonda Markel, Ian McDonald, Shirleen Smith, Megan Williams and Carmen Wong
October 2009 Vuntut National Park is part of Canada’s system of national parks. Together with national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, national parks are part of a larger network of national protected heritage areas.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, 2009
1. State of the Park Report – Vuntut National Park of Canada.
Catalogue No: R64-366/2009E
ISBN: 978-1-100-13769-8
Cover photo information: Old Crow Flats. Parks Canada/Ian McDonald; Young caribou on aufeis at Timber Creek. Parks Canada/Ian McDonald; Cottongrass. Parks Canada; Fossil find. Parks Canada/Ian McDonald; Josh Tetlichi taking part in Earth Day festivities at the VNP office in Old Crow. Parks Canada/Jane Park; Hiking in the British Mountains in Vuntut National Park. Parks Canada/Ian McDonald
Inside front cover: l-r: John Joe Kyikavichik, Alfred Charlie, Mary Kassi, Dick Nukon and Donald Frost at Cook’s camp on Old Crow River, June 9, 2001. ©VGFN/Shirleen Smith
Visit the Vuntut National Park website: www.pc.gc.ca/vuntut Visit the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation website: www.vgfn.ca
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français Recommendation and Approval
Recommended by:
Robert Lewis Robert Bruce Jr. Superintendent Chair Vuntut National Park North Yukon Renewable Resources Council
Shel Graupe Director, Natural Resources Vuntut Gwitchin Government
Approved by:
Anne Morin Field Unit Superintendent Yukon Field Unit Acknowledgements Authors: Kate Alexander, Michael Gates, Anne Landry, Philip Lee, Rhonda Markel, Ian McDonald, Shirleen Smith, Megan Williams and Carmen Wong
Special thanks to: North Yukon Renewable Resources Council (Members Robert Bruce Jr., Shawn Bruce, Harvey Kassi, Stan Njootli Jr., Joel Peter and Executive Director Nick Gray); David Arthurs, Jason Boire, Brenda Frost, Shel Graupe, Jennifer Hamilton, Robert Lewis, Joe Linklater, Anne Morin, Lance Nagwan, Jeffrey Peter, Pippa Shepherd, Christie Spence, Rob Storeshaw, Leila Sumi, Barry Troke and Grant Zazula.
Acronyms APDCE Aerial Photo-Direct Count Extrapolation AVHRR Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CRM Cultural Resource Management EI Ecological Integrity HMS Harvest Management Strategy IPY International Polar Year JTC John Tizya Centre NDVI Normalized Difference Vegetation Index N/R Not Rated NYRRC North Yukon Renewable Resources Council OCF Old Crow Flats PCH Porcupine Caribou Herd PCMB Porcupine Caribou Management Board POCR Porcupine and Old Crow Rivers SARA Species at Risk Act SOPR State of the Park Report TK Traditional Knowledge VE Visitor Experience VGFN Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation VGFNFA Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement VGG Vuntut Gwitchin Government VNP Vuntut National Park WNSC Western & Northern Service Centre Contents
Executive Summary 1 Aboriginal Perspectives 1 Intergovernmental relations 1 State of the land and Aboriginal people’s relationships with the land 2 State of the Park 2 Management Actions 3 Key Issues 3 1. Introduction 7 1.1 Purpose 7 1.2 Park Context 7 1.3 Park Vision 9 2. Aboriginal Perspectives 10 2.1 Aboriginal Context 10 2.2 Intergovernmental Relations 10 2.3 Vuntut Gwitchin Perspective on the State of the Park 11 2.3.1 Introduction 11 2.3.2 Indicators of health of the park and species/ecosystems 11 2.3.3 Vuntut Gwitchin ethics and management practices 12 2.3.4 Vuntut Gwitchin management system 13 2.3.5 Vuntut Gwitchin land-based programs and activities 14 3. State of Ecological Integrity 15 3.1 Ecological Context 15 3.1.1 Climate 15 3.1.2 Fire cycle 16 3.1.3 Species at risk 16 3.1.4 International Polar Year 17 3.2 Ecosystem Indicators and Measures 17 3.3 Assessment of Ecosystem Indicators 21 3.3.1 Old Crow Flats wetland complex 21 3.3.2 Tundra 26 3.3.3 Forests 29 3.3.4 Freshwater (rivers and streams) 32 4. State of Cultural and Palaeontological Resources 34 4.1 Cultural and Palaeontological Resources 34 4.1.1 Cultural resources 34 4.1.2 Palaeontological resources 35 4.2 Cultural and Palaeontological Resource Management Work Since 1997 35 4.2.1 Cultural resources 35 4.2.2 Palaeontological resources 35 4.3 Assessment of Cultural and Palaeontological Resources 36 4.3.1 Cultural resources 36 4.3.2 Palaeontological resources 37 5. State of External Relations: Public Outreach Education and Stakeholder & Partner Engagement 39 5.1 Public Outreach Education 39 5.1.1 Purpose of outreach education 39 5.1.2 Reaching audiences 39 5.2 Assessment of Public Outreach Education 41 5.3 Stakeholder & Partner Engagement 42 5.4 Assessment of Partner & Stakeholder Engagement 44 6. State of Visitor Experience 45 6.1 Visitor Experience 45 6.2 Assessment of Visitor Experience 46 7. Results of Management Actions 47 8. Key Issues 51 References 53 Appendices 56 Appendix A. Park Vision from 2004 Management Plan 56 Appendix B. Ecosystem Model for Vuntut National Park 57 Endnotes 58 Tables Table 1. Symbols for reporting on condition and trend 3 Table 2a. Condition and trend, Vuntut National Park 4 Table 2b. Outreach education, stakeholder and partner engagement and visitor experience 6 Table 3. Species at risk in Vuntut National Park 17 Table 4. Symbols used to indicate condition and trend of ecological integrity indicators and measures for VNP 18 Table 5. Existing and potential future measures for the VNP ecological integrity monitoring program 19 Table 6. Condition and trend of indicators and measures used to define the state of ecological integrity of VNP 20 Table 7. Symbols used to indicate condition and trend of cultural and palaeontological resource indicators and measures, VNP 36 Table 8a. Assessment of Resource Condition of cultural and palaeontological resources 38 Table 8b. Assessment of Selected Management Practices of cultural and palaeontological resources 38 Table 9. Results of key management actions 47 Figures Figure 1. Parks Canada integrated mandate 7 Figure 2. Parks Canada management planning cycle 8 Figure 3. Regional Setting 8 Figure 4. Vuntut National Park of Canada 9 Figure 5. Daily mean temperature, Old Crow, 1998–2007 15 Figure 6. Total annual precipitation, Old Crow, 1998–2007 16 Figure 7. Length of growing season, Old Crow, 1998–2007 16 Figure 8. Example of monitoring data for an EI measure 18 Figure 9. Population estimates of scoter spp., Old Crow Flats, 1957–2003 22 Figure 10. (a) Occupancy and (b) relative abundance of wolverines in Old Crow Flats, 2002–06 23 Figure 11. Number of occupied peregrine falcon sites, 1975–2005 24 Figure 12. Maximum NDVI median value each year in the Old Crow Flats, 1985–2008 25 Figure 13. Length of the green season in Old Crow Flats, 1985–2005 26 Figure 14. Porcupine Caribou Herd population estimates, 1972–2008 27 Figure 15. Median NDVI values during calving season of the PCH, major ecodistricts with tundra, VNP, 1985–2005 29 Figure 16. Length of green season in two ecodistricts containing tundra, VNP, 1985–2005 29 Figure 17. Median NDVI values during calving season of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, 1985–2005 31 Figure 18. Length of the green season in two ecodistricts containing forest, VNP, 1985–2005 31 Figure 19. Average monthly flow (m3 per second) at the mouth of the Old Crow River, 1976–2007 32 Figure 20. Peak flow in spring, Old Crow River, 1977–2002 33 Figure 21. a) Date of break-up and b) freeze-up of ice on the Old Crow River, 1977 to 2002 33 Figure 22. Migration route and calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd 43 Figure 23. Ecosystem Model for Vuntut National Park 57 Executive Summary
This is the first State of the Park Report (SOPR) for There are numerous prominent features within the Vuntut National Park (VNP). It provides an analysis park and important associations with it: and assessment of Parks Canada’s integrated mandate • the northern third of the Old Crow Flats (OCF), of heritage resource protection, visitor experience and the most significant wetland in the Yukon public outreach education for VNP. The purpose of (designated as having world importance under the this report is to capture a current assessment of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands); state of key aspects of the park: • portions of the Porcupine Caribou Herd’s spring • Aboriginal relationships and an Aboriginal and fall migration range; perspective on the state of the land and Aboriginal • the ongoing interdependence of the Vuntut people’s relationships with the land; Gwitchin and the land; • ecological integrity; • caribou fences and other significant archaeological • cultural and palaeontological resources; sites; • public outreach education; • internationally significant palaeontological sites • stakeholder and partnership engagement; and along the Old Crow River; and • visitor experience. • the area’s significance as a post-Beringian landscape.
Ecological integrity Major outreach efforts are focused on community Ecological integrity means, with respect to a park, members and students in Old Crow, with the park’s “…a condition that is determined to be characteristic website a means of reaching farther afield. Few of its natural region and likely to persist, including abiotic components and the composition and visitors actually travel into the park, which is isolated. abundance of native species and biological Visitors to Old Crow learn about VNP at the new communities, rates of change and supporting John Tizya Centre. Work continues on defining visitor processes” (Parks Canada Agency 2009). opportunities in the park.
Aboriginal perspectives The report is an important step in the management Intergovernmental relations planning process for the park. The SOPR fits within the five-year cycle of national park management The relationship between Parks Canada and the planning, and the key issues identified in this report Vuntut Gwitchin Government has evolved from will be considered during the next management plan review.
Vuntut National Park (4,345 sq. km) is situated in the northwest corner of the Yukon and is part of the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin or “people of the lakes.” The Vuntut Gwitchin are centred in the community of Old Crow, population 280, which is located 60 km south of the park. Parks Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government (VGG) and the North Yukon Renewable Resources Council (NYRRC) cooperatively manage the park, which was established in 1995 out of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement (VGFNFA). Thomas Creek area, Vuntut National Park. Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
State of the Park Report 1 one initially based on obligations from the Vuntut The Vuntut Gwitchin longitudinal perspective on Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement (VGFNFA) the health of the park is based on generations of to one based on collaboration and respect. In the observations and understanding of species and mid-1990s, when the national park was established, ecosystems. Specific indicators include songbirds, both Parks Canada and VGG staff quickly built muskrat, vegetation, migratory waterfowl, ptarmigan, good communication protocols. Park staff learned wolves, hydrology and berries. These indicators and to understand the importance of input from Elders Vuntut Gwitchin core values are utilized to develop and community members, which was incorporated management practices. into the Interim Management Guidelines and the first management plan for VNP. Over the years, VGG State of the Park and Parks Canada have shared staff positions and Monitoring provides essential information for supported secondments and Parks has recruited VG evaluating the state of the park, planning management members into various park positions. A major recent actions and ensuring that the actions are effective in accomplishment was the collaborative development achieving the desired results. of the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow, a testament to years of relationship-building and hard work between Monitoring covers two aspects: condition and Parks Canada and the VGG. effectiveness. Condition monitoring is designed to answer the question, “What is the state of the Successful cooperative management was not achieved protected heritage place?” Condition monitoring is as a result of signing the management plan; rather, it done through the ongoing process of collecting and was the result of establishing cooperative management analyzing data on a suite of monitoring indicators principles and practices during the planning process in a rigorous and consistent manner. Effectiveness and a willingness to build on the good will and trust monitoring looks at what actions were taken and of each partner. This level of commitment and good whether those actions were effective. work should not be allowed to diminish. Parks Canada is currently working to identify State of the land and Aboriginal people’s indicators and measures to assess how all the relationships with the land elements of its mandate (protecting heritage resources, Vuntut National Park is located within the major facilitating visitor experiences, and providing public cultural and subsistence area of the Vuntut Gwitchin. education) are being implemented. This work includes The park was established in part to protect this area establishing measurable targets to permit it to monitor and its associated cultural and subsistence uses. and assess its progress toward achieving the vision for Although the decline in the trapping industry and an each protected heritage place. increased reliance on a wage economy has resulted in The Ecological Integrity (EI) of VNP was assessed decreased human use of Old Crow Flats, it remains a and reported following a standardized system for vital part of the Vuntut Gwitchin psyche, lifestyle and Canadian national parks, using four indicators that education. Each year, several families set up long-term represent the park’s main ecosystems: camps in their traditional use areas for practising their traditional lifestyle and teaching young people how to 1. Old Crow Flats wetland complex; trap muskrat and live off the land. The school’s annual 2. tundra; culture camp is often located in Old Crow Flats. 3. forests; and Vuntut Gwitchin oral history and research projects 4. freshwater (rivers and streams). also centre on this area. Vuntut National Park remains The condition and trend of these indicators was an integral part of the Vuntut Gwitchin’s past and assessed, based on a series of measures. Measures are current relationship with the land. the actual components (such as wildlife populations), ecological processes (such as river flow) or ecosystem
2 Vuntut National Park stressors (such as the impact of a warmer climate on • undertaking regional integration of land-use plant species composition) that are assessed, either planning and management; through monitoring data, traditional knowledge (TK) • completing a community-based oral history or a combination of the two. project led by VGG; • recording new archaeological sites in the park; For cultural resources, data sources included site- • completing major work related to the caribou specific evaluations derived from the recording and fences in the park; assessment of the archaeological sites in the park, • developing the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow; baseline information derived from the State of the • delivering community-based activities including Parks 1997 Report (Canadian Heritage 1998), and a edukits, community meetings and youth and adult template adapted from the one used to evaluate the events; cultural resources in national historic sites. • offering Canadians who do not visit the park opportunities to learn about and appreciate VNP; For EI and cultural resources, the condition and trend • strengthening cooperative management; and of indicators and measures are reported using colours • providing opportunities for the Vuntut Gwitchin and arrows (Table 1 and 2a). to carry out traditional activities and for Elders Outreach education indicators (related to awareness, to pass on knowledge and skills of the Vuntut understanding, appreciation and learning) and partner Gwitchin culture to younger generations. and stakeholder engagement indicators (dealing with Key issues support, influence and active involvement) have recently been developed nationally, although targets This report identifies a number of key issues related have not yet been set. National indicators for visitor to the park. Some were identified through monitoring; experience are: personal connection; marketing and others reflect the young age of the park and the fact promotion; interpretation; and visitor service offer. that there is still baseline work to be done. These These indicators are reported in a narrative fashion issues include the low population and declining trend (Table 2b). of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, the need to complete the park’s EI monitoring program and further Management actions incorporate traditional knowledge into the program, The 2004 management plan contains a variety of the need for accurate, up-to-date information on the actions to further the work and improve the state of park’s archaeological sites, and the lack of important VNP. These are the key management actions to date: management tools such as a Cultural Resource Value Statement, a Cultural Resource Management Strategy, • supporting new and existing research and an Outreach Plan and audience research. In addition, monitoring programs related to the PCH and the park’s remoteness is reflected in the low number of management initiatives of the PCMB; park visitors. These issues will be considered during • developing and implementing a comprehensive EI the next management plan review for VNP. monitoring program for VNP; • monitoring species at risk;
Table 1. Symbols for reporting on condition and trend
Condition Trend
N/R N/R
Good Fair Poor Not rated Improving Stable Declining Not rated
State of the Park Report 3 Table 2a. Condition and trend, Vuntut National Park
Indicator Condition Trend Highlights
Ecological Integrity
Old Crow The Old Crow Flats is the most significant wetland in the Yukon and is used Flats Wetland by up to half a million waterfowl annually. The OCF wetland complex is Complex the region of the OCF that is found in VNP; it covers a large portion of the southern region of the park. The condition and trend of this indicator was (29% of park assessed using TK and monitoring data for five measures: 1) white-winged, area; 33% of black and surf scoters; 2) wolverines; 3) peregrine falcons; 4) permafrost; the park area and 5) vegetation productivity. has not yet been assigned to a Population counts of white-winged, black and surf scoters have been given ecosystem conducted since 1957. The mean of recent counts is within thresholds and indicator)1 the population of these waterfowl is considered healthy. Further scoter research, led by Ducks Unlimited Canada, is expected to begin in 2010.
The number of wolverines in the Old Crow Flats remains unknown and survey techniques will have to be modified to obtain accurate population estimates. Peregrine falcons in the Porcupine and Old Crow rivers study area are considered to have recovered from a population decline attributed mainly to contamination from DDE (a derivative of DDT), and are now considered to be at their pre-decline population size.
The condition of permafrost was assessed using TK, and is considered to be poor and declining. A permafrost monitoring program is being developed for the park to improve the understanding of these changes. Vegetation productivity as measured using data from satellite images shows that the peak Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values and the length of green season are within thresholds. However, this measure is not rated because TK indicates that vegetation growth in the Old Crow Flats has changed dramatically in recent times, especially with the increased growth of shrubs such as willows. Additional work is needed to clarify this discrepancy.
Tundra N/R N/R Tundra covers much of VNP and is an important habitat for wildlife such as caribou. The condition and trend of the tundra was assessed using TK and (35% of park monitoring data for three measures: 1) Porcupine Caribou Herd; 2) tundra area) cover; and 3) vegetation productivity. There were insufficient measures to rate the condition and trend of the tundra indicator.
There are strong concerns about the Porcupine Caribou Herd; population estimates and models indicate that there are fewer than 100,000 animals in the herd, and that the size of the herd continues to decline. This is of considerable importance because of the close ties between the Vuntut Gwitchin and the herd, and because one of the main reasons for creating VNP was to protect the herd and its habitat.
