Plan Sgaay Taw Siiwaay Kadjuu Conservancy on Moresby Island with difficult access, Takakia Lake, Haida cultural values, rare plants, and hunting rules.
Sgaay Taw Siiwaay Kadjuu Conservancy is on Moresby Island, about five kilometres from Mitchell Inlet on western Haida Gwaii and 35 kilometres southwest of Sandspit. BC Parks says access is difficult and primarily by floatplane or helicopter.
Experienced route-finders may also reach the area overland from nearby Forest Service roads.
The conservancy includes all of Takakia Lake plus three smaller unnamed lakes and tributaries.
Why Visit Sgaay Taw Siiwaay Kadjuu Conservancy
The conservancy protects Takakia Lake, three smaller unnamed lakes, their tributaries, limestone outcrops, rare and endemic plants, and cultural features used by the Haida Nation since time immemorial. BC Parks says Takakia Lake is the only alpine lake accessible by floatplane outside Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, where lake landings are prohibited.
The 597-hectare heritage site/conservancy ranges from about 500 to 1,000 metres elevation and contributes to an archipelago-wide protected areas system that covers about half of Haida Gwaii’s land base. The area supports ongoing Haida social, ceremonial, cultural, harvesting, and hunting uses.
BC Parks lists rare plants such as lance-fruited draba, Queen Charlotte butterweed, Queen Charlotte twinflower, and Queen Charlotte aven.
Things To Do
Plan only advanced access by aircraft or demanding overland travel, observe cultural and biological values respectfully, and hunt during open seasons where regulations allow.
Planning Notes
Anyone hunting must comply with BC hunting regulations. Takakia Lake is small, and floatplane access can be difficult for some aircraft under some loads. The area may contain unrecorded cultural heritage or archaeological sites, so leave all features undisturbed. Prevent introducing non-native species that could threaten local ecosystems.