strategic goals - Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board

yukon fish and wildlife management board 

07 

annual report 

2001-2002

All old photos are from the Yukon Archives 

Cover - Woman with Rabbit - Claude Tidd Fonds, Print 7474 

Woman on Fish Wheel - Vancouver Public Library Collection, Print 2156 

Ice Fishing - Claude Tidd Fonds, Print 7298 

Net Fishing - Bill Hare Fonds, Vol. II, Print 6720 

Women Hanging Hides - Claude Tidd Fonds, Print 7604 

Hunters Posing with Moose - Bill Hare Fonds, Vol. II, Print 

Hunters with Bounty Boat - MacBride Museum Collection, Vol. I, Print 3801 

Family Portrait - Claude Tidd Collection, Print 7528 

Couple Drying Meat - Claude Tidd Fonds, Print 8217 

Woman Gathering Wood - Claude Tidd Fonds, Print 7644 

All other photos courtesy of Yukon Territorial Government


table of contents 

Message from the Chair 3 

Board Members 5 

Staff 6 

Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board 6 

Powers and Responsibilities 

Strategic Goals 

7 

Community Stewardship 8 

RRC Support 9 

Communications 10 

Moose Harvest Management 11 

Oil and Gas Development 12 

Habitat Protection 14 

Forty-Mile Caribou 15 

Live Release Angling 16 

Harvest Monitoring 

Legislation and Regulation 

17 

Yukon Wildlife Act Regulation Changes 18 

Klaza Caribou Herd 19 

Chisana Caribou Herd 19 

Bison Seasons, Dates, Permit Zones + Trophy Fees 20 

Mandatory Barbless Hooks 21 

Lake Trout Catch Limits 22 

Cisco Snagging and Commercial Bait Fishing 22 

Angling closure on Licensed Fish Farming Lakes 22 

Non Resident Fishing License 22 

Wildlife Act 23 

Canadian Species at Risk Act 24 

Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements 27 

UFA Implementation Plan Obligations 36 

annual report 2001-2002

Photo: Yukon Archives 

from the chair 

Doug Urquhart • December 1997 to December 2002 

The Umbrella Final Agreement dramatically changed 

the social and political structure of the Yukon in two 

ways. First, it provided for land ownership and selfdetermination 

for First Nations and second, it created 

an environment and infrastructure for community 

based management of resources. 

The Board and Renewable Resources Councils entered 

this new age brim full of energy and enthusiasm only 

to find that it was all much harder than anyone 

imagined. Although the UFA is an excellent document, 

based on the best human principles of respect and 

power sharing, making it work on a daily basis has 

proven extremely challenging, especially for the 

Renewable Resources Councils which have become the 

focus of more planning and consultation than was ever 

contemplated by the land claim negotiators. 

Accordingly, the Board’s primary focus is dedicated to 

facilitating the operations of the Councils to support 

community-based management and conservation of 

the Yukon’s fish and wildlife resources. It is my hope 

that the RRCs will always turn first to the Board when 

faced with complex situations and that the Board will 

continue to tackle the big territorial, national and 

international issues so that when these eventually filter 

down to the RRCs they are equipped to deal with them. 

3

Photo: Yukon Archives 

board members 

from top, left to right: 

Joe Johnson (December 1997 to December 

2002) • Gerry Couture (February 2000 to 

February 2005) • Johanne Koser (March 

2000 to February 2005) • Art Johns 

(February 2000 to February 2005) • Georgina 

Sydney (February 2000 to February 2005) • 

Yvonne Lepage (May 1999 to December 

2002) • Lawrence Joe (December 1997 to 

December 2002) • Niels Jacobsen (March 

1999 to February 2004) • Clyde Blackjack 

(March 1999 to February 2004) • Ed 

Kormendy (March 1999 to February 2004) • 

Clayton White (January 2002 to February 

2004) 

5

staff 

members 

from top, left to right: 

Kelly Hayes 

Executive Director 

October 2001 to present 

Desiree Balderas 

Office Manager 

April 1999 to present 

Pearl Callaghan 

Executive Director 

May 1995 to June 2001 

Shirley Ford 

Trust Coordinator 

February 2000 to present 

6 


what is 

the yukon fish and wildlife management board? 

In 1995, the Yukon Umbrella Final 

Agreement came into effect. This 

agreement established the 

framework for the settlement of 

First Nation Land Claims in the 

Yukon Territory. It also created 

several public bodies that bring 

First Nations and non-First Nations 

together to manage Yukon lands 

and resources. Chapter 16 of the 

Umbrella Final Agreement 

recognizes the Yukon Fish and 

Wildlife Management Board as “the 

primary instrument of Fish and 

Wildlife management in the Yukon.” 

