YESAB Report For AMARUK

Designated Office Evaluation Report
for
Amaruk Wilderness Corp. Kluane
National Park & Reserve
Project Number: 2011-0038
Proponent: Amaruk Wilderness Corp.
Assessment Completion Date: March 23, 2011
Haines Junction Designated Office

PO BOX 2126
Haines Junction, YT Y0B 1L0
Tel: (867) 634-4040
Fax: (867) 634-4049
www.yesab.ca
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Amaruk Wilderness Corp. has proposed to conduct guided hiking and backpacking expeditions as a
business within the boundaries of Kluane National Park and Reserve. The proponent will operate
during the summer each year for the period of five (5) years. No views and information were
submitted for this project. The following four valued components were identified during the
assessment: fish and wildlife, human and environmental health, visitor experience, and heritage
resources. The Designated Office has determined that the project could result in significant adverse
effects on all the above-mentioned valued components. Mitigations proposed by the proponent
(Appendix A) combined with relevant non-discretionary legislation (Appendix B) are considered
adequate to eliminate, reduce, or control the significant adverse effects of the project.
OUTCOME
The Haines Junction Designated Office, pursuant to section 56(1)(a) of the Yukon Environmental and
Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA), recommends to the decision bodies that the project be
allowed to proceed, as it has determined that the project will not have significant adverse
environmental or socio-economic effects in or outside Yukon.
Issued by the Haines Junction Designated Office on March 23, 2011.

For more information please contact:
Name: Kathie Thibaudeau
Title: Manager, Watson Lake Designated Office
Tel: (867) 634-4040
Haines Ju
unction Desiignated Offic
ce Evaluation
n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
orp. Kluane National Parrk & Reserve Number: 20
011-0038
Table of Conte
ents
Part A.
1.0
Introdu
uction .......................................................................................2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION......................................................................................... 2
1.1
Proponen
nt Information
n ................................................................................................. 2
1.2
Geographical Context .................................................................................................. 2
1.3
Project Scope
S
.............................................................................................................. 3
2.0
ENVIRONME
ENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONO
OMIC SETTING ................................................ 4
2.1
Biophysic
cal Environme
ent ............................................................................................. 4
2.2
Socio-eco
onomic Envirronment...................................................................................... 4
3.0
4.0
Part B.
5.0
REQUIREME
ENT FOR AN ASSESSMENT
T ................................................................... 5
SCOPE OF THE
T
ASSESSMENT ................................................................................ 6
Effects Assessme
ent and rea
asons for recommen
ndation .................7
FISH AND WILDLIFE................................................................................................ 7
5.1
Overview
w...................................................................................................................... 7
5.2
Project Effects
E
............................................................................................................. 7
6.0
HUMAN AND ENVIRONM

MENTAL HEAL
LTH .............................................................. 10
6.1
Overview
w.................................................................................................................... 10
6.2
Project Effects
E
........................................................................................................... 10
7.0
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
X
........................................................................................... 13
7.1
Overview
w.................................................................................................................... 13
7.2
Project Effects
E
........................................................................................................... 13
8.0
HERITAGE RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 15
8.1
Overview
w.................................................................................................................... 15
8.2
Project Effects
E
........................................................................................................... 15
9.0
CONCLUSIO
ON OF THE ASSESSMENT
S
.
...................
................................................. 17
Append
dix A LIS
ST OF KEY
Y MITIGATIONS THE PROPONE
ENT HAS
C
COMMITTE
D TO UND
DERTAKE ..............................................................18
Append
dix B LIS
ST OF REL
LEVANT NO
ON-DISCRE
ETIONARY
Y LEGISLA
ATION
A
APPLICABL
LE TO THE
E PROJECT
T ...........................................................20
Append
dix C
March 23, 2011
RE
EFERENCE
ES ...........................................................................21
1
Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
PART A.
A
INTR
RODUCTIION
The follow
wing sections present backkground inform
mation for thiss project and the assessment. This
informatio
on includes de
etails of the project; the environmental and
a socio-eco
onomic setting
g of the project
area; and a description
n of the requirrement for an assessment. Part A also has
h a discusssion on the sccope
of the asssessment, which includes the
t identification of values potentially afffected by the project.
1.0 PRO
OJECT DES
SCRIPTION
N
1.1
PROPONENT
R
INFORMATIO
ON
Proponen
nt:
Amaru
uk Wildernesss Corp.
6942 Possession
P
P
Point
Road
Sooke
e, BC
V9Z 0T
T6
Christo
opher Fragasssi
Tel: 88
88-926-2785
Chris.F
Fragassi@Am
maruk.com
Contact:
1.2
GEOGRAPHIC
CAL CONTEX
XT
NW Boundary:
61.4 N; 141.0 W
NE Boundary:
61.4 N; 137.0 W
SW Boun
ndary:
60.0 N; 141.0 W
SE Bo
oundary:
60.0N; 137.0 W
First Nattion Traditio

