Moose
Management
The importance of moose in the NWT means that their management must be
carefully planned. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has conducted aerial surveys in selected areas and are
developing guidelines for management of moose populations and habitat.
The effect of forest fires and development activities
in the NWT are
important management concerns and may significantly affect moose numbers in the
future. Clearing of land initiates forest regeneration and succession,
providing excellent moose
habitat. However, this can also increase hunter access into previously remote
and unavailable areas. As well, clearing too much forest in one area can also reduce winter cover that moose
need. Current trends indicate that moose are
overharvested in areas around communities, but healthy populations exist farther
away from human settlement. Fortunately, these problems are limited by minimal development
in remote areas and relatively low human populations. Careful
management now and in the future will help ensure that NWT moose
populations maintain or increase their densities while allowing for a continued
and sustainable harvest.
Management activities undertaken for other species can also affect moose
populations. For example, in an effort to improve bison habitat in the Fort
Resolution area, prescribed burning of willow-choked meadows was carried out,
potentially reducing moose habitat in that area. |
