True colours

Yukon conservation groups have released new Peel watershed maps they say truly reflect the territorial government’s vision for the region.

All of a sudden all that green has turned brown.

That’s a more accurate colour, the groups say, because the government’s newly-released “concepts” open up almost the entire region for industrial development.

The new maps are aimed at clarifying the confusion created by the government’s “greenwashing” tactics.

The last round of public consultation on the final recommended Peel plan kicked off Oct. 23.

At that time the government also presented its four “concepts” for the region. They stand in stark contrast to the final recommended plan which protects 80 per cent of the region.

Click here to see the new maps.

'Blatant disregard' a major concern

Although CPAWS-Yukon is pleased the last round of consultations is now underway, executive director Gill Cracknell said she is “profoundly disturbed” the government is confusing the public by introducing new concepts that “afford little to no real protection” for the Peel.

"Yukon government's actions are in blatant disregard of the work of an arms-length public body which was guided by a constitutionally-mandated process under the Umbrella Final Agreement.

"This in itself must be a grave concern to all Yukoners, regardless of economic sector or political stripe,” said Cracknell, who recently replaced Mike Dehn who retired due to illness.

Her organization is urging the public to tell the government it supports the final recommended plan prepared by the Peel planning commission.

The government is holding open houses in Whitehorse Nov. 26 - 30, Mayo Dec. 3 and Dawson City Dec. 4.

It also plans to visit Old Crow, Fort McPherson, Aklavik, Inuvik and Tsiigehtchic but no dates have yet been set.