According to satellite images, the area of VNP covered in tundra has not changed since 1991. TK indicates, however, that tundra areas in the park are being invaded by shrubs to the extent that tundra cover may be declining. As with the OCF wetland complex, vegetation productivity as measured using data from satellite images shows that peak NDVI values and the length of green season are within thresholds. This measure is not rated at this point, however, because TK indicates that vegetation growth in tundra has changed in recent times, especially with the increased growth of shrubs such as willows. Additional work is needed to clarify this discrepancy.
4 Vuntut National Park Forests N/R N/R Forests are a small but significant part of VNP. They are typically open stands of black spruce and tamarack with secondary quantities of white (1% of park area) spruce. Farther away from the OCF, forests consist of open stands of stunted white spruce.
The condition and trend of forests was assessed using TK and monitoring data for three measures: 1) forest songbirds; 2) forest structure and vegetation composition; and 3) vegetation productivity. There was insufficient information to determine the condition and trend of forest songbirds and forest structure and composition. Monitoring programs for these measures were implemented in 2008 and results will be reported in the next SOPR. As with the OCF wetland complex and tundra, vegetation productivity as measured using data from satellite images shows that peak NDVI values and the length of green season are within thresholds. However, this measure is not rated at this point because TK indicates that vegetation growth in forests has changed in recent times, especially through the increased growth of shrubs such as willows. Additional work is needed to clarify this discrepancy.
Freshwater The freshwater (rivers and streams) indicator refers to rivers and streams (rivers and that are found outside the OCF wetland complex in the northern region of streams) the park. Most of these rivers and streams flow south to the OCF wetland complex. The condition and trend of freshwater (rivers and streams) was (2% of park area) assessed with TK and monitoring data for one measure, the flow dynamics of the Old Crow River.
Monitoring data indicate that peak flow of the Old Crow River in spring, and the timing of break-up and freeze-up, are all within thresholds. Recently, however, freeze-up has occurred later. TK indicates that break-up is occurring earlier than normal and freeze-up is later than normal.
Cultural and palaeontological resources
Resource There are 127 recorded archaeological sites in the park: 28 have been Condition: visited since 1997, and 13 of these have been evaluated. Because of this limited evaluation, the condition of the park’s archaeological resources • Cultural cannot be rated. Extensive recording of five of seven caribou fences in Resources the park was carried out from 2002 to 2005; these physical resources have deteriorated from natural processes and are vulnerable to loss from • Palaeon- N/R tological wildfire. The community oral history work undertaken by VGG represents Resources a significant contribution to the well-being of intangible resources, but the loss of Elders of advanced age represents a serious impairment to the integrity of the resource. The small collection of objects currently curated by Parks Canada (125 specimens) is in good condition.
The Old Crow Basin holds some of the richest palaeontological localities in the world, with the highest concentration of Pleistocene vertebrate fauna in Canada. Three main localities in VNP have produced fossils, which have been catalogued and curated by the Government of Yukon. Palaeontological resources are subject to natural processes of weathering and erosion.
State of the Park Report 5 Selected Much effort has gone into the recording of five of the seven caribou Management fences in the park, with the involvement of the VGG, Old Crow community Practices members and the Government of Yukon. Significant oral history work has been undertaken by VGG and partially supported by Parks Canada, • Cultural N/R which has articulated the values of the fences. No Cultural Resource Value Resources Statement exists for the park and there is no formal process to develop a strategy for the management of cultural resources. Inventory data for • Palaeon- N/R N/R tological archaeological sites is outdated and cultural resource monitoring in the Resources park is ad hoc. There are no palaeontological specialists within Parks Canada, but the Government of Yukon has a well-maintained database and sponsors visits to the region to inspect exposures of the deposits and gather specimens. There is currently no plan for the management of palaeontological resources in the park.
Table 2b. Outreach education, stakeholder and partner engagement and visitor experience
Outreach education
Awareness, Major outreach education audiences for VNP are Old Crow youth and the community in general, plus understanding, youth in the Yukon and across Canada. Many outreach efforts are closely tied with VGG initiatives to appreciation and promote science education and continuity of Vuntut Gwitchin culture and values. Outreach efforts in learning Old Crow include exhibits and special events at the John Tizya Centre, lesson plans and three edu- kits for staff and/or teachers at the school to deliver; Earth Day events, posters, assistance with “Big Caribou Days,” contributions to science and culture camps, and annual community meetings and newsletters. For outside audiences, there is the park web site and the Caribou Case Study, a new educational initiative that fits with the on-line “True to Our Nature” school program. The case study has been marketed to schools in the Yukon and across Canada.
Outreach is strong in terms of local products and partners but is lacking in data, from attendance statistics to formal assessment. Also, outside audiences (Yukoners and Canadians) are not well served. An outreach plan and audience surveys are required in order to determine how to address these deficiencies.
Stakeholder and partner engagement
Support, influence Parks Canada’s major partners in managing VNP are VGG and NYRRC. The cooperative and active management of the park is supported through an agreement between the three parties that is Involvement reviewed annually. Other key relationships exist with the Porcupine Caribou Management Board (PCMB) and other government agencies responsible for resource and tourism management in the area, including the Government of Yukon, Canadian Wildlife Service and Ivvavik National Park. A wide range of collaborative efforts demonstrate the close working relationship between Parks and VGG, the 2008 completion of the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow being the best example.
Visitor experience
Personal Vuntut is one of the least visited national parks in Canada. It is very remote and expensive to connection, reach, and tourism opportunities in the park are undeveloped. Suitable fixed-wing landing sites are marketing and lacking. Marketing efforts include a web site that targets potential visitors, a full-colour brochure, promotion, and inclusion in the Yukon Vacation Planner. Interpretation is not offered within the park, but tourists interpretation and to Old Crow are well served at the John Tizya Centre, which offers both personal and non-personal visitor service offer services. Visitation is tracked, but because of extremely low numbers, no surveys of satisfaction or personal connection are proposed. Parks Canada will focus on supporting local initiatives to improve regional and park tourism opportunities in ways that respect and promote the local culture.
6 Vuntut National Park 1. introduction
1.1 Purpose The report is an important step in the management planning process for the park. The SOPR fits within The Parks Canada Agency, along with cooperative the five-year cycle of national park management managers the North Yukon Renewable Resources planning (Figure 2) and the key issues identified in the Council (NYRRC) and the Vuntut Gwitchin report will be considered during the next management Government (VGG), are pleased to provide Canadians plan review. with a report on the current condition of Vuntut National Park of Canada. This is the first State of the Figure 1. Parks Canada integrated mandate Park Report (SOPR) for Vuntut National Park (VNP). It provides an analysis and assessment of Parks Canada’s integrated mandate of heritage resource protection, visitor experience and public outreach education (Figure 1).
State of the park reporting is a relatively new national requirement that is completed every five years for each national park. It grew out of a recommendation from the national Ecological Integrity Panel (2000) and has recently expanded to include the other components of Parks Canada’s mandate. The purpose of this report is to capture a current assessment of the key aspects of the park: • Aboriginal relationships and an Aboriginal perspective on the state of the land and Aboriginal Parks Canada staff, members of the NYRRC and people’s relationships with the land; VGG staff worked on the development of the SOPR. • Ecological integrity; After review by national office staff, the SOPR was • Cultural resources; recommended by the Park Superintendent, the • Public outreach education; Director of the Natural Resources Department for the • Stakeholder and partnership engagement; and Vuntut Gwitchin Government and the Chair of the • Visitor experience. North Yukon Renewable Resources Council, and was approved by the Yukon Field Unit Superintendent.
1.2 Park Context Vuntut National Park (4,345 sq. km) is situated in the northwestern corner of the Yukon (Figure 3) and is part of the traditional territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin or “people of the lakes.” The Vuntut Gwitchin are centred in the community of Old Crow, population 280, located 60 km south of the park. Parks Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government and the North Yukon Renewable Resources Council cooperatively manage the park, which was established in 1995 out of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Final Agreement Porcupine caribou bull, Vuntut National Park. (VGFNFA). Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
State of the Park Report 7 Figure 2. Parks Canada management planning cycle
The Old Crow Flats area (12,116 sq. km), which • Portions of the Porcupine Caribou Herd’s spring includes Vuntut National Park, was designated a and fall migration range; Special Management Area in the VGFNFA (Figure 4). • The ongoing interdependence of the Vuntut The park includes a portion of the OCF as well as the Gwitchin and the land; foothills and some peaks of the British Mountains. • Caribou fences and other significant archaeological There are numerous prominent features within the sites; park and important associations with it: • Internationally significant palaeontological sites • The northern third of the Old Crow Flats, the most along the Old Crow River; and significant wetlands in the Yukon (designated • The area’s significance as a post-Beringian as having world importance under the Ramsar landscape. Convention on Wetlands); Major outreach efforts are focused on community Figure 3. members and students in Old Crow, with the park’s Regional website a means of reaching farther afield. Few visitors Setting actually reach the isolated park. Visitors to Old Crow learn about the park at the new John Tizya Centre. Work continues on defining visitor opportunities in the park.
1.3 Park Vision A vision statement for Vuntut National Park was developed for the 2004 park management plan. It sets out goals to which all parties can aspire, helps focus planning, management and operation of the park, and facilitates closer cooperation and working relationships among those who care for and use the area. The vision statement is found in Appendix A. It will be reviewed during the next management plan review.
8 Vuntut National Park Figure 4. Vuntut National Park of Canada
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State of the Park Report 9 2. Aboriginal Perspectives
2.1 Aboriginal Context Vuntut National Park is located within the traditional the requisite time and resources needed to support territory of the Vuntut Gwitchin. They are centred a successful and evolving partnership. During the in the northernmost community of Old Crow (280 development of the Interim Management Guidelines people), located 128 km north of the Arctic Circle at and first management plan, the contributors received the confluence of the Crow and Porcupine rivers. The solid support and direction from the community to Vuntut Gwitchin are one of 19 communities spread out ensure they focused on traditional knowledge. Even across Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories though Parks Canada staff did most of the writing that collectively form the Gwich’in Nation. during the planning processes, they were always willing to incorporate Vuntut Gwitchin suggestions 2.2 Intergovernmental Relations throughout the documents. They did so in a way that In the early part of the relationship between the VGG demonstrated a clear understanding of how traditional and Parks Canada there was a definite corporate and knowledge was to be used in the management of VNP. cultural divide. Parks staff did not fully understand Wherever possible, research was done in collaboration the importance of VNP to the VGG; further, VGG was with the community, and as a result, all data collection just beginning to establish a foundation on which to and management direction benefited from traditional build its new government under its self-government and scientific knowledge. Elders’ input was sought agreement. Parks Canada staff needed to understand and used at every stage of the planning process; as a the importance of input from Elders and community result, the Elders gave the partnership a great deal of members, especially those who have traditional support. family camps within the boundaries of the park. The collaborative work of the partnership extended Differences were quickly bridged by establishing to the implementation of Schedule A of Chapter good communication protocols and by the park staff 10 of the VGFNFA, which deals with VNP. Much allowing the Vuntut Gwitchin Natural Resource staff of the implementation of the Yukon final and self- to guide them in the proper ways to retrieve and use government agreements has been criticized for not information from the community. meeting the spirit and intent of the agreements. Both Parks Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin Natural However, the ongoing implementation of Schedule A Resources staff quickly built on the early lessons of Chapter 10 of the VGFNFA has gone quite smoothly of communication and partnerships, and invested to date, and Parks Canada has been flexible in the interpretation of various sections of the agreement. An example is the construction of the John Tizya Centre, a model of collaboration between governments. (For more details about the JTC, see sidebar on page 50.)
Both VGG and Parks Canada have been diligent in extending the principles of the partnership and communication to other partners in the VGFNFA, including ongoing consultation (community meetings, meetings with the NYRRC and Government of Yukon), and support for projects such as those related to the International Polar Year (IPY). In addition, VGG Joel Peter’s camp, Crow Flats, June 25, 2001. and Parks Canada have shared staff positions and © VGFN/Megan Williams supported secondments, and Parks Canada has been
10 Vuntut National Park effective in recruiting Vuntut Gwitchin citizens into Successful cooperative management was not achieved Resource Conservation positions. Although retention as a result of the signing of the management plan; of Vuntut Gwitchin citizens in the park system has rather, it was a result of establishing cooperative been a challenge, Parks Canada, as a government management principles and practices during the entity, is fairly new to the northern Yukon. VGG and planning processes and a willingness to build on Parks Canada have discussed strategies to promote the goodwill and trust of each partner. This level of career planning in schools and to promote working commitment and good work should not be allowed to with Parks Canada. diminish.
2.3 Vuntut Gwitchin Perspective on the State of the Park 2.3.1 Introduction
The Vuntut Gwitchin have a special relationship with VNP as a central part of their homeland. The Vuntut Gwitchin draw upon generations of observations of the health of the park, and on an understanding of long- term management measures and a cultural ethic developed to protect essential resources such as those in VNP for the survival of the Vuntut Gwitchin. Their perspective as user/managers and resident monitors can provide significant insights for park welfare and management.
This summary of Vuntut Gwitchin perspectives on the state of VNP focuses on three areas: indicators of the health of the park based on observations over time (e.g., of species, knowledge of key biological, hydrological and geological factors, etc.); knowledge of the working of park ecosystems; and Vuntut Gwitchin management measures (comprising practices and the underlying cultural ethics underpinning their management system). It also outlines current activities and programs to maintain and augment the Vuntut Gwitchin relationship to the land.
Data is drawn from the Vuntut Gwitchin Oral History collections, current interviews and review and discussions by the Vuntut Gwitchin Government Heritage Department, Heritage Committee and NYRRC members. Oral history data is primarily taken from interviews recorded from the 1970s to the present with three generations of Vuntut Gwitchin who lived on and actively used the land for the majority of their lives. The history contained in the interviews covers the time period from about 1850 to the present. Currently, Vuntut Gwitchin do not spend as much time in the park as they did prior to the mid-1980s but community members continue to travel there regularly and monitor its condition.
2.3.2 Indicators of health of the park and species/ecosystems
Vuntut Gwitchin have a long-established perspective of the health of the park based on generations of observations and on an understanding of species and ecosystems. They are intimately aware of such factors as the interaction between species, which species experience regular, predictable cycles in population, those whose numbers can be influenced by human activities, and other species not utilized directly for subsistence but which may be indicators of ecosystem health and productivity. Other indicators of health of the park are observations of water quality and hydrology, vegetation growth, and geology (erosion, lake drainage, and changes in permafrost).
The Vuntut Gwitchin recorded the following indicators of the health of the park: • Songbirds — Numerous Vuntut Gwitchin have commented that formerly (pre-1984) they noticed many more songbirds in Van Tat (Crow Flats), an indicator of general ecosystem health. They noted an overall absence of bird and other animal sounds (and human sounds). “Now when I went out, I said I never saw any ducks. All the little animals that make all the noise, there’s none.” [Ellen Bruce 19 Feb 2001 VG2001-2-09:55-57] “It’s
State of the Park Report 11 quiet, no birds singing, no ducks, no geese, no ptarmigan. It is really different now. It is different now.” [Dick Nukon, 10 June 2001, VG2001-2-24:A44] • Muskrat population — In recent times, Vuntut Gwitchin Elders and others have commented on the small number of muskrats. In 2002, for example, a group hiked to the Robert Bruce Lake area of central Van Tat, formerly rich muskrat habitat, and found very few of them there. The Vuntut Gwitchin believe that muskrats respond to human management methods, unlike animals such as hares that have regular cycles independent of human predation. The Vuntut Gwitchin believe that muskrat populations decline in the absence of active trapping/hunting (see Management Practices, below). Elders note that there were times in the past when muskrat populations were low, such as for seven years after 1926. [Charlie Thomas 2001 VG2001-2-37; Lydia Thomas 22 June 2001 VG2001-2-38] • Vegetation —Van Tat is now covered with denser vegetation than it was prior to the mid-1980s. This is evident in the growth of willows in former camp locations and the reduction in the way that sound carries across distances because of taller vegetation. When Van Tat was actively used by many families, the sound of camp activities travelled great distances; this allowed people to be aware of hunting, wood-chopping, etc. in distant camps. This was particularly important on Sundays, when people observed a religious ban on hunting. Some of the change in vegetation is attributed to the decrease in active use and clearing of campsites. • Migratory waterfowl —Elders note the reduced numbers of ducks such as the black duck (scoter) in Van Tat in 2001, compared to the 1940s–50s. [Charlie Thomas 2001 VG2001-2-37; Dick Nukon 2001 VG2001-2-24] • Ptarmigan — Elders describe making corrals to hunt ptarmigan in their youth, but they have observed very few ptarmigan in recent years. [Ellen Bruce 2001 VG2001-2-09] • Wolves — Elders report that in their youth it was not uncommon to see foxes and wolves with rabies. They describe how wolves den along the caribou migration route and how the wolf population is currently at a high level. [Stephen Frost 17 February 2001 VG2001-2-07] • Hydrology — The Vuntut Gwitchin are very aware of current changes in climate (global warming). Van Tat is a dynamic wetland where meandering creeks and rivers and dry lakes are clearly visible. In recent years, the dramatic draining of Zelma Lake caused concern; it wasn’t clear whether the event was part of the natural cycles of change in Van Tat or due to worldwide human-caused climate change. • Berries, general changes — Elders note more subtle changes, such as the different taste of berries. Many factors (including personal taste) could create this impression, from precipitation to sunlight needed for ripening. “Berries too, at that time berries grew well. When we picked them, they tasted good. Now they’re not the same. They’re sour because they don’t grow like they used to. Everything like in the past is not the same. It looks to me like the land is also changing.” [Ellen Bruce 19 Feb 2001 VG2001-2-09:102-107]
2.3.3 Vuntut Gwitchin ethics and management practices
In common with management systems in general, the Vuntut Gwitchin ecosystem and wildlife management methods rely on measures such as control of humanly generated environmental modification, control of human interaction with animals and harvesting, monitoring populations and ecosystem changes, and control of disease and toxins. In practice, control of human use (hunting, trapping, fishing) ultimately relies more on voluntary compliance than enforcement due to the dispersed and remote nature of harvesting activities. The Vuntut Gwitchin developed a series of culturally imbedded ethics that underlie their wildlife management system, which is based on conservative and sustainable use of key species and resources (e.g., water, trees, plants, etc.). This system is ultimately extremely effective within the culture because it is backed up by both positive reinforcement and social sanctions (verbal disapproval, withdrawal of cooperation, counseling, threat of social ostracism, belief in religious/supernatural penalties). The most spectacular instance of the failure of Gwich’in management systems in the period covered by the Oral History Collections is the “cleaning out” of the upper Porcupine River area. This forced the Dagoo to abandon their homeland and reside among Van Tat and other Gwich’in, a situation
12 Vuntut National Park that might have been temporary if not for other changes such as movement of all Gwich’in into centralized communities. The failure of Dagoo management was apparently due not to flaws within their system, but to the system being overrun by people who were beyond Dagoo management: non-native trappers (who used unsustainable harvesting methods such as strychnine) and non-Dagoo from other regions.
