Teslin River Wetlands

Summary of Gap Analysis Results:

Teslin River Wetlands

Area of Interest / Official Study Area

The Teslin River Official Study Area (OSA) is within the Teslin Basin ( TEB ) and Stikine Plateau ( STP ) ecosections. The Teslin Basin is a relatively newly recognized ecosection, which used to be part of the Teslin Plateau ( TEP ). It was identified after the gap anaylsis was completed, so this area of interest was evaluated under the TEP ecosection criteria. The Regional Protected Areas Team (RPAT) classed both the TEP and the STP as Class II ecosections, on a scale of I to IV (highest to lowest priority). This ranking is based on the current gaps in representation and the extent of existing and anticipated disturbance.

Gap analysis identified the following gaps in representation in these ecosections:

Stikine Plateau

Spruce-Willow Birch (SWB) ecosystems
mule deer and caribou winter range
predator-prey ecosystems
extensive wetlands with high waterfowl values
rolling plateau landscape

Teslin Plateau

boreal forest (BWBS) and subalpine (SWB) ecosystems
riparian habitats
lava flow escarpments
canyons cut into limestone karst
river, canyon and rolling plateau recreation settings

Terrestrial Ecosystem Representation

Ecosystem	Eco-	Total Area	Protected	OSA Start_Position
	section	hectares	%	hectares	%
Boreal White - Black Spruce -BWBSdk1	STP	539,500	19.5	22,800	4.2
Spruce Willow Birch - SWB	STP	1,059,300	1.4	0	0
Alpine Tundra - AT	STP	214,000	0.3	0	0
Total for STP		1,812,800	6.6	22,800	4.2
Boreal White - Black Spruce -BWBSdk1	TEB*	280,700	0	49,150	17.5
Spruce Willow Birch - SWB	TEB*	40,500	0	0	0
Alpine Tundra - AT	TEB*	4,300	0	0	0
Total for TEB		325,500	0	49,150	15.1
Total				71,950

NOTE: These figures are for the Teslin Basin; the Teslin Plateau ecosection has 7.9% protected.

The Values and Attributes of the Teslin River Wetlands OSA

Ratings: Conservation - high; Recreation - high
Special Features: Teslin Wetlands (Goal 2 area)
extensive wetlands and adjacent boreal forest
critical migration and breeding habitat for northern pintail, lesser scaup and American green-winged teal
caribou and moose winter range
valley bottom lakes, forested mountain slopes
historic Teslin Trail/trading route
wildlife viewing, wilderness fishing, hunting and boating

Return to Prince Rupert PAS Report: Part B - Goal 1 Summaries .