A new forest resources management plan is being proposed for the Whitehorse and Southern Lakes area. The plan was developed through a joint planning committee that included representatives from the Government of Yukon, Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Kwanlin Dün First Nation and Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, as well as local Renewable Resources Councils.
The recommended plan incorporates scientific knowledge and reflects First Nations traditional laws and values, traditional knowledge, and feedback from local Yukoners and industry. Yukoners are invited to share their feedback on the plan until September 30, 2019, at EngageYukon.ca.
This management plan provides a vision for how forestry will contribute to the local economy and address the risk of forest fires in the Whitehorse and Southern Lakes area. I am grateful to the joint planning committee for all their hard work and look forward to hearing feedback on the plan to make sure it meets the needs of the people living in the area.
Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Ranj Pillai
It is part of our Mission stated by our Elders to protect the environment and develop our natural resources and strengthen our economy for our future generations. This forest resources management plan recognizes the importance of wildlife population and habitat and guides how and where forest harvesting may occur.
Carcross/Tagish First Nation Deputy Haa Shaa du Hen Maria Benoit
The recommended forest resources management plan for the Whitehorse Southern Lakes region covers 1.49 million hectares of land in the southern Yukon. It includes public land, Settlement Land and communities including the City of Whitehorse and Carcross.
The recommended plan covers topics such as:
- forest management zones and activities that may take place in those zones;
- wildlife habitat conservation;
- using timber harvesting to reduce wildland fire risk;
- supporting local and First Nations economic opportunities in forest management;
- developing strong working relationships between the governments and communities;
- cumulative effects;
- and education and outreach for forest users.
Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca
Jesse Devost
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-5307
jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca
Daphné Pelletier Vernier
Communications Coordinator, Carcross/Tagish First Nation
(867) 821-4251 ext. 8235
daphne.vernier@ctfn.ca
Christopher Madden
Communications Manager, Kwanlin Dün First Nation
(867) 633-7800 ext. 112
chris.madden@kdfn.net
Natalie Leclerc
Land Use Planning Coordinator
Ta’an Kwäch’än Council
668-3613 ext. 604
nleclerc@taan.ca