Conservancy overview
Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy is located immediately east of the town of Atlin and is culturally significant to the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. It is highly valued by local residents for its natural, historical, and recreational values. The traditional Tlingit A X‚egi Deiyi, or shoulder mountain trail, extends from the beach on the Atlin Lake shoreline to the small lakes at the top of Monarch Mountain.
Advisories
Activities
There is a 5.3 km long hiking trail that originates near Atlin Lake and leads to the summit of Monarch Mountain, where one will find incredible views on a clear day. The trailhead is marked at a pull-out 3.7 km down Warm Bay Road. The Monarch Mountain Trail is the most popular and widely used trail in the Atlin region. Please respect the privacy of people using the two small lakes on the summit plateau for spiritual activities by giving them plenty of space.
Pets and domestic animals must be on a leash and under control at all times. You are responsible for their behaviour and must dispose of their excrement.
Hunting is allowed in the conservancy. All hunters to the area should refer to the current BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis for more information.
Learn more about this conservancy
Conservancy details
- Date established: June 22, 2012
- Size: 424 hectares
Conservancy contact
BC Parks
250-651-7634
Nature and culture
History
Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy was established on July 6, 2012, following the recommendations of the W¢oshtin wudidaa/Atlin Taku Land Use Plan (W¢oshtin wudidaa). The W¢oshtin wudidaa was adopted by a Taku River Tlingit First Nation Joint Clan Resolution and jointly approved by the Province and the Taku River Tlingit First Nation in July 2011. The conservancy is named and described in Schedule E of the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act.
Cultural Heritage
Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy lies within the traditional territory of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. The Tlingit name “A Xéegi Deiyi” (pronounced “A-hee-ged day”) means the shoulder trail, which extends from the beach on Atlin Lake shoreline to the small lakes at the top of Monarch Mountain. According to Elder Jackie Williams, the rock outcropping is called shoulder rock because the shoulder is a strong part of the body, and this trail is a strong and powerful journey for people seeking healing and wellness. It is important to respect the privacy of people who travel to the two small lakes on the summit plateau for spiritual activities.
Three archaeological sites at the base of the “A Xéegi Deiyi” trail found just outside of the conservancy boundary highlight the significance of the area. These sites are at the mouth of Pine Creek (a key grayling gathering place) and are important spiritual sites for prayer and cleansing ceremonies. In addition to the trail and archaeological sites, documented Tlingit traditional uses include berry picking, hunting and trapping.
Conservation
Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy lies within the Yukon Southern Lakes Ecoregion. This ecoregion is characterized by a gently rolling upland, with wide valleys separating isolated mountains. In the past, this area was largely covered by glaciers that moved northward off the Boundary Ranges to the southwest where they came into contact with glaciers from the Skeena Mountains.
The dominant ecosystem in the Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy is the spruce-willow-birch shrublands. An area of boreal white and black spruce also occurs on the lower slopes on the western side of the conservancy.
Wildlife
Wildlife diversity in the Monarch Mountain/A X‚egi Deiyi Conservancy is limited by the harsh climate typical of the spruce-willow-birch ecosystem. These high elevation plateaus are not highly used in winter. However, a large variety of wildlife species, including ungulates, large carnivores, small mammals, raptors, song birds, and a host of invertebrate species, use the area in the snow-free months.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
BC Parks honours Indigenous Peoples’ connection to the land and respects the importance of their diverse teachings, traditions, and practices within these territories. This park webpage may not adequately represent the full history of this park and the connection of Indigenous Peoples to this land. We are working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to update our websites so that they better reflect the history and cultures of these special places.