SK1 Table 4 Caribou Discussion

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For Discussion: A Refined Management Framework for the SK1 (Boreal Shield) Woodland Caribou Range Plan November 2025

Background

The Ministry of Environment (the ministry) is working with Rightsholders and stakeholders to develop a Woodland Caribou Range Plan for the SK1 Caribou Conservation Unit (SK1).

Woodland caribou are currently considered stable in SK1, based on the most recent 2014-18 assessment, and human-caused habitat disturbance remains low overall. Disturbance levels and resource interest, however, vary throughout the region.

SK1 range planning is focused on maintaining a resilient landscape and stable caribou population while also ensuring continued opportunities for land use and economic growth in the region.

Proposed Spatial Management Framework for SK1

In fall 2024, a draft spatial management framework was introduced to Planning Table and Working Group participants that addressed regional differences in resource interest, human activity and management focus in SK1. The framework identified two zones or management areas (Figure 1).

• The Landscape Management Area (LMA) includes areas of lower human-caused disturbance and immediate resource interests and would be managed with a focus on maintaining landscape integrity and resiliency.

• The Resource Management Area (RMA) includes areas of higher human-caused disturbance and immediate resource interests and would be managed with a focus on supporting sustainable economic growth.

Proposed range plan strategies and actions would be applied differently in the two areas to support their different management focus. The proposed spatial framework would not subdivide SK1 for the purposes of federal (Environment and Climate Change Canada) disturbance reporting, nor was it intended to create protected areas or limit access to resources outside of Protected and Conserved Areas.