State of the River 2005-2006

Alsek River, Kluane National Park Reserve, Yukon
River of Rock and Ice
Designated 1986

The Alsek River was named a Canadian Heritage River in 1986 because of its significant natural resources:  massive ice fields, high mountain peaks, unique geologic history, coastal and interior plant communities, significant grizzly bear population, and diverse bird species. The river lies within the traditional lands of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations where historically it’s rich resources supported Tlingit communities along the lower reaches of the river basin, and Southern Tutchone in the interior. The Alsek River also had strategic importance as a route between the interior and the coast during the early years of European exploration. Today, the Alsek offers an exceptionally high quality wilderness experience characterized by flat to class IV+ waters, opportunities for solitude, natural quiet and self reliance, pristine campsites, no support facilities and the chance to see moose, grizzly bear, sheep, mountain goats, glaciers and icebergs. 

Items of general note related directly or indirectly to the Alsek Canadian Heritage River in 2005 were: 

• Recreational use levels of 23 trips and 162 people which is close to the long-term average of 25 trips but well below the long-term average of 262 people.  In 2005 there were 10 trips though to Dry Bay (7 commercial, 3 private), 6 trips to Turnback Canyon (3 commercial, 3 private), 4 trips to Lowell Lake (2 commercial and 2 private), and 3 Jarvis to Serpentine trips (all private);
• Confirmation of the Alsek River 2006 to 2014 commercial trip Dry Bay take out schedule by inter-agency river managers; 
• Science based statistical review of rafter-bear interaction within the Alsek River corridor to evaluate changes in interactions over time, and investigate what if any effect: closures of high risk for bear encounter/displacement campsites, movement from random to designated camping, movement to every second day trip scheduling, enhanced education and other management initiatives are having on the river corridors ecological integrity and public safety;
• Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act came into effect in November 2005 and replaces the Canadian Environmental Assessment process in the Yukon;
• Ongoing celebration, recognition and protection of the Tatshenshini-Alsek watershed’s natural, cultural, and recreational values.

The Alsek River's heritage values remain intact and in a pristine state largely due to the inter-agency endorsed river management guidelines, policies and procedures currently in place (i.e. Leave No Trace recreational use practises, limits on group size and number of trips, mandatory use of fire-pans and requirement to removal human waste etc).  There has been no industrial or infrastructure (i.e. campgrounds, kiosks, privies) development over the reporting period of 2004/2005.  A periodic review and update of campsite impact and bear-human interaction risk assessment monitoring program is scheduled for the summer of 2006.   

The excellent spirit of cooperation, common vision, and shared heritage values amongst the US National Park Service, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; BC Parks, Tatshenshini-Alsek Park; Parks Canada, Kluane National Park and Reserve; Yukon Territory Government, Parks Branch; Champagne and Aishihik First Nations; and the Kluane National Park Management Board management agencies continues to grow and strengthen over time.  The collective inter-agency managers look forward to discussing ongoing issues of concern and common interest during their June 9 to 17th, 2006 Tatshenshini-Alsek river trip.    

For information, contact

Michael Riseborough,
Superintendent, Kluane National Park and Reserve
Box 5495
Haines Junction, YT
Y1A 1L0

Phone : 867-634-2329 ext 241
Email : Michael.Riseborough@pc.gc.ca

www.parkscanada.ca/kluane