This chapter discusses the ecological context of the Project by providing
an overview of the geological, biological and human history of Labrador,
and presenting a detailed description of the landscape in a relatively
large area surrounding the Project, referred to as the Landscape Region
(Figure 2.1). In order to understand the processes and relationships that
influence the Project environment, this information is interpreted using
an ecological approach. The movements of animals, marked change in seasons,
and interrelationships between people and ecosystems together comprise
a dynamic, whose understanding is a prerequisite for developing prediction
statements about the effects of the Project. It is also important that
a holistic approach to the landscape and seascape and all its inhabitants
be considered.
Sina is the Inuktitut word for the floe edge between the land fast ice and the arctic pack ice on the outer coast of Labrador (Williamson 1997).
The Landscape Region is a large area surrounding the Project footprint. The Landscape Region is bound to the north by Webb Bay and the Fraser River, to the south by a line running from Flowers Bay to south of Mistastin Lake, to the west by the Quebec-Labrador border, and to the east by the outer islands and edge of the fast ice (sina). The boundaries of this region were selected based on issues scoping, natural landscape features, and the necessity of providing a scale large enough to encompass important ecological interactions.
The Landscape Region is similar to the study area used by Williamson
(1997) to map Inuit environmental knowledge, but extends further south
to also include areas of Innu land use as described during issues scoping
workshops (Ashini, D. and Innes, L., pers. comm.). The Landscape Region
includes the communities of Nain and Utshimassits, and areas used by the
residents of these communities. Many of the residents of Nain also travel
and harvest in areas north of the Landscape Region, and many people from
Utshimassits, in areas to the south.
Eighteen thousand years ago, most of Labrador was covered by a sheet of ice. The abrasive movements of these glaciers, and previous glaciation, rounded mountain tops, cut deep fjords through river valleys, and gouged numerous depressions into the landscape. These depressions have since filled with water, creating the numerous lakes and ponds that abound on the Labrador landscape. The glaciers began to retreat around 10,000 years ago, causing the land surface to rebound and elevate as it was released from the tremendous weight of the continental ice sheets, resulting in raised marine features in coastal areas. Coastal areas were further transformed as water from melting glaciers deposited layers of sand and gravel to form broad plateaus, eskers, and deltas interspersed with moraines. Today's rivers, as they flow seaward, continue to erode channels through these glacial deposits.
The post-glacial landscape of Labrador is highly varied. Northern Labrador
is characterized by the barren Kigalapait, Kaumajet, and Torngat Mountains,
which rise to elevations over 1,700 m above sea level and contain the highest
peaks in North America east of the Rocky Mountains. Central coastal Labrador
is a complex of islands and striking headlands, deeply incised fjords and
valleys which extend deep into the interior. The interior of central Labrador
is dominated by an extensive, rolling plateau of lichen-dominated tundra
that extends westward beyond the Quebec-Labrador border. The Mealy Mountains
and a number of plateaus combine to form the more moderate, rolling landscape
characteristic of southern Labrador.
Northern Labrador represents a transition zone between Arctic and sub-Arctic climates. The Landscape Region includes approximately 150 km of the northern Labrador coast, which is deeply indented with many fjords that funnel the winds towards the coast (Lancaster et al. 1993). Intense, low-pressure weather systems characterize the fall and winter seasons, when gale-to storm-force winds and heavy snow are common along the coast. Fewer gales occur in summer. In general, the occurrences of fog, gales and precipitation decrease with distance inland from the coast. In addition, topographic influences can cause local variations in climate.
The coldest months in the Landscape Region are January and February, with an average daily temperature of -17º C. The warmest months are July and August, with an average daily temperature of +10º C. Extreme temperatures range between -39º C and +32º C (Atmospheric Environment Service 1982). Temperatures on the coast are modified by marine influences, and are not as extreme as those on the more continental inland plateau (Williamson 1997:8).
The Labrador Current strongly influences the climate of Labrador, including the Landscape Region, primarily in the summer when there is no sea-ice cover (JWEL 1997a). This current, which originates off Cape Chidley at the northern tip of Labrador, is the most southerly extension of waters of Arctic origin in the western Atlantic and a dominating influence on water movement along the Labrador shelf (up to 150 km offshore).
Water temperature of the Labrador Current ranges from -1.7º C to
3.0º C. Its southward movement is driven by water flowing out of Hudson
Strait (Dunbar 1951). Compared to Arctic waters, the Labrador Current is
characterized by higher temperatures, less persistent ice cover, greater
biological diversity, and greater total organic production (Dunbar 1968).
As the waters of the current flow near the coast and around the numerous
reefs and islands, inshore currents become extremely complex. The temperature
and salinity characteristics of the Labrador Current influence both the
climate and the biological constituents of the offshore and inshore seascapes
of Labrador and the Landscape Region, which create the conditions which
permit the survival of arctic and boreal life (Williamson 1997).
"Once the land fast ice takes hold, it remains throughout the winter, becoming like the land, soon covered with snow in sheltered places and scoured clean in others by the strong winds channelled out of the bays and fjords." (Williamson 1997:9)
Typically, landfast ice first appears along the Labrador coast in early December and attains a typical thickness of about 100 cm (Atmospheric Environment Service 1992). Surface melting is normally well advanced by late May along the mid-coast with complete melting of the ice occurring in early June (Fisheries and Oceans Canada 1988). A number of factors, such as snowfall, air temperature, offshore winds, and high tides can influence the timing of freeze-up and break-up periods (Dickins 1997). Pack ice on the approaches to Nain can extend from 30 km to 180 km beyond the fast ice edge, and normally persists into July.
There is considerable annual variability in the first appearance of sea ice in the Landscape Region. Fast ice begins to form in protected bays and channels from November to January and then rapidly extends seaward to the offshore islands. The winter extent of the sina is also highly variable from year to year.
Icebergs that appear seasonally off the Labrador coast move south as
sea ice clears in the spring and summer. The drift patterns of icebergs
are strongly influenced by current and wind (Seaborne Information Technologies
Ltd. 1995). Each year, on average, 1,200 icebergs reach Cape Chidley and
800 reach Groswater Bay (Seaborne Information Technologies Ltd. 1995).
Average sizes range from less than 10 m long at the waterline to over 80
m (Seaconsult 1988).
An ecosystem is composed of communities of interacting organisms and the chemical and physical factors that make up their physical environment.
