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Łhútsäw Wetland Habitat Protection Area

A Habitat Protection Area (HPA) is an area identified as requiring special protection under Yukon's Wildlife Act. HPAs are one of the ways in which the Yukon government can preserve habitat, practice conservation and safeguard traditional First Nation harvesting practices.

The Łhútsäw Wetland (formerly Von Wilczek Lakes) is an important wetland complex covering 31 square kilometres along the North Klondike Highway south of Pelly Crossing. It was identified as a Special Management Area under the Selkirk First Nation Final Agreement.

There are several lakes and ponds in the HPA with the two largest lakes locally known as Łhútsäw Män (Jackfish Lake) and Tthe Ndu Män (Rock Island Lake). Each spring, northern pike in spawning condition can be observed in a small stream that connects the two lakes.

The Łhútsäw Wetland HPA is valued for its rich fishing, hunting, trapping and other opportunities. Archaeological evidence indicates the area has been used continuously for the last 5,000 to 8,000 years.
Seven HPAs have been designated in Yukon, protecting about 577,000 hectares of exceptional habitat.

Additional Resources

• Lhutsaw Wetland Habitat Protection Area Management Plan 965 KB (2006, 39 p. booklet)