The Future of Yukon's magnificent Peel Watershed is being decided now
May, 2009
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The Yukon and First Nations appointed Peel Planning Commission released the Draft Peel Watershed Land Use Plan April 28, 2009.
We are one step closer to determining the future of the unique and globally significant Peel watershed and we need your help.
The Draft Plan needs to be significantly strengthened but it is clear the Commission has moved from its initial stance, thanks to public involvement.
This is the last chance to encourage the Planning Commission to fully protect at least 50% of Yukon's Peel Watershed for conservation, cultural, and diversified economic values.
At present, the draft plan protects only 11% of disconnected portions of the Watershed leaving the heart of the area - the Wind, Snake, Bonnet Plume and most of the Hart River Watersheds - open to roads.
The draft plan proposes that no new mining claims be allowed in the above mentioned watersheds; however, all existing mining claims will be grandfathered, which means that exploration can continue on over 12,500 claims with the possibility of uranium, coal or iron ore mining developments. Winter road access would be granted for exploration and several routes are proposed for all-season roads for potential mines.
The plan demonstrates a lack of commitment to full protection of complete watersheds despite compelling support from the public, First Nations and the Yukon Tourism Association. The Planning Commission needs to value and incorporate this support into the development of the Final Draft Plan, but will only do so if they are told in unequivocal terms that the current draft does not reflect the desire for adequate protection.
The Peel watershed is a gem of Canada's boreal region and is the northern anchor of the Yellowstone to Yukon connectivity corridor. It is equivalent to Canada's flagship natural wonders such as Banff, Jasper and Nahanni. It is one of the last remaining intact mountain boreal ecosystems of its kind and is well deserving of full protection.
Public comments are accepted until June 30.
Here's What You Can Do
- Write your own message to the Peel Planning Commission one last time, telling them what you value in the Peel Watershed and how much of it you believe should be protected. Send your message to info@planyukon.ca.
- Send your same message to the Yukon News or Whitehorse Star.
- Talk to your MLA.
- Get creative – use your imagination!
- Post your message to your forehead. Take a picture and send it to the Commission.
- Call CBC from your trip to the Peel Watershed this summer and tell them about your experiences.
- Let the splendor of the Peel Watershed inspire you to action!
To view the Draft Plan, go to: www.peel.planyukon.ca/.
The Peel Watershed has been recognized as an internationally significant wild place. Those of you who have been there or heard about it understand why. This 68,000 km2 watershed accounts for 14% of the Yukon. It encompasses six vast watersheds - the Wind, Snake, Bonnet Plume, Hart, Blackstone and Ogilvie. It is home to one of our largest and most remote woodland caribou herds, along with a bounty of other thriving species including migratory birds, moose, grizzly, black bear, lynx, wolverine and more. It encompasses the traditional homeland of four First Nations. It is a vital source of clean drinking water and a stable economic driver in our tourism, recreation and guide outfitting industries.
We want to ensure we keep all these qualities long into the future.
What's Next?
July: The Commission starts the Final Recommended Plan.
September: The Final Recommended Plan is released to the First Nations and Yukon Governments for final approval.
The land use planning process is a democratic opportunity for you to help determine the future of this outstanding area. If the Peel Planning Commission and Yukon government don't hear loud and clear that people want entire watersheds protected, then roads, mines and oil and gas development could fragment the landscape, changing its nature while impacting the species living there and First Nations who rely on the area.
For more information about the Three Rivers campaign or background information visit:
www.cpawsyukon.org/three-rivers
We are in Whitehorse. Contact us anytime. We like to hear from you, at:
info@cpawsyukon.org
For more information about the Peel Watershed land use planning process, visit:
www.peel.planyukon.ca
Have you been to the Peel Watershed?
You can add comments directly onto a map of the Peel Watershed at:
www.peel.planyukon.ca/planning/plangeo.html
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