March 1997

Government of Canada
Environment Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service
Existing Conservation Areas

Queen Maud Gulf

In 1986, the Northern Mineral Policy directed the CWS to review the boundaries of all Bird Sanctuaries in the NWT. The review was completed in 1990. One recommendation was that the size of the Queen Maud Gulf Bird Sanctuary (QMGBS) be reduced but only after a thorough field assessment of the Bird Sanctuary's bird populations and bird habitat was done.

From 1991 to 1994, CWS conducted a study of wildlife habitat in QMGBS. The report from this study was completed in November 1995. CWS, in conjunction with GNWT Renewable Resources biologists, reviewed this study and recommended: that the boundary be adjusted northwards to decrease the size of the Bird Sanctuary by approximately 10 percent; and that the designation be changed to a NWA. The boundary adjustment would exclude from the Bird Sanctuary an area of low value to wildlife. The change in designation would protect all wildlife and wildlife habitat within the boundaries, not just migratory birds. It would also bring management of the conservation area into line with the comanagement approach required by the NLCA.

This biology-based recommendation needs the support of local and regional interests before CWS will proceed with changes to the Bird Sanctuary. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board supports the change in designation, subject to the outcome of local consultations.

CWS and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association are planning regional consultations about the future of QMGBS. When consultations are complete, the appropriate action will be taken with regard to the Bird Sanctuary, including the production of a management plan.

New Parks North Home