onal Territo
ories Involve
ed:
Champag
gne & Aishih
hik First Nations
Kluane First
F
Nation
White Riv
ver First Nattion
Watersheds and Drainage Reg
gion:
Major Dra
ainage Area
a: Yukon Rivver Drainage Area, Paciffic Drainage Area
Sub Drainage Area: Upper Yukon, Alsek
Sub-Sub Drainage: Upper
U
White, Donjek, De
ezadeash, Tatshenshini,
T
, Gulf
a-Yakutat Ba
ay
of Alaska
Nearby Watercours
W
es or Waterrbodies:
Slims Riv
ver, Alsek Riiver, Dezade
eash River, Kaskawulsh
K
River, Donjjek
River, Du
uke River, Ba
ates River, Alder
A
Creek,, Shorty Creek, Dalton Creek,
C
Goat Cre
eek, Sheep Creek,
C
Kimberley Creek,, Bullion Cre
eek, Congdo
on
Creek, Cottonwood Creek,
C
Victoria Creek, Quill
Q
Creek, Kathleen
K
Lakke,
Louise La
ake, Bates Lake,
L
Mush Lake,
L
and St. Elias Lake
e.
Table 1: Pro
oject Locatio
on
March 23, 2011
Haines Ju
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n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
Figure 1: Map of Project Area
1.3
PROJECT
R
SCO
OPE
The scope
e of the project for this asssessment hass been determ
mined to be ass follows:
The principal activity fo
or this project is the conduccting of guide
ed trips and asssociated acttivities for five
e (5)
years as a business wiithin Kluane National
N
Park and Reserve
e.
Associate
ed activities include:
Transportation
n provided to clients;
c
G
Guided
hiking and backpacking expeditio
ons in summe
er; and
Overnight cam
O
mping, waste management,
m
, water filtratio
on, food stora
age, and posssible use of aiircraft
to
o deliver supp
plies.
March 23, 2011
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n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
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011-0038
2.0 ENV
VIRONMEN
NTAL AND SOCIO-EC
CONOMIC SETTING
2.1
BIOPHYSICALL ENVIRONME
ENT
Kluane Na
ational Park and
a Reserve (KNP&R) is lo
ocated within the Boreal Cordillera
C
Ecozzone and with
hin
the St. Elias Mountains
s, Mount Loga
an, Yukon Stiikine Highland
ds, and Rubyy Ranges Eco
oregions. The Park
is domina
ated by two major mountain
n ranges: St. Elias Mounta
ains and Kluan
ne Ranges which includes the
highest mountains
m
in Canada.
C
In terrms of ecolog
gical processe
es, the area iss glacially influ
uenced and
continuou
us permafrost underlies the
e northern porrtion of the Pa
ark with the majority
m
having discontinuo
ous
permafrosst. The Park is
s mostly cove
ered by annua
al ice and sno
ow, while app
proximately 18
8% is vegetatted.
A variety of
o wildlife spe
ecies are foun
nd in KNP&R including: mo
oose, Dall Sheep, mountain goats, wolvves,
lynx, coyo
otes, a small population
p
of woodland caribou, and on
ne of the stron
ngest populations of grizzlyy
bears in th
he Yukon. Th
here are over 180 species of
o birds prese
ent in the Park including th
he threatened
peregrine falcons (liste
ed on Schedule 1 of SARA
A) and short-eared owls (lissted as a speccies of specia
al
concern on
o Schedule 3 of SARA). Many
M
creeks and
a streams within
w
the Parrk are silt-lade
en and thereffore
not prime fish bearing areas.
a
Howevver, there are
e many rivers and lakes tha
at support an abundance of
o fish
species such as arctic grayling, lake
e trout, rainbo
ow trout, Koka
anee salmon, whitefish, an
nd northern pike.
2.2
SOCIO
O
-ECONO
OMIC ENVIRO
ONMENT
Kluane Na
ational Park and
a Reserve is bordered on
o its northern
n side by the Alaska
A
Highw
way which hass
several co
ommunities lo
ocated adjace
ent to the Parkk. These inclu
ude: Haines Junction,
J
Destruction Bay, and
Burwash Landing whic
ch are located
d within the Trraditional Terrritories of the Champagne and Aishihik First
Nations, Kluane
K
First Nation,
N
and/orr White River First Nation. Haines Juncttion is a full-service community
with a pop
pulation of ap
pproximately 800
8 residents. It is the gate
eway commun
nity for Kluane National Pa
ark
and Rese
erve.
The Park is used frequ
uently for recre
eation purposses including hiking, rafting
g, canoeing, and
a camping.. It
has been inhabited by aboriginal pe
eople for hund
dreds or thoussands of yearrs and continu
ues to be use
ed for
subsistence purposes including fishing, hunting, and trapping.
From Mayy to October of
o 2010, 134,3
340 visitors came
c
to Kluan
ne National Pa
ark and Rese
erve. Historica
al
visitation records indica
ate that there
e has been a large
l
increase
e in the numb
ber of visitors between 199
94
and 2004. This may be
e due in part to
t the inclusio
on of the Alsek River corrid
dor and the Klluane Nationa
al
Park and Reserve in th
he United Nattions designattion as a Worrld Heritage Site.
S
The area in which this project is pro
oposed is know
wn for its arch
haeological potential
p
wherre traditional
activities still
s occur. The land continues to be use
ed and/or travvelled upon byy First Nation
ns people for
activities such
s
as trapp
ping, hunting, and other tra
aditional pursu
uits.
March 23, 2011
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3.0 REQ
QUIREMEN
NT FOR AN
N ASSESSM
MENT
An assesssment by the Designated Office
O
is required under the
e following cirrcumstances:
1. A
An activity is proposed to be
e undertaken that is listed in Schedule 1 of the Assessable Activitties,
Exceptions and
d Executive Committee
C
Prrojects Regula
ations (Activitty Regulationss) and not
exxcepted;
The proponen
nt proposes to undertakke activities listed in part 12, item 3 of the Activity
A
R
Regulations,
specifically:
IIn a national park
p
or nation
nal park reserrve, a recreatiional activity that
t
is a busin
ness within th
he
m
meaning
of Se
ection 1 of the
e National Parrks of Canada
a Businessess Regulations.
2. The project is being
b
underta
aken in the Yu
ukon; and
3. A
An authorization or the grant of an in
nterest in lan
nd by a govvernment age
ency, independent
re
egulatory age
ency, municipal governm
ment, or first nation is re
equired for the
t
activity to
t be
un
ndertaken.
Decision bodies
b
and au
uthorizations have been id
dentified base
ed on informattion in the pro
oject proposal and
informatio
on submitted to
t the Hainess Junction Dessignated Officce during the assessment. A list of the
decision body(s)
b
and authorizations
a
s required for the project ca
an be found in
n Table 2 belo
ow.
Decision Bo
ody
Parks Ca
anada Agenc
cy
Authorizzation(s) Req
quired
Parks Busin
ness License
Act orr Regulation