Present day terrestrial ecosystems in Labrador support many wildlife species. Several herds of caribou occur, including the George River herd (approximately 720,000 animals, (Schaefer J., pers. comm.) and the smaller Mealy Mountain and Red Wine herds. Other large mammals include moose, black bear, and wolf. The terrestrial ecosystem provides habitat for a number of species of furbearers and small mammals, such as Arctic hare, beaver, ermine, lynx, marten, mink, northern bog lemming, otter, porcupine, red fox, red squirrel, red-backed vole, rock vole, and snowshoe hare (Banfield 1974).
Labrador, including the Landscape Region, hosts terrestrial bird species typical of boreal forest and subarctic ecosystems, such as Canada jay, rock ptarmigan, spruce grouse, three-toed woodpecker, and willow ptarmigan. Birds of prey include bald eagle, golden eagle, gyrfalcon, northern hawk owl, osprey, peregrine falcon, and rough-legged hawk (Erskine 1977). In addition, many migratory species of shorebirds, sparrows, warblers, and other small birds breed in the terrestrial ecosystems of Labrador.
"The brook trout which run to the sea are often called sea trout and those which remain in freshwater are generally called mud trout" (Williamson 1997:10)
Rivers, streams, ponds and lakes provide habitat for a variety of aquatic fauna and invertebrates. They provide important spawning and nursery habitat for several species of fish, including brook and lake trout, Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr. Although densities of breeding waterfowl are low, the extensive wetland habitat supports larger numbers of certain species including American black duck, Canada goose, common goldeneye, green-winged teal, and red-breasted merganser (JWEL 1997b).
The marine waters of coastal Labrador and the Landscape Region support cod, Atlantic salmon, Arctic charr, shrimp and scallop. These waters also attract hundreds of thousands of marine birds, including harlequin duck and the more abundant species such as black scoter, common eider, common goldeneye, glaucous gull, great black-backed gull, herring gull, Iceland gull, mallard, oldsquaw, red-breasted merganser, and ring-billed gull (JWEL 1997b).
Large numbers of marine mammals are frequently present in marine waters.
These include bearded, gray, harbour, harp, hooded, and ringed seals, Atlantic
white-sided and white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoise and the minke whale.
Although fewer in number, beluga, humpback, narwhal and killer whales,
polar bear, and walrus are also found (Lien 1985).
The original peopling of Labrador and Quebec Ungava represented the
northern extension of the range of northeast American Archaic cultures.
Cultural interactions during this earliest phase of human occupation of
the region (which lasted approximately 4,000 years) were with populations
living in areas south or southwest of the region.
The first known site of human habitation in Labrador is found in the Strait of Belle Isle and dates to approximately 8,000 years ago (Fitzhugh 1978). These early inhabitants were the Maritime Archaic Indians, who moved northward along the coast as the glaciers retreated and the land and sea became accessible, thereby providing resources. The Maritime Archaic Indians harvested marine and terrestrial animals and, most likely, plants on a seasonal basis. Over thousands of years, they expanded northward along the coast. Maritime Archaic sites have been found as far north as Ramah Bay. The culture of the Maritime Archaic Indians was characterized by elaborate burial ceremonialism, long-distance trade networks and large, likely multi-family dwelling structures (Hood 1993).
Approximately 4,000 years ago a very different people, the Pre-Dorset, moved into Labrador from the eastern Arctic. The Pre-Dorset people expanded down the coast of Labrador to roughly as far south as the Nain area (Cox 1978). They harvested resources from marine waters and forested inner bays on a seasonal basis (Hood 1993). The arrival of Pre-Dorset people would have meant that the Maritime Archaic Indians had to compete or coexist with these new imigrants from the north. Evidence of the Maritime Archaic Indians in Labrador disappears from the archaeological record approximately 3,500 years ago (Fitzhugh 1972). The reasons for this disappearance are not known.
The next inhabitants of Labrador were the Intermediate Indians, who are believed to have moved into Labrador from areas to the south and west (Nagle 1978) approximately 3,500 to 2,800 years ago (1,500 years ago in the Hamilton Inlet area). Intermediate Indians harvested interior resources for most of the year and made limited use of marine and coastal resources during the summer months (Fitzhugh 1972).
Sites associated with the Groswater culture are dated to 2,800 to 2,100 years ago and are found along the coast of Labrador and on the Island of Newfoundland (Cox 1978; Fitzhugh 1972; Tuck and Fitzhugh 1986). Archaeological evidence indicates that the subsistence strategy of this culture was focused primarily on marine and coastal resources, with more limited, seasonal harvesting of interior resources.
The Dorset culture appeared in Labrador from the eastern Arctic around 2,500 years ago and persisted until about 650 years ago. Like the earlier Groswater culture, Dorset people relied heavily on marine and coastal animals. Dorset sites are found along the entire coast of Labrador and on the Island of Newfoundland (Fitzhugh 1972; Cox 1978; Tuck and Fitzhugh 1986).
The late pre-contact Indian phase (Recent Indians) in Labrador occurred approximately 1,700 to 350 years ago. Although the ancestry of these people is not confirmed, archaeologists believe they may be descended from the previous Intermediate Indian culture and possibly from remnant Maritime Archaic Indian populations farther south. The late pre-contact Indians had an interior/maritime economy, similar to that of the Maritime Archaic culture, although it is likely they spent significantly more time in the interior than did the Maritime Archaic Indians. Contemporary Innu of Labrador are descended from the late pre-contact Indians (Loring 1992).
The last pre-contact occupation of Labrador was by the Thule culture. Thule people migrated into Labrador from the eastern Arctic roughly 700 years ago and are the direct ancestors of the Quebec and Labrador Inuit (Fitzhugh 1994). Within a few generations of arriving in Labrador, this highly successful marine hunting culture had traveled down the coast as far south as Nain (Fitzhugh 1977).
Archaeological research can never fully explain the complex systems that once operated within and between cultures, including the spiritual relationships that existed between people and the ecosystems they depended upon for survival. Archaeological investigations of pre-contact times in Labrador have discovered indications of complex cultural and social practices, including carved ivory human and animal amulets (Thomson 1981, 1982, and 1988), evidence of elaborate burial ceremonies and long-distance trade networks extending as far south as the present-day State of New York, and substantial structures that would have provided a home for more than a single family (Fitzhugh 1978, 1984; Hood 1993).
The first Europeans to visit Labrador were Norse explorers, around 1,000 years ago. Later explorers included Gaspar Corte Real in 1500 and 1501 (Quinn 1981, as cited in Loring 1992) and possibly John Cabot during his journey of 1497 (Loring 1992). The abundant marine resources soon attracted European fishermen and merchants to the coast of Labrador. French, Portuguese, and Basque fishing fleets made annual visits to Labrador to harvest fish and whales for export to Europe.
