3.2.2

Description: 
We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.
Lead Dept: 
ENR
Priority: 
3.2
Status: 
Fulfilled
Restructured COC: 
Economy and Environment
Number: 
2
Deputy Minister Committee: 
Economy and Environment
Background Information: 

COST OF LIVING

Commitment 3.2.2 – We will develop a range plan for boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and its wildlife co-management partners are developing a range plan for boreal caribou in the NWT that will ensure critical habitat is protected throughout the range.

Boreal caribou are listed as a threatened species under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), and the GNWT along with its co-management partners are responsible for the management of boreal caribou and boreal caribou habitat within the Northwest Territories. The federal recovery strategy identifies critical habitat needs for Boreal caribou (disturbance from fire and land use activities must not exceed 35% of boreal caribou range). Range plans need to be developed with co-management partners to ensure critical habitat remains over 65% in the NWT to meet legal requirements under SARA and to help ensure the NWT's population remains self-sustaining. Boreal caribou were also listed as Threatened under the NWT Species at Risk Act (NWT SARA) in 2014 and the Conference of Management Authorities has developed a NWT Boreal Caribou Recovery Strategy. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) has an active boreal caribou research program and has begun meeting with communities to identify important areas for boreal caribou, which will both help inform development of regional range plans.

Related Mandate Commitments:

  • Commitment 3.2.1 - We will develop and implement a multi-year management strategy for barren-ground caribou in the Northwest Territories.
  • Commitment 3.2.3 - We will develop species-specific wildlife management strategies for the three wood bison herds and continue to monitor the populations of muskox, and moose.
  • Commitment 3.2.4 - We will develop country food programming to promote opportunities for the consumption of foods such as fish, wildlife, berries, and mushrooms.