Vuntut Gwitchin ethics (rules/laws/morals) underpin their management system: • sharing; • not being greedy; • using all of the animal that has been hunted; • respectful treatment of animals; • not hunting more than you need; • not decimating an area, leaving some animals for next year; • not interfering with (bothering) animals (e.g., interfering with animals for no reason, even non-prey species; question radio-collaring and other intrusive research and management measures); • not talking about animals too much (e.g., too much attention to a species that could result in bothering animals or other actions that could influence migration patterns, population size or other aspects of their relationship with Gwich’in); and • not bragging about hunting success (could lead to disrespectful treatment of animals, over-hunting, interference).
2.3.4 Vuntut Gwitchin management system
Like any effective management scheme, the Vuntut Gwitchin system combines observations and knowledge of species and ecosystems with an enforcement method, and provides a practical link between management and the Gwich’in land-based economy. Because theirs is a long-term system, they are also able to modify their system based on its effectiveness, observe situations where management has succeeded or failed, and observe the effects of external factors (e.g., global warming, influx of non-Gwich’in, new species in the area, effects on species from activities outside Gwich’in lands, e.g., salmon runs affected by upstream and downstream activities, etc.). Vuntut Gwitchin knowledge of the state of VNP is informed by their own management practices and long-term observations.
One example of the working of the Vuntut Gwitchin management system is the management of muskrat populations in various lakes in Van Tat to maximize yield during the intensive trapping period (1930s to approximately 1960). An understanding of muskrat biology led to intensive trapping measures during the trapping season, ending on June 15, after which no trapping was conducted until the following season. The Gwich’in observed the results, analyzed the reason for its success, and evaluated it according to Gwich’in ethics such as not overhunting and leaving animals for the following year. Elder Stephen Frost described the muskrat management system: • Managing muskrat by hunting: So, everybody knows Pete Lord, ah, and he used to be a great friend of mine. We rat together. Well, I don’t get near the numbers he do but people would say that next year he’s going to have no rats in his place because he cleaned them off. And around the end of hunting season, you get to one of his
Alfred Charlie being interviewed by Robert Bruce in the Richardson Mountains. ©VGFN/Shirleen Smith
State of the Park Report 13 lakes you will hardly see muskrat swimming around. Just dead like, ah? Ah, lonesome, no movement. But Pete, he had lots of experience and I told him one time that, you know, people say that you clean too much muskrat [so] maybe you wouldn’t get nothing next year. So, he said it don’t work like that. He said if the muskrat too heavy populated the … vegetation, the muskrat get too thick, don’t give that stuff chance to grow, they just eat it. And then when that’s gone, the muskrat go too. So, he said, “Yes, I clean my place out, I clean every lake and there’s a reason behind that,” he said. “When the muskrat is having the young one in the spring they are not all out. They’re in the hole, they are hiding.” So, there’s lots of muskrats in the hole hiding when people think there’s nothing around. They all got the young ones inside, eh? And then when the young one is born, the little one come out and pretty soon the feed is ready for them. And by God, you know, you look at that over the years and it’s true. Because of anybody … he cleaned his place more than everybody else and he had healthy place.
So, we don’t know everything about animal, nature too, you know. But for many years we have been giving reasons, just like, not to go to Crow Flat because of the price and the cost. The price of the animal is not worth nothing, the cost, jobs and different things. That life that people like, they go out every year just because they like the lifestyle. But lot of places is not ratted so I wouldn’t be surprised, and you will see for a fact, that lot of place going to be no muskrat because they overpopulated. And they eat off the food and then they get a sickness and die. [Stephen Frost 17 February 2001 VG2001-2-07:121-155]
2.3.5 Vuntut Gwitchin land-based programs and activities
Van Tat and the surrounding area, including Vuntut National Park, has long been critical habitat for the resources that the Vuntut Gwitchin rely upon for their economic and cultural activities. For millennia, they have utilized the area annually on a seasonal basis and in times of need. This use was in turn part of the ecology of the area, and they actively managed their resources.
In the 1950s, a Government of Yukon registered trapping system confirmed Van Tat family trapping areas and opening and closing dates for muskrat trapping (Coates 1984:186). Subsequent decades have seen the decline of the trapping industry and less trapping activity by the Vuntut Gwitchin, yet many families continue to maintain attachments to their trapping areas. Old Crow is remote and its residents continue to rely on hunting and fishing for a significant proportion of their food. While maintaining permanent homes in Old Crow, Vuntut Gwitchin regularly travel to Van Tat and other parts of their traditional territory to hunt for moose, caribou, waterfowl, small animals, and fish. Community members are avid berry pickers and gather a variety of plants, as well as firewood. Most families have access to a cabin or camp outside of town that they visit on a regular basis. A number of families consider it important to take their children to Van Tat in the spring to experience the centrality of the place and life on the land for Vuntut Gwitchin. This priority is also the basis of school programs that take the students out on the land, usually to Van Tat.
The VGG’s Heritage Branch of the Natural Resources Department has been conducting intensive culture-related research projects on traditional lands since 1995. Elders, youth and other community members have travelled by helicopter and boats over all of the traditional territory, including Van Tat and caribou fences in VNP. Heritage research in recent years has integrated education with continuing research, actively reconnecting Vuntut Gwitchin with important cultural and natural areas.
Vuntut Gwitchin subsistence and cultural/heritage activities on traditional lands, including VNP, are anticipated to continue in the future, along with monitoring the land, plants and animals. The VGG and Gwich’in individuals remain committed to maintaining the health of the land, and subsistence harvesting and cultural activities are expected to continue in importance and intensity for the foreseeable future. Vuntut Gwitchin Government All quotations: Vuntut Gwitchin Government Oral History Collection
14 Vuntut National Park 3. State of Ecological Integrity 3.1 Ecological Context 3.1.1 Climate Vuntut National Park is made up of two contrasting The Arctic, together with the Antarctic Peninsula, has regions. The southern third of the park is comprised of experienced the greatest regional warming on earth the wetlands and lakes of the Old Crow Flats (OCF). in recent decades (ACIA 2005). The warming has been This area of low relief (approximately 300 m above sea accompanied by an increase in precipitation and a level) contains mostly polygonal peat plateau bogs. The decrease in the duration of snow cover. These changes OCF contain the most significant wetlands in the Yukon have been interpreted as being due at least in part to and are used by up to half a million waterfowl annually. anthropogenic intensification of the global greenhouse The northern region of the park consists of the concave effect, although the El Nino-Southern Oscillation and slopes and rolling hills of the Old Crow Basin, while the inter-decadal Arctic Oscillation are also factors farther north and west are the foothills and scattered (ACIA 2005). peaks of the British Mountains. Tundra dominates the landscape in this region of the park. Where there are The climate in the Old Crow area from 1998–2007 forests, they are typically open stands of white spruce has changed significantly from the baseline period of with ground cover of dwarf birch, willow, cotton grass, 1951–80. The weather station operated by Environ- lichen and moss, or black spruce and tamarack. ment Canada in Old Crow is the nearest station to VNP. Trends in temperature, precipitation and the The land that is now VNP was once part of Beringia, a length of the growing season were compared with the huge land mass in the Yukon, Alaska, and northeastern climate normals for 1951–80 (Canada. Atmospheric Russia that remained generally ice-free during the Environment Service 1982). Those years were chosen time of the last ice age. Many plants and animals of as a baseline because they were prior to the period the area are thought to have survived the last ice age; of rapid climate change in the north (Solomon et al. some are found nowhere else in Canada. The area also 2007). features one of the world’s most abundant deposits of ice-age fossils. Air temperatures in all seasons are warmer, particu- larly over the winter months (Figure 5). Daily mean Park wildlife includes caribou, grizzly bear, wolverine, temperatures have increased 4–5°C in the winter wolf, mink, moose, muskrat, gyrfalcon, peregrine months and 1–3°C in the summer months. falcon, golden eagle and rock and willow ptarmigan. Figure 5. Daily mean temperature, Old Crow, 1998–2007 The park protects a portion of the range of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. An ecosystem model of the 40— park (Figure 23) is found in Appendix B. 30—
20— The VNP management plan assigned the park a high degree of EI (Parks Canada Agency 2004), but 10— listed a number of environmental stressors known or 0— believed to be affecting park ecosystems. The stressors –10— considered most important were the potential loss of –20— critically important habitat for the Porcupine Caribou Herd outside the park; the effects of global climate –30— change on hydrology, permafrost soils and vegetation; –40— and the long-range transport of pollutants and their Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec uptake into the food chain. Note: Daily mean normal temperature 1951–1980 (line); annual daily mean temperature 1998–2007 (points).
State of the Park Report 15 From 1998–2007, annual precipitation levels were for the entire area of a vegetation type in the park to greater than the 1951–80 norm of 214 mm (Figure 6). burn. The fire cycles for shrubs, dry tundra and wet Although a few years had more snowfall, summers tundra types are very long — 1,012, 1,087 and 3,400 were consistently wetter, with more days of very years, respectively — meaning that fire is a rare event heavy rainfall. in the park. Fires in the tundra and boreal forest are predicted to increase with modern climate change Figure 6. Total annual precipitation (mm), Old Crow, 1998–2007 (Higuera et al. 2008). 400 Similar to the situation in other locations in the north, the climate around Old Crow has warmed by several 300 degrees and the growing season has lengthened. Palaeorecords of pollen and charcoal in northwestern
200 Alaska indicate that similar shifts in vegetation and climate happened 10,000–14,000 years ago and were accompanied by higher fire frequencies (Higuera 100 et al. 2007, Higuera et al. 2009). At that time, birch- dominated tundra was estimated to burn with a mean
0 fire interval of 144 years ±90 years (one standard 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 deviation). Assessing fire frequency relative to its historical regime is key to understanding land- The length of the growing season has increased in atmosphere feedbacks and potential large landscape- most years from 1998–2007 (Figure 7). Every year from level change. 1998–2007 had more days with a maximum above 5°C (this delineates the growing season) than the 1951–80 Figure 7. Length of growing season, Old Crow, 1998–2007 norm. Relatively small increases in the mean daily May 12 Sep 19 temperature resulted in large changes in the number 2008 of days above 5°C. An increase of 1–3 degrees C in 2007 the summer months has led to a 26% increase in the 2006 number of degree days (number of days above 5°C) 2005 from 694.6 to an average of 875.6 in 1998–2007. Seven 2004 of the last ten years have had a growing season longer 2003 than the normal by an average of five days. In years 2002 with longer growing seasons, the season started earlier 2001 and lasted longer. 2000 1999 3.1.2 Fire cycle 1998 1997 There is interest in using the VNP fire cycle as a tool Apr 1 May 1 Jun 1 Jul 1 Aug 1 Sep 1 Oct 1 for assessing EI, but significant research is required to determine the historical fire cycle and to set thresholds Note: the normal growing season (May 12–September 19) is indicated by dashed vertical lines based on it. However, information about the modern fire cycle is useful for describing the ecological context 3.1.3 Species at risk of VNP. A total of 13,857 ha (3.2% of the area of VNP) has burned in four fires since the Government of VNP and adjacent areas provide seasonal or year- Yukon began recording fires in 1960. Most of the round homes for six wildlife species or populations burned area occurred in the shrub (48%) and dry designated at risk (Table 3) by the Committee on the tundra (40%) vegetation types. Fire cycle, also known Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). as the mean return interval, refers to the expected time Two of them, the peregrine falcon and rusty blackbird,
16 Vuntut National Park Table 3. Species at risk in Vuntut National Park
Species Status
Peregrine falcon (anatum/tundrius) Special Concern. Currently undergoing consultation for addition to Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius Schedule 1 of SARA. Until a decision is made, anatum and tundrius subspecies are listed separately in the Act; anatum as Threatened in Schedule 1 and tundrius as Special Concern in Schedule 3.
Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus Special Concern. Listed in Schedule 1 of SARA.
Grizzly bear, Ursus arctos (northwestern population) Special Concern. Not currently listed in Schedule 1 of SARA.
Wolverine, Gulo gulo (western population) Special Concern. Not currently listed in Schedule 1 of SARA.
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus Special Concern. Not currently listed in Schedule 1 of SARA.
Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus Special Concern. Not currently listed in Schedule 1 of SARA. are listed in Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk potential for use in the SOPR, these data were not Act (SARA). Although all of these species are found in used for this report because the data was preliminary. VNP, assessments of their populations are conducted Results from these research projects will be reviewed at a regional rather than a park-level scale. and incorporated into the next version of the VNP SOPR where possible. It is also hoped that, through 3.1.4 International Polar Year partnerships, Parks Canada can continue selected IPY International Polar Year 2007–08 (IPY) is a global monitoring programs, and will be able to implement interdisciplinary scientific program focused on the new monitoring methods developed through IPY Arctic and the Antarctic. In 2007 VGG, Government of projects. Yukon and a team of scientists from seven universities 3.2 Ecosystem Indicators and Measures began a multidisciplinary study in the OCF as part of IPY. The work had several goals: The EI of VNP is assessed and reported following a 1. Document the history of environmental change standardized system for Canadian national parks. EI from the last interglacial point to the present in the in VNP is reported using four indicators that represent OCF; the park’s main ecosystems: 2. Assess the distribution and abundance of 1. Old Crow Flats wetland complex; vegetation and wildlife in relation to the changing 2. Tundra; physical environment; 3. Forests; and 3. Evaluate the impact of changes in the physical and 4. Freshwater (rivers and streams). biological environment on traditional food sources of the VGFN; and The condition and trend of these indicators is assessed, 4. Develop a long-term environmental monitoring based on a series of measures. Measures are the actual program for the OCF, to be conducted by the components (such as wildlife populations), ecological VGFN. processes (such as river flow) or ecosystem stressors (such as the impact of a warmer climate on plant When the VNP SOPR was prepared, IPY research species composition) that are assessed, either through was reviewed for data that fit the VNP EI monitoring monitoring data, TK, or a combination of the two. program. Although IPY research on permafrost, Condition and trend of indicators and measures are shrubs, moose, muskrat and aquatic health had reported using colours and arrows (Table 4).
State of the Park Report 17 Table 4. Symbols used to indicate the condition and trend of ecological integrity indicators and measures for VNP
Condition Good The ecosystem is secure, and contains a healthy composition and abundance of native species and biological communities, rates of change and supporting processes. No major active management actions are required.
Fair The ecosystem is vulnerable and does not contain a completely healthy composition and abundance of native species and biological communities, rates of change and supporting processes. Active management actions are required.
Poor The ecosystem is impaired and does not contain a healthy composition and abundance of native species and biological communities, rates of change and supporting processes. Significant and ongoing management actions are required.
Not Rated N/R Not enough information is available to provide a condition for the indicator/measure.
Trend Improving The state of the indicator/measure has improved since the last assessment.
Stable The state of the indicator/measure has not changed since the last assessment.
Declining The state of the indicator/measure has declined since the last assessment.
Not Rated N/R There is not enough information available to provide a trend for the indicator/measure.
In consultation with the NYRRC and the VGG, degree of change. Within the yellow thresholds is measures were selected for the VNP EI monitoring the “green zone,” where the EI of the measure is program. The program is designed so that each considered to be healthy. indicator has one or more measures; if possible, Figure 8. Example of monitoring data for an EI measure the measures cover the elements of biodiversity, ecosystem processes and stressors. Data collection upper red threshold for measures is conducted either by Parks Canada or upper yellow threshold through ecological monitoring programs conducted by other resource management organizations. The ability of measures to detect change was assessed, green zone where possible, by calculating the statistical power and comparing this against a standard. In general, monitoring data sampling should be able to detect a minimum trend of lower yellow threshold
±20% over a five-year period, a minimum of detectable lower red threshold difference of ±20% from the baseline condition or previous five years, or should have a statistical power time of 0.8. Measures that did not meet this standard were either not used or were interpreted with caution. Table Thresholds for measures were set using one or more of 5 shows existing and potential measures for the VNP the following parameters: EI monitoring program. 1. Management thresholds were developed with park cooperative management partners. In Thresholds provide an alert to significant changes in some cases these thresholds were based on, or an indicator or measure that give cause for concern. incorporated, TK; There are four potential thresholds: upper yellow 2. Biological thresholds were set based on existing and red, and lower yellow and red (Figure 8). Yellow values from peer-reviewed literature. Thresholds thresholds represent a small degree of change from were set at levels where there were known a healthy condition, while red represents a greater harmful consequences to a biological function; and
18 Vuntut National Park Table 5. Existing and potential future measures for the Vuntut National Park ecological integrity monitoring program
Ecosystem EI Indicator element Old Crow Flats wetland Tundra Forests Freshwater complex (rivers and streams)
Biodiversity White-winged, black Porcupine Caribou Forest songbirds and surf scoters Herd Wolverines Peregrine falcons Muskrats Moose
Ecosystem Permafrost Tundra cover Forest structure and Old Crow River processes Vegetation productivity Vegetation productivity vegetation composition dynamics Snow on/off dates Vegetation composition Vegetation productivity Aquatic health Ice-on/ice-out dates Fire cycle
Stressors Permafrost Tundra cover Vegetation productivity Old Crow River Vegetation productivity Vegetation productivity dynamics Vegetation composition Aquatic health Fire cycle
Note: Measures in bold are presented in this version of the SOPR; other measures will be tested and implemented where feasible.
