Construction of Buildings

New residential development within the Management Area will not be permitted as it would negatively impact wetland functions, lead to the loss of important waterfowl habitat, and conflict with the objectives of the management plan. It is not anticipated that any there will be any future demand for residential development within the Management Area as this would likely be accommodated on the existing settlement land around Nogold (i.e. S-176B) located outside the Management Area. This management plan applies only to the habitat protection SMA (Figure 1).

Disposition of Grazing Leases

Grazing leases will not be issued within the boundaries of the Management Area.

Hydroelectric Dam Development

It is recommended that the values associated with the Horseshoe Slough Management Area be taken into consideration when assessing any proposed dam construction at Frazer Falls, 3-Mile or 5-Mile Rapids or on the Hess River. Particular attention should be given to the possible impacts that such development could have on the habitat, ecosystem or residents of Horseshoe Slough. It is anticipated that any proposed dam construction will be subject to the Development Assessment Process, where the potential impacts on Horseshoe Slough can be assessed.

Exploration & Development

Mining exploration and development involves such activities as blasting, drilling, trenching, removal of vegetation, and other mineral extraction and processing activities. Such activities within a wetland complex would result in changes to the existing hydrology, negatively impact wetland functions, and lead to the loss of wetland area and associated waterfowl habitat. Consequently, this activity would conflict with two of the management principles listed under Section 1.5 which state that the Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area shall be managed for:

• The conservation of important Wildlife and Wildlife habitat for the benefit of Yukon residents; and,
• The protection of the full diversity of Wildlife populations and their habitats from activities which could reduce the land's capability to support Wildlife.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the interim withdrawal from prospecting or mining under the Yukon Quartz Mining Act and Yukon Placer Mining Act be maintained until a regulatory framework consistent with the management principles of this plan has been established. The need for continued interim withdrawal will be evaluated during the first plan review as per 4.10.

Exploration & Development

Oil and Gas exploration and development involves such activities as vegetation removal, site excavations, road construction, draining, dredging, drilling and other production related activities. Such activities within a wetland complex would result in changes to the existing hydrology, negatively impact wetland functions, and lead to the loss of wetland area and associated waterfowl habitat. Consequently, this activity would conflict with two of the management principles listed under Section 1.5 which state that the Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area shall be managed for:

• the conservation of important Wildlife and Wildlife habitat for the benefit of Yukon residents; and,
• the protection of the full diversity of Wildlife populations and their habitats from activities which could reduce the land's capability to support Wildlife.

In light of the above, it is recommended that the interim withdrawal from exploration and development under the Canada Petroleum Resources Act be maintained until a regulatory framework consistent with the management principles of this plan has been established. The need for continued interim withdrawal will be evaluated during the first plan review as per 4.10.

Snowmachines

The Management Area has been identified as an important key habitat for moose during the late winter months. During this time, moose access the river valley for forage and to obtain shelter from deep snow.

It is recognized that some disturbance to moose can result from snow machine use due to the noise and high speeds associated with this activity. However, the degree of disturbance is largely related to the frequency and level of snow machine use in areas where moose are present. Since little information exists on snow machine use within the Management Area, it is recommended that the area be periodically monitored by Conservation Officers from the Department of Renewable Resources in order to assess the need to regulate this activity. Observations by community residents on frequency and use of snow machines should also be considered when assessing potential impacts. If deemed necessary, management regulations affecting snow machine use may be developed under the Wildlife Act to minimize any potential impacts on wildlife.

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

The use of ATVs should be restricted to designated trails only.

Roads & ATV Trails

No new roads are recommended, including winter roads and ATV trails, within the Horseshoe Slough Habitat Protection Area.