Teslin Strategic Forest Management Plan Strategic Direction for Sustainable Forest Resource Development Strategic Forest Management Plan for the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Purpose. 1 1.2 The Need and the Challenge . 1 1.3 Planning Region and Time Frame . 2 1.4 Planning Region Description . 2 1.4.1 Land . 2 1.4.2 Environment . 3 1.4.3 Climate, Soil and Vegetation . 3 1.4.4 Forests. 3 1.4.5 Forest Disturbances . 5 1.4.6 Fish and Wildlife . 6 1.4.7 The People . 8 1.4.8 The Economy . 9 1.4.9 Special Places . 10 2.0 PRINCIPLES FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT . 12 Vision Statements . 12 3.0 FOREST PLANNING PROCESS . 13 3.1 Legislative Context . 13 3.2 Planning Framework . 13 3.3 Planning Process . 17 3.3.1 Chronology of Key Steps . 17 3.3.2 Participation in Strategic Forest Management Planning . 17 4.0 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS FROM PLANNING AND LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES . 18 4.1 Teslin Tlingit Council Final Agreement . 18 4.2 Land Use Planning in the Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory . 19 4.3 Nisutlin River Delta National Wildlife Area . 19 4.4 Priorities of the Teslin Tlingit Council . 20 4.5 Priorities of the Yukon Government in regards to Forest Management . 20 4.6 Teslin Tlingit Council Settlement Land and Resources Act . 21 4.7 Teslin Tlingit Council Fish and Wildlife Act . 21 4.8 Teslin Regional Tourism Plan . 21 4.9 Teslin Integrated Fish and Wildlife Management Plan . 22 4.10 Yukon Salmon Committee . 22 4.11 Species at Risk, Special Concern or Listed Under the Yukon Wildlife Act. 23 4.12 Community Core Values . 24 4.13 Draft Teslin Forest Management Plan, Volumes 1 and 2 . 24 5.0 FOREST MANAGEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS . 25 5.1 Goal A: Conserve Biological Diversity . 26 5.1.1 Objective 1.1 – Conserve Ecosystem Diversity . 26 5.1.2 Objective 1.2 – Conserve Species Diversity . 31 5.1.3 Objective 1.3 – Conserve Genetic Diversity . 31 5.2 Goal B: Maintain Forest Ecosystem Health and Productivity . 31 5.2.1 Objective 2.1 – Maintain and Enhance Ecosystem Condition and Productivity . 31 5.2.2 Objective 2.2 – Support the Ecosystem’s Ability to Maintain Natural Processes . 32 5.2.3 Objective 2.3 – Maintain and Enhance Ecosystem Resilience . 32 5.3 Goal C: Conserve and Maintain Soil and Water Resources . 33 5.3.1 Objective 3.1 – Conserve and Maintain Soil Resources . 33 5.3.2 Objective 3.2 – Conserve and Maintain Water Resources . 33 5.4 Goal D: Maintain and Enhance Multiple Socio-Economic Benefits . 34 5.4.1 Objective 4.1 – Maintain & Enhance Sustainable Social & Economic Benefits from Timber Resources . 34 5.4.2 Objective 4.2 – Maintain & Enhance Social, Cultural & Economic Benefits from Non-Timber Resources . 34 TESLIN STRATEGIC FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN i 5.5 Goal E: Maintain and Enhance Community Sustainability . 35 5.5.1 Objective 5.1 – Respect the Rights and Strengthen the Traditional Use of Forest Resources by Teslin Tlingit Citizens . 35 5.5.2 Objective 5.2 – Forest Community . 36 6.0 FOREST PLANNING AREAS . 37 6.1 Landscape Units . ..