3. In the absence of the above, thresholds were The condition and trend of measures were assessed set according to statistical conventions for based on monitoring data, TK, or a combination of detecting change. Yellow and red thresholds were the two. Monitoring data was analyzed; if possible, typically set at ±1.6 and ±2.0 standard deviations, preliminary thresholds, condition and trend were respectively, above and below the mean of a determined. Condition was assessed using either the measure’s baseline condition. position of the last data point or the average of data points for the SOPR reporting period (typically 2004– The trend is the change in the condition of an indicator 08), relative to a threshold. These initial assessments or measure over time. It can be stable, improving or were reviewed by NYRRC in order to set thresholds declining. The trend for measures was determined as in cases where management thresholds were most follows: appropriate, to assess the condition and trend of • Statistical methods were used to determine if measures for which monitoring data were inadequate monitoring data for the entire data record had and to which TK could be applied, and to review the a statistically significant upward or downward initial condition and trend assessments made using trend over time, or if the average of data collected monitoring data. Final designations were the result of in the last five years (typically 2004–08) was discussions and consensus. This approach incorporates significantly different from the average of the a preliminary use of TK that will be broadened in 2 baseline condition. future SOPR EI assessments. The condition and trend • Input from park cooperative management of indicators were then determined (Table 6) following partners, especially NYRRC and VGG, was used a predefined system that uses the condition and trend to determine trend if they had determined that a of measures as inputs (Parks Canada Agency 2007a). trend was apparent. In some cases this input was based on, or incorporated, TK.
State of the Park Report 19 Table 6. Condition and trend of indicators and measures used to define the state of ecological integrity of VNP
Ecosystem Condition Trend Measure Monitoring data Traditional Knowledge3 indicator Old Crow Flats White-winged, The mean of the last five Elders noted a reduced number wetland complex black and surf population estimates of ducks, such as the black scoters for total scoters (white- duck (white-winged scoter) in (29% of park winged scoter, black scoter Van Tat in 2001 compared to the area; 33% of and surf scoter) is within 1940s–50s. The use of TK for the park area statistical thresholds. The assessing condition and trend of has not yet been trend is stable as there is no white-winged scoter, black scoter assigned to a long-term trend in the data and surf scoter populations will given ecosystem (1957–2008). be investigated for future SOPR indicator; see assessments. endnote 1 for more details) N/R N/R Wolverines Snow track data were inconclusive. Aerial survey data provide one measurement of density, but comparisons are needed to determine condition and trend. Peregrine Literature indicates that the Peregrine falcons are currently falcons peregrine falcon population abundant in adequate habitats in the Porcupine and Old along Porcupine River. Crow rivers study area is at pre-decline population levels and is stable. Permafrost Insufficient data. Monitoring Permafrost in the Old Crow Flats started in 2008. has been melting. This change is recent and is continuing.
N/R N/R Vegetation NDVI values and the length Vegetation in the Old Crow Flats productivity of green season are within has changed dramatically in recent thresholds. No long-term years. The OCF is covered with trend in the data. denser vegetation than it was prior to the mid-1980s. There has been a general increase in the abundance and height of willows. Tundra Porcupine The last photocensus The size of the PCH is considered Caribou Herd was conducted in 2001. to be low and the herd size is (35% of park A population model thought to be declining. The area) predicted the herd to be impact of climate and habitat approximately 81,000 changes on the herd (among other N/R caribou in 2008. The factors) are of significant concern. population is below the red management threshold of 100,000 caribou. Tundra cover The extent of tundra in VNP Tundra in areas outside the OCF is has stayed the same since being invaded by shrubs. 1991. N/R N/R Vegetation NDVI values and the length Tundra vegetaion has changed productivity of green season are within in recent times, although it is thresholds. No long-term uncertain if these changes have trend in the data. been as dramatic as those observed on the OCF. In general, shrubs are invading tundra areas.
20 Vuntut National Park Forests N/R N/R Forest Insufficient data. Monitoring Many more songbirds were songbirds started in 2008. noticed in VNP prior to 1984. This (1% of park area) change follows a general trend of fewer birds (e.g., ducks, geese, N/R ptarmigan) in VNP.
N/R N/R Forest Insufficient data. Monitoring Forest vegetation has changed in structure and started in 2008. recent years. In general, shrubs are vegetation invading forest areas. composition N/R N/R Vegetation NDVI values and the length Forest vegetation has changed productivity of green season are within in recent times, although it is thresholds. No long-term uncertain if these changes have trend in the data. been as dramatic as those observed on the OCF. In general, shrubs are invading forest areas. Freshwater Old Crow River Peak flow in spring, the Break-up is occurring earlier than (rivers and dynamics timing of break-up and the normal and freeze-up is happening streams) timing of freeze-up are all later than normal. within thresholds. The trend (2% of park area) for peak flow and the timing of break-up are stable. The trend for the timing of freeze-up is declining (freeze-up is happening later than the baseline).
3.3 Assessment of Ecosystem Indicators on TK and monitoring data for five measures: 3.3.1 Old Crow Flats wetland complex 1) white-winged, black and surf scoters; 2) wolverines; 3) peregrine falcons; 4) permafrost; and 5) vegetation The OCF wetland complex is the portion productivity. Three of these measures were assigned a of the OCF in the southern region of VNP. condition and trend. Wetlands consisting of polygonal peat plateau bogs with basin fens and locally occurring White-winged, Black and Surf scoters (Biodiversity) shore fens cover most of this region of the park. Better Relevance: White-winged scoters (Melanitta fusca), drained portions of this area support open stands of black scoters (Melanitta nigra) and surf scoters black spruce and tamarack, with minor quantities (Melanitta perspicillata) (scoter spp.) are of white spruce and ground cover of dwarf birch, important species of waterfowl to the Vuntut willow, ericaceous shrubs, cotton grass, lichen, and Gwitchin (Wein and Freeman 1995). The moss (Ecological Stratification Working Group 1995). number of waterfowl on the OCF, including scoters, The OCF wetland complex is treated as a discrete area is determined annually through aerial surveys flown for the purpose of EI monitoring as it is considered to by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the have a unique ecology, and its management issues are Alaska-Yukon Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey. different from those in the rest of the park. This survey is part of a continent-wide program The condition and trend of the Old Crow Flats (the Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey) wetland complex indicator is green and stable. This conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assessment followed the process for determining the Canadian Wildlife Service, state and provincial indicator condition and trend as set out by Parks wildlife services, and various research institutions. It Canada (Parks Canada Agency 2007a), and was based monitors waterfowl abundance and habitat conditions
State of the Park Report 21 in over five million km2 of breeding habitat, using Elders have noticed a reduced number of ducks, such 89,000 km of aerial transects (Williams, Nichols and as black ducks (white-winged scoters) on the OCF Conroy 2002). OCF waterfowl surveys have been in 2001 compared to the 1940s–50s (Vuntut Gwitchin conducted since 1957, with only one missing year Government and Smith 2009). TK was not used to (1965). Population estimates of white-winged, black change the condition or trend assessment, but does and surf scoters are assessed by combining population support the need to continue to monitor and report estimates for the three species, as changes in data on this measure and to use TK to assess the condition recording methods over the life of the survey makes it and trend of scoter spp. on the OCF. Further scoter difficult to analyse the data by species. research led by Ducks Unlimited Canada is expected to begin in 2010. Thresholds: Thresholds were set at ±1.6 (yellow) and ±2.0 (red) standard deviations from the baseline Wolverines (Biodiversity) period of 1957–2003 (Figure 9). The average number Condition: N/R Trend: N/R (± standard deviation) of total scoters counted per year from 1957–2003 was 58,111 (±18,296). Relevance: Wolverine (Gulo gulo) is an important species in the northern Yukon, including VNP. It is Figure 9. Population estimates of scoter spp., listed as a species of special concern by COSEWIC, Old Crow Flats, 1957–2003 and is of interest to trappers living in Old Crow. Note: ±standard error4 Snow-track counts and an aerial survey were used to assess the population of wolverines on the OCF from 140,000 2002–06. Track count data used in this assessment came from an area of the OCF that is outside but 120,000 adjacent to VNP. Two types of measures, percent 100,000 occupancy and relative abundance (count per day per km), are possible from the snow track data. 80,000 Percent occupancy is an index of how much of the 60,000 OCF is occupied by wolverines (MacKenzie et al. 2006). Relative abundance is based on identifying 40,000 species and number of individuals from tracks in
20,000 the snow. The mean occupancy of wolverines on the OCF from 2002–06 was 58% while the mean count 0 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 per day per km was 0.15 (Figure 10a and b). There were no significant trends in the data from 2002–06. Assessment: The condition of the OCF scoter spp. In addition to ground-based snow track counts, one population is green with a stable trend. This is based aerial survey of wolverine snow tracks was conducted on the mean of the 2004–08 population estimates, for the OCF in 2004 (Golden et al. 2007). The 3,375-km2 which were 59,503 scoter spp. and which did not cross survey area included the OCF wetland complex in yellow or red thresholds. The trend is considered VNP. An estimated density of 9.7 (±0.6 standard error) to be stable as there is not a significant trend in wolverines/1,000 km2 was obtained from this survey. the 1957–2008 data set. The minimum detectable Results from this survey are not comparable with difference given current sampling methods was ±0.8% those obtained from snow track count data because of per year or ±4.0% per five years. TK indicates that differences in data collection methods.
22 Vuntut National Park Figure 10. (a) Occupancy and (b) relative abundance of wolverines in Old Crow Flats, 2002–06
100 0.5 90 80 0.4 70 60 0.3 50 40 0.2 30 20 0.1 10 0 0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Note: relative abundance refers to count per day per km; data taken from snow track counts; each point represents a survey from Old Crow to Drown Lake. Mean values are shown by the dotted lines.
Thresholds: Data are currently lacking to set human disturbance (Fyfe, Temple and Cade 1976; thresholds for wolverines within the OCF. Ratcliffe 1980; Kiff 1988; COSEWIC 2007). Systematic surveys of peregrine falcons along the Porcupine Assessment: The condition and trend of wolverines and Old Crow rivers (POCR) have been conducted are currently unknown. The minimum detectable since 1975 (Fyfe, Temple and Cade 1976). Surveys difference between the current occupancy and relative were conducted at least every five years to coincide abundance and the next five years for wolverine with the Canadian Peregrine Falcon Survey and the track counts are ±16% and ±53%, respectively. High North American Peregrine Falcon Survey, and in variability within a year in the track data collected some cases were conducted more frequently. Surveys from 2002–06 provide a poor measure of relative were conducted by the Government of Yukon, most abundance. Percent occupancy can be used to assess recently in partnership with Yukon College, and with future changes, but not current condition. Before the Parks Canada support in 2000 and 2005. Surveys were current track count method continues, two issues conducted in mid-June and July by visiting known need to be resolved. The first is whether samples peregrine falcon territories and searching for nest taken outside the park are applicable to the condition sites. The study area was also searched for new nest of the park. The second involves technique and sites. Surveys were conducted from a helicopter, or methodological changes that will increase the number from the ground using a boat to move between falcon of usable samples from each survey. Additional territories. The typical survey area was along the aerial surveys for wolverines are a possibility if the Porcupine River from the Alaska border to a point resources and expertise needed to conduct this work approximately 100 km upstream, and along the Old are available. Crow River from the Alaska border to the community Peregrine falcons (Biodiversity) of Old Crow.
Relevance: Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) Monitoring data for the POCR peregrine falcon are found in many regions of the northern population is assessed using the total number of Yukon, including VNP. Peregrine falcons occupied falcon territories. Data for the total number are used to assess VNP EI as the species is known of occupied sites were taken from Hayes and Mossop to respond to environmental contamination by (1978), Mossop and Mowat (1990), Rowell, Holroyd persistent synthetic toxic chemicals, most notably and Banasch (2003), Banasch and Holroyd (2004), DDE (a derivative of DDT) (Ratcliffe 1967, 1980; Fyfe, Mossop (2005) and COSEWIC (2007). Between 1975 Temple and Cade 1976), and are predicted to respond and 2005, 12 surveys were conducted. Data from to changes in breeding habitat, prey abundance and 1988 and 1989 were not included as these surveys
State of the Park Report 23 appeared to lack complete coverage of the survey area Assessment: The condition of the POCR peregrine (six previously known territories were visited in 1988, falcon population is considered to be green with a three in 1989). Productivity data is also collected and stable trend. This is based on the assessment that the could potentially be used to interpret changes in the POCR peregrine falcon population recovered from its number of occupied territories. pre-decline density by 1990 and is now stable (Mossop and Mowat 1990; Rowell, Holroyd and Banasch Peregrine falcon populations across North America 2003; COSEWIC 2007). This matches the broader had declined when surveys were initiated on the assessment by COSEWIC (2007) that the anatum sub- POCR in 1975 (Cade and Fyfe 1970; Fyfe, Temple and species of peregrine falcons have returned to near Cade 1976). This decline has been attributed mainly historical numbers in most regions of Canada and that to diminished reproductive success resulting from most populations are stable or increasing. TK about eggshell thinning, which was subsequently tied to peregrine falcons in the POCR study area indicates the presence of DDE in the environment (Ratcliffe that they are currently abundant along the Porcupine 1967, 1980; Fyfe, Temple and Cade 1976). Peregrine River. falcons along the Porcupine River declined in the late 1960s, but retained a remnant population (Mossop Permafrost (Ecosystem Process) and Mowat 1990, Rowell, Holroyd and Banasch 2003). Rationale: Climate change is expected to The population recovered and is considered to have reduce the extent of permafrost and to cause increased up until 1990, and remained stable from shifts between the zones of continuous, 1990–2005 (Mossop and Mowat 1990; Rowell, Holroyd discontinuous, and sporadic permafrost (ACIA 2005). and Banasch 2003; COSEWIC 2007). These changes are predicted to change vegetation Thresholds: Monitoring data for the number of communities and to affect microbial, insect and occupied sites are currently inadequate for setting wildlife populations (Osterkamp et al. 2000; Jorgenson thresholds, as only four surveys have been conducted et al. 2001; ACIA 2005). Monitoring of permafrost since 1990 (Figure 11). Data previous to 1990 should temperature and ground sublimation is conducted not be used to determine the baseline condition as the in VNP using a two-metre probe equipped with POCR peregrine falcon population was considered to temperature sensors and a ground-sublimation be recovering from a decline until 1990. Thresholds benchmark. One permafrost monitoring site was can be set, and used to assess condition and trend, established in the OCF wetland complex in 2008, and when at least one additional survey has been two additional sites are planned. conducted. Thresholds: A baseline condition for permafrost Figure 11. Number of occupied peregrine falcon sites, temperature will be determined once adequate 1975–2005 monitoring data have been collected. Upper and lower 40 thresholds will be set using statistical conventions once a baseline condition has been established.
