Long Term Objectives
Preserve and protect the 'Health' of the whole of the
Kispiox River, and the Provincially significant fishery it contains, by preventing further
damage to the river system, particularily in the Upper Kispiox watershed, north of the
confluence of the Nangeese River.
Short Term Objectives
- To Positively influence the Cabinet committee decision regarding
final zoning of the Upper Kispiox planning area, all of which should be protected.
- To support funding of a pre-harvest 'baseline' study of the
aquatic and riparian systems in a natural state in the upper watershed, so future
harvesting plans in both the Nangeese watershed and any Special management zones that may
be allocated north of the Nangeese River, can incorportate those recommendations arising
from the study, for minimizing forestry related impacts to the fisheries values.
- To draw to decision makers attention that the Kispiox Forest
District's AAC of 1,100,000 cubic meters, set in 1981, is still unchanged and will not be
impacted by a decision to fully protect the planning area for another 30 years.
- To draw to decision makers attention that the planning area
already contributes significantly to a diversified economy in the area, of which forestry
values are not the most significant. The Kispiox River contributed $4,800,000 to the
commercial fishery in 1995, as well as an additional $400,000 annually in fisheries
employment income, not including income from tourism, trapping, recreation and the sports
fishery. Against this, forestry annual employment income is estimated to by only
$380,000 for the planning area.
- To promote a further diversification of the area economy through
promotion of tourism and recreation, specifically by supporting and promoting development
of a world class pack packing wilderness trail, The Dominion Yukon Telegraph Trail,
already designated as the Heritage Trail but as yet undeveloped. Kispiox Band
Council and the Kispiox Valley Community Association would like support to jointly develop
and maintain this trail.