The first major event of overexploitation due to European commercial harvesting in the region occurred during the early 16th century in southern Labrador (Tuck and Grenier 1989, as cited in Loring 1992) when Basque whalers hunted right and bowhead whales to produce oil for use in Europe. Archival documents indicate amicable relations between the Basque and the native Indians, who were reported to have assisted in flensing and rendering whale blubber into oil (Barkham 1980, as cited in Loring 1992).
European fishing and whaling in waters off Labrador continued through
the succeeding centuries and remained an important mainstay of the economy
up until the closure of the commercial cod fishery in 1994. The 17th,
18th, and 19th
centuries saw the introduction of European economic pursuits (e.g., the
fur trade) and ideological belief systems. After British sovereignty over
Canada was established with the Treaty of Paris in 1763, Moravians introduced
a number of missions along the north coast of Labrador, and trading posts
and permanent European settlements were established. These European influences
resulted in broad, sweeping changes to the traditional patterns of settlement
and subsistence, and in the belief systems of the Aboriginal peoples of
Labrador. Year-round settlement in communities and the introduction of
European trading and cash economies changed the culture and traditional
lifestyles of the Innu and Inuit people, while introduced diseases caused
drastic reductions in their populations (Brice-Bennett 1977).
In the 17th century, small groups of families (15-20 people) made up the basic socio-economic unit. The Innu harvested a wide variety of animals for food, including caribou, bear, beaver, porcupine, fox, hare, marten, woodchuck, red squirrel, seals, geese, ducks, loons, grouse, and other bird species. Eel, salmon, pike, sucker, sturgeon, and whitefish were the most common fish species harvested. A variety of berries and roots were also collected (Rogers and Leacock 1981: 174-180).
"The Naskapi continued their nomadic existence as caribou hunters in the interior of northern Labrador until approximately 1916, when the great caribou herds passing through Indian House Lake changed their migration route…This caused hunger and near starvation for the expectant Indians. The Indians then moved to the coast to seek help from the stores operated by the Hudson's Bay Company." (Henriksen 1981)
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, groups identified as the Naskapi or Barren Ground Innu lived deep in the interior of Labrador and Quebec, their subsistence closely tied to the migratory caribou herds. These groups spent most of the year in the interior hunting caribou and small game and fishing in small social or family groups (Loring 1992). Summers were spent visiting, relaxing, and preparing gear for winter hunting. The necessities of life, both physical and spiritual, were largely obtained from the caribou. This pattern of mobile, interior-oriented settlement and subsistence continued until a decline in caribou abundance made life in the interior difficult.
In 1916 caribou failed to appear as expected at Indian House Lake. Indians gathered there to split into two groups, one going to Chimo and Fort McKenzie, the other to Utshimassit and Voisey's Bay, to seek assistance from HBC. (Armitage 1989)
During the 1920s, these northern Naskapi families in the Landscape Region gradually spent more time clustered at camps near the coast (Loring 1994: 210-211). They began a regular seasonal presence near the coast and became more closely linked to the trading posts at Davis Inlet and Voisey's Bay (Leacock and Rothschild 1994; Loring 1992; VanStone 1985).
The "home area" of the Innu of Davis Inlet was around Indian House Lake, on the George River, north of Schefferville. However, caribou hunters were forced to move to the trading post at Davis Inlet around 1916, when the caribou migration failed to move through their area. The Barren Ground Band (in Voisey's Bay) and the Davis Inlet Band (the core of which originated from North West River) (Henriksen 1981) often resided together and intermarried. After 1927, the two bands merged around the trading post and the summer Catholic mission in the village of Davis Inlet.
"Numerous Innu from Sheshatshit and Utshimassit spend many months of the year at a number of locations in the interior of Nitassinan where they harvest large and small game, furbearers, migratory waterfowl, fish and wild fruits." (Armitage 1990:44)
Mailhot (1993) has documented that every Innu of Sheshashiu is related
to at least another Innu group in the eastern Quebec-Labrador peninsula.
Relations exist within the contemporary social network, and notably between
the people of Davis Inlet, Sept-Iles, Kawawachikamach, and Matimekosh.
Today, the Innu of Labrador live primarily in the communities of Sheshatshiu
and Utshimassits (Davis Inlet). Many continue to pursue traditional harvesting
activities with the aid of modern tools such as snowmobiles, rifles, aircraft,
and motorboats.
In the late 18th century, the Inuit population occupied the entire Labrador coast. Permanent settlements were located on the coast, where they harvested seals, walrus, beluga and other whales. Inuit seasonally hunted for caribou and fish in the adjacent hinterland. The maximum inland penetration was in the Nain-Okak region, where hunting parties traveled as far west as the George River.
During the early period of European contact, Inuit travelled in seal-skin boats and lived in skin tents during the summer. In winter, they used dog sleds for transportation, semi-subterranean stone and sod houses, or built snow houses when travelling. Beginning in Nain in 1771, Moravian missionaries established church communities along the Labrador coast and encouraged the Inuit to participate in the cod fishery. As a result, the Inuit gradually became more sedentary, abandoning winter settlements on the islands near good harvesting areas. It is likely the introduction of firearms may have resulted in increased caribou hunting, while with the arrival of the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) and independent trading posts (Kaipokok 1837; Aillik 1840; Nachvak 1868; Davis Inlet 1869; Port Burwell-Killiniq, 1916;), fur trapping became an important part of the economy (JWEL et al. 1997).
Trading relationships continued between Labrador Inuit and Inuit of Quebec during historic times. Occasionally, groups migrated to and from Ungava Bay by boat along the coast or by following sled routes. There was also limited trade and social interaction with the Montagnais and Naskapi people, which likely became more common after European settlement (Taylor 1984).
"Most of all, being on the land reinforces the sense of belonging to the land, of being people of the land and ocean. The women say that if they are away from being on the land for too long, Inuit lose their sense of who they are." (Williamson 1997:67)
Generally speaking, the Inuit, like the Innu, were a mobile people whose
movements responded to the seasons and the migrations of the animals they
harvested. Inuit hunted caribou in the interior in late summer when the
animals were fat and the skins best for winter clothing. In the open-water
season, they hunted seals, whales, seabirds, and occasionally polar bears
from kayaks. When ice prevented the use of kayaks, Inuit harpooned ringed
seals at their breathing holes or at the sina. Walrus were hunted in February
and March, while harp seals were hunted in May and June during their migration
north. The eggs of common eider and other seabirds were gathered during
the breeding season. When ice cleared from the bays, families moved to
summer camps to fish for charr (Taylor 1977). Contemporary Inuit live in
communities along the northern coast of Labrador and in the Upper Lake
Melville area.