National Parkss of Canada
N
B
Business
Reg
gulations
Table 2: Decision
D
Bod
dy(s) and Au
uthorizations
s Required
March 23, 2011
Haines Ju
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n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
4.0 SCO
OPE OF TH
HE ASSESS
SMENT
The scope
e of the asses
ssment includ
des both the identification of
o valued envvironmental an
nd socioeconomicc components
s (VESECS) th
hat may be afffected by the
e proposed prroject and the
e matters to be
considere
ed in 42 (1) off the Act. No views
v
and info
ormation were
e submitted fo
or this projectt.
Valued en
nvironmenta
al and socio-economic co
omponents
After takin
ng into account the matterss referred to in section 42 of
o the Act, the
e Designated Office has
identified the valued en
nvironmental and socio-ecconomic comp
ponents (VES
SEC) for consideration in th
his
assessme
ent:
Fissh and Wildliffe
Hu
uman and Env
vironmental Health
H
Vissitor Experien
nce
He
eritage Resou
urces
March 23, 2011
Haines Ju
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n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
PART B.
EFFE
ECTS AS
SSESSME
ENT AND REASON
NS FOR
REC
COMMEND
DATION
The follow
wing sections present the effects
e
assesssment of proje
ect activities related
r
to valu
ues identified
d in
Section 4.0. Each section includes an
a overview, an analysis of
o how projectt activities ma
ay affect value
es,
and where
e relevant, me
easures to mitigate significcant adverse effects. Part B ends with a conclusion of
o the
effects asssessment.
5.0 FISH
H AND WIL
LDLIFE
5.1
OVERVIEW
The propo
osed project is intended to take place within
w
Kluane National
N
Parkk and Reserve
e (KNP&R) fo
or the
purpose of
o conducting guided tours for hiking and
d backpackin
ng. Project acttivities such as
a hiking,
backpacking, and sighttseeing in a group
g
have the potential to adversely aff
ffect fish and wildlife
w
in the area.
A wide va
ariety of fish and
a wildlife sp
pecies inhabit KNP&R inclu
uding but not limited to: arcctic grayling, lake
l
and rainbo
ow trout, Kok
kanee salmon, whitefish, grrizzly and black bears, Dalll sheep, mou
untain goats,
wolves, lyynx, wolverine
es, coyotes, moose,
m
and ca
aribou.
Potential effects
e
from this proposed project to fish and wildlife include:
In
njury or death of fish and wildlife
w
due to entrapment, ingestion of in
nedible matte
er (i.e. deleterrious
su
ubstances), and/or
a
human/wildlife conflict.
The Desig
gnated Office has determin
ned that the proposed
p
project may result in significan
nt adverse efffects
to fish and
d wildlife that can be mitiga
ated. The follo
owing section
ns provide the
e rationale forr this
determina
ation.
5.2
PROJECT
R
EFFFECTS
The propo
osed project involves guide
ed hiking and backpacking
g expeditions within Kluane
e National Pa
ark
and Rese
erve. The prop
ponent has identified that the
t business will
w operate between
b
May 1st and Octob
ber
th
15 for the period of th
he five year bu
usiness licencce.
The propo
onent has ide
entified that tw
wo 10-day trip
ps and two 7-d
day trips will occur
o
through
hout the summ
mer
season. There
T
is the po
otential for re
efuse associatted with tour groups
g
to beccome a hazarrd for fish and
d
wildlife with direct effec
cts including animal
a
death and/or injury through ingestion of inedib
ble matter and
entrapment of animals in plastic or metal
m
contain
ners. Bears arre attracted to
o smells such as garbage, fuel,
grey wate
er, toiletries, and
a food. Anim
mals such as bears and co
oyotes that ga
ain access to human foodss
either as a result of being actively fe
ed by humanss or by making raids on fo
ood and garb
bage containe
ers,
often beco
ome problem animals that have to be destroyed in order to preserve human sa
afety and prop
perty.
A further project
p
effect related to hikking and backkpacking trips within the Pa
ark is the pote
ential for the
disturbancce of animals
s at crucial sta
ages in their liife cycle by human presen
nce/behaviourrs. Such
disturbancces could res
sult in the anim
mals abandon
ning their young or attackin
ng or displayin
ng unnatural
March 23, 2011
Haines Ju
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n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
behaviourr among other possibilities. The proponent has also indicated
i
thatt two dogs ma
ay be broughtt
along on each
e
trip. Dog
gs have the potential
p
to chase or harasss wildlife if no
ot under contrrol.
The Desig
ned that the above-mentio
a
ned activities could result in significant
adverse effects
e
to fish and wildlife th
hat can be ad
ddressed by compliance
c
with non-discre
etionary
legislation
n.
Committments
The follow
wing are key commitments
c
and mitigatio
ons the propo
onent has indicated in the project
p
propossal
that have been conside
ered in the efffects assessm
ment when de
etermining the
e significance
e of the effectss of
the projecct on fish and wildlife.
Packing out off all wastes (w

