As stewards of the land, Kaska recognize that the health of our water is a key necessity for all living species. By monitoring and preserving good water quality we benefit the environment, protect against the devastating effects of climate change and biodiversity loss, and support the protection of water resources for future generations.

Water Monitoring
Water Monitoring

Objectives

The objective of water quality monitoring is to obtain quantitative information on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water, to analyze trends and inform water mitigation strategies.

Water Monitoring
Water Monitoring

Partners

DKI has initiated several water monitoring programs, and we are appreciative of the partnerships that enabled Kaska Guardians to undertake this work.

  • DKI partnered with the the Government of Yukon and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to undertake water monitoring at the Liard River as part of the Pacific-Yukon Water Quality Monitoring Network. The Agreement also enabled DNYD Guardians to participate in the Water Resources Branch (“WRB”) hydrometric monitoring of Tom Creek and to participate in WRB groundwater monitoring activities at established wells located in Watson Lake and Upper Liard. Through this partnership the DNYD Guardians received training in ice water and swift water rescue.
  • DKI partnered with BC Government with respect to installation of temperature gauges at the Liard Hot Springs.
  • DKI partnered with Living Lakes Canada, World Wildlife Fund and 
BC government regarding the CABIN work.
  • Golden Predators provided training with DNYD at their exploration property.
Living Lakes Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada
The Government of Yukon

Activities

Liard River sampling/hydrometric station/ground well monitoring

  • DNYD undertook water sampling surveys from 2018-2024 at Liard River Water Quality Station and at Tom Creek Hydro Station as part of the Pacific-Yukon Water Quality Monitoring Network.
  • The Guardians also have audits conducted on their sampling techniques as part of the partnership agreement.

Water Monitor Training

  • Water monitor training with Golden Predator 3 Acres took place in 2018 including conducting flow measurements, water quality and change of custody, snow depth surveys and weather station installation and operation.

Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN)

  • DNYD started the Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring network (CABIN) Training and sampling in 2019 and continued this work until August 2023.

Placer Sampling

  • In 2020 the placer water sampling program started in the Good Hope Lake area.

Data Loggers

  • Kaska community members reported that the temperature in the Liard Hot Springs had dropped. Recognizing that water temperature data was deficient, in July 2023 the Dena Kayeh Institute partnered with BC Government to initiate a long-term thermal springs temperature monitoring project. Five Hobo temperature data loggers were installed within the main thermal spring’s complexes (Chi stream, Gamma pool outlet, Epsilon stream, two in Alpha stream). Field visits undertaken in the fall of 2024 included the installation of two additional data loggers. Ongoing and future data collection is being led by the Dena Kayeh Institute.

Staff Gauges

  • Tracking Change Project: Compilation of map locations and what parameters were being collected.

Reports

Tracking Change Report

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Sustainability Article

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