Great Canadian Wilderness believes in and practices the principals of eco-tourism. Our operational philosophy is to be as unobtrusive on the land and waters as possible, and includes the teaching and applied practice of minimum-impact considerations to all of our field activities within practical and economically-viable guidelines.  Such practices include doing what we can to minimize use of fossil fuels for remote field access as well as during the day-to-day operations of our camps; the removal of all garbage from the field; campfires only allowed in metal fireboxes and/or below the high-water marks; prohibiting the cutting of live trees; strict 'catch & release' fish management, etc.

  Ideally, we try not to even leave footprints! 

Wolf biologist Dr. L David Mech & the late author /photographer Galen Rowell watching distant  wolves at a Great Canadian wildlife camp - 1998

Of particular issue is the application of careful flying practices when using aircraft to locate and access remote wildlife: a method which is often a necessity when seeking out migratory wild animals over vast tracts of land such as the Canadian Arctic. When doing so, considerate aviation methods should be applied, such as maintaining safe, legal and non-disturbing altitudes at all times. Specifically, an on-going minimum altitude of 500 ft AGL (above ground level); while at the same time avoiding direct or upwind fly-over of caribou or musk-oxen. Pilots conducting wildlife-related flying should be experienced with a 'seasoned eye', or specifically and extensively trained by the operator to learn the ability to pick out wildlife on the landscape from a distance in order to avoid inadvertent disturbances. Once wildlife is discovered by air at a non-disturbing distance, aircraft should immediately turn away and climb out to a higher altitude before attempting to get any closer or to fly over the animals. If a direct flyover of animals is necessary, it should only be conducted from a recommended minimum altitude of 1500 AGL with single normally-aspirated engines, or 2000 AGL with twin and/or turbine aircraft due to the higher pitch of the sound emissions. Since helicopters emit a deep 'thumping' noise that disturbs animals at most any altitude, they should not be use for airborne searches or for a flight over wildlife at all. Aircraft should never be flown directly over sensitive areas such as caribou calving grounds or active water crossings at any time. When any low-level flying is required such as for aerial photography, seeking out safe landing or beaching areas or while conducting search and rescue operations such maneuvering should always be conducted over water and not land if possible - and always downwind of any wildlife. Once wildlife is discovered, the choices of where to land and to set up a camp must be carefully considered in order to minimize continued aircraft usage, which of course also makes the most sense for economical operations and to reduce carbon emissions. The choice to land downwind and out of site - a minimum of 1/2 km away or more from any wildlife, and letting the animals come to you is always the best practice.

As a eco-tourism company, we practice daily environmentally-conscious field ethics that are intended to leave as little impact as possible  to our surrounding environs. This attitude is particularly important in sensitive Arctic and sub-Arctic regions where even just walking over the wrong area at the wrong time in the wrong manner may scar the land for hundreds of years.  Our camps, equipment & field techniques are operated in low-impact manner, and we expect our guests to assist us in our endeavor to maintain purity on the land.

Now on-line! Conde Nast Traveler controversial article 'Diamonds in the Wild', about the Thelon Wildlife Sanctuary and the potential future effects of diamond and mineral exploration in our last great North American wilderness. Click here!

Lonnie Brock