Mt. Nansen Mine Terrestrial and Aquatic Effects Study

EDI conducted a research project to determine the extent of metal contamination caused by the Mt. Nansen mine site west of Carmacks, Yukon. Tasks included study design, field collection of vegetation, soil, fish, water and wildlife samples, data analysis and scientific reporting. A critical component of this job was to engage the local community (mainly First Nation) throughout the conduct of the project. Community engagement included interviews of local stakeholder to determine local and traditional uses the area, field visits and community presentations. Sampling included testing lichens and deployment of moss bags to determine the extent of past and on-going aerial contamination of metals at the site. In addition, this project will determine the health of plants and animals near the mine site and will help determine the reclamation requirements for the mine site.

Coho Radio Telemetry, Old Crow, YT

EDI, in association with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, completed a pilot study to determine the spawning distribution of coho salmon in the Porcupine River, near Old Crow, Yukon. This project involved catching migrating coho salmon, inserting a radio tag and tracking them in the upper portions of the watershed. Due to late timing of this salmon run, this project was completed in the late fall and winter in extreme weather conditions. Many experts in the fisheries management field were impressed with the success of this project.

Yukon Queen II – Fisheries Study 2006, Dawson, YT

EDI conducted a study to evaluate the impact and mitigation strategies related to juvenile fish stranding associated with the operation of the Yukon Queen II tourist boat. This project included study design, extensive fieldwork (data collection), data analysis and reporting. This project helped to determine the severity of effect of this vessel’s operations on juvenile chinook salmon stranding and determine what mitigation options can be instituted to reduce such effects.

Chum Mark and Recapture Program, Old Crow, YT

Since 2004, EDI in association with the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation has been completing a chum mark and recapture study on the Porcupine River near Old Crow, Yukon. This study provides an in-season monitoring tool from which Fisheries and Oceans Canada can monitor the fishery. The project includes study design, extensive field work and training and capacity building for local First Nation Technicians. Chum salmon are captured via constantly monitored gill nets, tagged, measured and released.

Fish Productivity Assessment within Lakes, Prince George, BC

EDI, in conjunction with the Lheidli T'enneh Band, was retained to conduct fish, water quality and tributary sampling on four lakes within the Lheidli T'enneh Statement of Intent Area. Theoretical lake productive capacity was estimated using models based on water quality parameters. Fish production was assessed with a mark-recapture study. Factors limiting fish production were determined. Results from the study will be used for management purposes and to assist in First Nations Treaty negotiations.

Investigations on Taku River Chum Salmon, Atlin, BC

EDI collected and analyzed information on Taku River chum salmon to identify potential reasons for recent severe declines in native stocks. This study evaluated scientific research, local stock data and looked at examples worldwide.

Vegetation Regeneration on Linear Disturbances subject to Wildfires in a Zone of Coninuous Permafrost, Eagle Plains, YT

With assistance from the Yukon Oil and Gas Branch, EDI developed and submitted a proposal to the Mining and Petroleum Environmental Research Group (MPERG) to conduct a study of vegetation regeneration on linear developments subject to wildfires, specifically on and in the vicinity of a new winter access road leading to test well site K-58, beginning in the first post-fire growing season. The study examined vegetation composition and abundance, as well as soil and permafrost conditions, in burned and unburned linear disturbances, including the the new winter road and several older seismic lines.

Diet and Habitat Selection by Wolves and Grizzly Bears in a Multi-Prey Ecosystem in Northeastern BC

Brian Milakovic, Senior Wildlife Biologist with EDI, is currently conducting a PhD graduate research project at the University of Northern British Columbia. His Ph.D. candidacy work in the department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) has focused on the seasonal habitat selection by wolves and grizzly bears in the Besa-Prophet pre-tenure planning area in northeastern BC. Brian has concurrently participated in research to determine the distribution and habitat selection by Stone’s sheep, caribou, elk, and moose in northern BC and has conducted ecosystem level modeling that incorporates multiple-predators, multiple prey, and seasonal variations in predator-prey interactions directed to conservation and management. Brian’s primary objective is to use the results from his research to contribute to a landscape level management plan aimed at maintaining a viable large-mammal predator-prey system in a region scheduled for oil and gas development. A large component of Brian’s Ph.D. studies involved extensive habitat modeling based on GIS and remote sensing to build dynamic predictive models of seasonal habitat use by wolves and grizzly bears. In addition to habitat analyses, Brian used stable isotopes to model seasonal and annual variation in dietary selection by wolves and grizzly bears to examine the relationship between habitat selection and prey choice. This component of the research included an in-depth analysis of how inputs to the model may impact inferences on dietary selection by individuals and across the population.