Conservation Updates
CPAWS-Yukon perseveres in its work to protect the Three Rivers wilderness and to maintain the ecological integrity of the Greater Peel Watershed.
In the Yukon we still can achieve what has eluded us elsewhere in Canada – to live in our natural environment and draw from its resources while ensuring the entire living community remains whole. As wildlands and pristine mountain rivers such as those of the Peel watershed become increasingly rare in North America and around the world, we have a profound responsibility – and opportunity – to bequeath these wonders of nature to future generations – both for humanity and for their intrinsic value.
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Land Use Planning
Peel Land Use Planning Commission making decisions by 2009 for the future of the Peel Watershed
The Peel Watershed Planning Commission was established in 2004 under the terms of the land claim agreements of the Nacho Nyak Dun, Gwich'in, Trondek Hwech'in, and Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations. The Commission is made up of nominees of the First Nations and Yukon governments. One aspect of the Commission's mandate is to promote sustainable development, which is defined as beneficial socioeconomic change that does not undermine the ecological and social systems upon which societies and communities are dependent. In their work, they are to use the knowledge and experience of all residents of the planning region. They are to promote the cultural values and well-being of the First Nation people of the planning region, as well as the interests of other residents of the planning region and all Canadians.
A draft plan is due by Spring 2009. The Commission has completed an Issues and Interests Report and criteria and indicators for a conservation priorities assessment. Supplementary documents to the Commission's work include fisheries information, a mining scenarios report and oil and gas exploration and development model.
The Issues and Interests Report, with input from 30 stakeholders on issues requiring consideration during planning, does not identify conservation as a "theme" in its own right. CPAWS-Yukon urged the Commission to reconsider and truly reflect the interests and values of several organizations and the majority of Yukoners who support conservation in the Peel. A June 2006 poll by CPAWS-Yukon showed that more than 60% of Yukon people support protection of the Three Rivers and a conservation oriented land use plan in the greater Peel watershed.
CPAWS-Yukon was also concerned with the inherent bias in the Mineral Development Scenarios report that the highest and best use of the land is mining. While we believe in multiple land uses, we also believe it is necessary to adequately consider whether mineral resources are economically viable in a global context and give due consideration to the multiple conservation values of the Peel Watershed.
Much work still lies ahead. The next phases of planning include completion of a conservation priorities assessment, a resource assessment and a principles document prior to drafting land use scenario options. The conservation assessment and resource assessment are expected to be released by Spring 2008. Land use scenarios will be drafted over the summer months with a draft land use plan released to all parties by the end of 2008.
CPAWS-Yukon is reviewing and commenting on all planning materials and maintains contact with the Peel Commission and the First Nations involved in the planning process. The land claim agreements established strong provisions for the consideration of First Nation values, as well as the interests of all residents of the Yukon. CPAWS is advocating for an effective process that engages the full range of interests in the dialogue about creating a future for the Peel Watershed that sustains the ecological and social systems on which we depend. CPAWS is bringing our conservation vision to this dialogue.
Through this public process, you can tell the Commission what you think the future of the Three Rivers and Peel Watershed should look like. Click here to go to our What You Can Do action page.
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Working With Communities
Mayo and Ft.McPherson community and First Nations people gathered in Mayo, YT to develop a shared conservation vision for the Peel watershed.
Photo by Theresa Gulliver, CPAWS-Yukon
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As a result of our Three Rivers northern community tour to Mayo, Ft.McPherson, and Inuvik in June 2006, CPAWS-Yukon was asked to help coordinate a Peel watershed community gathering in Mayo, Yukon early in February 2007. With Mayo and Ft. McPherson Renewable Resource Councils, local First Nation representatives and community members from the Mackenzie delta to Mayo, the gathering brought people together to develop their own shared conservation vision for the Peel Watershed.
A powerful vision statement was produced calling for conservation and maintenance of traditional uses of the Peel watershed. The participants’ vision was underscored by an Elders’ statement on the importance of the lands and waters of the Peel. Read the announcement here.
The vision statement was submitted to the Peel Watershed Planning Commission by the communities to inform and guide the Commission on community perspectives in its work on the land use plan for the region.
In response to the Peel Planning Commission’s call for public comment, CPAWS-Yukon submitted a proposal for protected areas in the Peel watershed based on conservation science, and supported by an economic rationale. Check our Publications and Reports section for all of the pertinent documents.
CPAWS-Yukon continues to work with and provide support to the communities whose traditional territory is encompassed by the Peel watershed.
Click here to learn more about the June 2006 Northern Community Tour.
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Three Rivers Conservation Updates
- April-May, 2007
- Three Rivers tours across Canada
- 2004
- The Three Rivers Journey: A Vision of Hope in the Canadian North
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