with the exclussion of wastes caused by bodily
b
functions)
G
Grey
water will be disposed
d of as followss:
Organic ma
aterial strained from grey water
w
and paccked out; greyy water dispossed
of in rocky/sscree area prreferably;
At least 100
0 m from any body of wate
er; and
At least 100
0 m from routte/trail/campsite.
H
Human
waste will be dispossed of as follo
ows:
Small hole dug in soil orr under small rocks;
At least 100
er;
At least 100
0 m from routte/trail/campsite;
Toilet pape
er, if applicable, will be either packed ou
ut, or burnt on site and on top
t of
waste; and
Waste cove
ered by previo
ously disturbe
ed soil, or pre
eviously removed rocks.
Toiletries are required

r
to be
e unscented and
a will be sto
ored in bear proof
p
containe
ers and kept at
a
le
east 100 m aw
way from tentss and sleepin
ng bags
U of bear proof containerrs and low odo

Use
or foods (e.g.. dehydrated/ffreeze-dried foods)
f
Extensively briief clients in respect

r
to bea
ar conflict avo
oidance
Dogs brought into the Park will be done in strict comp

D
pliance with th
he Canada Na
ational Parks Act
do
omestic dog regulations.
r
T
This
includes keeping the dogs
d
under ph
hysical contro
ol at all times and
en
nsuring they do
d not interfe
ere with fauna
a, flora, natura
al or cultural resources,
r
or other park ussers.
(T
This also appllies to Environ
nmental Heallth and to Visitor Experiencce).
Follow specific
c guidelines as
a it relates to wildlife intera
action and po
ossible conflicts with
ph
hotography
March 23, 2011
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Amaruk Wilderness
W
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011-0038
Non-dis
scretionary
y legislatio
on
I have con
nsidered the requirements
r
of:
The Species At
A Risk Act (SA
ARA);
P
of Cana
ada Businesse
es Regulation
ns;
The National Parks
P
of Cana
ada Domesticc Animals Reg
gulations;
The National Parks
P
of Cana
ada Fishing Regulations;
R
The National Parks
P
of Cana
ada Aircraft Access Regula
ations;
The National Parks
P
Genera
al Regulationss; and
The National Parks
P
Wildlife Regulations;
The National Parks
atisfied that compliance

c
wiith the act, reg
gulations, and
d proposed commitments will
w satisfacto
orily
and am sa
eliminate, reduce, or co
ontrol the potential significant adverse effects
e
of the project on fish and wildlife
e.
MITIGATIION:
No additio
onal mitigation
ns are require
ed.
Cumula
ative Effectts
Activities within
w
Kluane
e National Park and Reservve that could affect fish an
nd wildlife include: commerrcial,
recreation
nal, and traditional users off Kluane Natio
onal Park and
d Reserve.
The residual effects of each of these
e activities arre the incidenttal, accidenta
al, or deliberatte deposit of litter
l
and food waste
w
into the
e environmen
nt where it ma
ay be present and accessib
ble to fish and
d wildlife, as well
w
as the rem
moval of fish and
a wildlife ass it relates to park manage
ement and tra
aditional harve
esting activitie
es.
It is anticipated that this proposed project
p
will nott result in resiidual effects on
o fish and wildlife upon
compliancce with non-discretionary le
egislation and
d successful implementatio
i
on of the prop
posed
commitme
ents identified
d above. I havve determined
d that the projject, in combiination with th
he effects of
existing activities, will not
n result in significant advverse cumulattive (environm
mental or sociio-economic)
effects.
March 23, 2011
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n Report
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011-0038
6.0 HUM
MAN AND ENVIRONM
MENTAL HEALTH
H
6.1
OVERVIEW
The propo
osed project will
w occur duriing the summ
mer of each ye
ear within Kluane National Park and Reserve
which is la
argely considered pristine and isolated from human activities.
a
Pro
oject activitiess such as the
disposal of
o solid waste
e as well as th
he consumptio
on of untreate
ed/unfiltered water
w
all have
e the potential to
adverselyy affect human
n and environ
nmental health
h.
Potential effects
e
of the proposed pro
oject include:
Bacteria and parasite

p
infecttions;
C
Contamination
n of environme
ent; and
D
Damage
to the
e environment.
The Desig
p
project may result in significan
nt adverse efffects
to human and environm
mental health that can be mitigated.
m
The
e following se
ections provid
de the rationalle for
this determ
mination.
6.2
PROJECT
R
EFFFECTS
Bacteria and parasite

