Todagin
South Slope Provincial Park
History
Europeans first
visited the area of the Stikine Country Protected Areas in 1824
and in the following year, the Hudson's Bay Company and the Russian
American Company claimed areas for trapping. The search for gold
began in 1861, and by 1878 most of the Stikine River drainage had
been explored. From 1896 to 1902, Andrew J. Stone conducted expeditions
into the Cassiar to collect specimens for the American Museum of
Natural History. With his announcements of the discovery of several
"new" species of sheep and caribou, the area became a
destination for hunters. Local natives worked as hunting guides
and camps were set up throughout the region. Scientists began studying
the significant wildlife values in the area in the 1950s and with
the efforts of Tommy Walker, Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park was
designated in 1975.
Todagin South
Slope Park was designated as Class A provincial park in 2001 following
recommendations of the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine Land and Resource Management
Plan to protect the Stone's sheep critical wintering and lambing
habitat.
Cultural
Heritage
Todagin South
Slope Park lies within the asserted traditional territories of the
Tahltan First Nations and Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. Although
archaeological studies have not been done in the park, it is likely
to contain archaeological sites because high wildlife values would
have attracted native and non-native usage.
Conservation
Todagin
South Slope Park is located in the Southern Boreal Plateau Ecosection.
Two rare plants, Whorled Lousewort and Mountain Sheldon buttercup,
and four rare plant communities are protected in the park.
Wildlife
Todagin South
Slope Park contributes to a network of parks in the Stikine area
which provide habitat to a wide range of animals. Three blue-listed
species whose habitat is protected in Todagin Park are the wolverine,
the fisher and the grizzly bear. High densities of Stone's Sheep
are found in the park which protects south facing winter range and
lambing areas. Mountain goats are also found on the precipitous
slopes and cliffs, while lower slopes provide high quality moose
habitat. Other species found in the park include wolf and caribou.
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South Slope Provincial Park
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