The yearly reports of 155 registered trap lines in northern and northeastern British Columbia have been analysed and grouped into seven distinct areas exhibiting physiographic and vegetational differences. The trap line data hate been reduced to production figures, indicating for each species, the number of square miles necessary to produce one pelt. For most species these production figures have been found to be highly variable among the seven sub-areas. An analysis of the region with respect to providing suitable environment for the various species has suggested reasons for production variability. The species coyote, wolf, weasel, squirrel,and muskrat appear to be taken in numbers inversely proportional to the size of trap lines. The, size of lines, in turn, appears to be an expression of the human population density, habitat modification, depletion of populations of expensive fur species, and other factors. The fur species fox, marten, fisher, mink, wolverine, lynx and beaver appear to be taken in numbers proportional to the abundance of the species concerned. Highest production appears to result from the most favourable environmental conditions. Raccoon, otter, skunk, and cougar are not abundant,and the number of pelts produced is low. In Appendix B, the value of fur is examined for a limited area about Fort Nelson. When the value is calculated to compare with wood value from a forest with a 100 year rotation, the fur has a gross value of over eight million dollars. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

The yearly returns, from 1929 to 1948, of 211 registered traplines in the Coast Forest Region of British Columbia, north of Howe Sound, have been grouped into eleven sections. These data have been reduced to show the average number of square miles, or linear miles, required to produce one pelt per year. These production figures have been analysed and the reasons for differences among sections have been suggested on the basis of known variations in environmental factors. Twenty species occur in this region, of which, eighteen have been studied. These include raccoon, fox, coyote, wolf, marten, fisher, weasel, mink, wolverine, otter, spotted and striped skunks, cougar, lynx, bobcat, squirrel, beaver, and muskrat. The productivity of spotted and striped skunks, bobcat, raccoon, and otter does not appear to be indicative of the abundance of the animals in the areas where they occur. For the latter species the low catch is probably because of the difficulty of skinning the animal and preparing the pelt. The other species seem to be disregarded by the trappers because of the low value of the fur. For the remainder of the species the productivity figures seem to be indicative of abundance, at least in the areas which are accessible to the trappers. The distribution of the species within the Coast Forest has been noted. The fox, coyote, fisher, striped skunk and lynx appear to be confined largely to the inland valleys where the influence of interior forest types is greatest. The raccoon, spotted skunk and bobcat are restricted to the southern regions. The remaining species are of general distribution, with marten, weasel, mink, and otter the only ones present in any number. Insular conditions have not prevented the majority of the coastal species from spreading, except in the case of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Here only three species, marten, otter and weasel are indigenous. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

Divergent values and. approaches to land and resource use and fur conservation created conflicts between aboriginal and non- aboriginal peoples which have remained largely hidden in historical records. This study of the compulsory trap line registration system implemented in British Columbia in 1925 examines these conflicts; the jurisdictional arid administrative issues related, to fur conservation that contributed, to the disputes; and the First Nations objections to fur management schemes that validated white appropriation of traditional lands and restricted traditional vocations and access to important sources of food.' supplies. Although First Nations people spoke persuasively about aboriginal rights and justice, their voices remained largely unheard and. unheeded. Legally disempowered and without political support, First Nation's people were marginalized, removed from lands they had occupied and used, since 'time immemorial.'

Divergent values and. approaches to land and resource use and fur conservation created conflicts between aboriginal and non- aboriginal peoples which have remained largely hidden in historical records. This study of the compulsory trap line registration system implemented in British Columbia in 1925 examines these conflicts; the jurisdictional arid administrative issues related, to fur conservation that contributed, to the disputes; and the First Nations objections to fur management schemes that validated white appropriation of traditional lands and restricted traditional vocations and access to important sources of food.' supplies. Although First Nations people spoke persuasively about aboriginal rights and justice, their voices remained largely unheard and. unheeded. Legally disempowered and without political support, First Nation's people were marginalized, removed from lands they had occupied and used, since 'time immemorial.' / Arts, Faculty of / History, Department of / Graduate