Action Alert
YESAB report recommends that proposed mineral exploration in Tombstone not proceed
YESAB (the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board) has recommended that the proposed mineral exploration not proceed.
Upon reviewing the mining company's application, comments from the public and other interested parties, YESAB felt no mitigation could possibly offset the negative effects of mining in Tombstone.
The Yukon Government will make a decision based on YESAB's recommendation. They can choose to accept, vary, or reject the recommendation.
What you can do now:
Your letter on Tombstone made a difference!
Last week, we let you know about the possible return of mining in Yukon's Tombstone Park, and asked for your help. Over 700 people took the time to write to the assessment board. We've learned that your response is the biggest wave of opposition the board has ever seen!
As the Whitehorse Star reported last week, "An application to renew a mineral exploration permit inside the Tombstone Territorial Park has exploded overnight into the largest file ever handled by a key regulatory board."
A YESAB spokesperson affirmed that "staff will give each [letter] its full and fair consideration".
Thank you so much to all who support keeping Tombstone wild. We'll keep you informed as the campaign continues.
Comments needed on mineral exploration claims in Tombstone Park
Please take action by emailing or faxing your comments to YESAB by July 22, 2010.
Send a letter now!
Dawson City Designated Office
Email – yesab@yesab.ca
Fax - 867-993-4049
http://www.yesab.ca/contact_us/index.html
Letter Subject: Quartz Exploration at Tombstone Park, Project #2010-0107
Yukon's premier territorial park, Tombstone, is an awe-inspiring mountainous region of Canada's northern boreal forest.
A mining company wants to do mineral exploration on claims within the park.
YESAB (the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board) is accepting comments from the general public about the proposed mining exploration until July 22nd, 2010.
Some facts to consider when writing your letter:
- The Horn Claims, where the blasting and diamond drilling are planned, are in important Dall Sheep habitat.
- The access route goes through important Caribou habitat and movement corridors. There are two herds of concern in the region.
- Noise from blasting and other activities will be easily heard around Tombstone and Monolith Mountain.
- The proposed mining exploration work lies on the headwaters of the pristine Blackstone River.
- The proposed exploration work and mine is in the heart of the Yukon's most impressive and newest park.
Proposal to Reference in your letter: Project #2010-0107
Tombstone Ice
Photo by John Meikle
Tombstone Reflecting Pond
Photo by Mark Peschke
Tombstone Territorial Park
Photo by Mark Peschke
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Further detail on impacts:
Sheep
The Horn Claims, where the blasting and diamond drilling are planned, are in important Dall Sheep habitat. Dall sheep are known to have a low tolerance for disturbance in their winter range, particularly from helicopter activity. It does not appear that the proponent has identified potential lambing cliffs or migration routes that could be adversely affected by development at this site nor along the access route.
Caribou
The access route goes through important Caribou habitat and movement corridors. There are two herds of concern in the region, the Porcupine Caribou Herd and the Hart Herd. The Hart Herd is of concern because it is part of the Northern Mountain population of Caribou, which is listed as a species of "special concern.
Tourism - affected by noise pollution
The proposed mining activities will have a serious impact on recreational and scenic values in the park. Noise from blasting and other activities will be easily heard around Tombstone and Monolith Mountain.
Headwaters of the Blackstone River system
The proposed mining exploration work lies on the headwaters of the pristine Blackstone River. It is unclear if the proposed exploration activity has a high potential for acid rock drainage, nor the affects it would have on fisheries should the resulting metal contaminants affect the water in the upper Blackstone.
Park values
The proposed exploration work and mine is in the heart of Yukon's most impressive and newest park. Mining in core park areas is not acceptable. Advanced mining exploration will leave permanent scars on the landscape and will detract from park values. The project will have impacts far beyond the footprint of the site due to disturbance to wildlife and park visitors caused by blasting, diamond drilling and transportation through the park by loud and very visible transportation means such as helicopters and snowmobiles.
If this exploration work is allowed to proceed it will compromise the spirit and implementation of the Tombstone Park Management Plan. Approval of such an advanced exploration project potentially implies approving a mine in Tombstone Park in the future. This is clearly such a non-starter, better to deal with getting rid of this activity now and not waiting until a full-blown mine proposal is submitted.
Mark Peschke, Outreach & Membership Coordinator
CPAWS-Yukon
Whitehorse
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