Public Consultations on Peel Plan Commenced (Oct 23, 2012 – Feb 25, 2013)

Oct 23, 2012, Yukon government announced the start of the public consultations on the Final Recommended land use plan for the Peel Watershed.

CPAWS-YT commends the government for taking this long overdue step towards a more difinitive future for the Peel; and wants to draw the public’s attention to what they are actually proposing.

While it is imperative the government consult the public on the Peel Commission’s Final Recommended Plan, which includes 6 1/2 years of public, First Nations and Yukon government input, they are taking it further and presenting 4 additional land use plan options they created behind closed doors. All 4 of thier new proposed maps allow roads and development of existing mining claims and oil and gas allocations, even the dark shades of green called ‘protected areas.’ Several additional areas allow new mining claims and oil and gas allocations and access across river crossings is allowed throughout the watershed.

CPAWS-YT will create maps with more information explaining what the zones are and are not allowing so stay tuned!

Yukon government’s proposed new plans are poised as a ‘fair and balanced’ but this begs multiple questions, some of which include:

– How does this unilateral announcement by Yukon government include First Nations when previous consultations were in partnership?

– How are are roads across rivers ‘fair and balanced’ for tourism and guide outfitting industries?

– How is it ‘fair and balanced’ to override years of work and public input demonstrating the majority of Yukoners want Real, significant protection?

Before visiting Yukon government’s website for consultations: www.peelconsultation.ca, we encourage you to learn All you need to know about the options they are presenting. Yukon government’s maps can be viewed here. CPAWS-YT will create maps with more information explaining what the zones are and are not allowing so stay tuned!