Mike Dehn, former Executive Director of CPAWS Yukon, passed away on February 4th, after a long
struggle with cancer. Mike will be sorely missed by friends, family and colleagues, who remember
him for his compassionate nature, his fighting spirit, and his unwavering dedication to the protection
of the Peel Watershed to which he devoted the last years of his life.Read the full press release.
The Yukon Conservation Society is refuting Yukon government’s claim that allowing roads and industrial development in the majority of the Peel watershed is compatible with tourism and the environment (read the March 26th press release). YCS based its calculations on an exercise that was obtained through an Access to Information request.
The Yukon Conservation Society and CPAWS - Yukon have developed a website devoted to protecting the peel - www.protectpeel.ca - it's worth a visit!!
More Indications the Peel Watershed Mining Claims Are Worthless: Yukon Government’s Department of Energy Mines and Resources has received an application to transfer 112 quartz claims in the Hart River area of the Peel watershed. The claims being transferred are Michelle 1 – 90 and Hot 1 – 22. The claims are being sold for one dollar and “other good and valuable consideration.” Read the YCS Press Release, MAC LQ00230 Assignment of Operating Plan, and the Application for Assignment of Approval for LQ002430.
The publicly traded companies with mining claims in the Peel watershed have written off almost all of their expenses for these claims. Of $168,431,781 spent by these companies in the Peel since 2005, all but $5,772,274 has been written off. These 8,400 Yukon mining claims are practically worthless. Read the press release here, and the Peel claimholders spending since 2005 here. Here's the full report.
You can also learn about threats to the watershed, the importance of the Peel in the face of climate change, how protecting the Peel watershed will help ensure the survival of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and much more.
Grizzly Bears And Mining Not Compatible In The Alsek Valley
The Yukon has the free entry system of mining claim staking. Essentially, this means anywhere in the Yukon can be staked unless it has been specifically withdrawn by Government legislation. One of the many drawbacks with this system is that almost anywhere can be staked. An example of this has occurred in the beautiful Alsek Valley in the south-west Yukon. YCS is of the opinion that grizzly bears and mining are not compatible in the Alsek Valley. YCS issued a press release about this issue on October 9th, 2012.
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Limited Edition Prints
YCS is now carrying Limited Edition prints by Don Weir.Don has kindly offered YCS partial proceeds from the sales of the two Prints. Learn more here!
Alpine Colour in the Tatshenshini
Autumn Colour – Donjek Valley
More About What We Do
The ORV Working Group has developed a set of Recommendations for ORV Management and has delivered these to the Yukon Government. Review the ORV Recommendations (here). The ORV Working Group has also developed a set of educational tools including text for brochures and media, and a School Presentation targeted for grade seven students. See the School Presentation (here). Watch for educational brochures and other media now under development and coming out this year - and yes, the stickers are now available.
The Yukon Conservation Society is pleased to announce that the winner of this year’s Gerry Couture Stewardship Award is Robert Moar. Robert was chosen for his work to prevent the Carmacks Copper sulphuric acid heap leach mine from proceeding. Read the full press release here.
The Magical Thread: Hey Kids! Take a Virtual Adventure at www.MagicalThread.com. The Magical Thread is an educational resource that teaches students (grade 4 – 6) about the magnificence of the natural world.
Search The YCS Website
Find a Yukon environmental topic by using this search engine. It also browses through all the past Walk Softly newsletters posted on this site.
YCS acts as a public watchdog that works to ensure: environmental regulation of mining; forest management that reflects all forest values; energy efficiency and land use planning.
The Society plays an important role in ensuring that wild lands representing Yukon’s biodiversity are adequately protected. For example, YCS was instrumental in securing the protection of the Tatshenshini and continues to work for the protection of ecologically significant areas.
YCS produces research papers on such topics as forest planning, environmental assessment, mining and energy issues.
Education Work: YCS has long been instrumental in promoting greater environmental awareness and understanding in the Yukon.
Annual programs and events such as our Free Guided Nature Hikes and the Bird-a-thon offer people the opportunity to enjoy and explore the Yukon environment.
We produce quality publications including environmental education handbooks, trail guides, nature appreciation booklets, and our quarterly Newsletter.
We maintain a library of books and other resource materials relating to northern environmental isues. The library is open for public use.
This page was last updated (apart from the Twitter feed) May 17th, 2013
Original Web work by Mike Mason, updates by YCS staff