• Campaign for Permanent Protection
• Threats to the Peel and First Nations
• Protected Status Decision Timeline
• Public Favours Protection

Protected Status Decision Timeline

The Peel watershed's fate – how much of it will be protected from development – is currently in the hands of the Yukon Government.

After several years of research, public consultations and planning, in July 2011 the Peel Watershed Planning Commission recommended protecting most of the watershed.

In its Final Plan, the Commission recommends permanent Special Management Area protection for 55% of the Peel basin, focussing on the renowned Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume watersheds. The Plan also calls for interim Wilderness Area protection for 25% of the Peel region, for a total of 80% in conservation designations. Although affected First Nations and conservation organizations sought 100% protection of this globally important ecosystme, they are willing to compromise and accept this plan.

Late in 2011 or early in 2012 the Yukon government will decide the future of the Peel watershed. The new Yukon government needs to know that the public supports the Final Recommended Plan. In fact, the Peel watershed was a major issue in this fall's Yukon election, with the majority of the popular vote going to opposition parties that unequivocally supported Peel watershed protection. First Nations and conservation organizations urge the Yukon government to respect the land use planning process and approve the recommended plan.

Background information on the planning process, the draft and final recommended plan and the First Nations' and Yukon government's responses to earlier plans, can be found on the PWPC website

Show your support for protecting the Peel watershed.