Ddhaw Ghro is an isolated mountain range in central Yukon. The area has been important to Northern Tutchone people for thousands of years. It has several features of regional significance, including unglaciated alpine areas and plant communities. It is also known for the Chu Tthaw Hot Springs, the fannin sheep population, the rich cultural history of the Northern Tutchone People and the intact mountain ecosystem. In 1948, the government of Canada established the Ddhaw Ghro area as the McArthur Game Sanctuary. Then, in 1993, it was identified for further protection under the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement. ... As part of the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement, a Ddhaw Ghro steering committee was established and tasked [...]
Summary
Ddhaw Ghro is an isolated mountain range in central Yukon. The area has been important to Northern Tutchone people for thousands of years. It has several features of regional significance, including unglaciated alpine areas and plant communities. It is also known for the Chu Tthaw Hot Springs, the fannin sheep population, the rich cultural history of the Northern Tutchone People and the intact mountain ecosystem. In 1948, the government of Canada established the Ddhaw Ghro area as the McArthur Game Sanctuary. Then, in 1993, it was identified for further protection under the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Final Agreement. ... As part of the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement, a Ddhaw Ghro steering committee was established and tasked with developing a five-year Management Plan for the Habitat Protection Area. ... This draft Management Plan was developed through a community-based planning approach. Between 2000 and 2006, many field studies were done with the involvement of community members. Several community planning workshops were also held. A special effort was made to involve Northern Tutchone elders and incorporate traditional knowledge, and this provided valuable guidance and direction throughout the development of the plan. ... objectives include protecting the important fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, protecting the traditional interests of the Northern Tutchone people and allowing for the appreciation of the area by all Yukon people. As articulated in this draft plan, the committee's vision for Ddhaw Ghro is to leave it as it is. That is, the whole Area should remain in its natural state, the fish and wildlife populations and habitats should not be disturbed, and the area should continue to be used mainly for traditional First Nation activities and values. ... The steering committee also recommends that development activities be prohibited in Ddhaw Ghro. This includes the following: the permanent withdrawal of the Habitat Protection Area from mineral disposition; no commercial forestry; no land dispositions or land-use permits permitted; no new access trails, and no expansion of existing trails; no use of motorized off road vehicles; the continued exclusion of trapping; and, a cautious approach to tourism for the first 5 years of the plan. The draft plan also recommends that the three Parties, First Nation of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, the Selkirk First Nation and the Yukon Government, consider including an 'Additional Area' to the Ddhaw Ghro Habitat Protection Area. ... The committee recommends that an integrated and community based approach be used to help implement the plan. ... As per the requirement of the Final Agreement, the Management Plan is to be reviewed in the next five years. ... The steering committee's job is limited to making plan recommendations. The Yukon government, the Selkirk First Nation and the First Nation of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun are responsible for approving and implementing the plan (Author)