At the working level, the Board 

deals with conservation and 

management of fish, wildlife, 

habitat and wildlife users on a 

territorial-wide basis. 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board is an advisory 

body consisting of 12 members 

appointed by the Minister of 

Renewable Resources. Six 

members are nominated by the 

Council of Yukon First Nations and 

six by the Government of the 

Yukon. Members are individuals 

with a demonstrated commitment 

to conservation and sustainable 

use of our fish and wildlife 

resources. Appointments to the 

Board are for a five-year term. 

Since its responsibility lies with 

issues that affect the entire Yukon, 

the Board focuses its efforts on 

territorial policies, legislation and 

other measures to help guide 

management of fish and wildlife, 

conserve habitat and enhance the 

renewable resources economy. The 

Board influences management 

decisions through public education 

and by making recommendations 

to Yukon, Federal and First Nations 

governments. Recommendations 

and positions are based on the best 

technical, traditional and local 

information available. 

In order to develop an 

understanding of issues and form 

recommendations, the Board works 

in partnership with federal, 

territorial and First Nations 

Governments as well as Renewable 

Resources Councils and other UFA 

boards and councils. The Board 

relies on its partners and the public 

for technical information, advice 

and local or traditional knowledge. 

The governments are responsible 

for gathering information on fish 

and wildlife resources and 

designing management processes, 

as well as day to day management 

of fish and wildlife and the 

enforcement of laws. 

Renewable Resources Councils are 

local management bodies 

established in areas where 

individual land claim agreements 

are signed. They are responsible 

for dealing with fish, wildlife, 

habitat and forestry matters 

specific to their traditional territory. 

They also play an important 

advisory role to the Board by 

raising awareness of specific issues 

and providing local and traditional 

information. 

The past five years have been a 

learning process for all of the 

partners in the new fish and wildlife 

management regime in the Yukon. 

As each partner gains experience 

and further develops its role, the 

Yukon will move toward a system 

where everyone works together 

ensure the conservation of wildlife 

and their habitats.

powers+responsibilities 

of the yukon fish and wildlife management board 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will work within its mandate towards achieving the objectives of the 

Umbrella Final Agreement established in 16.1.0. These general objectives related to the management of fish and 

wildlife in the Yukon provide the broad policy context for the Board. Specifically the Board may exercise the following 

powers and responsibilities assigned to it in the UFA: 

a. make recommendations to the appropriate Minister, Yukon First Nations and Renewable Resource Councils on 

all matters related to Fish and Wildlife management, legislation, research, policies and programs (16.7.11); 

b. make recommendations to the appropriate Minister policies for the management of Fish and Wildlife and their 

habitats (16.7.12.1); 

c. make recommendations to the appropriate Minister on the need for and the content and timing of all Yukon 

Fish and Wildlife Management Plans for species included in international agreements, threatened species or 

populations, species or populations declared by the Minister as being of territorial, national or international 

interest, and transplanted populations and exotic species (16.7.12.2); 

d. review and make recommendations to the appropriate Minister and to Yukon First Nations on the management 

plans recommended by Renewable Resource Councils, specifically with respect to population goals and 

management options (16.7.12.3); 

e. where required by species or population management plans, recommend to the appropriate Minister a Total 

Allowable Harvest (16.7.12.4); 

f. review and recommend to the appropriate Minister adjustments to Basic Needs Levels (16.7.12.5); 

g. make recommendations to the appropriate Minister on the need for, and for positions on, interjurisdictional 

agreements that affect the conservation and use of Fish and Wildlife in the Yukon (16.7.12.6); 

h. after consultation with affected Renewable Resource Councils, recommend to the appropriate Minister 

restrictions on methods and practices of harvest for reasons of conservation, public health, public safety and 

protection of the renewable resources economy associated with the use of Fish and Wildlife (16.7.12.7); 

i. at the request of a Renewable Resources Council, assist it with its duties (16.7.12.8); 

j. with the approval of the Minister, delegate the performance of its responsibilities to a Renewable Resources 

Council (16.7.12.9); 

k. in consultation with Renewable Resources Councils, identify new opportunities and recommend to the 

appropriate Minister management measures for commercial uses of Fish and Wildlife (16.7.12.10); 

l. participate in the public proceedings of any agency, board or commission dealing with matters that affect the 

management and conservation of Fish and Wildlife and their habitat in the Yukon (16.7.13); 

m. prior to the amendment or introduction of legislation for Fish and Wildlife in the Yukon, advise the Minister on 

the matters to be addressed in that legislation (16.7.16); and 

n. make recommendations prior to the Minister declaring a species or population to be of territorial, national or 

international interest (16.7.19). 

annual report 2001-2002 • 7


8 

strategic goals 

for 2001/2002 

Community Stewardship 

To achieve its objectives outlined in its 

operating procedures, the Board annually 

sets strategic goals. 