The Labrador Metis are people of mixed Aboriginal and European ancestry. Over time, the Metis developed an economy and culture based on an amalgam of characteristics and practices. Beginning in the late 18th /early 19th century, men from England and Scotland (and to a lesser extent Newfoundland and Canada) travelled to Labrador as employees of the various fish and fur-buying companies that were establishing posts along the coast.
Kablunak is the Inuktitut term for white people. Its origins come from the Inuktitut phrase meaning "people who pamper their eyebrows" and can imply that these people pamper or fuss with nature. (Panktuutit n.d. in LIA n.d.)
Some took up permanent residence in Labrador and married Aboriginal, usually Inuit, women. Many established independent homesteads and small-scale businesses in protected inner coastal locations. Goods were purchased from the Newfoundland fishers to trade with the resident Inuit and Innu (Kennedy 1982). Although this first generation of Europeans learned extensively from and relied heavily upon Aboriginal people for their survival, they retained a strong European consciousness and some of them were reluctant to fully acknowledge their union with Aboriginal women and/or to learn their language(s) (Kennedy 1982). Similarly, despite the unique association and bond between the Aboriginal people and the European new-comers, many Aboriginal people continued to view them in the same light as other migrant Europeans. This fact is exemplified by the Inuit use of the word kablunak (meaning "white people") to describe the first-generation of colonists.
Over time, the offspring resulting from European/Aboriginal unions (commonly referred to as Settlers in the Moravian missionary accounts) developed a recognizable cultural identity that integrated various aspects of both groups. In order to survive in the northern environment, it was necessary that they adopt many Aboriginal ways. They fished and hunted along the outer coast during the spring, summer, and fall. Fall and winter were spent at the bottom of bays, where they hunted and trapped. These activities provided resources that were important to the Settlers for both their own needs, and for trade (Borlase 1994).
By 1873, the number of Settlers residing along the north coast of Labrador
increased to a point where the Moravian missionaries decided, albeit reluctantly,
to open a mission station at Zoar to serve as a gathering place and trading
centre for the Settler families living between Cape Harrison and Davis
Inlet (Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador Vol. 5: 143; Them Days
1997). By 1876, the population of Settlers south of Hopedale had also grown.
About twenty years later, another mission station was opened at Makkovik,
aimed specifically at serving the dispersed Settler population between
Hopedale and Cape Harrison. Today, most Settlers and Metis live in 24 communities
in Labrador. Most communities are located along the coast and in the Upper
Lake Melville area.
An ecological land classification (ELC) was completed for most of the
Landscape Region (JWEL 1997c). The ELC expanded upon and refined the ELC
that was developed by Lopoukhine et al. (1978): land regions delineated
and described by those authors were used for the ELC of the Landscape Region
to ensure consistency in the terminology between new and previous classifications
of Labrador. However, the boundaries of the land regions were extensively
redrawn based on new satellite imagery and data collected in 1996 field
studies. A detailed description of ELC study methods and results are found
in JWEL (1997c).
| Land Cover | Predominant vegetation |
| Fen | Includes fens and bogs althought fens are the predomineant peatland type. Dominant vegatation includes mosses, sedges, cotton grass, and dwarf willow. |
| Alder/birch thicket | Dominant species includes mountain aider, white birch, tundra dwarf birch, skunk currant, spinulase wood fern, and large-leaved aster. Typically found on scree slopes. |
| Spruce boreal
forest |
Overstory composed mainly of black spruce, white spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack. Forest floor vegatation composed mainly of Labrador tea, mountain heath, bakeapple, Schreber's moss, bunchberry, and lichens. |
| Rock barren | A tundra characterized by large upland exposed of bare rock, sand, or gravel. Generally associated with rugged topography. Dominant species include black crowberry (blackberry), tundra bilberry (blue berry, alpine bearberry, bearberry dwarf willow, northern Labrador tea, tundra dwarf birch, lichens, and mosses. |
| Heath barren | A
tundra characterized by a well developed shrub layer. Generally found on
less rugged upland sites than rock barren. Species composition is similar
to rock barren except that shrubs are more abundant and lichens are less
abundant.
|
| Unconsolidated
sand |
Consists of sand and gravel deposits along river courses and sandy deltas at the mouth of the river. Sparsely vegated. Characteristic species include river beauty, sedges, cotton grass, tundra dwarf willow, flat leaf willow, and sweet gale. |
| Open-water | Characteristic species of lakes and ponds include quillwort, pondwest, water crowfoot, burreed, and sedge. |
| Land Region | Land District | Symbol |
| Coastal | No land districts defined | |
| Saglek/Hopedale | ||
| Saglek/Hopedale North | I1 | |
| Saglek/Hopedale South | I2 | |
| Fraser River | H | |
| Fraser River Lowlands | H2 | |
| Fraser River Valleys | H3 | |
| Central Ranges | G | |
| Central Ranges Eastern | G4 | |
| Central Ranges Western | G5 | |
| Central Ranges Southern | G6 | |
| Western Plateau | D | |
| Western Plateau North | D5 | |
| Western Plateau Central | D6 | |
| Western Plateau East | D7 | |
| Mistastin Lake | J | |
| Mistastin Lake Shoreline | J1 | |
| Mistastin Lake Barrens | J2 | |
| Mistastin Lake Eastern | J3 |
The Coastal Region is a complex series of embayments, inlets, and islands (Figure 2.3). An important feature of the seascape in this Region is the fast ice. Once formed, the fast ice holds throughout the winter and spring, providing an extension of the land for people and animals travelling through the Region.
"Changes at the sina can have a profound impact upon the welfare of Inuit and on the rich marine life which inhabits this zone." (Williamson 1997:41)
The boundary between the fast ice and the open water, the sina, is not a fixed boundary, but moves over the course of the winter. Inuit have observed the sina moving as much as 50 km between the outside reach of the Kidlit Island to Whale Island, located southeast of Dog (High) Island (Williamson 1997). The sina provides habitat for marine life and, consequently, is an important area for harvesting marine mammals and waterfowl (Williamson 1997).
