Final Push For the Peel
The Yukon's Peel River Watershed is one of the largest and most beautiful intact wilderness areas left in North America. Industrial development threatens to fragment this stunning landscape and harm its delicate ecological balance. Sprawling over 68,000 square kilometres, the Peel is the northern anchor of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
Not only is the watershed critical to the survival of wide-ranging wildlife, it's an ancient cultural landscape for First Nations. The region also supports a burgeoning tourism industry. By conserving it, we will protect one of the finest remaining mountain boreal ecosystems in the world.
Time is Short
In partnership with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, The Big Wild is working to deliver support on behalf of Canadians for the Peel Planning Commission's Final Recommendations proposed in 2011. This plan recommends permanent protection for 55% of the Peel: the famous Wind, Snake and Bonnet Plume watersheds. It also recommends interim protection for 25% of the Peel, designated as a wilderness area.
In early 2012, the Yukon government introduced a proposal that included allowances for roads, uranium, coal and hard rock mining, as well as oil and gas development in the Peel. The government will present this new plan for public comment in spring, 2012. This is where The Big Wild comes in. We're working hard to collect public opinion from across Canada in support of protecting the Peel.
Your Voice Matters
The pristine wild rivers, valleys and mountains of the Peel will become even more important as a sanctuary for wild species as the impacts of climate change are felt. Your voice, combined with countless others, will help persuade the Yukon government to protect these wild lands, waters and wildlife. If the Peel is protected, it will be the largest protected area in North America. Sign the statement of support today.
