Statement from Minister Richard Mostyn on 2 Billion Trees funding agreement with the Government of Canada

Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn has issued the following statement:

“The Government of Yukon is committed to responsible, sustainable and effective fire management as part of our ongoing efforts to protect communities.

“The 2 Billion Trees program is an important partnership with the Government of Canada, helping the Yukon take action on climate adaptation.

“Today, I am pleased to announce a joint investment with the Government of Canada of more than $1.1 million. With this investment, the Government of Yukon will plant 400,000 trees on public lands to reduce wildfire risk.

“In fuel breaks around Yukon communities, we are thinning and removing coniferous trees, which burn easily. We can then re-plant the cleared areas with aspen seedlings. Aspen is a fire-resilient species, so planting aspen creates a forest that is more resistant to wildfire.

“We are proud to partner with the Government of Canada and local First Nations and municipal governments to create wildfire resilient Yukon communities.”