The coastal islands provide nesting habitat for species of migratory birds and habitat for small mammals and, in more recent years, caribou. During summer and fall, when travel by snowmobile is not possible, the Inuit travel by boat throughout the Coastal Region, fishing, hunting seals, Arctic hare, and migratory birds, collecting eggs, and picking berries on coastal islands (Williamson 1997).
The geology of the Coastal Region consists primarily of exposed bedrock, a hard material with low erosion potential. The shoreline is moderately sloping (relief of 250 to 500 m above sea level) and rocky, composed of beaches and boulder barricades (Gilbert et al. 1982). Boulder barricades are natural, linear formations of boulders at the edge of the intertidal zone that are formed by ice and tidal action. Like deltas, boulder barricades are areas of low slope with fine-grained substrate. A large portion of the area classified as beach includes intertidal flats and deltas. Deltas are present at the mouths of Reid Brook and Kogaluk River in Voisey's Bay and at the mouths of Anaktalik Brook and Little Reid Brook in Anaktalak Bay (JWEL 1997d).
Benthic refers to organisms living in or on the sediments found in freshwater and marine habitats.
Seaweeds within the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of this coast
are sparse, both in quantity and species diversity, mainly due to the effects
of ice scour. However, along protected rocky slopes, rockweeds and knotted
wrack are common, since they grow in crevices where ice scour can not uproot
them. In the deeper subtidal environment of the bays, a dense cover of
common kelp species with patches of red fern and sea lettuce is typical
(JWEL 1997d). During fall and early winter, much of the seaweed vegetation
dies off and the decomposing biomass becomes an important food source for
many herbivores and filter feeders of the benthic community, at a time
when coastal phytoplankton productivity is rapidly decreasing.
Benthic invertebrate communities are relatively stable year-round and are determined largely by substrate type. The two most dominant nearshore substrate types are fine-grained sediments and rocky slopes. The most abundant species groups (by weight) occurring on fine-grained sediments are clams, cockles and sea urchins. Other typical species groups include sea worms, amphipods, and mysids. On rocky slopes, blue mussels, clams, chitons, sea cucumbers, crabs, amphipods and sea urchins are the most common animals (JWEL 1997d). These benthic species are all potentially important food sources for fish and seals moving through the Coastal Region, partly because the benthic communities of sub-arctic waters are not as seasonally variable as are zooplankton.
There is relatively little variation in fish species present at any one location in the Coastal Region (Appendix 2B). The most diverse group is the sculpin, which includes at least six species, with the shorthorn sculpin occurring the most commonly in shallow water (less than 25 m deep) (JWEL 1997e). Based on their abundance, sculpin are likely a key prey species for a number of fish and seals. At least equally important in the sub-Arctic food web is Arctic cod which, during winter and spring, is a principal food source for ringed, bearded, and harp seals, while during summer, for beluga whale, narwhal, and several species of fish and seabirds. The next most abundant fishes for marine mammals are Atlantic cod, sand lance, capelin, and plaice.
During summer, many species of marine mammals occur in the Coastal Region (Appendix 2B). Each species of marine mammal feeds on a variety of fish and invertebrates, but which species are dominant in the diet depends on the seasonal availability of prey species. The notable exception is the polar bear, which is largely a predator of seals.
Harp, ringed, bearded, and harbour seals are hunted at the edge of ice
floes, breathing holes, and snow dens when still accessible by snowmobile
or from boats after ice break-up (Armitage 1990; Williamson 1997). Inner
bays and islands, such as Merrifield Bay, Voisey's Bay, and Spracklin's
Island, are preferred for fall seal hunting. The following list summarizes
some of the more important aspects of marine mammal occurrences in the
Landscape Region:
The Coastal Region supports nesting, feeding and staging habitat for
a variety of marine birds, including Atlantic puffin, black guillemot,
Canada goose, common eider, some of which breed on coastal islands and
bluffs of the Saglek/Hopedale Land Region. The Coastal Region also provides
important feeding grounds for Arctic breeding birds, such as king eider,
oldsquaw, and white-rumped sand-piper, as they move south (JWEL 1997b).
Inuit have observed, however, that many of these migratory bird species
appear to be declining in local abundance or perhaps moving to islands
further offshore, thus becoming less accessible to hunters (Williamson
1997).
The Saglek/Hopedale Land Region encompasses the rocky and hummocky coastal uplands and near coastal islands of the Landscape Region (Figure 2.3). The bedrock geology here is characterized by anorthositic rocks of the Nain Suite. Features of this mostly tundra land region are summarized in Table 2.3
| Northern Land District (I1) | Southern Land District (I2) | |
| Total Area (km2) | 2,184 | 1,650 |
| % of Saglek/Hopedale Land Region | 57.0 | 43.0 |
| % of Terrestrial Landscape Region | 11.8 | 8.9 |
| Land Cover % | ||
| Fen and Bog | 14.0 | 15.0 |
| Alder/birch thickets | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Spruce forest | 11.0 | 27.0 |
| Rock barrens | 25.0 | 23.0 |
| Heath barrens | 39.0 | 23.0 |
| Unconsolidated sand | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Water | 7.0 | 7.0 |
The Northern Land District (I1) consists
of coastal areas and islands (such as South Aulatsivik Island, Paul Island
and Kikkertavak Island) and is characterized by high elevations (up to
800 m above sea level) and steep coastal bluffs. Valley floors and lower
slopes are covered with glacial deposits and material eroded from higher
elevations, while the exposed, rounded hills are predominately barren tundra
with a patchy covering of mosses and lichens. The Southern Land District
(I2) includes the southern islands and
relatively protected coastal uplands of this land region. Alder and willows
are common on the rounded hills, which are less exposed, with broader intervening
valleys, than in the Northern Land District. Spruce forest occurs in the
sheltered lowlands and valleys of both land districts, but is more abundant
in the Southern Land District (JWEL 1997c). A schematic of Saglek/Hopedale
Land Region is depicted in Figure 2.4.
The cliffs and steep slopes of the coastal uplands and islands provide nesting habitat for a large number of seabirds and some falcon species. (Appendix 2B). Black guillemots nest wherever there are recesses in the coastal rocks. Steeper cliffs tend to support colonies of glaucous gull and nest sites for peregrine falcon. Peregrine falcon nest sites are commonly associated with seabird colonies such as black guillemot or other prey species such as rock ptarmigan (Falk and Mö ller 1988). The hatching of peregrine in this land region is often one month later than those immediately to the west, in the Fraser River Land Region. Eight nest sites of peregrine falcon and one of gyrfalcon are known within the Saglek/Hopedale Land Region (JWEL 1997b; J. Brazil pers. comm.).