30 Assessment: Condition and trend for permafrost are rated yellow and declining based on TK, which 20 indicates that permafrost has recently been thawing in the OCF, and that this thaw is continuing. Monitoring data will be integrated into this assessment when 10 additional permafrost sites have been established in VNP and when a baseline condition has been
0 determined. 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010
Note: Porcupine and Old Crow rivers survey area
24 Vuntut National Park Vegetation productivity (Ecosystem Process) a limited ability to detect change with current remote Condition: N/R Trend: N/R sensing techniques; and 3) potential differences in the ecological phenomena measured or assessed with Relevance: Primary production, or photosynthesis remote sensing and TK. Results for assessments of by plants, is a building block of ecosystems. Across monitoring data and TK are presented below. Future North America, the annual productivity of vegetation work is intended to improve detection of change in — the amount of plant material produced each year vegetation productivity, and to clarify the aspects of — has increased, with a corresponding increase in vegetation productivity that are being measured or temperature during the growing season (Tucker et assessed through remote sensing and TK. al. 2001). In addition, landscapes are greening up earlier at northern latitudes (Delbart et al. 2006). The condition of the maximum NDVI value is green The magnitude and timing of the productivity of since the average of the last five years of maximum vegetation have important implications for wildlife. NDVI values (0.41) was within the thresholds. Since 1999, however, there has been a significant A coarse surrogate for vegetation productivity is an change in the slope of the trend in maximum NDVI. index of “greenness” derived from satellite imagery. Additionally, two of the last five years fell below The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) the lower thresholds (Figure 12). Thus, the trend is measures the disproportionate reflectance of near- assessed as declining. Field sampling is required to infrared radiation from green vegetation from determine what a decline in maximum NDVI means in Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) terms of ecological processes. imagery. This technology has been available since Figure 12. Maximum NDVI median value each year in the Old 1985. NDVI values are composited over ten-day Crow Flats, 1985–2008 periods, known as photoweeks, from early April to 0.6 late October. Higher values of NDVI are associated with more green plant material. 0.5 Two aspects of the NDVI data set were examined: 0.4 maximum NDVI value and length of green season (data from He et al. 2008). The NDVI values refer to 0.3 the median of all the values found in each pixel in the OCF. The length of the green season, as estimated from 0.2 when NDVI values rise and then decrease significantly 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 over a year, refers to the period when it is snow-free and plants are growing. Note: Thresholds are indicated by average of 1985–2002 ±1.6 standard deviations (yellow) and ±2.0 standard deviations (red). Thresholds: In the absence of biological thresholds for the maximum NDVI value and the length of green The condition of the length of green season is green season, statistical thresholds were set at ±1.6 (yellow) as it did not cross the yellow or red thresholds (Figure and ±2.0 (red) standard deviations of the mean of the 13). The trend is stable as the length of green season baseline (1985–2002). has not significantly increased or decreased since 1985. The length of green season would have to change by Assessment: The overall condition of the vegetation 6% in the next five years for a significant trend to be productivity measure is not rated, and the trend is detected using this data.5 The average start and end of not rated. This assessment is based on: 1) the different the green season is early May and late September (14 conclusions about changes in vegetation productivity photoweeks).6 in the OCF based on remote sensing data and TK; 2)
State of the Park Report 25 Figure 13. Length of the green season in Old Crow Flats, the process for determining indicator condition and 1985–2005 trend (Parks Canada Agency 2007a) and was based
200 — on TK and monitoring data for three measures: 1) the Porcupine Caribou Herd; 2) tundra cover; and 3) 180 — vegetation productivity. The first two measures were assigned a condition and trend; the condition and 160 — trend for the third were not rated. 140 — The Porcupine Caribou Herd (Biodiversity) 120 — Relevance: The Porcupine Caribou Herd 100 — (PCH) is a population of Grant’s caribou (Rangifer tarandus granti) whose range includes 80 — the northern Yukon, Alaska and the Northwest 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Territories. It is one of the largest herds of migratory Note: thresholds are indicated by average of 1985–2002 (black line) caribou on the continent. The PCH is critically ±1.6 standard deviations (yellow) and ±2.0 standard deviations (red) important to the Vuntut Gwitchin, and protecting the herd’s habitat was one of the main reasons that VNP TK indicates that vegetation in the OCF has changed was created (Berger 1977, Parks Canada Agency 2004). dramatically in recent years. The OCF is covered with PCH population size is used to assess the ecological denser vegetation than it was prior to the mid-1980s integrity of VNP. Additional information about the (Vuntut Gwitchin Government and Smith 2009). There herd, such as parturition rates, calf survival rates and has been a general increase in the abundance and calf/cow ratios, are not used as measures, but can be height of willows. Some of this change is attributed to used to interpret changes in population estimates. the decrease in use of the OCF by the Vuntut Gwitchin and the clearing of campsites (Vuntut Gwitchin The size of the herd has been estimated by the Alaska Government and Smith 2009). The conclusions from Department of Fish and Game since 1972 using aerial TK are different than those based on satellite imagery photo-direct count extrapolation (APDCE), modified and should be correlated to an increase in NDVI APDCE and radiocensus methods (collectively values instead of the observed decline. The divergent referred to as a photocensus). A photocensus for the conclusions may be a result of different spatial scales PCH is attempted every two to three years but is not of analysis. always successful because it requires the caribou to form large aggregations, as well as weather suitable 3.3.2 Tundra for flying and aerial photography. Between 1972 Condition: N/R Trend: N/R and 2001, the herd size was estimated 11 times. PCH photocensus data used here is taken from Jingfors The tundra indicator in VNP is defined as tundra areas (1989) and Caikoski (2008). A photocensus was outside the OCF wetland complex. Two main types attempted in 2009 but was unsuccessful. of tundra are found in this region of the park: tussock tundra, which is dominated by sedge, cottongrass and Thresholds: Management thresholds for the PCH moss, and found mainly on gentle slopes; and alpine were set in January, 2009 in consultation with NYRRC tundra, which consists mainly of lichens, mountain and VGG. Following Kofinas et al. (2002) the lower avens, dwarf to intermediate ericaceous shrubs, and red threshold was set at 100,000 caribou (Figure 14). sedge (Ecological Stratification Working Group 1995). Since significant management actions — other than increasing awareness of the population decline — The condition and trend of the tundra indicator are would not be implemented until the size of the herd not rated as there was insufficient information to draw reaches 100,000 caribou, a lower yellow threshold was a conclusion about them. This assessment follows
26 Vuntut National Park not set. Upper yellow and red thresholds were not Since the last PCH photocensus was in 2001, park set; it was agreed that actions would not be taken to cooperative management partners and Parks Canada address high population levels. used data from the caribou calculator model to assess the condition and trend of the herd. The status of the Assessment: The size of the herd is believed to have PCH is considered to be red, since the 2008 prediction grown between 1972 and 1989 and then declined of the size of the herd is less than 100,000 caribou. It (Arthur et al. 2003; Griffith et al. 2002). The last is recognised that the output of the caribou calculator photocensus was conducted in 2001, when the size should be used with caution, and that a population of the herd was estimated to be 123,000 caribou. A estimate through a photocensus is needed. The trend computer simulation model for the PCH (the “caribou is considered to be declining, as the photocensus calculator”) was developed to predict the effects of estimates showed a significant decline in the size of harvest on the size of the herd (Kofinas et al. 2002). the herd from 1989–2001.7 The model uses inputs such as harvest rates, birth rates, and cow survival to estimate how many caribou PCH managers, including Parks Canada, have are born and how many die each year, and was used taken action to address the decline in the herd. A to predict the current size of the herd under current major initiative is the Porcupine Caribou Harvest harvesting levels (Harvest Management Plan Working Management Strategy, a cooperative effort to develop Group 2008) (Figure 14). The model predicted that and implement actions designed to promote the under current harvesting practices the herd would recovery of the herd. Parks Canada has also continued decline in number following the 2001 photocensus, to fund PCH research, monitoring and education and would number approximately 81,000 caribou initiatives, and to participate in the PCH cooperative in 2008 (Harvest Management Plan Working Group management process through membership on the 2008). TK indicates that the size of the PCH is Porcupine Caribou Management Board. considered to be low and the herd is thought to be declining. The impact of climate and habitat changes Tundra cover (Ecosystem Process) on the herd are of significant concern. Relevance: Tundra is an important ecosystem in VNP, Figure 14. Porcupine Caribou Herd population estimates, in part because it is a key habitat for wildlife 1972–2008 in the northern Yukon. Tundra environments 200 are predicted to shrink in extent as a result
180 of a warming climate, which will cause an increase in
160 the abundance and extent of shrubs in tundra areas (Tape, Sturm and Racine 2006). Changes in the amount 140 of tundra cover in VNP outside the OCF was recently 120 assessed using LANDSAT satellite imagery from 1991, 100 2002 and 2007 and existing field data on vegetation 80 classification.
60 Thresholds: Thresholds for tundra cover were set by a 40 management decision and expressed as an acceptable 20 extent of change. The amount of tundra cover in 1991 0 (33.5%) was considered the baseline condition. A 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 constant or increased amount of tundra cover from Note: closed circles = photocensus population estimates, the latest classification indicated a green condition; a 1972–2001; open circles = “caribou calculator” population size loss of 5–10% indicated a yellow condition, and a loss predictions, 1984–2008 of greater than 10% indicted a red condition.8 Upper yellow and red thresholds were not set, since increases
State of the Park Report 27 in the amount of tundra in VNP are not anticipated, spatial resolution of NDVI (one km2) is too coarse to and because management actions are not likely to be report by ecosystem and is instead reported here by taken if the amount of tundra in the park increases. two major ecodistricts in the park: tundra and open Management thresholds for the amount of tundra forests. cover will be revisited as more information about land cover becomes available. Thresholds: Lower thresholds for median NDVI values over an ecodistrict were derived from the relationship Assessment: Tundra cover was determined to be between calf survival and NDVI at the end of June 33.5% in 1991, 35.5% in 2002 and 35.0% in 2007. The in the Arctic Coastal Plain close to the Beaufort Sea classification was 65% accurate for the tundra land (Griffith et al. 2002). While VNP is not in the Arctic cover type (which comprises two classes: wet tundra Coastal Plain, calving does occur in the park’s tundra and wetland; and dry tundra). Condition is green since in certain years (Arctic Borderlands Ecological the amount of tundra cover in VNP outside the OCF Knowledge Co-op 2007). The survival of calves within wetland complex and riparian areas has not crossed their first month averaged 74% since 1987 (Caikoski the yellow or red threshold. Changes in tundra cover 2008). The NDVI value associated with a survival rate from 1991–2007 could have resulted from error in of 75% is 0.31 (lower yellow threshold). The NDVI the classification technique for land cover; therefore, value associated with a survival rate of 50% is less tundra cover is considered unchanged over this time than 0.19 (lower red threshold).9 period based on the analysis of remote sensing data. The trend is assessed as declining based on TK, which Assessment: The condition and trend of the tundra indicates that tundra in areas outside the OCF is being vegetation productivity measure are not rated. As invaded by shrubs. with the assessment for vegetation productivity in the OCF, this assessment is based on three factors: 1) Vegetation productivity (Ecosystem Process) the different conclusions that are reached by remote Condition: N/R Trend: N/R sensing data and TK about changes in vegetation productivity in tundra; 2) a limited ability to detect Relevance: The relevance of this measure is basically change with current remote-sensing techniques; and the same as that for the Old Crow Flats (page 25). 3) potential differences in the ecological phenomena In addition, the survival of calves of the Porcupine measured or assessed, in this instance by remote Caribou Herd is strongly related to the amount and sensing and TK. Results for assessments of monitoring quality of forage during calving season (Griffith et al. data and TK are presented below. Future work is 2002). intended to improve the detection of change in vegetation productivity, and to clarify the aspects of Vegetation productivity in tundra was measured using vegetation productivity that are being measured or NDVI values from AVHRR satellite images available assessed through remote sensing and TK. since 1985; this is the same technique as that used for the Old Crow Flats. The condition of NDVI in late June is green because the average of the last five years of NDVI values Two aspects of the NDVI data were examined: NDVI in late June were within the thresholds for the two value in late June, and length of green season (data ecodistricts: the British and Richardson mountains and from He et al. 2008). Late June was chosen because the Old Crow Basin (Figure 15a and b). The trend is vegetation productivity at this time is critical for the stable. NDVI values in late June have not significantly survival of caribou calves. The length of the green increased or decreased since 1985 in either of the two season, as estimated when NDVI values significantly ecodistricts. The annual rate of change in NDVI would rise and then decrease over a year, refers to the period have to vary by 28–30% in the next five years for a when it is snow-free and plants are growing. The significant trend to be detected.10
28 Vuntut National Park Figure 15. Median NDVI values during calving season of the Figure 16. Length of green season in two ecodistricts Porcupine Caribou Herd in the major ecodistricts containing tundra, VNP, 1985–2005
with tundra, VNP, 1985–2005 16a. British and Richardson mountains 200 — 15a. British and Richardson mountains
0.6 180 — Red threshold: mean +2 std deviations (1985–2002) 0.5 160 — Yellow threshold: mean +1.6 std deviations (1985–2002) 0.4 140 —
0.3 Yellow threshold: 74% calf survival 120 — 0.2 Red threshold: 50% calf survival 100 — 0.1 80 — 0 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 16b. Old Crow Basin 15b. Old Crow Basin 200 — 0.6 180 — 0.5
160 — 0.4
140 — 0.3
120 — 0.2
0.1 100 —
0 80 — 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
The condition of the length of the green season is green Note: thresholds are indicated by average of 1985–2002 (black line) ±1.6 standard deviations (yellow) and ±2.0 standard deviations (red) since it did not cross the yellow or red thresholds (Figure 16a and b). The trend is stable; the length of 3.3.3 Forests the green season has not significantly increased or Condition: N/R Trend: N/R decreased since 1985. The length of the green season would have to change by 7.6% in the next five years in The forest indicator in VNP is defined as forested areas order for a significant trend to be apparent using this outside the OCF wetland complex. Forested areas 11 data. The average start and end of the green season is close to the OCF are open stands of black spruce and 12 early May and late September (14 photoweeks). Over tamarack with secondary quantities of white spruce. the next five years, other measures will be explored Ground cover consists predominantly of dwarf birch, to improve the ability to detect change in vegetation willow, ericaceous shrubs, cottongrass, lichen and productivity. moss. Farther away from the OCF, forests consist of open stands of stunted white spruce interspersed TK indicates that vegetation in the tundra has changed with willow, dwarf birch and Labrador tea (Ecological in recent times, although it is uncertain if these Stratification Working Group 1995). changes have been as dramatic as those observed on the OCF. In general, shrubs such as willow are thought The condition and trend of the forest indicator are to be invading areas once covered with tundra. not rated. This assessment follows the process for
State of the Park Report 29 determining indicator condition and trend (Parks wildlife. Measures for forest structure and vegetation Canada Agency 2007a), and was based on TK and composition were developed and sampled in 2008 in monitoring data for three measures: 1) forest 12 permanent sample plots established in the western songbirds; 2) forest structure and vegetation region of VNP. The structure of the forest will be composition; and 3) vegetation productivity. The assessed by three measures: 1) snag density; 2) seedling condition and trend of all three of these measures are and sapling density; and 3) volume of coarse woody not rated, either because of a lack of information or debris. The composition of the forest will be assessed because of discrepancies between TK and monitoring by two measures: 1) density of live trees by species; data. and 2) percent cover of major vegetation forms.
Forest songbirds (Biodiversity) Thresholds: Because these are new measures to Condition: N/R Trend: N/R VNP, the baseline conditions will be these initial 2008 measurements. No thresholds exist; they will Relevance: The health and distribution of be derived from either the literature on boreal forest forest songbird populations can be affected by dynamics or statistically as more data are gathered. environmental problems or changes in wintering Assessment: Condition and trend are not rated at this habitats, breeding habitats or habitats along migration time. The forest plots will be remeasured in the next routes. Forest songbirds are monitored in the five years. TK indicates that vegetation in the forests northwestern region of VNP. Three field measures are has changed in recent years; shrubs such as willow used: 1) the total number of forest songbirds; 2) the are thought to be invading forested areas. However, similarity index for species; and 3) the similarity index it was decided that there was insufficient information for guilds.13 Surveys are conducted in early to mid- to assess the condition and trend based on existing June and generally follow the protocol of the Alaska information. Landbird Monitoring Strategy. Vegetation productivity (Ecosystem Process) Thresholds: A baseline condition for forest songbirds Condition: N/R Trend: N/R will be determined once adequate monitoring data have been collected. Upper and lower thresholds will Relevance: The relevance of this measure is basically be set using statistical conventions once a baseline the same as for the Old Crow Flats (page 25). condition has been established.
Assessment: The condition and trend of forest Vegetation productivity in forests was measured using songbirds are currently not rated. Data to establish a NDVI values from AVHRR satellite images available baseline condition are being collected. TK indicates since 1985; this is the same technique as that used for that many more songbirds were noticed in VNP prior the Old Crow Flats (Figure 17). to 1984. This change follows a general trend of fewer Two aspects of the NDVI data were examined: NDVI birds (e.g., ducks, geese and ptarmigan) in VNP. It was value in late June and length of green season (data decided, however, that there is insufficient information from He et al. 2008). Late June was chosen because to assess the condition and trend based on existing vegetation productivity at that time is critical for the information. survival of caribou calves. The length of the green Forest structure and vegetation composition season, as estimated when NDVI values significantly (Ecosystem Process) rise and decrease, refers to the period when it is snow- Condition: N/R Trend: N/R free and plants are growing. The spatial resolution of NDVI (one km2) is too coarse to report by ecosystem Relevance: Although open spruce forest constitutes and is instead reported here by two major ecodistricts only a small portion of VNP, it provides important in the park: tundra and open forests. What is reported habitat for songbirds, small mammals and other here is also found under the tundra indicator.
