The Central Yukon reporting
unit is located in a series of remote mountains and covers three
ecoregions. The traditional territories of four First Nations
range into portions of this reporting unit, although fewer than
56 people live here. Human impacts have been slight over most
of this region and topical issues include on mining activity and
the role of wilderness.
Mining and exploration activity have been present in this rugged area since the 1900s. The Wernecke Mountains have been the main region of interest and exploration has targeted uranium, copper, cobalt, lead, zinc and coal. This has resulted in staking, geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys, however few mines have actually operated, in part due to the remote location and lack of roads. The question of road access has created controversy in recent years. In 1995 a land use permit to upgrade a winter road to a site near the Bonnet Plume River was challenged in court.
Wilderness values in this reporting unit are very high because the area is pristine and has great natural beauty. The spectacular landscapes of the Ogilvie, Selwyn and Wernecke Mountains are attractive to backcountry travellers and the Bonnet Plume, Wind, Macmillan and Snake Rivers offer unparalleled wilderness canoeing. A variety of outfitters offer guided trips in the area and wilderness tourism holds great economic promise. A recent advertising campaign by the Department of Tourism targeted outdoor wilderness adventurers.
The Dempster Highway crosses the central Yukon en route to the
Mackenzie River delta and was opened in 1979. The road passes
through the winter range of the Porcupine Caribou Herd and several
management steps have been taken to minimize the impacts of the
road on caribou and other populations. Balancing the demands of
a transportation and communication route and the wilderness values
of the Demspter Highway will be of increasing importance as wildlands
dwindle all over the world. (Map of Dempster)
The Fishing Branch Ecological Reserve is currently the only protected
area in this reporting unit. The Bonnet Plume River has been nominated
as a Heritage River and a management plan is being prepared. The
Tombstone Mountain area is another candidate for protection. This
area has historical and traditional significance to the Tr'on
Dek Hwech'in First Nation.