"I've seen polar bear around Illusuattalialuk and Humby Island, but only in singles and not every year..." (Williamson 1997:31)
Rounded islands containing ground vegetation provide nest sites for common eider (Lock 1986) and, occasionally, Canada goose. Areas of vegetation/soil on islands with steeper slopes may serve as nesting sites for the Atlantic puffin, which digs burrows. During spring and summer, polar bears (on their return north) have been observed digging puffin burrows for food or preying upon the nests of other bird species (JWEL 1997b). Polar bears rarely occur on the mainland within the Landscape Region, but are occasionally on bays and islands in the vicinity of Nain (Williamson 1997). The heath vegetation of these islands provides abundant blackberries, blueberries and redberries, which are sought by migrating waterfowl, as well as by people in the summer and fall. Migrating waterfowl (e.g., American black duck, Canada goose, common eider, oldsquaw, and scoters also gather to feed on mussels or to seek shelter on the lee side of islands during the fall (Taylor 1977). Semipalmated sandpiper, white-rumped sandpiper, and other shorebirds, use tidal flats as fall staging areas en route to Central and South America.
"...the huge increase in numbers of caribou and in their movement to the coastal zone in the last 10 years can be regarded as a major change which has affected the overall pattern of autumn-winter land use in general and the hunting of caribou in particular." (Williamson 1997:21)
Inuit hunting activities are focussed on the bays and islands throughout the entire year (Williamson 1997). In recent decades, caribou have sought out coastal islands for forage in late winter, allowing hunters to harvest caribou on the coast when previously hunting had occurred much further inland. Black bears are hunted in this region by Innu in the spring, summer, and fall, and to a lesser extent by Inuit (Williamson 1997) in the fall, just prior to denning.
Traditionally, fur trapping by the Inuit occurred throughout coastal and inland areas during fall and winter. Now, however, trapping occurs at a reduced level and is confined to coastal areas (Williamson 1997). Snowshoe and Arctic hare are harvested year-round from barren peninsulas and coastal islands by Innu and Inuit, and rock ptarmigan are hunted on the islands in late October or November by Inuit. In the spring, Innu gather duck and gull eggs and harvest immature gulls (Armitage 1990). Inuit also gather gull, duck and goose eggs in June and July while travelling by boat among the coastal islands (Williamson 1997). Both Innu and Inuit harvest ducks and geese in the fall.
Arctic charr have been harvested commercially by some Innu in areas
such as Iluikoyak Island. In recent years, however, a number of commercial
salmon fishing licenses have been bought out by the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans, resulting in a decrease in commercial harvesting. Inuit also
net Arctic charr at fishing sites throughout the Landscape Region, but
to a much lesser extent since 1993, when many fishermen sold their commercial
licenses (Williamson 1997).
| Lowlands Land District (H2) | Valleys Land District (H3) | |
| Total Area (km2) | 3,207 | 975 |
| % of Fraser River Land region | 76.7 | 23.3 |
| % of Terrestrial Landscape Region | 17.3 | 5.3 |
| Land Cover (%) | ||
| Fen and Bog | 18.0 | 17.0 |
| Alder/birch thickets | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| pruce forest | 44.0 | 36.0 |
| Rock barren | 15.0 | 19.0 |
| Unconsolidated sand | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Water | 10.0 | 12.0 |
To the east, the Lowlands Land District (H2) consists of steep valleys that open into broad U-shaped valleys and coastal lowlands. Elevations in the Fraser River Lowlands Land District are up to 300 m above sea level. Like the Valleys Land District, thick deposits of sand and gravel occur in the broad river valleys. Within the former coastline of the late glacial Labrador Sea (elevation of about 100 m current levels), these deposits are often underlain by thick marine deposits of sand and gravel. Relatively deep soils support dense stands of spruce-lichen and spruce-moss forest, interspersed with wetlands in depressions and poorly drained areas (JWEL 1997c). The varied habitats within the two land districts of the Fraser River Land Region provide the greatest variety of plant and animal species in the larger Landscape Region.
"Spring fishing is a family activity, with adults and children all participating" (Williamson 1997:45).
The anadromous Arctic charr spends approximately ten months in the freshwater rivers situated within the broad, U-shaped valleys before moving downstream at spring break-up to feed in the bays. In mid-August, large schools of adults return upstream to spawn in deep water pools (JEWL 1997f). Populations of land-locked brook trout and Arctic charr occur in most of the ponds and streams (Brice-Bennett 1977). Deeper ponds and lakes may also support populations of lake trout and lake whitefish.
Freshwater fish are important to both Innu and Inuit for subsistence harvesting. Inuit have traditionally fished for Arctic charr, brook trout and lake trout from inland lakes and ponds early in the spring and late in the fall. Snowmobiles make these inland sites accessible in winter as well (Williamson 1997; Armitage 1990). In the late spring and summer, fishing occurs at the mouths of rivers as spring flooding makes many inland locations inaccessible (Williamson 1997).
"Only early in the spring we'd see them [harlequins] where we had open water...around the rapids...6 sometimes 8 sometimes only 4...up in the bays they'd be around throughout the summer...off the gooseland...I haven't noticed any big change (in numbers), not in this area." (Williamson 1997:36)
When river ice breaks up during May, the harlequin duck arrives in areas of open water from wintering areas as far south as coastal Virginia (Montevecchi et al. 1995). This species congregates in estuarine areas and by June, begins to move upstream to establish nesting territories in fast-flowing waters. Because most of the higher elevations remain covered by snow or ice until mid-June, nesting habitat for this species is generally restricted to this land region. Broods are born in mid-July and spend the next six weeks in fast-flowing water with the adult females. However, if stream flow falls substantially, broods may drift downstream to the bays for the remainder of the summer (JWEL 1997b). Other birds using the aquatic habitat and shores of waterbodies include American black duck, common goldeneye, greater yellowlegs, oldsquaw, red-breasted merganser, and spotted sandpiper.
Aquatic furbearers such as beaver, otter, mink, and muskrat occur throughout the lower U-shaped valleys (Appendix 2B). Although this is the northern extent of the beaver's range (Novak 1987), the species is common and constructs lodges on slow-flowing streams or ponds, usually where deciduous vegetation is present. Waterfowl such as American black duck and green-winged teal tend to nest in the vicinity of beaver ponds.
