The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has released its 2026 Spring Water Outlook, providing an early assessment of water levels and flood risk across the territory as spring melt begins.

Changes to the Genuine Mackenzie Valley Fur Program were made earlier this year to encourage harvesting and trapping, with new payment increases now in effect. The Government of the Northwest Territories has increased the following:

The attached release is being distributed on behalf of the Conference of Management Authorities.

The Community Wildfire Resilience Contributions program is open for applications for fiscal year 2026/2027.

A maximum of $300,000 per applicant is available annually to implement FireSmart projects which will advance the seven FireSmart disciplines.

The 9th Annual Arctic Anglers Family Fishing Derby is happening April 3–5, 2026, on Prelude Lake!

This fun, family-friendly, 100% catch-and-release event celebrates our northern fishing traditions while promoting conservation and time outdoors. This year, all proceeds will support Home Base YK.

Created in 2017, the derby’s mission is to get families and children fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

The Fire Danger system in the NWT is moving to a five-step expression of fire danger level to align with other Canadian agencies, and provide stronger guidance to residents and land-users.

The new system adds another level of fire danger – Very High – between high and extreme. This provides for clearer guidance for residents – ensuring the “Extreme” fire danger level is now reserved for the most severe conditions.

The applications for Take a Kid Trapping funding are open. Apply today for funding to help your organization get more kids out on the land!

Schools, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations can apply for funding for specific projects.

Through Take a Kid Trapping events, kids can learn a range of valuable skills from trapping, setting fish nets, hunting, or cooking outdoors to essential knowledge in firearm safety and proper methods of preparing pelts for market. These activities not only preserve traditional life skills but also teach sustainable practices.

Applications for Muskox tags are being accepted for the 2026-27 hunting season starting April 1, 2026. Northwest Territories residents with a Resident Hunting Licence will be able to apply for muskox tags in the Sahtu and North Slave zones. Applications can be obtained at your regional Environment and Climate Change office. All applications must be postmarked before May 15, 2026.

The draw will take place on May 29, 2026, and winners will be contacted during the first week of June.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is looking for feedback on the draft Wek’èezhìı Boreal Caribou Range Plan.

The draft range plan outlines a coordinated approach to maintaining and restoring boreal caribou habitat in the Wek’èezhìı region. Boreal caribou are listed as Threatened in the Northwest Territories under both federal and territorial Species at Risk legislation.

As Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine marks its final production this week, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is recognizing its lasting impact while looking to the future of the territory’s economy and workforce.