Management Board will work towards 

fostering an understanding of the 

different partners involved in 

community-based management and 

their roles and responsibilities. This will 

help ensure effective cooperative 

resource management in Yukon 

communities and across the territory. 

The settlement of Land Claims in the Yukon 

has created a new system for managing fish 

and wildlife resources. This system relies on 

the cooperation and coordination of activities 

between public governments, First Nation 

governments and community people. At the 

community level, meaningful involvement in 

this management system depends upon 

having the information held by local people 

collected and utilized in making decisions 

about fish and wildlife. Ground-based 

monitoring and the use of traditional or local 

knowledge are the foundation to this 

information. As a result, the use of traditional 

or local knowledge and the implementation of 

ground-based monitoring activities are focal 

issues for the Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board. 

In February 2002, the Board hired a contractor 

to examine possible ways for the Board to 

support community stewardship initiatives. 

This initial assessment determined that there 

were many different initiatives that had already 

been started by various groups and 

governments. The component that appears to 

be missing is the connections between these 

community-based initiatives and the governments that require 

the information. 

In order to achieve this goal, the Board has begun working with 

community groups, Renewable Resources Councils and First 

Nation, Territorial and Federal governments to help define roles 

and responsibilities in supporting community based approaches 

to resource management. As a conduit between communities 

and governments, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management 

Board is well positioned to play a facilitating role to ensure the 

community based information is passed on to government 

decision-makers. To fulfill this role, the Board has developed a 

proposal to hire a community stewardship coordinator. Their job 

will be to work with several community groups to help ensure 

their initiatives have maximum benefit both for the communities 

and various government agencies. It is anticipated that funding 

for this position will be secured in the spring of 2002. 

Traditional knowledge is an important element of community 

stewardship. In 1998, the YFWMB hosted a conference on the 

use of traditional and scientific knowledge in wildlife 

management titled “Two Eyes: One Vision.” The Board received 

$15,000 from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation to 

produce a summary of the conference and it was released in 

April 2002.


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

RRC Support 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will work towards developing a stronger 

relationship with Renewable Resources Councils and strive to find ways to assist them through 

increased communication, training and issue coordination. 

Under the Umbrella Final Agreement, the Yukon 

Fish and Wildlife Management Board is established 

to act in the public interest on issues that affect all 

Yukoners. Usually the Board deals with legislation 

or regulatory changes. When each First Nation 

finalizes their individual land claim agreement, a 

local Renewable Resources Council is established 

to deal with issues that are specific to their 

traditional territory. However, it is apparent that the 

work of the Board is closely linked with the work 

of the Councils as they both rely on each other. 

Since the settlement of land claims, more and 

more Renewable Resources Councils have been 

established. In some cases, the tasks they face can 

be overwhelming. However, there are many things 

the Councils and the Board can learn from each 

other and issues we can support each other on. 

This year the Board has decided to focus more 

attention on ensuring the links between the Board 

and the RRCs are strengthened. Communication 

has been increased through monthly conference 

calls, and sharing information on specific issues. 

In June 2001 and March 2002 the Board hosted 

workshops for RRC secretariats to help with 

defining roles and to provide training 

opportunities. The Board has also played a role in 

identifying training and support needs for both 

RRC and Board members with the Training Policy 

Committee, Yukon College and the Volunteer 

Bureau. The Board will also be hiring a staff 

person who will provide research abilities and 

technical support to the Councils. Finding ways of 

continuing to increase communication and support 

for RRCs will continue to be a major priority for 

the Board for many years to come. 


10 


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Communications 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will strive to enhance public awareness 

of Board activities and develop strong public education tools to foster a broad 

understanding of Yukon fish, wildlife and habitat issues. 

Communication is an important focus of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board. If the Yukon public is well informed on fish and wildlife 

issues, it is easier for the Board to conduct public consultations and ensure 

that it is representing public interest in its recommendations. 

In order to enhance communication approaches, the Board has identified the 

need to develop a comprehensive communications strategy and to identify 

methods of highlighting some of the important issues the Board is pursing. 

The Board has set aside funds in its 2002/2003 budget to develop this 

strategy and to look closely on specific activities that will increase awareness 

on the issues of live release angling and ethical use of off-road vehicles.


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Moose Harvest Management 

Working with governments, special interest groups and Renewable Resources Councils, 

the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will develop recommendations for a 

new moose harvest management system that meets the needs of wildlife managers and 

all Yukon hunters. 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management 

Board established a moose harvest 

management working group in early 2000 to 

develop a clear and consistent framework for 

moose harvest management and regulation 

for the territory. In November 2000, over 40 

stakeholders attended a meeting in 

Whitehorse to discuss issues surrounding 

moose harvest management and identify 

possible solutions and management tools. 