After settlement was established in Hopedale and Nain, trappping by Inuit in the Fraser River Land Region decreased. Today, trapping is centered on the outer coastal area, rather than in the woodlands surrounding coastal bays (Williamson 1997). When the Inuit did trap inland, they harvested ermine, lynx, mink, otter, and weasels during the fall and winter in areas such as the Fraser River, Anaktalik and Ikadlivik Brooks, and the Kogaluk River (Brice-Bennett 1977). Innu continue to harvest beaver, marten, mink, otter, and muskrat for cash and subsistence purposes; ermine, marten and mink are trapped in the fall and winter, and muskrat, in the spring and fall.
Moose began to arrive in the Landscape Region in the early 1970s.
River banks are an important habitat due to the abundance of willows, alder, and birch. Vegetation exposed by breaks in snow cover, and emerging vegetation adjacent to streams and on south-facing slopes, attract moose and snowshoe hare. Labrador is the northern extent of the range of moose, which occur in low numbers in forested river valleys (Trimper et al. 1996). During late May to early June, single calves are born in this habitat. Unlike Innu, who hunt moose all year round, Inuit do not hunt these animals to any great extent (Brice-Bennett 1977), probably because moose only arrived in northern Labrador in the 1970s, and prior to that were not a traditional source of food. Although Williamson (1997) reports that several moose have been observed by Inuit in river valleys of the Fraser River Region in recent winters, densities of moose remain low and Inuit harvesting remains minimal (Lyle, W. pers. comm.).
"Inuit observe, that inland, the best places for finding foxes are along eskers, which are numerous throughout the area from the watershed of the Kogaluk River to the watershed of the Fraser River." (Williamson 1997:28)
The spruce-lichen forest occurring at lower elevations in river valleys supports species typical of a northern boreal forest such as boreal chickadee, Canada jay, spruce grouse, marten, porcupine, and red fox (Erskine 1977). This area represents the northern breeding range for osprey, which nest at the tops of mature spruce trees. Osprey usually arrive during late May in the Landscape Region where they establish territories and fish in areas of open water in the lower valleys.
"They [porcupine] seem to be where you have a lot of young trees, especially birch or juniper or white spruce...they'll eat black spruce if there is nothing else around...and they tend to eat the bark off of these big alder bushes...They completely disappeared around Voisey's Bay for awhile, but they're starting to show up again...it's been happening like that over the years." (Williamson 1997:28)
Both Innu and Inuit trap or hunt porcupine and red fox in wooded areas of the Fraser River Land Region. Innu set traps for red fox (and marten) in areas close to Utshimassits, especially Sango Bay, and hunt porcupine throughout the year (Armitage 1990). Inuit traditionally hunted porcupine from early fall until early spring, with fall the preferred season (Brice-Bennett 1977). In recent decades, however, porcupine populations have decerased, and Inuit are only now observing a recovery (Williamson 1997). Ptarmigan and spruce grouse are also hunted by Inuit in wooded areas in the fall and winter, often in association with other activities such as caribou hunting, berry picking or collecting firewood (Williamson 1997).
The steep-sided cliffs of both land districts provide suitable habitat for golden eagle, gyrfalcon, and peregrine falcon, which arrive by early spring (Appendix 2B). These species select cliffs, often exceeding 500 m in elevation, which have suitable ledges to support a large stick nest (eagles) or shelter and scrape (falcons). Both adults of these species feed their young prey (e.g., ptarmigan, hares, waterfowl) taken from lower in the river valleys, or from above on the Western Plateau Land Region until the young leave the nest by mid-August. At least 30 nests of these raptors were recorded in all of Labrador during 1994, most of which were in the Fraser River Land Region (JWEL 1995).
Excessive snow depths (which can impede movement), in combination with the limited distribution of forage, ensure that moose do not travel far in winter.
During winter, many wildlife species either migrate south or become relatively inactive. Moose remain in the river valleys foraging. Most black bears are in their dens by mid-November (JWEL 1997g; Brice-Bennett 1977), and beavers retreat beneath the ice for up to nine months, feeding on piles of stored vegetation (Novak 1987). When the first ice begins to form along the coastal bays, otter travel inland where they (and mink) feed on trout and other freshwater fish (Brice-Bennett 1977). Waterfowl and songbird species have migrated south by the time of first ice. Spruce grouse do not migrate, but seek out coniferous forests, which provide needles as a food source and snow burrows for protection during nights of extreme cold.
In contrast, winter is the time when people of the Fraser River Land Region, as well as of the entire Landscape Region, can travel most freely. The snowmobile, in particular, has enhanced access to remote areas and food resources. Because caribou is their most important resource, it has the greatest influence on both Innu and Inuit land use patterns. Depending on the movements of the George River Caribou Herd, the Fraser River Land Region may provide hunting opportunities and/or serve as an access route to other hunting areas occurring to the west. Between 1992 and 1996, for example, several thousand caribou from the George River herd wintered on the coastal islands and headlands east of the Fraser River Land Region. With ice break-up, and before rivers became difficult to traverse, they moved westward towards calving areas, using sections of the Fraser River Land Region as a corridor to higher elevations of the Western Plateau Land Region.
Caribou may also serve as a food source for black bears, which after
emerging from their winter denning sites by the end of May, occasionally
kill caribou or scavenge the remains of caribou killed by wolves and hunters
(JWEL 1997g).
| Eastern Land District (G4) | Western Land
District (G5) |
Southern Land District (G6) | ||
| Total Area (km2) | 1356 | 1637 | 1618 | |
| % of Central Ranges Land Region | 29.4 | 35.5 | 35.1 | |
| % of Terrestrial Landscape Region | 7.3 | 8.8 | 8.7 | |
| Land Cover % | ||||
| Fen and Bog | 10.0 | 8.0 | 11.0 | |
| Alder/birch thickets | 6.0 | 10.0 | 7.0 | |
| Spruce forest | 8.0 | 4.0 | 13.0 | |
| Rock barren | 30.0 | 23.0 | 27.0 | |
| Heath barren | 41.0 | 51.0 | 37.0 | |
| Unconsolidated sand | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Water | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | |
A "trough" is created by a glacier scouring the landscape as it moves across.
The Eastern Land District (G4) is penetrated by steep-sided valleys, pronounced ridges, and elevations ranging from approximately 200 to 700 m above sea level. The eastern boundary of this land district is marked by a steep escarpment. The western portion of this land district has fewer valleys than the eastern portion. The Western Land District (G5) is a transitional landscape between the Eastern Land District and the Western Plateau Land Region. The Southern Land District (G6), in comparison to other land districts, contains ridges that are narrower, with isolated hills and broader intervening valleys. Exposed hills of this land region are barren or covered with moss and lichen tundra. Willow, alder, and dwarf birch grow in the sheltered valleys and on south-facing slopes (JWEL 1997c).