30 Vuntut National Park Thresholds: Thresholds were set in the same manner The condition of NDVI in late June is green because as for tundra (page 26). the average of the last five years of NDVI values in late June were within the thresholds for the two Assessment: The condition and trend of the forest ecodistricts: the British and Richardson mountains vegetation productivity measure are not rated. Like and the Old Crow Basin. The trend is stable. NDVI the assessment for vegetation productivity in the values in late June have not significantly increased or OCF, this assessment is based on three factors: 1) decreased since 1985 in any of the two ecodistricts. The the different conclusions that are reached by remote annual rate of change in NDVI would have to vary by sensing data and TK about changes in vegetation 28–30% in the next five years for a significant trend to productivity in the OCF; 2) a limited ability to detect be detected.14 change with current remote-sensing techniques; and 3) potential differences in the ecological phenomena The condition of the length of the green season measured or assessed. Future work is intended to is green since it did not cross the yellow or red improve the ability to detect change in vegetation thresholds (Figure 18). The trend is stable since the productivity, and to clarify the aspects of vegetation length of green season has not significantly increased productivity that are being measured or assessed or decreased since 1985. through remote sensing and TK. Figure 18. Length of the green season in two ecodistricts Figure 17. Median NDVI values during calving season of the containing forest, VNP, 1985–2005 Porcupine Caribou Herd, 1985–2005 18a. British and Richardson mountains 17a. British and Richardson mountains 200 — 0.6
Red threshold: mean +2 std deviations (1985–2002) 180 — 0.5 Yellow threshold: mean +1.6 std deviations (1985–2002) 160 — 0.4 140 — 0.3 Yellow threshold: 74% calf survival 120 — 0.2 Red threshold: 50% calf survival 100 — 0.1 80 — 0 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 18b. Old Crow Basin 17b. Old Crow Basin 0.6 200 —
0.5 180 —
0.4 160 —
0.3 140 —
0.2 120 —
0.1 100 —
0 80 — 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005
Note: Median NDVI values during calving season of the Porcupine Note: Thresholds are indicated by average of 1985–2002 (black line) Caribou Herd (end of June) since 1985 over the major ecodistricts ±1.6 standard deviations (yellow) and ±2.0 standard deviations (red) in forests in Vuntut National Park (British and Richardson Mountains and the Old Crow Basin)
State of the Park Report 31 The length of green season would have to change up of ice on northern rivers (Wrona, Prowse and by 7.6% in the next five years for a significant trend Reist 2005). For example, as streamflow becomes to be detected.15 The average start and end of the dominated more by rain than snowmelt, the peak green season is early May and late September (14 of spring streamflow is expected to lessen (Wrona, photoweeks).16 Over the next five years, other Prowse and Reist 2005). Over the last 100 years across measures will be explored to improve the ability to the Northern Hemisphere, ice on rivers and lakes has detect change in vegetation productivity. broken up on average six days earlier and frozen six days later (Magnuson et al. 2000). Three components TK indicates that vegetation in the forests has changed of the dynamics of Old Crow River were examined for in recent times, although it is uncertain if these significant change since 1977: 1) peak flow in spring; changes have been as dramatic as those observed on 2) date when river ice breaks up; and 3) date when the the OCF. In general, shrubs such as willow are thought river freezes. to be invading forested areas. Thresholds: Since 1977 Environment Canada has 3.3.4 Freshwater (rivers and streams) measured streamflow near the mouth of the Old This indicator refers to waterbodies outside Crow River where it merges with the Porcupine River the OCF wetland complex in the northern (Figure 19). The average of each component between region of the park. Most of these rivers and 1977 to 2002 was used as a baseline with which to 17 streams flow south to the OCF wetland complex. compare 2003–07. There are few lakes in VNP outside the OCF wetland Figure 19. Average monthly flow (m3 per second) at the complex. mouth of the Old Crow River, 1976–2007
350 — The condition and trend of this indicator is green 300 — and declining. This assessment follows the process 250 — for determining indicator condition and trend (Parks 200 — Canada Agency 2007a). It was based on TK and 150 — monitoring data for a single measure: the Old Crow 100 — River flow dynamics. A decision was made to assess the condition of this indicator as there is substantial 50 — data on the Old Crow River flow dynamics and an 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec adequate ability to reveal change, and because there is considerable TK about the indicator. Note: The grey line is the baseline, 1977–2002; data points indicate streamflow from 2003 to 2007 Old Crow River dynamics (Ecosystem Process) Assessment: The overall condition of the measure is Relevance: The Old Crow River drains the green with a declining trend. This assessment was whole of VNP and the Old Crow Special based on monitoring data and TK. The condition was Management Area, and flows into the rated as green since peak flow in spring and the timing Porcupine River near Old Crow. The Old Crow River of break-up and freeze-up are all within yellow and provides habitat for 14 fish species and is important red thresholds. The trend is declining since TK and the to the Vuntut Gwitchin for travel and fishing. With all timing of freeze-up indicate that changes are occurring streams in the park draining into this river, aspects in the dynamics of the Old Crow River. These changes of its hydrological dynamics are useful measures for will be considered to impair EI should they continue. freshwater EI. The status for the peak flow in spring is green because By increasing temperatures and changing precipitation the average of the last five years remains within the patterns, climate change is expected to affect yellow and red thresholds (Figure 20). No significant streamflow and the timing of freeze-up and break-
32 Vuntut National Park difference could be statistically detected between the thresholds in two of the last five years. This trend last five years and the baseline; peak flow would have appears to have begun in 1994. It is not known how to change by 38% of the mean to be detected using this changes to the river’s ice regime will affect fish. comparison. The trend is stable because the peak flow Some impacts, such as an increase in the amount of in spring has not significantly increased or decreased winter habitat, could be advantageous; others, such since 1977. The peak flow would have to change by as increased UV exposure, may be disadvantageous 11% in the next five years in order for a significant (Prowse and Beltaos 2002; Wrona, Prowse and Reist trend to be detected. 2005).
Figure 20. Peak flow in spring, Old Crow River, 1977–2002 Figure 21. a) Date of break-up and b) freeze-up of ice on the Old Crow River, 1977 to 2002
21a. Date of break-up 1500 — June 29 —
June 19 —
1000 — June 9 —
May 30 — 500 — May 20 —
May 10 — 0 —
April 30 — 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 Note: The solid black line shows the average flow; yellow and red thresholds are indicated. 21b. Date of freeze-up Oct. 27 — The status for the timing of break-up on the Old Crow
River is green because the average for the last five Oct. 17 — years remains within the yellow and red thresholds
(Figure 21a). The trend is stable because there is no Oct. 7 — significant change since 1977. The average date of break-up between 1977 and 2002 was May 25. A Sept. 27 — significant difference from this average could not be detected in 2003–07. The date of break-up would Sept. 17 — have to become earlier by eight days to be statistically 18 detected. The date of break-up is used rather than Sept. 7 — the date of when the spring flow peaked because 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 there was better ability to detect a difference from the baseline average (power of 0.5 vs. 0.15). Note: Yellow and red thresholds are shown around the baseline which is the average date; the significant trend in earlier freeze-up The status for the timing of freeze-up on the Old Crow dates prior to 1994 is shown as a black line; the trend after 1994, River is green because the average for the last five shown as a dotted line, is not statistically significant years remains within the yellow and red thresholds (Figure 21b). The trend is declining, however, because TK for the Old Crow River indicates that the river is the average date of freeze-up in the last five years is breaking up earlier than normal and freezing up later significantly later (by six days) than the baseline of than normal. It is suspected that these changes are the October 3. The river froze much later than the red result of a warmer climate.
State of the Park Report 33 4. State of Cultural and Palaeontological Resources
4.1 Cultural and Palaeontological Resources The VGG maintains data related to cultural heritage in the park, including an inventory of 200 place 4.1.1 Cultural resources names; an indexed oral history database of 535 The cultural resources of Vuntut National Park interviews (including references to the park); a encompass the history of human occupation and digital video database; a collection of more than 400 activity from as early as 12,000 years ago or longer to historical and contemporary photos of the landscapes, the present day and reflect Aboriginal life and other and a bibliography containing 215 published and historical activities. unpublished entries about the Vuntut Gwitchin.
A number of cultural resource specialists, from There are 127 formally recorded archaeological sites Parks Canada, the Vuntut Gwitchin Government distributed throughout the park, representing time and Government of Yukon were consulted in the periods from at least the end of the Pleistocene (12,000 preparation of this chapter. BP) to recent historical times, consisting of seasonal campsites, game look-outs, caribou fences and stone- Both tangible and intangible resources, collectively tool manufacturing sites. Any buildings or structures considered cultural heritage by the Vuntut Gwitchin, recorded in the park are included in this inventory. are included. Archaeological sites, structures and Many of the recorded sites are associated with the the collections of artifacts derived from these sites park’s major waterways, although others are found on are tangible evidence of past land use in the park. landscape features such as ridges and promontories Intangible resources include place names, long-ago away from the water. stories, songs, personal stories, knowledge of the land and associated social values. Considerable information and artifacts were gathered from the traditional territory prior to 1995, when the While it is the VGG that provides an understanding park was established. These collections were dispersed of the intangible cultural heritage and identifies the to a variety of institutions, including the Canadian appropriate actions to preserve and enrich these Museum of Civilization, the University of Toronto and resources associated with the park, Parks Canada the University of Alberta. Parks Canada has a small has a responsibility within VNP to understand these collection of objects collected from the park, and the resources and their associated values and respond University of Alberta curates a larger assemblage, appropriately and respectfully in all the actions it collected under permit in 1997. The VGG is interested takes. in repatriating cultural resources, although space and cost are a factor. All artifacts collected within the park since its establishment are ultimately held by Parks Canada.
Parks Canada is working with the VGG to prepare a nomination to commemorate the First Nation’s long relationship with the Porcupine Caribou and the related cultural landscape as a national historic site. This nomination intends to include tangible cultural resources, such as caribou fences, as well as intangible resources, such as the Vuntut Gwitchin oral tradition and continuing land-use practices. Community members at a caribou fence, VNP. Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
34 Vuntut National Park The caribou fence complexes have a strong symbolic Harington and others has been used to produce the value for the Vuntut Gwitchin. Seven fences have been Beringia Research Notes, a series of pamphlets that identified within the park. The fences were used by provide information on specific Beringian mammals specific family groups from the community of Old such as scimitar cat, caribou, giant beaver, giant Crow, and are of great significance to the community. bison, Jefferson’s ground sloth and others. Current The fences also have a particularly high interpretive palaeontology research continues under Duane Froese, value; they represent an economic pattern and type University of Alberta; Grant Zazula, Government of of technology which was once common throughout Yukon; and the VGG. the western subarctic, but of which few traces now remain. Because they are recognizable above-ground 4.2 Cultural and Palaeontological Resource structures, the fences can be used to tell the story of Management Work Since 1997 this once important and common form of hunting 4.2.1 Cultural resources technology, and the ongoing importance of the caribou to the Vuntut Gwitchin. Since 1997, 28 of the 127 recorded archaeological sites in Vuntut National Park have been visited; 13 of them In 1976, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of have been evaluated. The bulk of the work conducted Canada recognized the national importance of the in the park relates to the caribou fence complexes. Beringia-Yukon Refugium to the peopling of North Between 2002 and 2005, five of the seven caribou fence America, designating it as a national historic event. sites in the park were recorded with Total Station Mapping, GPS-video and oblique and vertical still 4.1.2 Palaeontological resources photography. The Cultural Resources Services Unit The Old Crow Basin has some of the richest of the Western and Northern Service Centre led the Pleistocene palaeontological localities in the world. project, assisted by Public Works and Government During the height of the last glaciation, the area Services Canada, VNP staff, Government of Yukon, known as Beringia was an ice-free area that extended the Vuntut Gwitchin Heritage branch, and Old Crow across what is now northwestern Canada, Alaska and Elders and community members. Russia. Many species were isolated from the rest of Work conducted by the VGG includes the Oral History North America by the continental glaciers and evolved project 1998–2003 (partially supported by Parks in this specialized periglacial environment. Canada), the Cultural Geography project (2004–06), The Old Crow Basin has the greatest concentration and the ongoing Cultural Technology Project. These of Pleistocene vertebrate fauna in Canada and projects helped support the caribou fence recording possibly North America. Over 40,000 palaeontological work, the development of a nomination for the specimens of some 100 vertebrate species (60 Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, mammals, seven fish and 33 birds) have been collected various educational materials, and an interactive video from 150 localities from the Old Crow Basin. These project related to the Porcupine Caribou Herd. are now largely curated at the Canadian Museum of 4.2.2 Palaeontological resources Nature. Yearly fossil-finding expeditions are conducted along In VNP three main localities, all located along the the Crow River involving palaeontologists, geologists, Crow River have produced fossils. Specimens graduate students and Vuntut Gwitchin guides and collected include horse, moose, muskox, mammoth, assistants. This fieldwork includes monitoring and beaver-cut wood, and rodents. These specimens are collecting from localities known as 44, 47 and 94 catalogued and curated by the Government of Yukon, (within VNP) when water levels are low enough to Department of Tourism and Culture, Palaeontology allow access to the sites. Program. Research by Richard Morlan, Richard
State of the Park Report 35 4.3 Assessment of Cultural and The small collection of objects currently curated Palaeontological Resources by Parks Canada (125 specimens) is housed in a purpose-built facility at the Western and Northern A rating scale of green/yellow/red was used to assess Service Centre and is rated in good condition. A larger the resources (Table 7). In a few cases a trend was collection, acquired under permit, is curated at the assigned, based on changes since 1997. University of Alberta. 4.3.1 Cultural resources Elements of the caribou fences located within the park Data sources included in the following assessments have deteriorated because of natural processes; they (summarized in Table 8) include site-specific are subject to little human interference. These physical evaluations derived from the recording and resources are also vulnerable to loss from wildfire. assessment of the archaeological sites in the park, Five of seven fences have recently been recorded. baseline information derived from the State of the Parks 1997 Report (Canadian Heritage 1998), and The community oral history work undertaken by the a template adapted from the one used to evaluate VGG represents a significant contribution to the well- the cultural resources in national historic sites. This being of the intangible resources, but the loss of Elders section is a summary of more detailed work conducted of an advanced age seriously impairs the integrity of and recorded on status report sheets. the resource. There are several databases, but more work is required. Assessment of resource condition The overall condition assessment for cultural resources Of the 28 sites that have been visited since in the park is yellow. Work on the caribou fences and 1997, 13 have been formally evaluated; the on oral history in the park has improved the status of condition of the remaining sites cannot be cultural resources since the last evaluation (Canadian commented upon. Because of the limited extent of Heritage 1998). formal evaluation, the overall resource condition of the archaeological resources in the park cannot be rated.
Table 7. Symbols used to indicate condition and trend of cultural and palaeontological resource indicators and measures, VNP
Condition Good Good, effective, or not currently impaired
Fair Fair, or minor to moderate impairment; requires improvement
Poor Poor, ineffective, seriously impaired or a significant attribute missing (whether related to condition, communications or selected management practices)
Not Rated N/R Not rated or not reported on because the information is not available
Trend Improving The state of the indicator/measure has improved since the last assessment
Stable The state of the indicator/measure has not changed since the last assessment
Declining The state of the indicator/measure has declined since the last assessment
Not Rated N/R There is not enough information available to provide a trend for the indicator/measure
36 Vuntut National Park Assessment of Management Practices The Cultural Resource Management (CRM) strategy measure has a poor (red) rating because there is no The VGFNFA provides for cooperative Cultural Resource Value Statement for the park and no management of the park by Parks Canada, formal process is underway to develop a strategy for the NYRRC and VGG. the management of cultural resources. In the case of The 2004 Vuntut National Park management plan VNP, cultural resources also includes palaeontological includes a number of key actions related to cultural specimens. Development of a Cultural Resource resources. Central to these was the recording of the Value Statement and cultural resource strategy for the caribou fences within the park. This activity has been park is needed and would be developed with the full facilitated and enhanced by the community Oral participation of the VGG. History Project, which articulated the values of the The rating for monitoring is fair and improving fences. (yellow). There is no formal monitoring program for The rating for the inventory is fair and improving cultural resources in the park, nor have staff been (yellow); although extensive work has been given any formal training in this area. concentrated on the recording of caribou fences Based on the assessment of management practices within the park, the inventory data for archaeological described above, the overall assessment of sites is outdated. Of 127 recorded sites, 18 new sites management practices is fair. have been recorded since 1997, and another ten have been revisited. Data on other sites within the park, 4.3.2 Palaeontological resources including their precise locations, have not been verified. Palaeontological resources are subject to natural processes of weathering and erosion. There are no palaeontological specialists within Parks Canada, Cultural Resource Value Statement nor is there an established monitoring schedule, but This strategic document identifies cultural resources the Government of Yukon has a well-maintained and values for places, other than national historic database, and it sponsors visits to the region to inspect sites, which are under the responsibility of Parks exposures of the deposits and gather specimens. For Canada. It identifies historic and other heritage the most part, the specimens collected are stable but values and their character-defining elements (both tangible and intangible) associated with a national are expected to deteriorate as they are taken out of the park or national marine conservation area as a damp soil and exposed to the dry air. whole, as well as the range of cultural resources that contribute to these values. There is no strategy for the management of palaeontological resources in VNP.
Palaeontology resources are given a condition rating of Similarly, the rating for evaluation is fair and fair; management actions have not been rated due to improving (yellow); although the caribou fences have lack of information. been subjected to evaluation, only 13 sites of 127 sites within the park have been formally evaluated since the establishment of the park.
