YORK FACTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA ...

Objectives
• The spirit of place and the cultural resources of York Factory NHSC are
appropriately cared for and protected from vegetation encroachment.
• Where and when protection from vegetation encroachment is not possible,
cultural resources will be recorded, documented and if possible, salvaged to
preserve a public record (as per 1.3.3 of the Parks Canada Cultural Resource
Management Policy).
Direction
The intended direction is to enhance a spirit of place by re-establishing the once
larger cleared area around the Depot and along the riverfront, so long as vegetation
removal is not detrimental to riverbank stabilization, permafrost, drainage and
cultural resources. The willows would be cut back to a manageable state requiring
only routine clearing of the open areas with a mower. Areas to be considered for
clearing include the stockade-enclosed factory, the historic place immediately along
the riverbank, boardwalk corridors and the cemetery (to be determined in
consultation with First Nations communities). Vegetation removal may also be
needed for site research, monitoring or operational requirements.
Historic and contemporary vegetation management at York Factory provides an
opportunity to research the relationship between vegetation cover and permafrost.
The interactions between vegetation, snow cover and permafrost are not well
known and large gaps remain in the scientific understanding of these interactions.
The historical record on willow growth and the location of York Factory at the
southern edge of continuous permafrost provide an excellent opportunity for
further scientific investigation into the complex interactions. Parks Canada will
explore opportunities to combine its site management practices with these broader
research interests.
Key Action
• A vegetation maintenance plan for the site will be developed and
implemented. Appropriate places and methods of vegetation clearing and
management will be evaluated for their effectiveness and environmental
acceptance. The management plan direction for heritage protection and
visitor experiences will be used to develop the guidelines. The impact of
vegetation clearing and management on riverbank stabilization, permafrost
and drainage are critical in developing the guidelines.
York Factory NHSC Management Plan Page 30