The integration of land use planning and resource management in the Dehcho Territory

This Master's Degree Project examined the type and level of direction that and use plans should provide to resource managers, and identified methods to improve the integration of planning and resource management processes, using the Dehcho territory as a case study. Two developments were examined to identify key land use issues and determine the strengths and weaknesses of regulatory processes to address them. This evaluation identified challenges in addressing specific issues (air quality, cumulative effects), broad challenges related to social, cultural and economic considerations, and gaps in implementation of mitigation measures. These conclusions were supported by several independent assessments of the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management regime. Land use planning literature was reviewed to identify the types of issues addressed, the scope and authority of plans, the type of direction provided, and the strengths and weaknesses of planning to resolve issues. The two most recent northern planning processes were examined to identify their scope, authority, content, and challenges. Six criteria were developed from this review to assess the appropriate type and level of direction for plans to provide. The Conformity Requirements of the Dehcho Land Use Plan were evaluated using these criteria, resulting in recommended revisions for five of the terms. The MDP concludes with eight recommendations to improve plan approval, plan direction, and the integration of planning and resource management processes.

Keywords. land use planning, resource management, regulatory, Dehcho territory, Mackenzie Valley