e infections
The propo
osed project involves the potential
p
for pa
athogens and
d parasites to be transmitte
ed through the
ingestion of untreated water.
w
There are a number of pathogen
ns that may be
e carried in human waste such
s
as E. coli bacteria and Giardia spp. Transmission
n may occur through
t
the in
ngestion of un
ntreated/unfiltered
water from
m contaminate
ed sources. Effects
E
can ra
ange from min
nor gastrointestinal problem
ms associated
d with
some para
asites, to kidn
ney failure, to
o death. Parassites such as Giardia can be
b distributed
d throughout the
environme
ent by human
ns, pets, and wild
w mammalls, specificallyy through theiir wastes. This may pose health
h
risks to ussers downstre
eam of contam
minated sites.
The propo
onent has indicated that wa
ater treatmen
nt will be done
e through filtra
ation. Howeve
er, there still
remains a possibility off users consu
uming untreate
ed/unfiltered water, thus, the
t potential for
f the ingestion of
pathogenss and parasite
es does existts. Though the
e likelihood of such occurrrences is low, the
conseque
ences could have considera
able impacts on the health
h of those affe
ected. Therefo
ore, the
Designate
ed Office has determined that the projecct will result in
n significant adverse
a
effectts such that fu
urther
mitigations are required
d.
nation of env
vironment
Contamin
The propo
osed project includes two 10-day
1
trips and
a two 7-dayy trips into Klu
uane Nationall Park and
Reserve for
f the purpos
se of guided hiking
h
and bacckpacking tou
urs. This and other associa
ated activitiess
could invo
olve the creation of garbag
ge and waste materials. Th
hese materialss can cause contamination
c
n to
environme
ental compon
nents such ass water, soils, and air as they break dow
wn and/or deccompose. In
addition to
o being unsightly, garbage
e can create hazards
h
to large and small animals, bird
ds, and fish ass they
may ingesst or become trapped or en
ntangled in re
efuse.
March 23, 2011
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Amaruk Wilderness
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The propo
onent has indicated that all wastes (with
h the exceptio
on of waste ca
aused by bod
dily functions) will
be packed
d out. Grey water
w
will be sttrained and th
he solids packked out. Hum
man waste will be disposed of in
a small ho
ole or under small
s
rocks which will be co
overed by pre
eviously disturbed soil or previously
p
rem
moved
rocks. If applicable,
a
toilet paper will be carried ou
ut or burnt on top of the wa
aste. Grey water and huma
an
waste disposal will be at
a least 100 m from any bo
ody of water, trail, route, an
nd campsite. As a result, I have
determine
ed that human
n and solid wa
aste disposal will not resullt in significan
nt adverse effe
ects on huma
an
and enviro
onmental hea
alth.
Damage to the enviro
onment
Activities that increase the number of
o people recreating in wild
derness areass increase the
e potential forr
damage to
o the environment. Hiking and backing off of establissh trails has th
he potential to
o damage
sensitive vegetation.
v
Camping
C
outside of establisshed campsite
es increases the possibilityy of water and
d
ground co
ontamination through
t
waste
e disposal. Also, the use of
o campfires, ifi not in estab
blished campffire
pits and particularly
p
wh
hen the weath
her is hot and dry, has the potential to get
g out of conttrol and cause
e
forest firess.
The propo
onent has indicated that a stove will be used instead of campfires and that theiir expeditionss are
entirely no
o smoking. Th
he expeditions are low freq
quency with a small numbe
er of people. Small footprin
nt
individual tents will be used. Also, sensitive areass will be avoid
ded and prevviously used ro
outes will be used
wheneverr possible to minimize
m
environmental im
mpact.
Committments
The follow
c
and mitigatio
ons the propo
p
propossal
ment when de
etermining the
e significance
the projecct on human and
a environm
mental health.
W
Water
treatment through filttration;
U of stove in
Use
nstead of cam
mpfires to redu
uce risk of willdfire;
Expeditions are entirely non

n-smoking to reduce risk of wildfire;
A
Avoidance
of sensitive
s
area
as;
Small groups and

a low frequency expeditions;
nts;
Small footprintt individual ten
ed routes will be used whenever availab

ble to minimize environmen
ntal impact; and
Previously use
Campsites will be selected to ensure no

C
o trace of hum
man presence
e or environme
ental damage
e
w
whatsoever
up
pon vacation. This include
es:
March 23, 2011
Area at leasst 100 meterss from body of

o water;
Areal that iss level to avoid soil destab

bilization;
Area that iss rocky ratherr than vegetatted in order to

o avoid vegeta
ation damage
e;
Area away from wildlife corridors or away

a
from are
eas with signss of wildlife usse;
11
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ce Evaluation
n Report
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W
Co
011-0038
Area not identified as cu

ulturally signifiicant by First Nations;
Area not vie

ewed as cultu
urally significa
ant by Guidess; and
Area not prreviously used

d by party in order
o
to avoid
d damage and
d allow
regeneratio
on.
Non-dis
scretionary
y legislatio
on
I have con
r
of:
1)) The Nationa
al Parks of Ca
anada Busine
esses Regulattions;
2)) The Nationa
al Parks Camping Regulatiions;
3)) The Nationa
al Parks Gene
eral Regulatio
ons (Preventio
on of Nuisancce, Use of Wa
ater
Resources,, Closing of Areas
A
and Ways);
and am sa
c
wiith the regulattions and proposed commitments will satisfactorily
e
of the project on hu
uman and
environme
ental health.
MITIGATIION:
No additio
onal mitigation
n is required.
Cumula
ative Effectts
Activities within
w
Kluane
e National Park and Reservve that could affect human
n and environmental health
h
include: commercial, re
ecreational, and
a traditionall users of Klua
ane National Park and Resserve.
The residual effects of these activitie
es are the inccidental/accidental release
e of pathogenss and parasite
es
into the en
nvironment, and
a the prese
ence of human
n generated refuse
r
on the landscape.
p
o human and
d environmen
ntal
health upo
on complianc
ce with non-discretionary le
egislation and
d successful im
mplementatio
on of the prop
posed
commitme
ents identified
he effects of
effects.
March 23, 2011
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ce Evaluation
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011-0038
7.0 VISIITOR EXPE

