(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 25, 2009 ) WHITEHORSE, Yukon, The Government of Canada recently announced a major expansion of Nahanni National Park Reserve. The Park is an outstanding example of northern wilderness rivers, canyons, gorges and alpine tundra and protects an example of the Mackenzie Mountains Natural Region. Overlapping two major ecozones, the park occupies approximately one-seventh of the total area of the South Nahanni River Watershed.
Key features include the South Nahanni River which originates in the remote Mackenzie Mountains and grows dramatically in size and power as it flows downstream to the southeast meandering through scenic mountain valleys and rushing through deep canyons. The dramatic changes along with spectacular terrain have given the South Nahanni its international reputation as a premiere wilderness river.
The Park is home to a variety of wildlife including DallÂ’s sheep, mountain goats, woodland caribou, wolves, black bears, grizzly bears and trumpeter swans. These animals all find refuge in Nahanni and greatly enhance the visitor experience in the Park.
In 1978, Nahanni National Park Reserve became the worldÂ’s first site to be granted World Heritage Status by UNESCO. This designation highlights the international significance of the parkÂ’s natural heritage.
The section of the South Nahanni River protected by the park was proclaimed a Canadian Heritage River in 1987 in recognition of its outstanding wilderness character and recreational value.
For more information on recreation on the South Nahanni River, please visit the website of Nahanni River Expeditions: www.nahanni.com. For more information on visiting the Northwest Territories, please visit www.spectacularnwt.com.
