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Name:
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Nunatsiavut Government Torngat Mountains Research Station |
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Longitude:
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62 degrees, 47 minutes, 37 seconds W |
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Latitude:
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58 degrees, 26 minutes 59 seconds N |
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Location:
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Saglek Fiord, Nunatsiavut |
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Environment Description:
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Marine
Sea ice
Coastal
Mountain
Glacier
Terrestrial
Freshwater
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Local History and Culture:
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From the Inuktitut word Torngait , meaning “place of spirits”, the Torngat Mountains have been home to Inuit and their predecessors for thousands of years. The base camp is on Labrador Inuit Lands, adjacent to Torngat Mountains National Park, which comprises 9,700 km2 of the Northern Labrador Mountains natural region. The mountain peaks along the border with Quebec are the highest in mainland Canada east of the Rockies, and are dotted with remnant glaciers. Polar bears hunt seals along the coast, and both the Torngat Mountains and George River caribou herds cross paths as they migrate to and from their calving grounds. Today, Inuit continue to use this area for hunting, fishing, and travelling throughout the year. |
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Description of Facility:
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The base camp is run by Inuit as an Inuit camp. The infrastructure is modest. It consists of a series of high quality Design Shelter™ structures set up as a kitchen, a meeting facility, a storage area, office/lab space, and a Parks Canada visitor reception and orientation centre. Individual sleeping tents are pitched close to these functional sites. The entire base camp area is surrounded by an alarmed electric fence as protection from polar bears and black bears. A core of dedicated Inuit bear guards and a qualified health and safety officer are part of the base camp staff. A cook provides meals for base camp guests and much of the menu is based on local food harvested by Inuit.
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Laboratory:
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A basic work and lab space is available. Will be upgraded in summer 2010 |
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Wet Lab:
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Basic. Will be upgraded in summer 2010. |
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Power:
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Primarily solar power. Back-up generators are also available. Will have an Eco-nomad unit (solar, wind power) installed in summer 2010. |
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Communications:
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A communication system (radio repeaters) has been installed that allows base camp to remain in radio contact with staff who may be in other locations in the park or scientists in remote field camps. Satellite phones. MSAT phone that operates similar to home phone (for emergencyuse, however) |
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Access:
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There is an airstrip at Saglek that supports charter flights from Goose Bay (through Nain) and from Kuujjuaq. People are picked up at the airstrip and taken by longliner to the base camp – about a 45 minute trip. The longliner and the helicopter that support base camp operations are used for a range of activities including providing guests with opportunities to access and experience the best that this park has to offer. |
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Local Transportation:
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There is an airstrip at Saglek that supports charter flights from Goose Bay (through Nain) and from Kuujjuaq (through Kangiqsualujjuaq, if necessary). People are picked up at the airstrip and taken by longliner to the base camp – about a 45 minute trip. The longliners and the helicopter that support base camp operations are used for a range of activities, including marine research. Base camp is also supported by two speed boats. |
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Fuel Availability:
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Gas, Diesel, Jet fuel |
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Land Claims Regime:
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Other Local Resources:
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Inuit from Nunatsiavut and Nunavik run the base camp as an Inuit camp and are an incredible resource. Parks Canada (Torngat Mountains National Park) and Nunatsiavut Government staff are also available and willing to provide some support to assist researchers. |
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Special Rules and Regulations:
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Nearest Community:
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Nain in Nunatsiavut and Kangiqsualujjuaq in Nunavik |
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Nearest Medical Service:
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Nain and Kangiqsualujjuaq |
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Licences, Permits:
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Research process to be followed with Nunatsiavut Government. Parks Canada permit required for research within Torngat Mountains National Park |
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Availability:
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Approximately July to September (will include longer time periods within the next year) |
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Cost:
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Approximately $200/day/person. However, cost to use base camp must be negotiated with contacts in advance. |
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Research History:
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Current Projects:
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Projected Science:
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Primary Contact:
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Tom Sheldon
Director, Environment Division
Department of Lands and Natural Resources
Nunatsiavut Government
P.O. Box 70
12 Sandbanks Road
Nain, Labrador
A0P 1L0
(709) 922-2942 x249
tom_sheldon@nunatsiavut.com
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Secondary Contact:
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Other Information:
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Category:
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Primary Research Stations
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Last updated:
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2010/02/10 |
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Territory/Province:
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Labrador |
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