Using information gathered at this workshop 

and through the working group, a discussion 

paper was developed and distributed to all 

Yukon communities over the summer and fall 

of 2001. The working group then organized 

public meetings in November 2001 

throughout the Yukon. The feedback received 

at these meetings was compiled into a final 

report and provided the basis for the working 

group to develop draft recommendations. The 

working group will present these 

recommendations to the Board in April 2002 

for approval. At this time, these 

recommendations will be forwarded to the 

Yukon Government’s Minister of Renewable 

Resources. 


12 


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Oil and Gas Development 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will endeavor to ensure communities 

are aware of the potential impacts of oil and gas development on fish and wildlife in 

order for them to make informed decisions about how this development should occur 

in their area. 

Oil and gas development is a relatively new industry in the Yukon. Since the Yukon government took over 

responsibility for managing oil and gas resources in the late 90s, there have been several disposition processes 

allowing companies to bid on and receive access to explore certain parts of the territory. In addition, oil 

companies have started examining the feasibility of a pipeline through the Yukon to transport Alaskan oil and 

gas to southern markets. As a result, many people are asking questions about what effects these activities may 

have on fish and wildlife populations. 

In order to provide Yukon residents with basic information on the potential effects, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board received funding from the Walter and Gordon Duncan Foundation and the federal 

government’s Northern Ecosystem Initiative to hire an oil and gas researcher. In March 2002, the Board 

produced The Effects of the Oil and Gas Industry on Fish and Wildlife: A Review of Scientific Literature along 

with four primers on specific aspects of the industry. The documents are designed to provide communities with 

basic information that will allow them to ask useful questions and make informed decisions about the industry. 

The Board has received additional funding from the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation to continue this 

work for another year.


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Oil and Gas Development 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will continue to work with communities and 

governments to ensure the development of a fair, open and informed public process for 

determining how and where oil and gas development will occur in the Yukon. 

Over the past few years, oil and gas development has been focused on the northern Yukon. The areas 

that have been opened for nomination have covered portions of different First Nation traditional 

territories and some communities have raised concerns over how consultations on the disposition 

process have been carried out. 

The Board raised these issues with the Yukon’s Department of Economic Development and encouraged 

the government to develop a process where interested parties identified in land claim agreements could 

be consulted on where areas should be opened to oil and gas exploration in a meaningful way. In 

October 2001, the Board and three of the Renewable Resources Councils most effected by oil and gas 

development met with Yukon Government staff to voice their concerns and develop solutions. As a 

result, the Yukon Government has developed a new disposition process. This new process is currently 

being reviewed by First Nation governments and will hopefully be used in 2002. 


14 


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Habitat Protection 


Management Board will work to 

ensure habitats identified in planning 

exercises are protected through 

regulation. 

In 1998, the Yukon’s Wildlife Act was 

amended to allow for the 

development of Habitat Protection 

regulations. In response to these 

changes, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board established a 

working group to develop 

recommendations on implementing 

these changes. In January 2000, the 

Board released its report “Protecting 

Wildlife Habitat in the Yukon” and the 

working group associated with this 

activity was disbanded. 

In October 2000, the Board reestablished 

a Habitat Working Group 

to help facilitate the identification and 

designation of habitat protection 

areas. It was clearly articulated at the 

time that this group would be looking 

at site specific habitat protection, not 

large-scale areas like those identified 

under the Yukon Protected Areas 

Strategy. 

The group determined that the best method for identifying and establishing habitat protection areas is by 

working through community-based wildlife management processes. The Board will monitor these plans 

and, when appropriate, offer its services to the local Renewable Resource Council to assist in working 

through the administrative system that allows for habitat protection areas to be established. There are 

currently several areas already identified through community plans that will be worked on in the near 

future.


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Forty-Mile Caribou 


Management Board will endeavor to 

ensure the expansion of the Forty-Mile 

Caribou Herd into its former Yukon 

range. 

At the turn of the century, the Forty- 

Mile Caribou Herd was estimated to 

have a population of almost 600,000 

animals and ranged throughout 

central Alaska and much of the central 

and southern Yukon. By the 1970s, 

over harvest, poor weather and 

predation had reduced the herd to 

about 5,000 animals. In response, a 

planning team comprised of Alaskan 

and Yukon representatives was 

established in 1995 to come up with 

possible ways of increasing the herd’s 

size. 


Management Board played a 

fundamental role in the development 

of the recovery plan. The herd has 

increased since the plan came into 

effect and some limited harvest is 

being carried out in Alaska. In the 

Yukon, the harvest plan will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will be the creation of a harvest 

plan for the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Traditional Territory. The second phase will be a complete Yukon 

management plan for the herd that will include harvest provisions. 

