Boreal Conservation planning Indigenous partnerships

WCS Canada Comment: New Public Lands Legislation Discussion Document

Cooke, H. & Addison, C.

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WCS Canada input on the New Public Lands Legislation Discussion Document (May 2024) - part of our ongoing contribution to the development of modernized lands legislation for the Yukon.

Key points

• New lands legislation must recognize the legal authority of land use plans, provide for planning and designation of conservation areas in regions outside the UFA, provide for interim protection during and in advance of planning, and provide multiple tools to manage use and activities, including stronger prescriptions on some activities.
• We recommend including a provision for formal designation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).
• We recommend provisions for both zoning (with activity/footprint thresholds) and land reserves as tools for protecting socio-ecological values and managing activities, including interim protections during or in advance of land use planning.
• New lands legislation must require permits for all new trail building, with limits/restrictions on width, length, tree-cutting, building in sensitive habitats, and use.
• New legislation should retain existing provisions for and regulations regarding Off-Road Vehicle Management Areas, and provide for designation of Resource Roads
• When public lands are accessed by public and commercial interests (and not regulated by other legislation), we recommend:
  • Permits for any activity with economic gain and for non-commercial use; no permits for exclusive use;
  • No extension beyond 30-years lease term for most uses; and
  • First Nations and Yukon Environment and Socio-economic Assessment Board reviews for all leases of public lands to private interests.
• No new public land sales should occur unless designated in a regional plan and with approval of First Nations.
• Most decisions regarding land leases and permits should be conducted by public servants within the agency with the expertise in and responsibility for an activity.
• We support enabling First Nation experts to have significant role in compliance and enforcement, including assisting compliance officers.

Recommended citation

Cooke, H. & Addison, C. (2024). WCS Canada Comment: New Public Lands Legislation Discussion Document. Wildlife Conservation Society Canada [WCS Canada]. https://wcscanada.org/resources/new-public-lands-legislation-discussion-document/