Want to know more about wildlife in the Whitehorse area? Or the Tutchone name for otters? If you take a trip to the shores of Schwatka Lake, Chadburn Lake or one of about a dozen other locations around Whitehorse, you can find out more about the natural and human history of the Whitehorse area.

Interpretive panels have been installed at established viewpoints such as the Miles Canyon footbridge, as well as at areas with significant wildlife habitat, such as the wetlands along the Yukon River near Quartz Road.

The project grew out of the City of Whitehorse Yukon River Corridor Plan, which was aimed at improving planning along the river valley in the Whitehorse area. The City of Whitehorse and the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources took this original effort one step further and mapped wildlife areas throughout city boundaries.

These maps show the different wildlife areas and their associated wildlife values and environmental ratings on about half of lands within city boundaries. While more work remains to be done in alpine and subalpine areas, about 12 percent of the lands already mapped are considered to have high wildlife values, and 17 Significant Wildlife Areas have been identified.

"Now the city planning department and the Yukon Lands Branch have a map of the city and areas that are deemed to be highly sensitive within the valley, so if someone applies for land on a wetland the planning department will know its significance," says Bruce Bennett, a biologist with the Yukon's wildlife viewing program.

The detailed maps are considered to be very accurate, which will allow planners to be fairly specific about areas where habitat is a concern. As most of the areas are either open water -- such as Schwatka Lake -- or wetlands, conflicts with development are not expected to be a major problem.

In at least one area, landowners have totally backed the initiative. The Yukon Electric Company owns much of the land along upper McIntyre Creek, which is one of the largest identified wildlife areas within city boundaries. At the intersection of the Fish Lake Road and Copper Haul Road, the company has erected a gazebo with six interpretive panels that highlight the importance of the wetlands there.

The series of panels has been put up to raise awareness both of the Yukon River corridor plan and of the habitat that exists right within city boundaries. "It is mainly an awareness and appreciation campaign," says Bennett. "All of the panels talk about the wildlife in the area, and why it is important, and how people can avoid disturbing them."

For example, during the spring and fall migrations, Schwatka Lake is an important resting area for waterfowl such as loons, scaup and swans. As well as highlighting the natural history of the area, the signs point out the need not to disturb these birds when they are using the lake.

Interpretive signs can be found at Chadburn Lake, Hidden Lakes, the Miles Canyon footbridge, the Miles Canyon viewpoint, various spots along Schwatka Lake, the Wolf Creek campground and Long Lake. Signs will soon be installed along Quartz Road as well.

For more information contact Bruce Bennett with the Wildlife Viewing Program at 667-5331 or Ross Burnett, the City of Whitehorse habitat coordinator, at 668-8347.