Both the Yukon and Tr’ondek Hwech’in governments have been discussing the development of a harvest 

plan over the past year and an agreement is anticipated in the near future. At that point, the Board will begin 

to work along with the Yukon Government, First Nation governments, and Renewable Resources Councils to 

develop a complete management plan for the Forty-Mile Caribou Herd in the Yukon. 


16 


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Live Release Angling 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will ensure 

establishment of a regulation requiring the use of barbless hooks in 

all Yukon waters. 

The Board hosted the first workshop on live release angling in the Yukon in October 1999. The 

outcome was the establishment of the Board’s “Fish Think Tank”. This group, which includes 

First Nations, lodge owners, retailers and stakeholder groups, held its first session in October 

2000 to develop ways of improving the practice of live release angling in the territory. In 

addition, the Board produced three reports examining various aspects of live release angling. 

One of the recommendations that came out of public consultation around this issue was to 

ensure that all people use barbless hooks. For this reason, in October 2001 the Yukon Fish and 

Wildlife Management Board proposed a regulation change under the Yukon Wildlife Act that 

would require the mandatory use of barbless hooks in all Yukon waters. The Board’s 

recommendation on this regulation change is currently before the Minister of Renewable 

Resources for his consideration. 

In addition, the Board has set aside some funds to develop an education and information 

campaign on live release angling. It is expected that this campaign will begin in April 2002.


for 2001/2002 

(continued) 

Harvest Monitoring 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board will 

provide a “home” for First Nation and resident 

hunter harvest data. 

The need to find a way for First Nation and resident hunter harvest information to 

be stored and shared is an issue for fish and wildlife managers. Over the past few 

years, the Board has worked with the Yukon Government and First Nations to 

develop a system for this to occur. In 2001, the Yukon Government completed the 

development of a website that would allow for the secure exchange of harvest 

information via the internet. The Board is the host of the website and each 

government will input its harvest information onto the site. In January 2002, the 

Board helped purchase the software required for the First Nations to access the 

site. An information-sharing protocol has been developed and should be signed 

by all First Nation governments and the Yukon Government by late summer, 2002. 


18 

legislation and regulation 

for 2001/2002 

Yukon Wildlife Act Regulation Changes 

A principle function of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management 

Board is to provide public input [based on public consultations 

and research] on legislation and regulations that affect fish and 

wildlife resources. 

Each year, changes are made to regulations under the Yukon Wildlife Act in 

response to public or management concerns. 

Governments, Renewable Resource Councils, special interest groups and 

individual citizens can all propose changes to regulations. The Yukon Fish and 

Wildlife Management Board presents these proposed changes 

to the public each fall in order to obtain comments and 

hear concerns. Once the public consultation is 

complete, the Board will review all information 

and provide recommendations to the 

Minister of Renewable Resources. The 

Minister will then either accept, vary 

or set aside the Board’s 

recommendations. 

If the proposals are accepted, 

the new regulations will be put 

into affect for the following 

year.


2001/2002 

Changes to Regulations Under the Yukon Wildlife Act 

The following proposed changes were examined during 2001/2002: 

Klaza Caribou Herd 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to increase the maximum number of permits 

that can be issued to licensed hunters of the Klaza Caribou Herd from eight permits to 16. The 

YFWMB recommended the maximum number of permits should be increased to 16, but that the 

actual number of permits issued would 

not change without further public review 

and recommendations from the Little 

Salmon/Carmacks and Selkirk Renewable 

Resource Councils. In addition, concerns 

were raised during the public review over 

the lack of complete harvest data, 

including the harvest data from Yukon 

First Nations, to determine the 

sustainable harvest of this herd. 

Therefore, the Board also recommended 

efforts be made by responsible parties to 

determine the complete harvest of this 

herd. The Minister accepted these 


Chisana Caribou Herd 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to designate the Chisana Caribou Herd as a 

specially protected wildlife population under the Yukon Wildlife Act. The YFWMB recommended 

that the Chisana caribou herd should have this designation under the Wildlife Act. Section 16.9.16 

of the Umbrella Final Agreement states “In the event that the Total Allowable Harvest is less than a 

Basic Needs Level or an adjusted Basic Needs Level, Government, the Yukon First Nation, the 

Board and the affected Council shall endeavor to rehabilitate the population.” As the designation of 

specially protected wildlife population establishes a prohibition on all hunting, including 

subsistence harvest, the YFWMB also recommended that YTG immediately begin developing a 

recovery plan for the Chisana herd that includes the participation of the required partners. The 

Minister accepted these recommendations. 


20 


2001/2002 

Bison Seasons, Dates, Permit Zones and Trophy Fees 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to: open the bison hunting season one month earlier (Nov. 1 

instead of Dec.1); replace the two seasons (Dec. and Feb., Jan. and March) with a single season extending from 

Dec. 1 (or Nov. 1) to March 31; add subzone 5-50 to the permit hunt area; reduce the non-resident cow trophy 

fee from $500 to $150; and, change the draw system to allow an applicant to obtain no more than one bison 

hunting permit every five years. 

