Statement from Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources on proposed modifications to the Recommended Dawson Regional Land Use Plan

Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources John Streicker has issued the following statement:

“Yesterday, the Government of Yukon submitted proposed modifications to the Recommended Dawson Regional Land Use Plan to the Dawson Regional Planning Commission. This marks a significant milestone in the land use planning process for the Dawson region and is a key step in fulfilling our obligations under Chapter 11 of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Final Agreement.

“Drawing on lessons from the Peel Watershed planning process, the Government of Yukon has provided a detailed and more thorough response at this earlier stage to enable the independent Commission to consider a broad range of perspectives before preparing the Final Recommended Plan. Following receipt of the Final Recommended Plan, the Government of Yukon will undertake a further round of public engagement and consultation with affected First Nations.

“There is more that unites us than divides us, and the Government of Yukon’s submission aligns in many respects with the submission provided by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government. This reflects a shared commitment to protecting Indigenous and treaty rights and achieving sustainable economic development for Yukoners in the region and across the territory.

“Key areas of agreement include the designation of 15 out of 21 Landscape Management Units; the protection of undisturbed bogs, marshes and fens throughout the region; and the development of a joint Upper Indian River Stewardship Plan in collaboration with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, among others.

“The Government of Yukon’s submission also proposes increasing conservation areas from 39 per cent to 45 per cent of the region, with nearly 40 per cent of public lands designated for conservation and 90 per cent of all protected areas situated on public lands. Additionally, surface disturbance thresholds would limit development to less than 2 per cent of the entire planning region at any given time.

“The government’s submission also includes requests for modifications to the plan, accompanied by detailed rationale to support a balanced regional approach – one that harmonizes economic opportunities with the protection of ecologically sensitive and culturally important areas.

“Some of the key proposals in our submission include enabling sustainable development, adjusting boundaries and designations for some Landscape Management Units, and supporting staking withdrawals and conservation in Special Management Areas.

“The Government of Yukon continues to collaborate closely with the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government, First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, White River First Nation and the Vuntut Gwitchin Government to ensure the final plan achieves a balance between supporting economic activities – such as forestry, agriculture, mining, tourism and outfitting – and safeguarding ecologically sensitive and culturally significant areas.

“This submission reflects our dedication to an inclusive and thoughtful planning process that prioritizes sustainable development, environmental protection and the long-term wellbeing of all Yukoners.”

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]

News release #:
24-546
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