Sahtu Regional Environmental Decision Support Tool

Landscapes and associated ecological values change through time in response to land use, natural disturbance, and climate.  Identification of land-use strategies that balance socioeconomic and environmental objectives requires an understanding of how landscapes and associated values are likely to change in the future in response to key drivers including land use, natural disturbance, and climate change.  ALCES Online was applied to simulate the long-term (50 years) consequences of oil and gas development, other land uses, fire, and climate change to the Sahtu Territory’s landscape composition, caribou, and permafrost.  Simulations identified climate change as the most important determinant of the region’s future environment.  The strategic perspective provided by the simulation tool can aid decision-making by the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board and other agencies in the region.