About
Mandanna Lake is in the Traditional Territory of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation. In the northern Tutchone language, the lake is called Teliyó Män or sometimes Tazäna Män, both referring to seeing the lake from a distance. The lake is also sometimes called Taghäl Män or “wavy lake.” Another name for the lake was Lakeview Lake, named for a wood camp on the Yukon River that once stood at the mouth of Mandanna Creek.
The lake is about 6 km long and 1.5 km at its widest. The different islands, gravel shoals and complex shoreline suggest a large number of shallow water areas known as “littoral” habitat. There are some larger bays and a central narrows with a cabin at each point. The water is dark in colour with many steep shoreline “drop-offs” reflecting a relatively large mean depth of 21 m for such a small lake. Mandanna Lake is approximately 579 m above sea level.
People who live along the Yukon River at Little Salmon Village traditionally used the lake. Over the last century families regularly fished for food here. Elders say that Mandanna Lake was one of several key lakes in the area that the people could always count on to get fish.
Management plan
Purpose
The management plan was prepared to provide guidance on the management of Mandanna Lake consistent with the objectives of Chapter 16 of the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation Final Agreement. The main purpose of plan is to manage the fishery.
Objectives
- Conservation of the freshwater fish in Mandanna Lake.
- Respect for the traditional and current use of Mandanna Lake by Little Salmon/ Carmacks people and the importance of the lake to the Little Salmon/Carmacks First Nation.
- Treat all users of Mandanna Lake fairly.
Status
The Mandanna Lake Management Plan was prepared by the Mandanna Lake Management Plan Steering Committee and recommended by the Carmacks Renewable Resources Council. The Government of Yukon approved the plan in 2013.