The YFWMB recommended that the bison hunting season opening should remain at December 1 and the two 

seasons (December and February, January and March) should be maintained. 

During the public review, concerns regarding increased harassment, habitat destruction and safety issues (both 

for bison and hunters) were cited as reasons to not open hunting in November. In addition, concerns with the 

March hunt, including impacts on local trappers and harassment and hunting of other wildlife populations were 

raised. While the YFWMB supported continued hunting during March, the Board recommended YTG examine the 

impacts of the annual bison hunt, particularly during March. 

The YFWMB also recommended that Subzone 5-50 be added to the 

bison permit hunt area. Recognizing bison are a highly mobile 

species, changing hunting permit areas through regulation changes 

may not be an efficient or effective way of ensuring hunters access 

to the herd on any given year. Therefore, the YFWMB 

recommended the option of opening all game zones to permitted 

bison hunting should be considered during the review of the Bison 

Management Plan in 2003. 

The YFWMB recommended non-resident cow trophy fees remain at 

$500. The premise for this proposal was to increase the cow 

harvest. Recent harvest reports indicate the cow harvest has 

substantially increased and may actually become excessive, the 

original rationale no longer appears valid. Therefore, the Board did 

not support reducing these fees. 

Lastly, the YFWMB recommended the bison permit draw system be 

changed to allow an applicant to obtain no more than one bison 

hunting permit every five years. During the public review, many 

concerns were raised over the entire permit hunt system. Therefore, the YFWMB recommended YTG conduct a 

full audit and review of the Yukon permit hunt system. 

The Minister accepted all of the Board’s recommendations on changes to bison regulations.


2001/2002 

Mandatory Barbless Hooks 

The Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, with support from the Yukon Department 

of Renewable Resources, proposed that single barbless hooks be required for all Yukon 

waters by 2003. In response to concerns raised during the public consultation, the 

YFWMB recommended that simply barbless hooks be required for all Yukon waters. This 

requirement would apply to all Yukon anglers, regardless of age, and would include all 

Yukon waters, including stocked lakes. The recommendation was for barbless hooks, not 

single barbless hooks, as the main intent is to encourage anglers to debarb their lures. It 

was noted the additional effort to remove extra hooks from trebles or replace them 

entirely may result in considerable frustration and non-compliance. In addition, the 

YFWMB recommended this requirement should be “voluntary” for the next two years after 

which it would become enforceable in order to give anglers and suppliers time to adjust to 

the regulation. The YFWMB also recommended YTG invest in an education campaign to 

inform the 

Yukon 

public about 

the 

regulation 

change, the 

reasons 

why 

barbless 

hooks are 

preferred, 

and proper 

catch-andrelease 

techniques 

and also 

suggested 

an offense 

under this 

regulation 

should be 

ticketed 

instead of requiring a court appearance. 

The Minister set aside these recommendations and the Board is now following the 

process outlined in Section 16.8.0 of the Umbrella Final Agreement. 


22 


2001/2002 

Lake Trout Catch Limits 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to reduce the daily catch and possession limits 

for lake trout in Watson and Wellesley Lakes from two fish to one. Anglers would be required to 

release all lake trout longer than 65 cm. The Board supported this proposal, but added YTG should 

ensure information outlining proper catch-and-release techniques be established and specific 

signage and information explaining the conservation concerns for these two lakes should be 

developed. In particular, the YFWMB felt this information should be made available to Wellesley 

Lake ice fishers when they register. The Minister accepted the Board’s recommendations. 

Cisco Snagging and Commercial Bait Fishing 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to authorize and manage limited local baitfish 

netting operations at Tagish through a commercial license, and legalize limited cisco snagging for 

baitfish by anglers from the Tagish and Carcross bridges only. The daily catch limit would be five 

baitfish; the possession limit would be 10. The YFWMB agreed with the proposed catch limits and 

recommended YTG authorize and manage the existing local baitfish operation at Tagish through a 

commercial license and any future licenses be approved only after consultation with local First 

Nations, the community and the YFWMB. This would meet requirements outlined in Section 

16.7.12.10 of the Umbrella Final Agreement. For commercial operations, the YFWMB 

recommended the annual harvest be capped at 100 kilograms. The Minister accepted these 


Angling Closure on Licensed Fish Farming Lakes 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed a long-term closure of public angling on 

licensed fish farming lakes. The YFWMB recommended that the current closure of public angling 

on licensed fish farming lakes be maintained until completion of the of YTG’s aquaculture policy 

review at which time changes could be made in the future based on the recommendations from 

that exercise. In view of the considerable public and private enterprise concern about the current 

situation, the Board urged the Department to proceed expeditiously with this review so the 

outstanding issues may be effectively resolved in the near future. The Minister accepted these 


Non-resident Fishing License 

The Department of Renewable Resources proposed to increase the fee for a non-resident one-day 

fishing license from $5 to $10. The YFWMB supported this proposal and the Minister accepted this 

recommendation.


