Determining sensitive areas and appropriate management practices for the North Karst

Karst landscapes worldwide have been recognized as being in significant need of protection (Kueny and Day, 2002). The North Karst has been identified by boundary expansion processes for Nahanni National Park Reserve, to be in need of protection. It is an area shown to be significant on a world scale for its "elaborate assemblages of landforms...and its possession of the largest natural rock labyrinth reported anywhere in the world" (Brook and Ford, 1976, p. iii). It is also the most accentuated karst region that is recognized north of the 60th parallel anywhere in the world.; This research describes the unique natural and recreational attributes of karst resources and their sensitivity to human use. Surface karst features are rated using a qualitative system to determine their significance. Cave features will be assessed and classified using a three-tier system. Results are then used to provide sustainable management options for visitor use.