To federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development / Yukon Department of Renewable Resources / Na'cho N'y'ak Dun
Re: Commercial Wilderness Recreation Policy

Current Status:

At present in the Yukon, there is no policy concerning the regulation of commercial wilderness recreation operations in the Yukon. A Yukon business license is required but there are few restrictions applied and no consideration made regarding cumulative impacts on fish and wildlife and their habitats.

Concern:

The potential for wilderness recreation in NNDTT is high and, given the trend towards increasing activity in the Yukon, fish and wildlife and their habitats could be at risk in the future from over exploitation.

RECOMMENDATION to DIAND / YDRR / NND:

The Council, therefore, recommends that a commercial wilderness recreation policy be adopted by appropriate governments to manage such land uses for the benefit of the Yukon public and with due consideration for the protection of Fish and Wildlife and their habitats. The policies should include both a means of monitoring the levels of such recreational activities and dispersing them in manner consistent with fish and wildlife management strategies for the area.