ERIENCE
7.1
OVERVIEW
The propo
osed project will
w occur in Kluane
K
National Park and Reserve
R
wherre visitors antticipate and exxpect
experiencces that are no
ot impacted by
b human activities. The prroposed proje
ect includes wilderness
w
travel
and activities such as guided
g
hiking and backpaccking tours, ca
amping, and solid waste disposal.
Potential effects
e
of the project includ
de:
N
Negative
perce
eption of hum
man presence and activitiess in National Parks;
P
and
R
Ruined
sense of wildernesss experience by
b other userrs.
The Desig
p
project will resultt in significantt adverse effe
ects
to visitor experience
e
that can be mittigated. The fo
ollowing sectiions provide the
t rationale for
f this
determina
ation.
7.2
PROJECT
R
EFFFECTS
Project acctivities that could affect vissitor experien

nce involve mainly the disp
posal of waste
e associated with
w
guided hikking and back
kpacking tourrs. The presen
nce of litter an
nd waste can affect other users
u
experie
ence
within a national park by
b creating vissual pollution and a negatiive perception
n regarding human presen
nce in
remote arreas. In addition, the prese
ence of groupss and their asssociated actiivities could affect
a
the
perception
n of wildernes
ss that other users
u
may exxpect. The pro
oponent has also
a
indicated
d that two dog
gs
may be brrought along on each trip. Dogs have th
he potential to
o be a nuisance to other ussers if not und
der
control.
The propo
osed project includes hiking and backpa
acking on two
o routes: the Donjek
D
Route
e and the ayy Ch
West and Observation Mountain Ro
oute, both of which
w
are pop
pular routes with
w wildernesss enthusiastss.
Due to the
e number of likely users along these rou
utes, the pote
ential effects of
o solid waste
e disposal and
d
other activvities could ha
ave significan
nt adverse efffects on visito
or experience.
Committments
The follow
c
and mitigatio
ons the propo
p
propossal
ment when de
etermining the
e significance
the projecct on visitor ex
xperience.

b
functions);

D
pliance with th
he Canada Na
ational Parks Act
do
r
T
This
d
under ph
hysical contro
ol at all times and
en
nsuring they do
d not interfe
ere with fauna
a, flora, natura
r
or other park ussers;
March 23, 2011
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Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
Co
011-0038
Consult with First Nations to

C
o ensure prop
posed schedu
ule does not in
nterfere with their
t
enjoyme
ent or
usse of KNPR in
ncluding avoiding trips in the Donjek are
ea during hun
nting season, avoiding cam
mping
an
nd travelling through
t
arche
eologically sig
gnificant sitess or sacred sittes;
We would be open
W
o
to work with
w First Nattion in regardss to cultural in
nterpretation in order to de
eliver
prroper informa
ation to clientss; and
Consult with KNPR

C
K
to ensure proposed schedule
s
doe
es not unduly or unreasona
ably conflict with
w
th
hat of other op
perators.
Non-dis
scretionary
y legislatio
on
I have con
r
of:
1)) The Nationa
al Parks Gene
eral Regulatio
ons (Preserva
ation of Prope
erty, Use of Water
W
R
Resources,
Wa
atercraft and Aquatic Sporrts, Prevention of Nuisance
e, Prohibited Conduct);
an
nd
2)) The Nationa
al Parks of Ca
anada Busine
esses Regulattions (includin
ng permit term
ms and
co
onditions);
and am sa
c
wiith the regulattions and proposed commitments will satisfactorily
e
of the project on vissitor experience.
MITIGATIION:
No additio
onal mitigation
n is required.
ative Effectts
Cumula
Activities within
w
Kluane
e National Park and Reservve that could affect visitor experience in
nclude:
commerciial, recreation
onal Park and
d Reserve.
The residual effects of these activitie
es are the inccidental, accid
dental, or deliiberate depossit of litter/wasste
into the en
nvironment, and
a conflict with other userrs enjoymentt of the land.
p
o visitor expe
erience upon
egislation and
i
on of the prop
posed
commitme
ents identified
he effects of
effects.
March 23, 2011
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Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
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W
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011-0038
8.0 HER
RITAGE RE
ESOURCES
S
8.1
OVERVIEW
The propo
osed project is located in areas
a
of know
wn archaeolog
gical potential where traditional activitiess still
occur. The
e project area
as demonstra
ate characterisstics of terrain
n and location
n that have be
een correlated
with historic land use by
b aboriginal peoples
p
for hu
undreds or th
housands of years,
y
invariab
bly resulting in
n the
presence of heritage re
esources. The
e land has alsso been used
d and/or travelled upon in th
he recent passt by
First Natio
ons people, trrappers, explo
orers, geologists, miners, hunters,
h
and outfitters.
Potential effects
e
consid
dered include
e:
In
ncidental/accidental destruction, remova
al or disturban
nce of heritag
ge resources.
The Desig
p
project will resultt in significantt adverse effe
ects
to heritage
e resources that can be mitigated throu
ugh compliancce with non-discretionary le
egislation. Th
he
following sections
s
prov
vide the ration
nale for this de
etermination.
8.2
PROJECT
R
EFFFECTS
Project acctivities that could affect he

