Yambahti
Last updated: November 2011
Yambahti (yah-bah-ti) is an area of approximately 6,000 km² encompassing the Yamba Lake watershed in the eastern portion of the Wek'èezhìi Co-Management Lands.
Importance of Yambahti
- Yambahti is typical of the Takijuq Lake Upland ecoregion. Protection of this area would address a gap in ecosystem representation in the NWT.
- The Tundra Ecosystem Research Station (TERS) is located on the north shore of Daring Lake. It was established in 1994 to support environmental research and monitoring programs. Given the mineral development taking place in the region, these programs are fundamental to the collection of baseline information and control data. They contribute to our understanding of the environmental effects of mining and other developments on the tundra.
- The area is considered part of the ancestral lands of the Tłįchǫ. There is evidence of longterm traditional use by Tłįchǫ people as well as Yellowknives Dene, Metis and Inuit.
- Yambahti is important to grizzly bear and wolverine and offers important habitat for the Bathurst caribou herd during a large part of its year-round movements.
- A key physical element contributing to the ecological significance of Yambahti is the vast system of eskers found there. Eskers, winding narrow ridges of sand or gravel, provide important denning habitat for a variety of species including predators such as wolves, foxes and bears. Eskers also provide areas of refuge for animals from biting insects, natural migratory pathways, nesting areas for birds and a variety niches for different plant species.
Status
- In April 2010, the Tłįchǫ Government submitted a formal request and proposal to the GNWT to sponsor the area as a Critical Wildlife Area.
- The Yambahti proposal is at Step 3 of the PAS process. Preliminary assessment work including Phase 1 ecological, and renewable resource assessments and cultural studies have been completed.
Next Steps
- Determine sponsorship.
- Establish a candidate area working group.
- Apply for interim protection as necessary.
- Continue documentation and assessment of the area's cultural, ecological, and economic values.
Reports
- 2011 - Daring Lake Area | Breeding Bird Phenology, Densities and Population Trends (pdf) (6.2 MB)
- 2007 - Daring Lake Area | Cultural Documentation Phase 1 (contact the PAS Secretariat for more information)
- 2006 - Daring Lake Area | Ecological Assessment Phase 1 (pdf) (14.5 MB)
