Peel Watershed regional land use plan to be managed by government of Yukon and First Nations

After decades of land claim negotiations and a lengthy 15-year land use planning process, including a federal supreme court case, August 22 marked a day of celebration. The Peel Watershed benefits from 13.8 million acres of protected land out of a total of just over 16.6 million acres. This commitment to using a modern-day land claim to protect habitat depicts the shared management responsibilities between First Nations and territorial governments.

Since 2004, Government of Yukon and First Nations have collaborated to create and implement a land use plan for the Peel Watershed. Government of Yukon and First Nations, namely Na-cho Nyäk Dun, Vuntut Gwitchin, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in and Gwich’in Tribal Council (Fort McPherson NWT) nominated six public members to be part of the Peel Watershed Planning Commission. This commission was responsible for developing and recommending a regional land use plan for the Peel Watershed Planning Region.
Fifteen years later, there can be no greater symbolic act of unity suited for this event then the pouring of water from waterways where all five governments originate into a single vessel. This is what reconciliation looks like. The water ceremony which concluded at the boat launch in Mayo, YT signified the start of a new partnership. One where all five governments work towards a common goal, the wise management of the Peel Watershed so that generations to come can enjoy its bounty.

Key Focus Areas

With 16.6 million acres of land constituting the Peel Watershed, and 13.8 million of those acres being protected (83% percent of the whole) under three different designations, it was imperative that the Peel Watershed Regional Land Use Plan establish different environmental, social, and economic goals. To maintain ecological integrity, in the northeast of the planning region for example, there are 1.49 million acres of habitat DUC determined, through research and analysis, to provide the best habitat for waterfowl in the planning area, harboring at least 20 waterbird species. Turner Lake (Land Management Unit 11) which encompasses 2% of the region, is a designated Special Management Area which is a thriving ground for waterfowl and boreal caribou. Additionally, Turner Lake is historically known as a great location for traditional harvesting (trapping). Through the understanding of the value of the various habitats within the Peel Watershed, the Landscape Management Unit designations have been put in place to help balance environmental, social and economic goals.

Together, First Nations and Government of Yukon will work collaboratively towards this new modern stewardship approach for habitat conservation and ensure that the Peel Watershed retains its environmental, social, and economic value for decades to come.