The Board began implementation of the recently completed international conservation plan for the Porcupine caribou herd as well as a report on sensitive habitats deserving special consideration.
The discussion focused on specific actions related to the Plan. As an example, Canada and the United States agreed to exchange and assess the methods used to collect harvest data. The sensitive habitat document will be released to the public within 60 days.
The Porcupine Caribou Technical Committee reported that the herd numbered 160,000 in July 1992. Biologists from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Canadian Wildlife Service, and the Yukon Department of Renewable Resources cooperated in the count.
Because of concern about a possible downward trend in herd size (the 1989 census indicated the herd was 178,000) the Board discussed a possible recensus in the summer of 1994. Censuses usually occur every 3 years. The Board was informed that females this year were in very good condition and a good calf crop is expected next year.
During the meeting and at an evening public meeting, the Board discussed methods to improve communications with user groups.
The next International Porcupine Caribou Board meeting is tentatively scheduled in Old Crow, Yukon Territory, in June 1994.
-FWS-
