6.2 Zoning in Aulavik National Park

Management Plan

6.2 Zoning in Aulavik National Park

Section 3.03 of the ANPEA provides guidance in the establishment of Aulavik's zoning system:

"The park shall be operated and managed to protect the natural character of the park and the park's wildlife populations and their habitat, pursuant to the terms of the National Parks Act. To this end, the park shall contain a predominant proportion of Zone 1 - Special Preservation and Zone II - Wilderness."

Muskoxen skulls at harvest site
© Parcs Canada

In this management plan, Zone II Wilderness and Zone III Natural Environment are established. Delineation of Zone III Natural Environment is set out in 6.3. In time, more complete natural and cultural resource inventory work will provide managers with a more comprehensive understanding of the Aulavik ecosystems and landscapes. In the future, it may be possible to identify and delineate areas of special importance that warrant consideration for classification as Zone I - Special Preservation.

Zone II - Wilderness

This designation will be applied to all areas of the park. Wilderness zoning will guide wilderness use to ensure that it is low density, dispersed and unobtrusive. In addition, assurance will be provided that service and facility development will be minimal, primitive and appropriate to a wilderness experience. Classification of the park as Zone II - Wilderness reflects the park vision, establishment and management objectives, and the ANPEA.

Culturally Sensitive Areas

Within the Zone II - Wilderness, three specific areas will be designated as Culturally Sensitive Areas:

1. Head Hill Site: This complex encompasses about 8 sq. km. on the north side of the Muskox River, west of the confluence of the Thomsen and Muskox rivers. There are at least nine muskox kill sites, 17 structures, and 543 muskox skulls.
   
   The management objective is to protect the site's integrity as a significant cultural resource, while presenting aspects of muskox hunting and lifestyles of inhabitants of the area over the last 500 years. Controlled public access is allowed. On-site and off-site information will be provided to visitors informing them of the site's values and sensitivity. An intensive, site-specific monitoring program should be established.
2. Nasogaluak Site: The Nasogaluak site is a large pre-contact campsite on the Thomsen River representing Inuitnait use (1851 - 1890) and possibly the Mackenzie Inuit period (1450 - 1890). It is predominated by more than 40 caches, some of which have obvious features visible from the river. There are several semi subterranean houses, tent rings, a windbreak, surface artifacts and bone. Its position on a terrace overlooking the Thomsen River makes it highly visible and a potential stopping spot for visitors. The management objective is to protect the site's integrity as a significant cultural resource, while presenting aspects of the lifestyles of inhabitants of the area over the last 500 years. Controlled public access is allowed. An intensive, site-specific monitoring program should be established.
3. HMS Investigator Site: Located on the western shore of Mercy Bay, represents the overwintering site of Robert M'Clure and the crew of the Investigator. This consists of a series of caches, refuse, articles from the ship Investigator, and activity areas associated with the overwintering of the ship. It is spread out over approximately two sq. km. The management objective is to protect the site's integrity while presenting an important site in two major themes in Arctic history, the search for the Northwest Passage and the search for the lost Franklin expedition. Off site, remote interpretation is warranted. An intensive, site-specific monitoring program should be established.