eritage resourrces include group
g
guided hiking and ba
ackpacking,
camping, and the poss
sible use of sh
horelines and associated activities.
a
Heriitage resources include
artifacts re
elated to hum
man activities. A portion of the
t value of these resourcces rests withiin their contexxt
upon the landscape in which they are located, in essence, wh
hen they are in
n situ. Once disturbed
d
or
removed the
t value can
nnot be restorred.
As a result of recent glaciations and
d the relativelyy short time humans
h
have been presentt in the propo
osed
project are
ea, heritage resources
r
would be prediccted to be on or
o near the su
urface of the ground.
g
The
Designate
ed Office has determined that because of the proxim
mity of the prop
posed projectt to areas with
ha
high likelih
hood to conta
ain heritage re
esources, the
e potential effe
ects are signifficant and adverse.
Committments
The follow
c
and mitigatio
ons the propo
p
propossal
ment when de
etermining the
e significance
the projecct on visitor ex
xperience.
A
Avoidance
of sensitive
s
area
as whenever possible;
p
and
C
Coaching
of gu
uests to insurre no artifact is disturbed and/or
a
remove
ed from the la
and.
Non-disc
cretionary legislation
I have con
r
of:
1) The
T National Parks Genera
al Regulations (Preservatio
on of propertyy);
March 23, 2011
15
Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
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W
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011-0038
2) Terms
T
and co
onditions of th
he Parks Business Licence
e;
3) Champagne
C
and
a Aishihik First
F
Nations Final Agreem
ment, Chapter 13 Heritage; and
4) Kluane
K
First Nation
N
Final Agreement,
A
C
Chapter
13, He
eritage
and am sa
c
wiith the regulattions and Final Agreementts will satisfacctorily elimina
ate,
reduce, or control the potential
p
significant adversse effects of th
he project on heritage reso
ources and
traditionall activities.
MITIGATIION:
No additio
onal mitigation
n is required.
Cumula
ative Effectts
Activities within
w
Kluane
e National Park and Reservve that could affect heritag
ge resources include:
commerciial, recreation
onal Park and
d Reserve.
The residual effects of each of these
e activities incclude: the inccidental/accide
ental discovery of artifacts
and/or the
e accidental/d
deliberate rem
moval of artifacts from theirr in situ contexxt.
p
o heritage re
esources upon
n
compliancce with legisla
ation and succcessful implementation of the proposed
d commitmentts identified
above.
p
o visitor expe
erience upon
egislation and
i
on of the prop
posed
commitme
ents identified
he effects of
effects.
March 23, 2011
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ce Evaluation
n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
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011-0038
9.0 CON
NCLUSION
N OF THE ASSESSME
A
ENT
The Desig
p
project could result in significa
ant adverse effects
e
on fish an
nd wildlife; hum
man and environmental he
ealth; visitor experience;
e
an
nd heritage re
esources.
However, compliance with
w non-discretionary legislation and im
mplementation
n of the comm
mitments and
mitigations proposed by
b the propone
ent, will adequately elimina
ate, reduce, or
o control thesse effects so that
they are no
n longer sign
nificant and ad
dverse.
In conclussion, the Desiignated Office
e has recomm
mended to the decision bo
odies that the project be alllowed
to proceed
d, as the project will not ha
ave significan
nt adverse envvironmental or
o socio-econo
omic effects in or
outside Yukon.
March 23, 2011
17
Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
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W
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011-0038
Appen
ndix A
LIST OF KEY MITIIGATIONS

S THE PRO
OPONENT
T HAS
TTED TO UNDERTA
U
AKE
COMMIT
The follow
wing is a compilation of the
e key mitigatio
ons proposed
d by the propo
onent and notted in this rep
port
and/or the
e project prop
posal:
Related to Fish and Wildlife:

W

b
functions)
G
Grey
water will be disposed
d of as followss:
Organic ma
aterial strained from grey water
w
and paccked out; greyy water dispossed
of in rocky/sscree area prreferably;
At least 100
er; and
At least 100
0 m from routte/trail/campsite.
H
Human
waste will be dispossed of as follo
ows:
Small hole dug in soil orr under small rocks;
At least 100
er;
At least 100
0 m from routte/trail/campsite;
Toilet pape
er, if applicable, will be either packed ou
ut, or burnt on site and on top
t of
waste; and
Waste cove
ered by previo
ously disturbe
ed soil, or pre
eviously removed rocks.
Toiletries are required

r
to be
e unscented and
a will be sto
ored in bear proof
p
containe
ers and kept at
a
le
east 100 m aw
way from tentss and sleepin
ng bags
U of bear proof containerrs and low odo

Use
or foods (e.g.. dehydrated/ffreeze-dried foods)
f
Extensively briief clients in respect

r
to bea
ar conflict avo
oidance

D
pliance with th
he Canada Na
ational Parks Act
do
r
T
This
d
under ph
hysical contro
ol at all times and
en
nsuring they do
d not interfe
ere with fauna
a, flora, natura
r
or other park ussers.
(T
This also appllies to Environ
nmental Heallth and to Visitor Experiencce).
Follow specific
c guidelines as
a it relates to wildlife intera
action and po
ossible conflicts with
ph
hotography
March 23, 2011
18
Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
n Report
Amaruk Wilderness
W
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011-0038
Related to Human and Environme
ental Health:
W
Water
treatment through filttration
U of stove in
Use
nstead of cam
mpfires to redu
uce risk of willdfire
Expeditions are entirely non

n-smoking to reduce risk of wildfire
A
Avoidance
of sensitive
s
area
as
Small groups and

a low frequency expeditions
nts
Small footprintt individual ten
ed routes will be used whenever availab

ble to minimize environmen
ntal impact.
Previously use
Campsites will be selected to ensure no