"Inuit predict that the old routes inland would soon be actively used again in search of caribou." Williamson 1997:54)
Wildlife that breed in the neighbouring Fraser River Land Region often forage in the Central Ranges Land Region. Golden eagle use this area for hunting ptarmigan and Arctic hare. Herring gulls have also been observed foraging, and may possibly nest, here. Canada geese and merlins occasionally nest along ridges where vegetation is present. Black bear and red fox, which occur within the Fraser River Land Region, sometimes forage in this land region (T. Northcott, pers. comm.)
Caribou may winter in the Central Ranges Land Region during January
to April. Other species commonly found include snowshoe hare and ptarmigan.
Brook trout, lake trout, and Arctic charr occur in the deeper ponds and
lakes. Anaktalik River, Ikadlivik River, and Ittilak River are traditional
caribou hunting areas for the Inuit, although the eastern sections of this
land region are difficult to cross (Brice-Bennett 1977). Williamson (1997)
indicates that these areas, as well as hunting grounds further inland,
may be used again in the future if the George River herd declines in abundance
and no longer uses the more accessible coastal areas as winter habitat.
Innu hunters harvest caribou, small game, and furbearers opportunistically
as they pass through this land region.
| Northern Land District (D5) | Central Land District (D6) | Eastern Land District (D7) | |
| Total Area (km2) | 168 | 2221 | 1470 |
| % of Western Plateau Land Region | 4.3 | 57.6 | 38.1 |
| % of Terrestrial Landscape Region | 0.9 | 12.0 | 7.9 |
| Land Cover % | |||
| Fen and Bog | 7.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Alder/birch thicket | 7.0 | 7.0 | 5.0 |
| Spruce forest | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Rock barren | 19.0 | 22.0 | 25.0 |
| Heath barren | 60.0 | 54.0 | 58.0 |
| Water | 3.0 | 9.0 | 5.0 |
Kame - a short ridge of sand and gravel deposited from the water of a melting glacier.
Esker - a long, often sinuous, ridge of post-glacial gravel in river valleys and uplands.
The structure and age of the bedrock geology of this land region is different from that of the other land regions. Granite and gneiss of the Churchill geological province underlie all of the Western Plateau Land Region, and are about 1.9 billion years old (Ryan 1990). Elevations of the Western Plateau Land Region range from approximately 350 m above sea level along its eastern boundary to 550 m along its western boundary. The topography is characterized by relatively low and rolling hills, and shallow, elongated valleys with many glacial features such as kames and eskers. Surface substrate cover is dominated by sands and gravels from former glacial meltwaters.
About 3 percent of the surface area of the Northern Land District (D5) is ponds and lakes. These and many landforms tend to align in a NNW-SSE direction. In the Central Land District (D6) there is more water coverage (approximately nine percent), with lakes and landforms in a predominantly WSW-ENE alignment. The Eastern Land District (D7) occupies areas adjacent to the steep-sided glacial valleys of the Fraser River Land Region. The lack of a consistent alignment in the landforms in this land district is due to the influence of drainage patterns into the steep-sided valleys. The dominance of tundra vegetation in all three land districts is a result of the continental climate. Lichens and mosses, as well as low-lying willows and sedges, are interspersed with large expanses of exposed bedrock. Small wetlands are common in depressions throughout the landscape (JWEL 1997c). Land-locked Arctic charr, brook trout and lake trout occur in waterbodies of this land region wherever depths prevent freezing to the bottom (Appendix 2B).
The steep river valleys of the Fraser River Land Region (i.e., the
Ittukovik, Issumappiak, and Ukkaulenaluk Rivers on the north side,
and the Paummase River on the south side of Tasisuak) and the coastal
ridges makes access difficult to the Western Plateau Land Region. Travel
in this land region is easier during periods of snow and ice (Brice-Bennett
1977), although snowmobile access to the upper plateau is restricted to
several defined routes (Williamson 1997). During January to April, the
Attuagak River and Anaktalik River serve as traditional caribou hunting
areas for Inuit (Brice-Bennett 1977). At other times of the year, caribou
occupy this land region for calving and rutting, but are generally unavailable
to local hunters due to the lack of snow cover (Brice-Bennett 1977). Wolves
and foxes may be trapped or shot en route to these hunting areas. Ice fishing
may also occur during hunting trips.
| Shoreline Land District (J1) | Barrens Land District (J2) | Eastern Land District (J3) | |
| Total Area (km2) | 212 | 1357 | 446 |
| % of Mistastin Lake Land Region | 10.5 | 67.4 | 22.1 |
| % of Terrestrial Landscape Region | 1.1 | 7.3 | 2.4 |
| Land Cover % | |||
| Fen and Bog | 19.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 |
| Alder/birch thicket | 2.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 |
| Spruce forest | 8.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rock barren | 9.0 | 19.0 | 22.0 |
| Heath barren | 57.0 | 62.0 | 53.0 |
| Unconsolidated sand | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Water | 4.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Nests of common raven and rough-legged hawk occur on the sides of cliffs to the north and south of Mistastin Lake (JWEL 1996). The nesting activity of rough-legged hawks varies dramatically in response to the population cycles of its principal prey species, which include rock vole, red-backed vole, and northern bog lemming (Newton 1979). Possible nest sites of uncommon bird species, such as peregrine falcon and short-eared owl, attest to the uniqueness of this land region (JWEL 1995).
A small portion of the George River Caribou Herd, less than 10,000 animals, has wintered in the vicinity of Mistastin Lake since at least 1960 (Dauphine et al. 1975; Berger and Luttich 1985). However, when feeding conditions are poor, due to icing and thick snow, as occurred during the winter of 1974-1975, caribou shift to the east in search of food (Dauphine et al. 1975).
This land region provides an important Innu hunting ground for caribou
during the fall and from December to February. Innu hunting areas include
the area between Ashuapun and Lake Mistastin, and the entire barren
region west of Utshimassits and Ushpuakanish (Armitage 1990). Despite its
extreme weather and distance from settlements, Mistastin Lake is also an
important fishing area for Innu harvesting of lake trout and Arctic charr.
Currently available information indicates that Inuit use of this area is
low (DPA 1989).