2001/2002 

Wildlife Act 

In response to recent court decisions, changes in management structures and public concerns, 

the Yukon Government decided to make changes to the Yukon Wildlife Act. This is a substantial 

task as there have been few changes to the Act since it was first established in 1982. As a result, 

YTG decided to make changes to the Act in three phases. The first phase (2000/2001) focused on 

addressing administration and enforcement issues. These changes dealt wit the Canadian Charter 

of Rights and Freedoms, authorities, penalties, licensing and streamlining administration. 

To meet the requirements for consultation under the Umbrella Final Agreement, Board members 

and staff worked closely with government officials to ensure thorough public consultation and 

allow the Board to make clear recommendations on how the Act should be changed. Following an 

extensive public consultation period, the YFWMB held a special two-day meeting in May 2001 to 

review all proposed changes and provide direction to YTG. Taking into consideration comments of 

the YFWMB, the public and other special interest groups, YTG drafted new legislation that was 

introduced to the Yukon legislature in October 2001. This legislation was quickly passed and new 

regulations were drafted, reviewed and accepted to reflect these changes by April 2002. 

The second phase of changes to the Wildlife Act focuses on species at risk and habitat issues. A 

public discussion paper was released by YTG and a public meeting was held in December 2001 to 

initiate discourse. Stakeholders were invited to a meeting in January 2002 to discuss specific 

aspects of the legislation and to start developing a Yukon species at risk program. A document 

outlining comments received during the public consultation and indicating what the legislation 

may include was released in March. It is anticipated that the legislation will be drafted over the 

summer and introduced to the Yukon legislature in Fall 2002. 

Canadian Species at Risk Act 

The rapid disappearance of species and habitats around the world as a result of human activity 

has prompted the Canadian government to develop a national act to protect species at risk. The 

Board is mandated through the UFA to make recommendations to governments on the 

identification and management of species at risk and, as a result, has been involved in developing 

and reviewing federal species at risk legislation since 1995. 

In May 2001, Board member Gerry Couture traveled to Ottawa to address the Standing Committee 

on the Environment and Sustainable Developing, which was reviewing the federal legislation 

before third reading by the House of Commons. The main issues he presented was the need to 

recognize the role of First Nations and wildlife management boards and to ensure adequate 

funding to cover any costs associated with implementing the Act. The recommendations of the 

Standing Committee were extremely controversial and have caused some delays in allowing the 

Act to pass final reading. In addition, Gerry Couture and the Board’s Executive Director traveled to 

Edmonton in February 2002 to meet with all wildlife management boards and discuss how the 

new legislation would work. The Act is expected to pass third reading by June 2002. 


24 

sharing the land conservation award 

for 2001 

In order to recognize the dedication and work of certain 

individuals to ensure the conservation of fish, wildlife and 

habitats, the Board established a conservation award. 

The award includes a print of the painting by George Teichmann 

commissioned by the Board. The painting depicts a hunter and 

his son watching caribou on a mountain snowpatch. One award 

will be given each year to an individual nominated by the Board 

or the public. 

The award for 2001 was presented to Percy Henry of Dawson 

City. Percy was born in 1923 on the Hart River and raised in the 

Blackstone country until 1934 when his family moved to Dawson. 

He is one of 12 children born to Annie and Joe Henry. He worked 

as a fisherman, catskinner and particularly as a ferry and 

riverboat captain on the Yukon and Porcupine Rivers. He was 

Chief of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in from 1969 to 1984. He served on 

the Porcupine Caribou Management Board from 1986 to about 

1989 and has had several terms on CYFN’s Elders’ Council. He is 

active as a language and resource person for Yukon College.

Original painting by George Teichmann 


auditor’s report 

march 31, 2002 

non-consolidated financial statements 

Non-Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Non-Consolidated Statement of Operations 

Non-Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets 

Non-Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Notes to Non-Consolidated Financial Statements 

To the Board of Directors of 

Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board: 

I have audited the non-consolidated statement of financial position of 

Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board as at March 31, 2002 and 

the non-consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets 

and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are 

the responsibility of the Board’s management. My responsibility is to 

express an opinion on these financial statements based on my audit. 

I conducted my audit in accordance with Canadian generally 

accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that I plan and 

perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial 

statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes 

examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 

disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes 

assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 

made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial 

statement presentation. 

In my opinion, these non-consolidated financial statements present 

fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Board as at 

March 31, 2001 and the results of its operations for the year then 

ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting 

principles, except that they are prepared on a non-consolidated basis 

as explained in note 2a. 

