Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations begin work on new timber supply analysis for CAFN Traditional Territory
FOR RELEASE
April 4, 2016
Joint news release
Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations begin work on new timber supply analysis for CAFN Traditional Territory
WHITEHORSE—Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Chief Steve Smith and Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Scott Kent today announced that the two governments have begun work on a new timber supply analysis for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory.
The timber supply analysis will lead to a new annual allowable cut decision, which determines the amount of timber that may be made available annually for harvesting.
“Working together on a timber supply analysis is an important step in managing the forest resources in our Traditional Territory,” Smith said. “This will help us work with the community to identify a sustainable volume of wood for harvest while supporting economic development and ensuring we are looking after the land.”
The Government of Yukon and Champagne and Aishihik First Nations (CAFN) collaboratively manage the forest resources in the CAFN Traditional Territory with input from Alsek Renewable Resource Council. This is part of implementing the Champagne and Aishihik Traditional Territory Strategic Forest Management Plan approved in 2004.
“The timber supply analysis will make extensive use of the $750,000 in forest inventory work completed in 2015 in the Kluane region,” Kent said. “This is an important step in determining an annual allowable cut for the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Traditional Territory. We are pleased to be working on this together with the CAFN government.”
The timber supply analysis is part of the larger forest planning process set out in Chapter 17 of the Champagne Aishihik First Nations Final Agreement, and will be completed with direction from a technical committee made up of representatives from the two governments and the Alsek Renewable Resource Council.
“The Alsek Renewable Resource Council looks forward to participating as a partner, and engaging with community members in the timber supply analysis process as part of our role under Chapter 17 of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations Final Agreement,” Council executive director Susan Smith said. “This important work represents a continued and collaborative approach to forest management in the region.”
The technical committee will produce a draft timber supply analysis, and will seek input from the public and stakeholders and will hold a public information session before finalizing the document later this year.
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See Fact Sheet: Harvesting Sustainability.
Contact:
Amy McKinnon
Communications Manager
Champagne and Aishihik First Nations
867-634-4237
[email protected]
Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
[email protected]
Rod Jacob
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3005
[email protected]