COVID-19 Response: Guidance for Researchers

Given the escalation in COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases, the University of Calgary has made the decision to suspend activities at the Kluane Lake Research Station for all researchers, visitors, and guests. This suspension will remain in effect until June 30^th, 2020.

It is our intention that all scientific monitoring equipment will be maintained and available for remote access to the best of our abilities given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. Please contact KLRS staff (klrs@ucalgary.ca) for more information or to inquire about instrumentation installation.

We are taking these measures out of an abundance of caution. The health and safety of our researchers, staff and students are our top priority. The reasons for suspension include:

• risk to any individuals who become ill while in a remote location,
• reduced capacity due to provincial guidelines for occupancy limits,
• logistics and cost of an increased cleaning schedule at remote locations, and
• the risks posed by shared kitchen and washrooms facilities.

We understand that this decision will impact research and teaching programs. Additional guidance for UCalgary researchers is available on the Research website.

If you have any questions about the above information, please contact klrs@ucalgary.ca. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these unprecedented circumstances. 

Supporting Northern Research Since 1961

The Arctic Institute of North America is home to the Kluane Lake Research Station (KLRS) which is located 220 km northwest of Whitehorse, Yukon, on the south shore of Kluane Lake, on the traditional lands of the Kluane, Champagne-Ashihik and White River First Nations. The station was established in 1961 and has provided support to researchers from across Canada and around the world since that time.

The extreme elevation difference between Kluane Lake and the crest of the St. Elias Mountains establishes a strong gradient in environmental attributes and results in a remarkable diversity of research opportunities within a small geographical area. This diversity is reflected in the unique scientific legacy of KLRS across the disciplines of glaciology, geomorphology, geology, biology, botany, zoology, hydrology, limnology, climatology, physiology, anthropology and archaeology and in over 1500 scientific publications, many of which are described in the Kluane Lake Research Station Bibliography.