Whitehorse, Yukon 

June 25, 2002 

————————————————————- 

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 


28 

non-consolidated statement 

of financial position


of operations 


30 


of changes in net assets


of cash flows 


32 


notes 

for the year ended march 31, 2002


notes 

for the year ended march 31, 2002 • continued 



notes 

for the year ended march 31, 2002 • continued


notes 

for the year ended march 31, 2002 • continued 


36 

MANDATE: 

ufa implementation plan obligations 

A Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall be established, 

as of the effective date of Settlement Legislation, as the 

primary instrument of 

Fish and Wildlife 

management in the 

Yukon (Umbrella Final 

Agreement 16.7.1). 

The Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board, acting in 

the public interest and 

consistent with this chapter 

and taking into consideration 

all relevant factors including 

recommendations of the 

Councils, may make 

recommendations to the 

Minister, to Yukon First Nations 

and to the Councils, on all 

matters related to Fish and 

Wildlife management, 

Legislation, research, policies, 

and programs (Umbrella Final 


The Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board may make 

recommendations pursuant to 

Umbrella Final Agreement 

16.7.12.


continued 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall be comprised of twelve 

members. 

Yukon shall nominate 

six members, one of 

whom shall be 

selected in 

consultation and 

concurrence with 

Canada (Umbrella 

Final Agreement 

16.7.2). 

Yukon First Nations 

shall nominate six 

members, by causing 

the Council for Yukon 

Indians to make the 

nominations on behalf 

of Yukon First Nations 

after consultation with 

Yukon First Nations 

(Umbrella Final 


The Yukon Minister of 

Renewable 

Resources shall 

appoint the nominees to the Fish and Wildlife Management Board (Umbrella Final 

Agreement 2.12.2.3, 2.12.2.4). 

The majority of representatives of Government and the majority of representatives of Yukon 

First Nations shall be Yukon residents (Umbrella Final Agreement 16.7.4). 

One third of the initial appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall be 

made for three years, one third for four years, and one-third for five years. Thereafter, 

appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall be for five years (Umbrella 

Final Agreement 16.7.5). 



38 


continued 

All appointments to the Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall be during 

good behavior (Umbrella Final Agreement 16.7.5). 

The provisions of Umbrella Final Agreement UFA 2.12.2 shall apply to the Fish 

and Wildlife Management Board. 

OPERATIONS: 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board 

shall determine its own procedures for 

selecting its chairperson from its 

membership (Umbrella Final Agreement 

16.7.3). 

The Yukon Minister of Renewable 

Resources shall appoint the chairperson 

selected by the Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board (Umbrella Final 


In the event that the Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board fails to select a 

chairperson within 60 days of the position 

being vacant, the Yukon Minister of 

Renewable Resources shall appoint a 

chairperson from the membership of the 

Fish and Wildlife Management Board after 

consultation with the Fish and Wildlife 

Management Board (Umbrella Final 

Agreement 16.7.3.1). 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board 

shall be accountable to the Yukon 

Minister of Renewable Resources for its 

expenditures (Umbrella Final Agreement 

16.7.8). 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall prepare an annual budget, subject 

to approval by the Yukon Minister of Renewable Resources. The budget 

approval process will respect the Board’s discretion over the allocation of funds 

to be available to the Board under the Plan (Umbrella Final Agreement 16.7.9).


continued 

ACTIVITIES: 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall establish the Salmon Sub-Committee pursuant 

to Umbrella Final Agreement 16.7.17 at its initial meeting or as soon as practicable thereafter. 

The Yukon Salmon Committee is a sub-committee of the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management 

Board, but functions independently as the main instrument of salmon management in the 

Yukon and focuses on the conservation of territorial salmon stocks. It makes 

recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on all matters related to Yukon 

salmon. Committee members also serve on the Yukon River Panel which represents the Yukon 

in ongoing Pacific Salmon Treaty negotiations between Canada and the United States. 

The Yukon Salmon Committee can be contacted at: 

100-419 Range Road, Whitehorse, YK Y1A 3V1 

Phone: (867) 393-6719 or (867) 393-6725 • Fax: (867) 393-6738 

Email: salmon@yknet.yk.ca www.yukonweb.com/government/salmon 

The Fish and Wildlife Management Board shall undertake activities pursuant to its obligations 

as set out in Chapter 16, and its obligations in Chapter 27, the Yukon Fish and Wildlife 

Enhancement Trust. 


the yukon fish and wildlife management board 

new address: 106 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Whitehorse 

p. 867.667.3754 • f. 867.393.6947 

e. yfwmb@yknet.ca 

october 2002 

photos: yukon archive collections 

and yukon territorial government 

design and layout: wallymaltz design • whitehorse, yukon

strategic goals - Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board

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