State of the Park Report 37 Table 8a. Assessment of Resource Condition of cultural and palaeontological resources
Cultural Landscapes and landscape features Resources Archaeological sites (includes buildings and structures) N/R
Objects
Intangible cultural heritage
Overall assessment of Resource Condition of cultural resources
Overall assessment of Resource Condition of palaeontological resources
Table 8b. Assessment of Selected Management Practices of cultural and palaeontological resources
Inventory Evaluation CRM Monitoring Comments strategy program
Cultural Landscapes Recent work on caribou resources and landscape fences and cultural features landscape for the park has improved the status of the resource
Archaeological 13 of 127 reported sites sites (includes have been formally buildings and evaluated for condition; structures) there is no formal monitoring program
Objects The archaeological collection housed in Winnipeg service centre is well maintained
Intangible Community actively cultural engaged in oral history heritage project, but advanced age of Elders means personal knowledge of the park is at risk of being lost
Summary
Overall assessment of Selected Management Practices of cultural resources: Yellow
Palaeontological resources N/R N/R Weathering and erosion are threats to these resources
Overall assessment of Selected Management Practices of palaeontological resources: N/R
38 Vuntut National Park 5. State of External Relations: Public Outreach Education and Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
5.1 Public Outreach Education Old Crow youth 5.1.1 Purpose of outreach education A major subset of the local community audience is students at Old Crow’s Chief Zzeh Gittlit School, Education is a key component of Parks Canada’s which provides education from kindergarten to Grade integrated mandate. It contributes to maintaining 9 with a total population of 25–30 students. Students VNP’s ecological integrity and providing meaningful board in Whitehorse for Grades 10 to 12. Various experiences to park audiences.19 Outreach — educational tools have been developed for use at the educational programs that take place outside the school: park— creates an awareness and understanding of the • The original Vuntut Edukit, developed in the late natural and cultural values of VNP and allows for the 1990s, is a teacher’s guide containing information story of the park to be shared locally, regionally and about the park’s ecology and cultural context, and throughout Canada. three lesson plans; All park staff based in Old Crow are, to a greater • A bear edukit, developed in 2007, is rich in props or lesser degree, involved in outreach education. and books and includes a “bear aware” lesson They comprise a full-time community liaison officer, plan; and receptionist/interpreter (shared with VGG), two • A second prop-based kit (skulls, pelts, model seasonal patrol officers and a full-time resource tracks and scat), also from 2007, has lesson plans management/public safety specialist (previously for teaching about the park’s mammals and birds. known as park warden). An public outreach education • The school periodically hosts local staff to present officer based in Whitehorse supports these efforts. programs, and Parks Canada provides an annual academic award to a student at the school. Major park messages outlined in the 2004 management • Outside the formal education system, Parks plan relate to VNP as part of a system of protected Canada has engaged youth at a wide range of areas; ecological integrity, including monitoring, events, many organized through partnerships threats and the role of traditional knowledge; Vuntut with the VGG. Gwitchin culture and stewardship of the land; and a • Science camps in 2006 and 2008 coordinated by “sense of place” — the unique character of the park. VGG and located “on the land” but outside the park had extensive involvement by Parks Canada 5.1.2 Reaching audiences staff. The 2004 VNP management plan identifies seven audiences: • local community members in Old Crow, including youth; • the public, both in Canada and abroad; • park visitors (this audience is covered in the next chapter); • school groups; • Yukon residents; • researchers; and • commercial operators.
Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
State of the Park Report 39 • In time for the 2008 Science Camp, Parks Canada programs, park brochures and interaction with staff, developed a science activity kit containing a and is becoming a focus for the community. Exhibits range of new activities and accompanying props. highlight Vuntut National Park, Ni’iinlii’ Njik (Fishing Designed for use by the resource conservation Branch) Protected Area, Living Culture and Vadzaih staff at science camps and other land-based (Caribou). There is also a traditional place-name wall learning opportunities, it was funded through the map covering the entire Vuntut Gwitchin traditional Aboriginal Interpretation Innovation Fund. territory and a 3D topographic map model of VNP and the Old Crow Flats Special Management Area. There are other Old Crow youth outreach programs: A computer-based interpretive tool, the “Caribou • coordinating Earth Day open houses; Fence Interactive,” will also be hosted on the Old • leading a spring snowmobile trip with a focus on Crow and PCMB web sites. The exhibits can be moved muskrat trapping; aside and a screen pulled down to create a theatre • offering Vuntut programming while participating for community meetings and presentations. The in VGG culture camps; and receptionist/interpreter offers guided tours of the • leading activities at VGG climate change exhibits. workshops, career and education fairs. Other recent outreach work has been done with the Old Crow community Old Crow community: The opening of the John Tizya Centre (JTC) was • VNP Annual Community Meetings: presentations significant in building awareness among a broader of the year’s activities at community dinners cross-section of Old Crow community members. The hosted by Parks Canada. Staff make presentations centre was constructed through a cooperative effort and provide written reports on both outreach and between Parks Canada and VGG, with Government of resource conservation activities. Yukon involvement. The opening ceremony on July 15, • “Big Caribou Days” is an annual VGG-led 2008 attracted dignitaries including local MLA Darius celebration of the Porcupine Caribou Herd that Elias, Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture, Elaine includes a wide range of traditional games and Taylor, VGG Chief Joe Linklater and CEO of Parks caribou related activities. Parks Canada has Canada, Alan Latourelle. It was timed to coincide with assisted in coordinating this event for six years Parks Day as well as the biennial Gwich’in Gathering, (2002–07). which was held in Old Crow in 2008. The centre is Parks Canada created two posters in 2007: one open year-round and offers exhibits, audio-visual about ecological monitoring in VNP and one about monitoring wolverine and weasels in the Old Crow Flats.
VNP staff have taken advantage of all opportunities to communicate potential career opportunities to VGFN citizens.
The VGG’s Cultural Geography Project developed a series of teaching guides aimed at Vuntut Gwitchin audiences age eight and up. Although they are for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation use, several of the teaching guides focus on stories and cultural traditions around the area that is now VNP.
Leila Sumi leads a bear-aware activity with Old Crow students. Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
40 Vuntut National Park The public in Canada and abroad 5.2 Assessment of Public Outreach Education National and regional audiences are engaged via the Outreach education indicators related to awareness VNP web site and partner web sites such as Taiga.net, and learning have recently been developed nationally. which hosts scientific and educational material related Targets have not yet been set. There has been no to the northern Yukon. In May 2008, the Canadian research to determine target audiences’ level of Science Writers’ Association held its annual conference learning related to VNP. In addition, records of in Whitehorse. Parks Canada produced a booklet attendance at events and school programs are of story ideas for the writers, covering the park’s incomplete. cooperative management and the opening of the JTC. The capacity for outreach education has expanded School groups (outside Old Crow) considerably in this relatively new national park. The exhibits at the JTC, new edukits, the science The web-based Vuntut/Ivvavik national parks camp activity kit, and the Caribou Case Study have Caribou Case Study, a new Grade 10–12 teaching broadened and deepened Vuntut’s outreach efforts. resource, is included in the Parks Canada Teacher The strong positive working relationship with Resource Centre. It was piloted in two Whitehorse the VGG has provided Parks Canada with many secondary schools and promoted through the Yukon- opportunities to pursue outreach. Distance is a factor, wide teacher conference in Whitehorse in 2008 and however; senior park staff are located in Whitehorse, to NWT teachers and the rest of the country via the but collaborative work is done most successfully face “Parks Canada in Schools” program. The Ontario to face in Old Crow. Ecological Integrity Poster Competition is another web-based educational program that creates interest in To build on momentum and address deficiencies, the park. In 2008, three of the winning posters featured an outreach plan with realistic, achievable targets VNP, suggesting that the park is a popular subject. for formal education in the community and for general appreciation and understanding needs to Yukon residents be developed and implemented. Baseline audience To date, Yukon residents have been targeted for research is also needed. Target audiences for VNP messages only through the formal education outreach should be revisited to ensure they are the community (see School Groups, above). A March most appropriate for the park. The JTC provides an 2009 survey of Yukon residents found that only 7% of excellent venue to pursue outreach programs for all residents had an awareness of Vuntut National Park Old Crow audiences. (Parks Canada Agency and Government of Yukon 2009).
Researchers
Local park staff work closely with researchers operating under permit in VNP and often assist other researchers in the region. Formal outreach to researchers is limited to web-based information such as providing the park’s Resource Description and Analysis on line.
Commercial operators
No commercial operators are currently licensed for VNP. Bannock judging at Big Caribou Days, 2006. Parks Canada/Elise Maltin
State of the Park Report 41 Reaching Canadians and youth outside Old Crow • Yukon Departments of Education and should be a priority for the outreach plan. Old Crow Environment; residents are relatively well served, but the VNP web • Porcupine Caribou Management Board; site is limited and written primarily for an audience • Canadian Wildlife Service; of potential visitors. Once the national Web Renewal • Ivvavik National Park; Project is complete, VNP staff should improve • Chief Zzeh Gittlit School, Old Crow; and increase the website’s ecological and cultural • Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge content and make it a better resource for learners. A Cooperative; potential project is teaching and adapting the Caribou • Environment Canada; Interactive project as an on-line school program. • Government of NWT, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; 5.3 Stakeholder and Partner Engagement • Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; Parks Canada’s major partners in managing VNP • United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and are the VGG and the NYRRC. The three parties • Alaska Department of Fish and Game. cooperatively manage the park and each has roles and Representatives of the VGG’s Natural Resources and responsibilities outlined within the Canada National Education departments are key partners in many Parks Act and the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation science, cultural and educational initiatives with Final Agreement. A signed cooperation agreement Parks Canada in addition to their involvement in facilitates the relationship. The parties meet formally cooperative management of the park. on an annual basis to review progress and determine priorities for the coming year. An annual community Parks Canada, the VGG and the Yukon Department meeting is also held in Old Crow, with other meetings of Environment (Parks Branch), partnered in the as needed during the year. development of the John Tizya Centre (JTC), which houses interpretive exhibits and a meeting area as Partners and stakeholders well as offices for VNP staff, VGG Heritage staff and There are several major partners and stakeholders of Vuntut Development Corporation staff. Vuntut National Park: Parks Canada has developed an ecological integrity • Vuntut Gwitchin Government; monitoring work plan for VNP, and there is a high • North Yukon Renewable Resources Council; degree of cooperation among the various resource • Vuntut Development Corporation; conservation groups and agencies in northern Yukon and Alaska. Yukon Environment and the Canadian Wildlife Service monitor migratory species including caribou, moose and birds with support from Parks Canada; Environment Canada provides data from nearby weather and hydrology plots. Scientists from the governments of Yukon and Northwest Territories and from U.S. federal and Alaskan agencies all share data from research and monitoring programs. The Taiga.net web site, administered by the Arctic Borderlands Ecological Knowledge Cooperative, is a rich source of information about much of the research taking place in the northern Yukon, including the park.
The Porcupine Caribou Herd, which is vital to the Lesser yellowlegs eggs. Vuntut Gwitchin and Inuvialuit, migrates through Parks Canada/Ian McDonald
42 Vuntut National Park VNP in spring and fall (Figure 22). The range Parks Canada has been involved to some degree in includes parts of northwestern NWT and a wide three major cultural heritage initiatives of the VGG: swath of northeastern Alaska. Ivvavik National Park the Oral History Project (1998–2003) for which Parks in northern Yukon and the Arctic National Wildlife provided partial funding; the Cultural Geography Refuge in northeastern Alaska are contiguous with Project (2004–06) and the Cultural Technology VNP, and collectively protect the northerly parts of Project (2007–10). The VGG invited VNP staff to the range and the critical calving grounds of the herd attend several events related to these projects, which along the Arctic Slope. provided opportunities for staff development and sharing of park messages: The PCMB was established in 1985 to protect and • accompanying Elders and youth on a field trip to maintain the herd’s habitat in Canada. Parks Canada Diniizhoo and Thomas Creek, the site of a caribou represents the Government of Canada on the PCMB fence in the park. The project enabled Elders to and contributes financially to its operation. reconnect with the land and pass on oral history to youth. VNP staff have collaborated with the VGG and • attending a spring youth culture trip to Bluefish other project partners regarding a significant, multi- on the Porcupine River with six youth. disciplinary, seven-year scientific research initiative • participating in a ten-day VGG Cultural related to the International Polar Year known as Technology Camp to Bear Cave Mountain in 2008. Yeendoo Nanh Nakhweenjit K’atr’ahanahtyaa (“looking after the land for the future”), or Environmental Change and Traditional Use of the Old Crow Flats in Northern Canada.
Figure 22. Migration route and calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd
Source: Parks Canada Agency
State of the Park Report 43 Parks Canada has also worked with VGG, support the need for a cooperative approach, which is Government of Yukon and others in regional apparent on the ground. One of the Yukon field unit’s initiatives such as the North Yukon Regional Land-Use ecologists is a member of the PCMB, and both field Plan and the North Yukon Tourism Strategy. unit ecologists work closely with their counterparts in the Governments of Yukon and NWT and 5.4 Assessment of Partner and Stakeholder Environment Canada. VNP partnered with Ivvavik Engagement National Park on the Caribou Case Study, and they Partner and stakeholder engagement indicators — cooperate on ecological monitoring. support, influence and active involvement — have The International Porcupine Caribou Board, recently been developed nationally. National and local established under the U.S./Canada Agreement on targets have not yet been set. the Conservation of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, has Parks Canada is well regarded in Old Crow. Staff hired been inactive in recent years, probably for political from outside the community have been accepted and reasons. Cautious optimism may now be warranted made welcome. about potential protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s 1002 Lands, which contain the The cooperative management relationship with VGG herd’s major calving grounds. In the U.S., the Obama and NYRRC is strong and respectful (see section 2.2). administration has stated its opposition to oil drilling The region’s remoteness and expense of travel both in the 1002 Lands.
44 Vuntut National Park 6. State of Visitor Experience
6.1 Visitor Experience Very few people (except for Vuntut Gwitchin pursuing nature of the park and the need for self-sufficiency on traditional activities) have visited the park since its the part of visitors. establishment in 1995. It is very remote and expensive The 2006 North Yukon Tourism Strategy (Government to reach. There are no visitor facilities in the park: no of Yukon, Department of Tourism and Culture 2006) trails or campsites. notes that visitors to Old Crow (approximately 1,200 Hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, ski-touring, in 2005) are there primarily for business purposes, snowshoeing, dog sledding, wildlife viewing, although 60–70 people per year are adventure photography and cultural activities are all possible travellers (mostly in canoes on the Porcupine River). in VNP. Since it is a remote wilderness park, There are 180 “specialty travellers” each year (defined motorized access is by air or guided snowmobile trips. as tourists, media, film crews and scientists who have Motorboats can reach the park boundary at high water taken tours with residents). The strategy, developed along Black Fox Creek and the Old Crow River. by the Yukon Department of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the VGG, specifies three goals to fit One major obstacle to summer visitors is the lack of Vuntut Gwitchin needs and capabilities: landing sites in the park. Although floatplanes could • establish local support for tourism; land on several of the lakes in the park, the wet, boggy • avoid mass tourism and focus on businesses — and buggy —terrain would make for unpleasant and markets that bring a high rate of return with hiking. Helicopter access to good hiking areas is minimal impact on the land and Vuntut Gwitchin extremely expensive. Park staff continue to scout for way of life; and fixed-wing landing sites in the foothills and northern • measure and monitor tourism benefits and section of the park to provide access for hikers. impacts, and adjust as required.
The VNP Impacts and Benefits Plan from the late The strategy outlines the need for more infrastructure 1990s (Canadian Heritage, Parks Canada and Vuntut development in Old Crow (such as campground, Gwitchin First Nation 1998) outlines the potential restaurant and more accommodation) to support the rich cultural experience that the park offers: “The growth of tourism. remoteness of the community and the natural setting of the Old Crow Flats and Vuntut National Park create a unique product offering where visitors to the area can go out onto the land to experience the traditional activities of the Vuntut people.” There is some interest in Old Crow to offer this kind of experience, but no one has applied for a business licence yet. In the Final Agreement, VGFN citizens are given the exclusive right to operate dog-sled tours, and have other advantages in operating tourism businesses in the park.
Visitor opportunities are marketed through the Parks Canada web site, VNP brochure and Yukon Vacation Planner. All these sources emphasize the wilderness Visitors at the John Tizya Centre with interpreter Dorothy Frost. Parks Canada/Kate Alexander
State of the Park Report 45 No on-site park interpretation programs are in place where visitors to Old Crow will learn about the due to the remoteness of the park and low number park. The centre recorded 108 visitors between its of visitors. The JTC has become the focal point for opening on July 15, 2008 and the end of August, interpretive and outreach efforts for the park. The 2008. Research to determine satisfaction level and centre functions as the gateway to Vuntut Gwitchin degree of learning about the ecological integrity traditional territory, including VNP. It provides of Vuntut for visitors to the JTC should be orientation and interpretation to Old Crow visitors considered. through exhibits, audio-visual programs, a park 4. Visitor service offer: Again, numbers are too low brochure and interaction with staff. Exhibits highlight to capture this indicator. The management plan Vuntut National Park, Ni’iinlii’ Njik (Fishing Branch) recommends that visitors hire licensed guides, but Protected Area, Living Culture and Vadzaih (Caribou). no guides have applied for business licences. An ongoing unresolved issue is the fact that guides 6.2 Assessment of Visitor Experience (including Vuntut Gwitchin guides) cannot carry There are four national indicators for visitor firearms in the park. This issue is currently being experience: reviewed across the north within Parks Canada; it is hoped that it will be resolved in a manner that 1. Personal connection: i.e., visitors are satisfied and supports local guides. Park staff have worked with feel the park is meaningful to them. To date, only aircraft operators trying to locate landing sites in a handful of visitors have traveled to VNP; hence, the park in order to develop tourism opportunities no data on visitor satisfaction has been collected. but to date have been unsuccessful. 2. Marketing and promotion: The VNP web site, park brochure, and Yukon Vacation Planner all In summary, the number of visitors to the park to date provide information to potential visitors, though has been extremely low and is expected to remain low. the number of visitors is so low that it’s extremely Thus, no surveys of visitor satisfaction or connection difficult to gauge the success of these sources (the to place or VE assessments are being considered. Parks national target is to maintain the number of visits). Canada staff will continue to work with the VGG, 3. Interpretation: With almost no visitors, the Vuntut Development Corporation and interested interpretation in the park is impractical. The individuals to support the growth of visitation and completion of the John Tizya Centre is a positive visitor opportunities. step, both as a tourism destination and as the place
46 Vuntut National Park 7. Results of Management Actions
The 2004 Vuntut National Park management plan It should also be noted that actions taken to maintain (Parks Canada Agency 2004) contains a variety of or improve the state of the park may require a long actions. This section is not a comprehensive review period of time before they influence an indicator of these actions, but rather an assessment of large- (e.g., tundra). In addition, the state of the park is scale, intervention-oriented or proactive management also affected by global and/or regional factors that actions that have had a positive effect on the park are beyond the influence of park management (e.g., (Table 9). Over time, these assessments will become climate change and the global economy). more quantitative and less qualitative.
