Peel Watershed

The Yukon government is about to make a historic decision about the future of one of the world's biggest natural treasures. Home to the greatest constellation of wild mountain rivers in North America, the Peel Watershed is one of the last large intact ecosystems on the continent.

Over a year ago, after 6 years of careful study and consultation, the Peel Land Use Planning Commission recommended protecting 80% of this extraordinary wilderness with the remainder open to carefully controlled development.

Join with local people, First Nations, tourism and guide outfitting industries in support of the Peel Land Use Planning Commission's Final Recommended Plan. Speak out against a new Yukon government proposal that would allow roads, mining and oil and gas development throughout the Yukon's treasured Peel watershed.

The Peel Watershed Planning Commission released its Final Recommended Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan in July, 2011. It recommends permanent protection for 55% of the Peel, focussing on the renowned Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume watersheds. The Plan also calls for interim Wilderness Area protection for 25% of the Peel region, for a total of 80% in conservation lands. Although affected First Nations and conservation organizations want 100% protected, they are willing to compromise and accept this plan. Territorial politicians need to know that Yukoners and people from across Canada support the Final Recommended Plan.

The threat

Expanded mining exploration and development will require the building of roads, bridges and possibly railroads in this wilderness. The development of one deposit could open the region to many others, as transportation opportunities lower the cost of extracting lead-zinc, uranium, copper, nickel and coal believed to be buried in the region. Transportation routes will carve up the landscape, interfere with animal migration and irrevocably tame this great wilderness.

What CPAWS is doing

CPAWS Yukon is working with aboriginal governments, local organizations, community leaders and the public to share information and encourage the government to adopt the Final Recommended Plan of the Peel Watershed Planning Commission as the only legitimate plan for the future of the Peel Watershed.

Resources

To learn more about Peel Watershed protection efforts, please visit protectpeel.ca.