About
The Łútsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area is about 8 kms southwest of Pelly Crossing in the south central Yukon. It’s about 15 kms long and about 2.5 kms at its greatest width. The North Klondike Highway runs along with western edge. The area is oriented southwest to northeast. The entire Łútsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area has a total surface area of 3.2 km2.
A total of 18 archaeological sites and numerous historic sites lie within the Łútsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area. Archaeological evidence indicates the area has been used continuously for the last 5,000 to 8,000 years. The location of the archaeological artifacts at traditional fishing sites and the current oral history about these lakes suggest that it’s been used much the same way over thousands of years. Excavation at one site at Rock Island Lake points to Selkirk First Nation people hunting spring waterfowl hunting here for more than 5,000 years.
Management plan
Purpose
The management plan provides guidance for the protection of the Łútsäw Wetland in accordance with Chapter 10 of the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement.
Objectives
- Ensure conservation of fish and wildlife and fish and wildlife habitat for the benefit of Yukon residents.
- Recognize the importance of the area to Selkirk people and the protection of the use of the area by Selkirk people.
- Protect the full diversity of wildlife populations and their habitats from activities that could reduce the area’s capability to support wildlife.
- Encourage public awareness of and appreciation for the natural resources of the area.
Status
The Selkirk First Nation and Government of Yukon approved the Łύtsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area in 2004. They reviewed the plan in 2012 and finalized it in 2013. Read the Łútsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area management plan.