Table 9. Results of key management actions
Objectives: Actions: Action Status: Results: Objectives from the Actions that pertain to improving the Progress towards completion Assessment of effectiveness in management plan/ State of the Park, identified in the reaching objectives (may include business plan management plan or business plan effectiveness targets) Prevent loss of Support new and existing research New and existing PCH A PCH monitoring program critically important and monitoring programs designed research and monitoring is in place. New research and habitat for the to improve understanding of programs funded in part by monitoring is needed to help Porcupine Caribou PCH ecology and to monitor the Parks Canada; Parks Canada understand PCH population Herd condition of the herd and its range works with the PCMB and dynamics and the impact of the Porcupine Caribou climate and habitat change on Technical Committee to the herd. identify and review research and monitoring priorities Continue to support PCMB Development of the PCH Parks Canada support has management initiatives Harvest Management been instrumental in the Strategy (HMS), funded development of the HMS. in part, by Parks Canada. Continued support from Parks Parks Canada has directly Canada and other partners participated in developing is required to implement the HMS management actions needed to improve the herd’s condition. Monitor changes in Develop and implement a Initial components of an Additional measures will VNP EI comprehensive EI monitoring EI monitoring program be implemented in order to program in VNP implemented in VNP complete the EI monitoring program. Data analysis and management are needed to ensure that monitoring data are capable of detecting change. Data will be reported and available for park management and communication. Monitor the status of species at risk Monitoring of peregrine Initial assessment of the in VNP and implement restoration falcons is integrated into the condition of peregrine falcons activities as necessary VNP EI monitoring program; in the Porcupine and Old Crow wolverine monitoring was Rivers study area has been conducted from 2002–07 completed. additional research, monitoring and restoration activities will be undertaken as needed
State of the Park Report 47 Table 9 (continued). Results of key management actions
Objectives Actions Action Status Results
Cooperatively Complete the community-based This work has been This project enhanced an manage heritage Oral History Project that the completed and the next existing positive relationship, research within Vuntut Gwitchin Government, phase is now being and will contribute to the Vuntut National Parks Canada and others have implemented. park’s EI. The project Park undertaken strengthened the cultural values in the community and Recognize and was valuable in developing take into account the JTC exhibit in Old Crow. the cultural It also provides a good model and heritage for other parks to emulate. significance of heritage routes Continue to record new Some new sites have been The inventory of archaeo- and sites within archaeological sites and keep the added and a small number logical sites in Vuntut National the park in park existing database up to date of the sites have been Park has increased by 16% management and evaluated. since 1997. operations. Work related to caribou fences: Overall results of all the actions: • conduct discussions with • this was done in the families who have affinities to context of community • enhanced interest in the the areas where the fences are consultation and the Oral heritage resources by the located History Project community
• nomination of an Aboriginal • carry out extant recording of the • five of seven were cultural landscape (Caribou caribou fences in the park recorded over a three- Fences) is being advanced year period to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of • conduct community-based • this was done and is Canada CRM workshops in Old Crow to part of the process determine the particular values of nomination of the • the Oral History Project associated with the caribou Caribou fences as a has made significant fences nationally significant contributions to the Aboriginal cultural development of interpretive landscape; Elders’ media for the park workshop on caribou fences was conducted • five caribou fences are now extensively documented and better understood • interpret the caribou fences • completed in the JTC; e.g., model of a • increased community caribou fence, video, pamphlet pride in reconnecting with heritage resources in the • done, ongoing • due to their vulnerable nature park and until research is completed, access to the caribou fences and associated structures by visitors and researchers requires the permission of the Superintendent
• during the span of this • guidelines have not yet management plan, develop been developed appropriate visitor guidelines for visiting the caribou fences
48 Vuntut National Park Objectives Actions Action Status Results
Visitors, As per the VGFNFA, and with Completed; JTC built in The positive reception for Yukoners and partners, develop a visitor partnership with VGG and with the JTC in the community other Canadians reception centre in Old Crow contribution from Government and high number of visitors appreciate and of Yukon indicate that initiative is understand successful. Parks Canada the national Deliver community-based Three edukits plus science messages are delivered significance of activities, e.g., school edu-kit, activity kit developed; school to the community of Old Vuntut National public programs for local residents programming offered regularly; Crow in a range of ways. Park, its natural annual community meetings Formal measurements of and cultural and newsletter, youth and audience understanding heritage, and adult events hosted and co- and appreciation are its role within a hosted with VGG lacking, as are measures of national system of levels of use of web-based protected areas Offer Canadians who do not visit The JTC offers learning programming. Baselines VNP opportunities to learn about experiences to those who and effectiveness targets and appreciate the park visit Old Crow; a new Caribou are needed. Case Study is offered as an on-line Grade 10–12 school program; the Vuntut web site offers information about the park and links to related cultural and scientific sites
Parks Canada, Continue to develop and Cooperative management Relationship with VGG NYRRC and the strengthen cooperative agreement developed and sustained through VGG cooperatively management in VNP, based on reviewed annually at the VNP achievement of VGFNFA manage VNP shared responsibilities between AGM commitments such as Parks Canada, NYRRC and VGG the completion of the JTC, through regular communications with the cooperative management partners, and through financial and in-kind support for cultural initiatives.
Carmen Wong and Jeffrey Peter carry out ecological monitoring. Parks Canada/Ian McDonald
State of the Park Report 49 The opening of the John Tizya Centre: Success through collaboration On July 15, 2008, dignitaries’ speeches marked the grand opening of the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow. The centre is a testament to years of hard work and relationship-building between Parks Canada and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government.
The building, initially envisioned as a Parks Canada stand-alone visitor information and operations centre, was a land claim obligation under the VGFNFA. Over time, however, as the relationship between the First Nation and Parks Canada grew, a new vision developed. A single building would offer office space to both governments’ employees; more importantly, it would interpret Vuntut Gwitchin culture and traditional territories for the community and visitors. The building would be owned and operated by the VGG. Parks Canada would enter into a prepaid lease, providing the First Nation with up-front funds to offset some of their building costs.
The Government of Yukon also agreed to participate. All parties agreed that a Parks Canada exhibit designer from Calgary would design all the exhibits. The partners worked to research and design their own exhibits showcasing specific aspects of Vuntut Gwitchin culture, Ni’iinlii’ Njik (Fishing Branch) Protected Area and Vuntut National Park. The partners developed and agreed to their responsibilities. In addition, they signed a cost-share agreement — the first of its kind in Canada — illustrating the mutual respect the partners had for one another’s staff and capabilities.
The centre has been popular with visitors and community members since it opened. As well as housing various exhibits, the building can be adapted to accommodate community workshops and talks.
This project, through vision, commitment and expertise, has allowed Parks Canada to meet its land claim commitments, incorporate its integrated mandate and strengthen its relationship with the Vuntut Gwitchin Government.
Above: VGG Chief Joe Linklater and Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle at the opening ceremony for the John Tizya Centre in Old Crow. Parks Canada/Rhonda Markel
50 Vuntut National Park 8. key Issues
Some of the issues discussed in this section were Ecological integrity monitoring program identified through monitoring (e.g., the decline of the Additional work is required to complete the VNP EI PCH), while others are not so much issues, but reflect monitoring program and to ensure that the program is the remoteness and young age of the park and the developed to adequate standards. Two objectives need fact that there is still baseline work to be done (e.g., to be met: missing cultural resource management tools and the • additional measures, as outlined in the report, lack of an outreach plan). The key issues identified are needed to complete the VNP EI monitoring here will be considered during the next management program; and plan review for VNP in 2009–10. • research is needed for some measures to refine Porcupine Caribou Herd existing thresholds or develop new ones.
The small size and declining trend of the PCH is a The following VNP EI issues were identified through major issue in the northern Yukon, NWT and Alaska. the development of the SOPR: The herd is an important source of food for many • recent declines in Yukon River salmon may mean communities in its range, including Old Crow. Parks increased subsistence fishing in the OCF in and Canada is a key partner in the cooperative management outside of VNP; of the PCH and will continue to be part of developing • it is unknown how areas of VNP that have burned and implementing measures to conserve the herd. are recovering; and • lakes in the OCF in and outside of VNP are drying Traditional knowledge up. There is a need to further incorporate Vuntut Gwitchin TK into the VNP EI monitoring program. The Management of archaeological sites opportunity to use TK to set thresholds, and to assess Parks Canada’s 2007/08 to 2011/12 Corporate Plan the condition and trend of measures in this version of states that it will continue to work to improve the the VNP SOPR, is a first step. Future SOPRs should condition of cultural resources located in national involve an increased level of consultation with the parks (Parks Canada Agency 2007b). Management NYRRC and VGG with respect to the application of of archaeological sites requires accurate, up-to- TK. Currently, it is not always clear if monitoring date information on the location, state, condition data and TK are assessing the same aspects of the of, and threats to the sites. Continued recording environment. Work is needed in this area.
The use of TK goes beyond the EI monitoring program. The NYRRC and VGG and citizens are involved with many aspects of park management, helping to ensure that traditional knowledge is incorporated into decision-making. While the use of TK is not perceived as an issue, it is important that these efforts continue and that the use of traditional knowledge in park management increases. Another area where good work should continue is bringing TK and science together into experiential learning opportunities within the park. This may involve staff, Elders, youth and researchers. Parks Canada/Jeffrey Peter
State of the Park Report 51 of new archaeological sites, with local community Now that the JTC is open, its role for community involvement, and updating the existing database members and vistors to the community and to VNP would help achieve the objective for cultural needs to be defined with VGG. resources. Audience research Cultural resource management tools No data are available on the Old Crow audience’s Some important management tools are missing understanding or appreciation of VNP as a national from VNP. Completing a Cultural Resource Value park (in addition to being part of their traditional Statement and a Cultural Resource Management territory). A March 2009 telephone survey of Yukon Strategy for the park that includes intangible cultural residents found that only 7% of them were aware of and palaeontological resources would lead to more VNP. Further research is needed to gauge the success effective management of these resources. of Parks Canada’s outreach efforts.
Outreach plan Park visitation The park lacks an outreach plan. This plan would help It is assumed that park visitation will remain low, staff understand the scope of their jobs, and provide but ongoing visitation is desired. Lack of visitation a framework for identifying and reaching audiences, to VNP is due to a number of factors. One key factor identifying messages, evaluating programs and is the lack of any fixed-wing landing sites close to prioritizing investments of time and money. areas that visitors would wish to see. Efforts by park staff, working with local pilots, to determine feasible landing sites have not yet been successful. Another factor affecting visitation is the fact that no tour operators have applied for licences to operate in the park.
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Vuntut Gwitchin Government and S. Smith. 2009. Vuntut Gwitchin Perspective on the State of the Park – Vuntut National Park. Old Crow, Yukon, 6 pp.
Wein, E. and M.M.R. Freeman. 1995. “Frequency of traditional food use by three Yukon First Nations living in four communities.” Arctic 48(2): 161–171.
Williams, B.K., J.D. Nichols and M.J. Conroy. 2002. Analysis and Management of Animal Populations. San Diego, California: Academic Press.
Wrona, F.J., T.D. Prowse and J.D. Reist. 2005. Freshwater ecosystems and fisheries. In C. Symon, L. Arris and B. Heal (eds.). Arctic Climate Impact Assessment, pp. 354–452. New York: Cambridge University Press.
State of the Park Report 55 Appendix A. Park Vision from 2004 Management Plan In 15–20 years, Vuntut National Park will be as follows: • a protected area with the same high level of ecological integrity that it had in 2004, where natural processes govern change; • a protected area where Old Crow Flats show a high degree of ecosystem health, as demonstrated by abundant waterfowl, migratory moose populations and normally fluctuating muskrat populations; • a protected area where wildlife populations such as the Porcupine Caribou Herd vary naturally and wildlife movement patterns continue unhindered; • a protected area which is recognized for its palaeontological resources of international significance; • a protected area where traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge are given full and fair consideration in the protection, management and operation of the park; research and monitoring are ongoing; and the results are used to alert park managers to environmental changes (whether caused locally or globally), leading to appropriate actions; • a protected area which is managed cooperatively and effectively with the Vuntut Gwitchin, and the management of which is regionally integrated with Old Crow Flats Special Management Area, Ivvavik National Park, ANWR and Vuntut Gwitchin Settlement Lands, as well as the chain of protected areas across northern Yukon and northern Alaska; • a protected area where the Vuntut Gwitchin continue a subsistence lifestyle and maintain a spiritual connection to the land, and where Vuntut Gwitchin Elders and teachers are on the land, educating the youth so that respectful stewardship of the land will continue; • a protected area where cultural resources are documented and interpreted through oral history and research, and where those resources are appropriately managed and their meanings understood and shared; • a protected area where visitors are welcomed by park staff and the Vuntut Gwitchin, and opportunities are provided to learn about the land, the people and Vuntut Gwitchin culture. The health of the land, wildlife and the Gwich’in lifestyle have priority over visitor opportunities; • a protected area where, through outreach, the Vuntut Gwitchin can, as they feel appropriate, share their wealth of knowledge of the land and their culture with Canadians and international audiences; • a protected area where the community of Old Crow is the focus for community-based tourism and is a place where visitors can learn about and experience Vuntut Gwitchin culture and history and the area’s natural and cultural resources; and • a protected area where those components of the VGFNFA related to Vuntut National Park are being implemented, bringing continued economic benefits to the Vuntut Gwitchin.
56 Vuntut National Park Appendix B. Ecosystem Model for Vuntut National Park Figure 23 (right) identifies some important living and non-living components of ecosystems in Vuntut National Park and illustrates their key ecological relationships. Each box in the model represents a component of the overall park ecosystem. The components at the top, such as climate, can cause changes to all the levels found below them. The arrows represent relationships; for example, local weather can change the water level in lakes or the frequency of forest fires. Bears and wolves can affect a caribou population but over time a caribou population can in turn affect bear and wolf populations.
Even where several arrows connect boxes indirectly, there is still a relationship. For example, predators can cause changes to vegetation communities and decomposers can affect population cycles.
State of the Park Report 57 Endnotes 1. Park areas are initial calculations that will be refined in the future. The majority of the remaining 33% of VNP consists of shrubs (22%), alpine dry barrens (6%) and areas that are currently unclassified (5%). Shrubs are currently not considered an ecosystem indicator as the accuracy of the current VNP land cover classification for shrubs and open forest is low (22% accurate). It is therefore possible that areas currently classified as shrubs are part of the tundra or forest ecosystems. The extent of park covered by forest and shrubs will be refined in the future through additional vegetation classifications. The alpine dry barrens is not considered an ecosystem indicator since the Northern Bioregion does not have a corresponding indicator for this land cover type. 2. Statistically significant upward or downward slopes, or increases or decreases in averages, indicated an improving or declining trend. The trend was considered stable when regression slopes were not increasing or decreasing, or when the average of the data collected during the last five years was not significantly different from the average of the baseline condition. This analysis was attempted when there was at least five years of data. The most appropriate statistical method for a measure was assessed on a case-by-case basis. 3. TK for this EI assessment was expressed by the NYRRC or was summarized for the SOPR by the VGG. This approach to using TK for assessing the condition and trend of measures for the SOPR is considered preliminary, and will be broadened in future SOPR EI assessments. 4. Yellow and red thresholds above the mean of the baseline condition were 87,385 and 94,703 scoter respectively and below the mean were 28,837 and 21,519 scoter respectively. 5. With a statistical power of 0.8 at a level of significance of 0.05. 6. There was very low statistical power with which to detect significant differences between the baseline condition (1985–2002) and that for 2003–07 using a t-test (power=0.1-0.35). The minimum detectable difference would be a decrease or increase of approximately one month (three photoweeks) at a statistical power of 0.8. The compositing of ten-day images into one NDVI value per photoweek likely affects the resolution at which change can be detected. 7. The minimum detectable difference given current sampling methods was ±0.9%/year or ±4.5%/five years. 8. Lower yellow and red thresholds were therefore set at 31.8% and 30.2%, respectively. 9. In the absence of biological limits for establishing upper thresholds, statistical thresholds were used and set at ±1.6 (yellow) and ±2.0 (red) standard deviations of the historic average of the median NDVI value in late June between 1985 and 2002. For the length of green season, thresholds are set at ±1.6 (yellow) and ±2.0 (red) standard deviations of the historic mean between 1985 and 2002. 10. With a statistical power of 0.8 at a level of significance of 0.05. 11. With a statistical power of 0.8 at a level of significance of 0.05. 12. There was very low statistical power with which to detect significant differences between the historic average and that for 2003–07 using a t-test (power = 0.1-0.35). The minimum detectable difference would be a decrease or increase of approximately one month (three photoweeks) at a statistical power of 0.8. The compositing of ten-day images into one NDVI value per photoweek likely affects the resolution at which change can be detected. 13. The similarity index is a measure of the similarity in the species composition of birds in the sample area over time. Guilds are groups of bird species in a community that exploit the same set of resources in a similar manner, but are not necessarily closely related taxonomically. 14. With a statistical power of 0.8 at a level of significance of 0.05. 15. With a statistical power of 0.8 at a level of significance of 0.05. 16. There was very low statistical power with which to detect significant differences between the historic average and that for 2003–07 using a t-test (power=0.1–0.35). The minimum detectable difference would be a decrease or increase of approximately one month (three photoweeks) (at a statistical power of 0.8). The compositing of ten-day images into one NDVI value per photoweek likely affects the resolution at which change can be detected. 17. In the absence of thresholds based on ecological limits or TK, statistical thresholds of ±1.6 and ±2.0 standard deviations of the baseline were used. 18. At a power of 0.8, alpha = 0.05, using this comparison. 19. Vuntut Gwitchin citizens who visit the park for educational purposes are also covered in this chapter; they are not considered visitors.
58 Vuntut National Park