A Watershed Moment for the Yukon Wild

The Big Wild has revitalized its call to protect the Peel Watershed in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Sprawling over 68,000 square kilometres, the Peel is the northern anchor of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.

Why are we making a fresh push for the Peel? The Yukon Government has introduced an eight-point plan as part of a revised proposal for the Peel that includes allowances for roads, uranium, coal and hard rock mining, as well as oil and gas development. Their approach diverges from the recommendations put forth by the Peel Land Use Commission in 2011 which recommends permanent protection for 55% of the Peel: the famous Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume watersheds. This plan also recommends interim protection for 25% of the Peel to be designated as a wilderness area.

David Suzuki, himself, toured the Peel River region last summer as part of a week-long canoe trip and he agrees with the Peel Land Use Commission’s recommendations.

Although affected First Nations believe the entire watershed should be protected, in the spirit of compromise, they are supporting the Final Recommended Peel Watershed Plan. Together with our conservation partners and affected First Nations, we envision the designation of legally binding protected areas for at least 80% of the Peel River watershed. Protection would allow traditional and subsistence uses, wilderness tourism, hunting and fishing, but no industrial development or industrial surface access.

Do something small to save something big. Click here to sign our letter of support.

The fate of the Peel Watershed hangs in the balance as Canadians wait for the next round of public consultation expected to begin this spring. Meantime, in partnership with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, The Big Wild is working to collect public opinion from across Canada in support of protecting the Peel.

The Big Wild Peel Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy CPAWS, Yukon Chapter.