C
o trace of hum
man presence
e or environme
ental damage
e
w
whatsoever
up
pon vacation. This include
es:
Area at leasst 100 meterss from body of

o water;
Areal that iss level to avoid soil destab

bilization;
Area that iss rocky ratherr than vegetatted in order to

o avoid vegeta
ation damage
e;
Area away from wildlife corridors or away

a
from are
eas with signss of wildlife usse;
Area not identified as cu

ulturally signifiicant by First Nations;
Area not vie

ewed as cultu
urally significa
ant by Guidess; and
Area not prreviously used

d by party in order
o
to avoid
d damage and
d allow
regeneratio
on
Related to Visitor Exp

perience:
Consult with First Nations to

C
o ensure prop
posed schedu
ule does not in
nterfere with their
t
enjoyme
ent or
usse of KNPR in
ncluding avoiding trips in the Donjek are
ea during hun
nting season, avoiding cam
mping
an
nd travelling through
t
arche
eologically sig
gnificant sitess or sacred sittes
We would be open
W
o
to work with
w First Nattion in regardss to cultural in
nterpretation in order to de
eliver
prroper informa
ation to clientss.
Consult with KNPR

C
K
to ensure proposed schedule
s
doe
es not unduly or unreasona
ably conflict with
w
th
hat of other op
perators
Related to Heritage Resources:

R
A
Avoidance
of sensitive
s
area
as whenever possible
p
C
Coaching
of gu
uests to insurre no artifact is disturbed and/or
a
remove
ed from the la
and
These mittigations are important

i
beccause they he
elp to mitigate
e significant adverse effectts of the proje
ect. I
have conffidence that th
he proponentt will implement these mitig
gations and I expect that th
he decision bo
ody
and regula
ators will ensure that these
e activities are
e undertaken
n as proposed
d.
March 23, 2011
19
Haines Ju
ce Evaluation
n Report
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W
Co
011-0038
Appen
ndix B
LIST OF RELEVAN
NT NON-D
DISCRETIO
ONARY LEGISLATIION
ABLE TO THE PRO
OJECT
APPLICA
The follow
wing is a notation of the key legislation and
a associate
ed sections th
hat I believe are
a relevant to
o this
project. These provisio
ons help to en
nsure that sign
nificant adverrse effects do not occur. Note that this list is
not intend
ded to be a co
omprehensive
e list of all the
e relevant legislation that applies to this project. Rather it
is a reflecction of the leg
gislation that was
w discusse
ed in this repo
ort. I have con
nfidence that the
t proponen
nt will
adhere to this legislatio
on, and I expe
ect that the de
ecision body and regulatorrs will enforce
e the legislatio
on.
Legislation
Canada National
N
Parrks Act
Key Provision
K
ns
(by partt or section number)
n
National Parkks of Canada Businesse

N
es
R
Regulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada Camping
R
Regulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada Domestic
A
Animals
Reg
gulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada Fire
P
Protection
Re
egulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada Fishing
R
Regulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada General
R
Regulations;
N
National
Parkks of Canada Wildlife
R
Regulations.
Champa
agne and Aishihik First Nations
N
Fina
al
Agreem
ment
Cha
apter 13, He
eritage
Kluane First Nation Final Agree

ement
Cha
apter 13, He
eritage
Speciess at Risk Actt
March 23, 2011
20
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ce Evaluation
n Report
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W
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011-0038
Appen
ndix C
REFERE
ENCES
Kluane National
N
Park
k and Reserrve
www.pc.g
gc.ca/pn-np//yt/kluane/in
ndex_e.asp
2004 Yukkon Visitor Exit
E Survey, Kluane Region
http://ww
ww.tc.gov.yk..ca/pdf/Kluan
ne_VES200
04_Apr14(1)..pdf
Smith, C.A.S., Meikle
e, J.C., and Roots, C.F. (editors), 20
004. Ecoregions of the Yukon
Y
Territo
ory:
Biophysiccal propertie
es of Yukon landscapes.. Agriculture and Agri-Fo
ood Canada, PARC
Technica
al Bulletin No
o. 04-01, Summerland, British
B
Colum
mbia, 313 p.
March 23, 2011
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Designated Office Evaluation Report

Haines Junction Designated Office

Issued by the Haines Junction Designated Office on March 23, 2011.

Geographical Context .................................................................................................. 2

HUMAN AND ENVIRONM

HERITAGE RESOURCES ....................................................................................... 15

First Nattion Traditio

March 23, 2011

Figure 1: Map of Project Area

March 23, 2011

March 23, 2011

Act orr Regulation

March 23, 2011

Fissh and Wildliffe

March 23, 2011

March 23, 2011

Packing out off all wastes (w

Small hole dug in soil orr under small rocks;

Toiletries are required

U of bear proof containerrs and low odo

Extensively briief clients in respect

Dogs brought into the Park will be done in strict comp

March 23, 2011

atisfied that compliance

March 23, 2011

Bacteria and parasite

Bacteria and parasite

March 23, 2011

Expeditions are entirely non

Small groups and

ed routes will be used whenever availab

Campsites will be selected to ensure no

March 23, 2011

Area at leasst 100 meterss from body of

Areal that iss level to avoid soil destab

Area that iss rocky ratherr than vegetatted in order to

Area away from wildlife corridors or away

Area not identified as cu

Area not vie

Area not prreviously used

March 23, 2011

7.0 VISIITOR EXPE

Project acctivities that could affect vissitor experien

Packing out off all wastes (w

Dogs brought into the Park will be done in strict comp

March 23, 2011

Consult with First Nations to

Consult with KNPR

March 23, 2011

Project acctivities that could affect he

March 23, 2011

March 23, 2011

LIST OF KEY MITIIGATIONS

Related to Fish and Wildlife:

Packing out off all wastes (w

Small hole dug in soil orr under small rocks;

Toiletries are required

U of bear proof containerrs and low odo

Extensively briief clients in respect

Dogs brought into the Park will be done in strict comp

March 23, 2011

Expeditions are entirely non

Small groups and