History
Europeans first visited the area of the Stikine Country Protected Areas in 1824 and in the following year, the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Russian American Company claimed areas for trapping. The search for gold began in 1861, and by 1878 most of the Stikine River drainage had been explored. From 1896 to 1902, Andrew J. Stone conducted expeditions into the Cassiar to collect specimens for the American Museum of Natural History. With his announcements of the discovery of several “new”species of sheep and caribou, the area became a destination for hunters. Local natives worked as hunting guides and camps were set up throughout the region. Scientists began studying the significant wildlife values in the area in the 1950s and with the efforts of Tommy Walker, Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Park was designated in 1975.
Todagin South Slope Park was designated as Class A provincial park in 2001 following recommendations of the Cassiar Iskut-Stikine Land and Resource Management Plan to protect the Stone’s sheep critical wintering and lambing habitat.
Cultural Heritage
Todagin South Slope Park lies within the asserted traditional territories of the Tahltan First Nations and Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. Although archaeological studies have not been done in the park, it is likely to contain archaeological sites because high wildlife values would have attracted native and non-native usage.
Conservation
Todagin South Slope Park is located in the Southern Boreal Plateau Ecosection. Two rare plants, Whorled Lousewort and Mountain Sheldon buttercup, and four rare plant communities are protected in the park.
Wildlife
Todagin South Slope Park contributes to a network of parks in the Stikine area which provide habitat to a wide range of animals. Three blue-listed species whose habitat is protected in Todagin Park are the wolverine, the fisher and the grizzly bear. High densities of Stone’s Sheep are found in the park which protects south facing winter range and lambing areas. Mountain goats are also found on the precipitous slopes and cliffs, while lower slopes provide high quality moose habitat. Other species found in the park include wolf and caribou.