The Yukon Forestry Summit was held on August 6, 2026, in Watson Lake, bringing together representatives from Liard First Nation, industry, the Town of Watson Lake and the Government of Yukon.
The summit focused on improving the conditions for the territory's forest industry. Representatives discussed forestry priorities, challenges and opportunities, with a particular focus on southern Yukon.
The event featured a morning session at the Watson Lake Recreation Centre with remarks from Liard First Nation Chief Harlan Schilling, Minister Ted Laking, Minister Jen Gehmair and Minister Cory Bellmore while panels and facilitated discussions explored challenges and solutions in the industry.
An afternoon field tour included the Heartland Timber Homes mill and new homes, harvesting areas, a regenerating block and the site of a future fuel break under the Watson Lake Community Wildfire Protection Plan.
Forestry will be key to solving our energy challenges and our housing shortages. That is why we held the Yukon Forestry Summit in southeast Yukon. We heard insightful suggestions from the panel members and discussions on how to streamline and improve our processes. Our field tour also showcased the valuable work of home builders like Heartland Timber Homes and areas that are planned to be harvested to reduce wildfire risk. We are thankful for the practical ideas brought forward in these important discussions as we continue to support the forest industry.
Forestry is an important contributor to the territory’s economy and communities. This summit provided an opportunity for valuable conversations and the exchange of ideas as we work together to support a sustainable and prosperous forestry sector. By bringing together First Nations, industry and businesses, this event helped identify opportunities that support jobs, economic growth and responsible forest stewardship.
The Yukon's forests are a key pillar for the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of communities and First Nations around the territory. Community Service's work is not only protecting our communities, we are contributing to the forest sector and timber service community. In the construction of the Whitehorse South Fuel Break project to date, approximately 24,000 cubic metres of merchantable timber has been harvested. An additional 18,000 cubic metres is being harvested to build the South Klondike Fuel Break over the coming years. This summit was an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the individuals, groups and businesses that spend much of their time, energies and focus on the forest. I appreciate them sharing their perspective and helping shape our plans for supporting the forest and the industries that rely on it.
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In the southeast Yukon, the draft Cabin Creek Timber Harvest Plan, which is currently undergoing assessment by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board, will provide an estimated 19,383 cubic metres of wood for local Watson Lake operations until the larger Poison Lake Burn can be assessed.
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The remainder of the Poison Lake Burn Timber Harvest Plan has been submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board Executive Committee for assessment for a volume of up to 700,000 cubic metres for commercial operators.
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Timber harvest plans include data collection, heritage assessments, block and road layout, consultation with affected First Nations and engagement with the public.
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There are summer harvesting opportunities in most Yukon forest districts.
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The Forest Sector Overview is an online resource which provides a range of information, including all timber harvest plans approved in the past decade and in development, as well as annual harvest volumes and wood supply plans by district.
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New timber harvest projects for 2026 allowing for summer harvesting are: Bear Creek II (Haines Junction); Silver City Community Fuel Abatement (Haines Junction); Partridge Creek (Mayo); and Mummie Pup (Dawson).
Larissa Winslade
Cabinet Communications
867-332-5673
[email protected]
Kate Erwin
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
[email protected]