Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) welcomes today’s news that British Columbia has initiated a major step to protect wildlife and support Indigenous conservation efforts, while creating new economic opportunities for local communities.
The launch of a strategy in the northwest part of the province shows commitment to inclusive, comprehensive land use planning centered on reconciliation, conservation, and a strong, stable resource economy.
Importantly, the strategy recognizes Indigenous land-use visions, including Indigenous-led protected areas with the potential to protect millions of acres for future generations.
According to Tim Burkhart, Y2Y’s director of landscape protection, the process will allow communities, industry, and First Nations to work collaboratively with government to ensure that a common vision for the future of the land and water is respected and heard.
Local perspectives are key in this process, to identify needs and issues, and create solutions.
“Planning like this is important for keeping our beautiful province healthy and thriving,” says Burkhart. “It builds on what Indigenous communities have been doing successfully for years — taking care of the land — but also makes sure people can make a living. When we get it right, land use planning is good for local communities, the whole province, and the country.”
Years of dedicated work from First Nations are reflected in this announcement, including Dene K’éh Kusān in Kaska Dena ancestral territory, among others as they steward their traditional lands and waters to uphold Indigenous culture and law.
Y2Y looks forward to participating in the process, along with their many partners, including First Nations, B.C.’s Fish, Wildlife, and Habitat Coalition, research networks, and community groups.
“In the years ahead, we hope this planning results in new protections for several Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area declarations and proposals within the Yellowstone to Yukon region,” he says.
Get involved
You can find all land and water planning projects now underway as part of this work. For land-use planning with
- Tahltan, please visit the Tahltan-BC Land Use Plan website or email TahltanBC_LUP_engage@gov.bc.ca.
- Taku River Tlingit First Nation, please visit the TRT-BC Land Use Plan website or email TlatsiniPlanningProject@gov.bc.ca.
- Kaska First Nations (Dease River First Nation, Kwadacha Nation, Liard First Nation including Daylu Dena Councin, and Ross Dena), please visit the Kaska-BC Land Use Plan website or email kaska.LUP@gov.bc.ca.
- Meziadin River Watershed, please visit the Meziadin River Land Use Plan website or email info.Meziadin@gov.bc.ca.
Read more about the province’s land-use planning and engagement approach.
Our partners also put out a press release about this news: Kaska leadership applauds Province’s commitment to protecting an important part of Dena Kayeh.
